Cab or not to Cab?

[FlappySocks]

Been looking for a cab for a while, for an M30 conversion. Been to see loads, but most of them weren't much good, or are over priced. Someone on the Zone said cabs dont handle anything like a hard top, which worried me a bit. I test drove a 318i, and it felt ok to me.

However, I recently test drove a 325i, and it felt...well crap. It shook a fair bit too, like wheel wobble. Maybe this was just a bad one. I did drive another 325i cab, which was better, but not great.

What do you guys think? Whatever Cab I buy, I was planning to replace the springs, bushes and shocks - will this make all the difference?

Cab or not to cab?

Stuart.

[DaveD]

cab...........but i'm biased

[Ziggy]

Whatever Cab I buy, I was planning to replace the springs, bushes and shocks - will this make all the difference?

Yes. They are a bit less stiff than a saloon and a bit heavier too, but to say they don't handle anything like a hard top is just cobblers.

You'll always find good & bad ones, whether you're looking for a cab or a tin-top...

Cabs are just more fun!

[bazza93]

Whatever Cab I buy, I was planning to replace the springs, bushes and shocks - will this make all the difference?

Yes. They are a bit less stiff than a saloon and a bit heavier too, but to say they don't handle anything like a hard top is just cobblers.

You'll always find good & bad ones, whether you're looking for a cab or a tin-top...

Cabs are just more fun!

a whole better experience aswell shame mine's gotta go

[GDBN]

Cab with a decent suspension set up and ARB's will handle just fine.

G

[FlappySocks]

Cool. Thanks for the feedback. I was seriously starting to doubt myself. My Sport feels very firm, and tight, and the cabs I cave been to see have all felt woolly. They were all 'original' cars though, so 'original' (old) suspension to match.

I have seen some really bad cars, with over enthusiastic owners with painfully over enthusiastic prices. Gets a bit draining after a while.

I saw one a few weeks back, which was up for nearly 4k in the Autotrader. It had had a complete respray (6 years ago - the previous owner was a paint sprayer), and a new leather re-trim (1 year ago)... so I thought, this might be a good-en if someone was willing to spend money on it like that... was it hell... very rusty.

Stuart.

[Ziggy]

Coming to the meet on Sunday?

[FlappySocks]

No. I had a flood at home. Just had a new floor put down (thanks to my insurance company), and I really need to spend the weekend getting my house back together. I work from home, and I am sat in an empty living room, with a desk and a PC. Haven't touched my E30 in weeks

Stuart.

[Ziggy]

Nightmare Was going to suggest you had a go in a couple there (mine assuming I get it fixed, & whoever elses!), but I'm sure there'll be another chance.

[Mahmood]

I have a 325i Auto Cab and as much as I love my cab. I'd not buy another. The car is very heavy and it feels it. After a year of trying, I've finally got the suspension set up as I like it. There is of course the flex in the car and a strut brace alone won't compensate.

The opportunity to get the roof off seems to be getting less with the crap weather we now have, and for me, the number of days the roof is off does not compensate for the worry of having a convertible parked on the street, the extra cost of having a hardtop and the costs of renewing a soft top now and then.

Don't get me wrong, even with all the faults I have no plans to sell my Cab but I wouldn't buy another. From now on, it's got to be a tin-top with Air Con.

[peejay]

If you don't get a cab you will regret it..........

You don't want to die wondering..................

(As far as I know all cabs have what is called 'scuttle shake' from time to time. Having a hardtop on it does actually stop this effect)

Go for it!

Peejay.

[FlappySocks]

From now on, it's got to be a tin-top with Air Con.

I wouldn't entertain buying another car without air-con. I really dont like my Sport when it's hot and humid, but retro-fitting aircon seems like a nightmare, especially with a M30 engine... thats the main reason I want a cab.

[FlappySocks]

(As far as I know all cabs have what is called 'scuttle shake' from time to time. Having a hardtop on it does actually stop this effect)

The Cab I test drove yesterday shook very badly. There was a vibration at all speeds.

Stuart.

[GDBN]

If a cab vibrates at all speeds, is it not likely to be a wheel balancing problem or a stone in a tyre ?

My cab only vibrates when there's a stone in the tyre tread ... otherwise it's only when driving over potholes etc.

G

[FlappySocks]

If a cab vibrates at all speeds, is it not likely to be a wheel balancing problem or a stone in a tyre ?
G

Can't imagine it being a stone. Definite wheel wobble, so yes, probably a balancing problem. It was probably on original springs, dampers, bushes etc. It just felt like a bone shaker, and it wasn't the first cab I have driven like that, which got me worried. Probably just needs a suspension upgrade.

Stuart.

[mrLEE30]

my cab as firm as my Mk1 sport, no noticable scuttle shake, and apart from the additional weight they handle the same.

vibration in cab caused by wheels, poor suspension/bushes or some fool removing the balance weight from the boot (or i am even told fitting the wrong battery but i think thats BS), the cab has much more additional bracing to compensate for lack of roof (hence the weight) bracing is in the sills, accross bottom of windscreen, base of rear seat and behind the rear seat, plus additional bracing around the front shock mounts - this is why i doubt most ''normal drivers'' could really notice any handling difference attributed to the cab rather than poor maintanance.


get out and buy one

[GDBN]

And you can also get cabs with aircon.

