|
|
05-31-2011, 06:25 PM | #1 |
New Member
3
Rep 11
Posts |
BMW convertible safety record
How safe are BMW convertibles?
My 2007 Z4 roadster was not permitted on the track at a recent BMWCCA HDPE event without an after-market roll bar. Are there solid statistics of higher incidents of death and serious injury with only BMW factory roll bars. If so, what does that have to say about BMW's design? Would hardtops also not be just that much safer with aftermarket roll cages? Is there a real basis for this or are folks bloviating? |
06-01-2011, 05:39 AM | #3 |
Private First Class
3
Rep 123
Posts
Drives: 2014 Ford Focus ST
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
|
Generally all soft top convertibles must have a race-spec roll cage for track use. The standard pop-up roll over hoops in all convertibles are a far cry from a race-spec cage.
__________________
Current: 2014 Ford Focus ST
Old: 2011 Jeep Wrangler Sport 2008 E90 335xi |
Appreciate
0
|
06-01-2011, 09:04 AM | #4 | |
Lieutenant
119
Rep 512
Posts
Drives: 2020 Z4 M4Misano Blue
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: New Hampshire & Cozumel, Mexico
|
Quote:
As far as I know, practically all driving events apply such a policy to all soft-top cars irrespective of manufacturer. I wasn't permitted on the track with my e85 in stock form. I don't yet know about my e89.
__________________
2004 E85 Z4 3.0 Sport - Sold to brother | 2004 E83 X3 xDrive3.0i - Gone | 2011 E89 Z4 35is - Gone | 2011 F25 X3 xDrive35i - Gone | 2014 E89 Z4 E89 35is - Gone | 2014 F25 X3 xDrive 30i X3 - Gone | 2017 F83 M4 Cabriolet - Gone | 2017 F25 X3 xDrive30i - Gone
2020 G29 Z4 M40i Misanoblau | 2020 G01 M40i Phytonicblau Casa Suzana, vacation rental villa in Cozumel, Mexico |
|
Appreciate
0
|
06-01-2011, 07:40 PM | #5 |
Private First Class
53
Rep 178
Posts
Drives: Z4 3.5i MSport manual, 2020X3M
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Midwest USA
|
Its less about safety but more about the lawsuits.
BMW convertibles are as safe as any convertible. The issue of use at the track a comment on the safety guidelines set by the club. Different clubs have different rules and guidelines. BMW CCA guidelines are very strict. Bottom line, if you want to track your Z4 you will likely not be able to participate in a BMW CCA school. You should be able to find may other clubs, or organizations which have other rules. If you are a serious track driver, the Z4 is not ideal car anyhow. An M3 or other car with a permanent roof is a better choice. My .02 cents |
Appreciate
0
|
06-02-2011, 03:49 PM | #6 |
New Member
3
Rep 11
Posts |
How current is the documentation? Where is it located? Help would be appreciated.
Last edited by Maruta; 06-02-2011 at 09:11 PM.. Reason: added image |
Appreciate
0
|
06-02-2011, 03:58 PM | #7 | |
New Member
3
Rep 11
Posts |
Quote:
No, I am not a serious track driver. I merely wanted to get more comfortable with my car. It is ironic that a BMW club would not let a BMW on the track. We're not talking wheel-to-wheel, here. This is "driving instruction," or so the organizers will say if an insurance company claim is filed. I am attending NASA events which are more serious, but so far no one has turned the Z4 away from their events. Again, thank you for responding. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
06-02-2011, 07:00 PM | #8 |
New Member
3
Rep 11
Posts |
|
Appreciate
0
|
06-03-2011, 12:52 PM | #9 |
New Member
3
Rep 11
Posts |
Seems seat belts are key.
http://www.helium.com/items/1228036-...ar-maintenance http://www.duck2watercarinsurance.co...ble-safety.htm |
Appreciate
0
|
06-05-2011, 11:12 AM | #10 |
Colonel
60
Rep 2,128
Posts |
As has been said before, the rollbar requirement is not about safety, but lawsuits. There have been numerous reports of Z4s rolled over and I've never heard of an injury in one, much less a fatality. There's also human nature - let someone on the track in an E85 or E89 and someone in a pre-rollbar E36 will squawk if they're not included, and sue you for letting them on the track if they hurt themselves.
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-28-2011, 05:42 PM | #11 |
New Member
3
Rep 11
Posts |
Thank you for the reply
Thank you for the reply. I agree that there always will be those who want to sue.
I wrote a small post, which I will not copy here, but link to, which provides some additional insights that I hope are helpful. http://octanechicks.com/blog/zettaby...nce-bmw-safety The Porsche Club also has what's called the broomstick test. The driver, in helmet, has to be two inches below a (broom) stick that is placed from the roll hoops to the windshield. If this is satisfied, the test is "good." Last edited by Maruta; 07-28-2011 at 05:46 PM.. Reason: Forgot to add one thought. |
Appreciate
0
|
07-29-2011, 08:25 AM | #12 | |
Captain
42
Rep 640
Posts |
Quote:
__________________
HerrK - 2021 X5 40i M Sport l PCD l Atlantis Blue/Ext'd Tartufo Merino l M Sport w/blue Calipers l Matt Popular l HK Sound l 740's l Exec & Drive Pro Pack Sold w/Great Memories - E89 Z4 l ED 2010 l 2011 35i l Crimson/Ext'd Coral Red w/Alum l 6 sp MT l Prem Sound l Sport Pack l 296's |
|
Appreciate
0
|
07-29-2011, 11:23 AM | #13 |
New Member
3
Rep 11
Posts |
Yes, the autocross sounds like it could be fun. As I mentioned, above, the Porsche Club of America (PCA) is not as freaked out by factory roll bars, nor is National Auto Sports Association (NASA). What I am discovering as I get more into this, is the diversity of events and types of cars at the events.
I also have found almost to the person, that the other drivers, instructors, and event people are welcoming and supportive. My instructors have given up a day or two of weekend time to sit along side me and guide me. They have been patient and given praise well as pointed out areas where my driving that could use improvement. Since April, I have put almost a 1000 track miles on my car. I really like the HPDE and at the end of the day I'm "good tired." |
Appreciate
0
|
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
|
|