[JamesGlenCars]

Hi Guys,

first post on here and wondered if you could help.

We have recently gone from a 2005 E90 330d M-Sport to a 2007 E91 335i M-Sport. The Touring has a big spec, so would expect it to be heavier and slightly less 'nimble' feeling. My main concern is the Panroof which must weigh about 25 - 35kg all the way up there on the roof.

To off-set this, I'm going to buy uprated Anti-Roll Bars (ARBs). I did this to an Audi S3 years back and it made a huge improvement to the cars turn in and mid corner behaviour.

Anyone else had similar experiences? Going with Eibachs from Demontweeks so far, unless Thornley come back with an alternative. Tried Birds, but were way too expensive.

Whats the best set to go with? Wouldn't think there would be too much in it?

Stevie

[JoeyBananaz18]

What's a panroof? E91s have a panoramic roof?

[CombatNinja]

http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...catalogid=4462

Spec the e93 swaybars (they differ from the sedan and coupe in that they are slightly thicker front and rear to control the additional weight of the convertible). You can get just the sway bars if you're on a budget but I advise the whole setup and M3 alignment specs

[JamesGlenCars]

Originally Posted by CombatNinja

http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...catalogid=4462

Spec the e93 swaybars (they differ from the sedan and coupe in that they are slightly thicker front and rear to control the additional weight of the convertible). You can get just the sway bars if you're on a budget but I advise the whole setup and M3 alignment specs

Thats fantastic. Thanks! Wouldnt never have thought that, but you never stop learning!

I'd rather get the full Eibach kit with the bushes etc, then thats it done.

[JamesGlenCars]

Originally Posted by JoeyBananaz18

What's a panroof? E91s have a panoramic roof?

Theres one on every forum. Didn't think I'd find it so soon though

[CombatNinja]

The BMW bars come with new bushings Or are you talking abut a kit to replace all of the factory suspension bushings? If your car has option ZSP (sport pack) or M-sport pack then the M3 suspension components will work out perfectly. If your car has standard suspension then you probably need to change everything to get it all to work right together. I like using OEM components wherever possible as it raises less eyebrows at the dealer if warranty work is required If there are BMW part #s on everything many technicians never even notice the modifications--unless they are working on a specific part that you have replaced with another.

[roundle]

Originally Posted by CombatNinja

The BMW bars come with new bushings Or are you talking abut a kit to replace all of the factory suspension bushings? If your car has option ZSP (sport pack) or M-sport pack then the M3 suspension components will work out perfectly. If your car has standard suspension then you probably need to change everything to get it all to work right together. I like using OEM components wherever possible as it raises less eyebrows at the dealer if warranty work is required If there are BMW part #s on everything many technicians never even notice the modifications--unless they are working on a specific part that you have replaced with another.

You, sir, are a rock star.

[krhodes1]

Does the extra wieght of the panoramic roof affect the handling? Certainly, but I cannot imagine that it is enough to bother with, especially on such a relatively low and relatively wide car. I don't feel that my e91 handles particularly differently than an e90, and I have driven plenty of them. If anything the wagon feels more balanced, as it has more wieght on the rear wheels than the sedan.

BTW, here in the States there is no option, ALL e91s have the big glass roof as standard equipment. I would have passed on it when ordering my car, but only for the headroom robbing aspects of it, not because of any detriment to handling.

[CombatNinja]

How funny that you don't notice the difference. My household has a sport pack wagon and a non-sport e90. I can absolutely feel the weight of that roof once I'm nipping at the limits.

[krhodes1]

Originally Posted by CombatNinja

How funny that you don't notice the difference. My household has a sport pack wagon and a non-sport e90. I can absolutely feel the weight of that roof once I'm nipping at the limits.

If you are driving so fast that you can tell the difference an extra 50lbs (out of 3500+) makes, I suggest slowing down.

[Taipei-TT]

I would certainly trade-off the benefits of the panoramic roof for the increased weight.

And great suggestions for compensating for any handling penalties that do arise.

I personally went for the cheapest option for improving the handling of my e92...though not the highest weight in my car...driver's weight loss! But I have not noticed that my car handles any differently now that one side of it is 12KG lighter than it once was....better keep working out. hahah

I am impressed that some posters can tease out the impact of this weight on their car's performance. Truly in tune with their vehicle...Chris Harris style!

[CombatNinja]

Well, to be fair I am not really detecting the difference of a 50 pound panoramic roof but rather 175 pound total difference between the sedan and the wagon. Bear in mind that allof the wagon's increased mass is carried above the e90 platform's center of gravity. This is absolutely detectable from the driver's seat. If you think otherwise, have a friend of average size grab hold of your trunk and take him for a wild ride. Prior to him falling off and being thrown into the woods, you will notice the extra weight in cornering and transitions.

[Taipei-TT]

Originally Posted by CombatNinja

Well, to be fair I am not really detecting the difference of a 50 pound panoramic roof but rather 175 pound total difference between the sedan and the wagon. Bear in mind that allof the wagon's increased mass is carried above the e90 platform's center of gravity. This is absolutely detectable from the driver's seat. If you think otherwise, have a friend of average size grab hold of your trunk and take him for a wild ride. Prior to him falling off and being thrown into the woods, you will notice the extra weight in cornering and transitions.

Hey Combat....to be clear...I was not being sarcastic! I know some people really understand their cars so well they do feel this. I certainly feel the difference with people in the back seats!

Wagons look lighter to my eyes than sedans....I would not have guessed it's 175 pounds the other way.

[CombatNinja]

From what I recall it is a 175-pound difference in the U.S. Remember this includes: panoramic roof and motors, 18" of extra metal for the roof, a pair of extra little windows, standard split/folding seats, the split rear hatch and also the luggage cover/cage device. That's just the visible bits. I well imagine that the wagon, lacking the beefy rear bulkhead that a sedan enjoys right under the rear window, has to make up for that with heavier bracing in other areas to get back that torsional stiffness for the body. Same reason that non-power soft top convertibles are heavier than their coupe counterparts. It all adds up to quite a bit of weight.