G

[bazza93]

vibration could also be from propshaft !!!! centre bearing

[FlappySocks]

And you can also get cabs with aircon.

Drool.... but they are rare.

[Bailey]

Hi there, i'd have to say get a cab, its one of lifes little pleasures. I love my car to bits, and to be completly honest, its doesnt feel over weight in the slightest. And dont worry about the lack of good weather we get, my hood comes off no matter the weather (excluding rain lol!). Theres nothing quite like driving around lincs on those warm summer nights with the top off. And you get loads of looks when your pootling about town ect from people sat in sweaty tin tops.
No wobble or shuddering to report either, unless i hit one of those poxy pot holes common on lincolnshire roads.

Cheers, guy.

[bazza93]

Hi there, i'd have to say get a cab, its one of lifes little pleasures. I love my car to bits, and to be completly honest, its doesnt feel over weight in the slightest. And dont worry about the lack of good weather we get, my hood comes off no matter the weather (excluding rain lol!). Theres nothing quite like driving around lincs on those warm summer nights with the top off. And you get loads of looks when your pootling about town ect from people sat in sweaty tin tops.
No wobble or shuddering to report either, unless i hit one of those poxy pot holes common on lincolnshire roads.

Cheers, guy.

totally agree its a great experience with the roof down
go get one

[Rosc0PColtrane]

It's all about the roof down.

A novelty that never wears off. Had mine for 4 years now. Remember been taken out in it before I bought it and noticing how stable and firm it felt.

[Ziggy]

I think people just don't realise how much fun going for a blast with the roof down is. It ain't (just!) about looking good!

[ed325i]

I have a 325i Auto Cab and as much as I love my cab. I'd not buy another. The car is very heavy and it feels it. After a year of trying, I've finally got the suspension set up as I like it. There is of course the flex in the car and a strut brace alone won't compensate.

I agree on this, I wouldnt have another.

[pnd]

Baurs are lighter than BMW's own cabs I have driven a good one recently with an early engine in it and it was one of the fastest 325's I have ever driven and I've driven a good few.

[FlappySocks]

Weight shouldn't a problem if you have the right springs and dampers. I was going to try Eibach 35mm springs, with Koni adjustable shocks... and then adjust to taste.

[Bailey]

Still on subject, just got the old gall back on the road after a little break (7months) today and she still brought a smile to my face. Loads of looks too! plus its FINALLY stopped bloody raining. must be an good sign of whats to come!

[robsy]

Interesting this -

Ive had 3 cabs now - one had Spax Suspension and did feel as tight as a coupe but the ride was too harsh - the other cab has standard (new) Bisteins but still shakes like a jelly which puts me right off -

and the 3rd one feels quite tight but only has lowering springs in it - so go figure!!

the standard jelly cab has had all new links and bushes so im at a loss as to what to change to make it better with out lowering it and getting aa harsh ride....

cant beat the looks you get in a cab though - the laydees love it!!

[Bailey]

cant beat the looks you get in a cab though - the laydees love it!!

My bird proper hates that! i can feel her eyes burning through the side of my head when your sat at the lights and some bird walks across the crossing in front (looking for the quick cheeky glance)

I've got spax dampers and springs on mine, and its firm, but not harsh (like getting a spank of your old boy when you was a kid ) I kind of like to feel whats going on.

[robsy]

my bird has learned to live with it - especially when she compares what my cab looked like before and what it looks like now....


Bailey - The spax set up you got - is it adjustables? thats what i had on mine but it was too low up front and harsh....

[Bailey]

It has adjustable dampers, but the ride heights not adjustable, just the average 55 front 35 rear. The fronts are as soft as they'll go, and the backs are a little harder than there softest. I'm not gonna say its too low, (does such a thing exist? lol!) but i dont think i'll be tackling many speed ramps. about 4" gap from the bumper to the floor with the kit on and 17"s.

Cheers, guy.

[robsy]

Cheers Guy for that - i tihnk i need to experiment with some springs and shock combos....

Floppy socks - you could always go and buy a do her upper on the cheap if your going to do a conversion on it - that way you can spend a bit of money to ride how you want it....

[FlappySocks]

Floppy socks - you could always go and buy a do her upper on the cheap if your going to do a conversion on it - that way you can spend a bit of money to ride how you want it....

Yep, thats my plan. Just looking for a rot free cab for sensible money. Been to see loads, from 318i's upwards. Most of them are rotten, or silly money, or the wrong colour. Got another two to see this week.

Stuart.

[robsy]

Yep, thats my plan. Just looking for a rot free cab for sensible money. Been to see loads, from 318i's upwards. Most of them are rotten, or silly money, or the wrong colour. Got another two to see this week.

Stuart

Same prob i had - finally found a rot free example a year ago and finished it a couple of weeks ago - but i probably would have been better off buying a clean straight example with all the money ive spent!!

[motorsport]

Cab or not to Cab.................definately CAB.
Had mine 8 years now, dosen't feel too heavy or sluggish and still gives me a great buzz each time i drive it.
Couple of pics to tempt you.

Andy.