Lots of convertible questions

General E30 related discussions -
Please put technical questions in E30 Tech Help forum below

Moderator: martauto

Zayyan
Engaged to the E30 Zone
Engaged to the E30 Zone
Posts: 6385
Joined: Wed Jan 12, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: Aylesbury

Post Fri Nov 18, 2005 12:23 am

Just a "few" questions :o

1) Power hood:
a) Do the motors break often?
b) How much are new ones and fitting?
c) Is it just a case of pressing a button to lower/raise the hood?
d) Does it have to be raised/lowered at standstill?
e) Can it be wired up to raise or lower by remote? winkeye

2) Is it possible/easy to install an extra seatbelt in the middle at the rear?

3) Does the lack of a roof actually noticeably reduce rigidity? Or is it just a rumour started by jealous tin-top owners? :wink:

4) M Tech II:
a) Are the front and rear bumpers the same as the saloon/touring?
b) Why does the cab need special sideskirts?
c) Is it possible to modify 2-door/4-door sideskirts to fit?
d) Which ones would I need if the above is possible (2-door or 4-door)?

5) Would all 318i cabs have come with ABS?

6) Performance:
a) Would a 318i cab be quicker than a 2-door 316i or are the cabs really that much heavier? :?
b) When did cats become neccessary? Would all K-reg cars have a cat installed?


Cheers guys :thumb:
Image
Moofles
E30 Zone Newbie
E30 Zone Newbie
Posts: 0
Joined: Mon Jan 31, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: London

Post Fri Nov 18, 2005 1:08 am

i think cabs have thicker sills, if you have ever sat in one that would make sense...

why don't you look up the weights and decide how fast they are? :wink:
'08 GSX-R750, '02 CBR600F, and a beast of a Focus 1.8LX...

My old sig :( - http://img52.imageshack.us/img52/2652/funnyface8eg.gif
Zayyan
Engaged to the E30 Zone
Engaged to the E30 Zone
Posts: 6385
Joined: Wed Jan 12, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: Aylesbury

Post Fri Nov 18, 2005 1:25 am

Moofles wrote:i think cabs have thicker sills, if you have ever sat in one that would make sense
Have never sat in one no - it depends on the answers to the questions whether it's worth going to look at any :)

Re looking up the weights all I can find is figures for the tintops which is why I ask which is quicker.
Image
User avatar
stevetigger
E30 Zone Addict
E30 Zone Addict
Posts: 4659
Joined: Thu Feb 24, 2005 11:00 pm

Post Fri Nov 18, 2005 1:49 am

Answers:-

1)
A: Dont know, had mine a year
B: Lots
C: NO, you have to turn two levers first then press a button!
D: Yes, it dont work whilst moving!
E: Most probs

2) NO, there is only two seats in the back!!

3) I dont think its bad, unless you go over a bad pothole!!

4)
A: Yes
B: Because the sills are twice as deep as normal cars!
C: I doubt it, just best to get the proper ones!
D: Just get cab side skirts

5) YES

6)
A: I think its quicker than a 316i
B: Yes, all 'K' reg cars have cats,all cars 1992 and before is non cat needed for mot!!

Cheers Hope that helps!!
blacksoul
E30 Zone Newbie
E30 Zone Newbie
Posts: 168
Joined: Sun Jul 03, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: cwmbran south wales

Post Fri Nov 18, 2005 1:53 am

hi well i cant comment on the power roof as i dont have 1, mines manual. but yes normal mtech side skirts are not wide enough to fit as they should. but i did modify mine and they look fine. as for speed. my 325i moves but is not as quick as my brothers 25 sport. there is a lot of weight in the cabs, and to be honest i think its only the 325i that can carry the weight nice. might cost more but have a look for a strait 6. summer will soon come around:) blacksoul.
E30cabrioman
E30 Zone Newbie
E30 Zone Newbie
Posts: 190
Joined: Mon Jul 18, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: Scotland

Post Fri Nov 18, 2005 2:07 am

Would agree with stevetigger on all the things he said ,Plus:
b) Why does the cab need special sideskirts?
c) Is it possible to modify 2-door/4-door sideskirts to fit?
d) Which ones would I need if the above is possible (2-door or 4-door)?
The sills are indeed deeper.....

It is possible to modify sideskirts to fit....

You will need 2door skirts......



Hope this helps........................ :D
Image
325i Cab
E39 V8
E30cabrioman
E30 Zone Newbie
E30 Zone Newbie
Posts: 190
Joined: Mon Jul 18, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: Scotland

Post Fri Nov 18, 2005 2:09 am

Would agree with stevetigger on all the things he said ,Plus:
b) Why does the cab need special sideskirts?
c) Is it possible to modify 2-door/4-door sideskirts to fit?
d) Which ones would I need if the above is possible (2-door or 4-door)?
The sills are indeed deeper.....

It is possible to modify sideskirts to fit....

You will need 2door skirts......



Hope this helps........................ :D
Image
325i Cab
E39 V8
User avatar
stevetigger
E30 Zone Addict
E30 Zone Addict
Posts: 4659
Joined: Thu Feb 24, 2005 11:00 pm

Post Fri Nov 18, 2005 2:46 am

blacksoul wrote:hi well i cant comment on the power roof as i dont have 1, mines manual. but yes normal mtech side skirts are not wide enough to fit as they should. but i did modify mine and they look fine. as for speed. my 325i moves but is not as quick as my brothers 25 sport. there is a lot of weight in the cabs, and to be honest i think its only the 325i that can carry the weight nice. might cost more but have a look for a strait 6. summer will soon come around:) blacksoul.
I disagree, cabs dont weigh that much more
User avatar
stevetigger
E30 Zone Addict
E30 Zone Addict
Posts: 4659
Joined: Thu Feb 24, 2005 11:00 pm

Post Fri Nov 18, 2005 2:57 am

User avatar
stevetigger
E30 Zone Addict
E30 Zone Addict
Posts: 4659
Joined: Thu Feb 24, 2005 11:00 pm

Post Fri Nov 18, 2005 2:59 am

E30cabrioman wrote:Would agree with stevetigger on all the things he said ,Plus:
b) Why does the cab need special sideskirts?
c) Is it possible to modify 2-door/4-door sideskirts to fit?
d) Which ones would I need if the above is possible (2-door or 4-door)?
The sills are indeed deeper.....

It is possible to modify sideskirts to fit....

You will need 2door skirts......



Hope this helps........................ :D

How easy is it to do Stu???
tylerma
Engaged to the E30 Zone
Engaged to the E30 Zone
Posts: 5790
Joined: Sun Jan 09, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: Dagenham, Essex

Post Fri Nov 18, 2005 8:59 am

Zayyan wrote: 5) Would all 318i cabs have come with ABS?
stevetigger wrote:5) YES
wrong
mine is a 318i and it dont have ABS
User avatar
andyp
True Old Skooler
Posts: 6899
Joined: Sun Jan 09, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: LONDON

Post Fri Nov 18, 2005 8:59 am

answer to no 2 is yes as i have fitted a lap belt in the middle of my cab and as for no 3 yes you do notice a difference to a saloon or touring with no roof, but its worth it.
User avatar
t11mfn
E30 Zone Regular
E30 Zone Regular
Posts: 505
Joined: Sun Aug 14, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: Tamworth

Post Fri Nov 18, 2005 10:10 am

Wouldnt like to install a lap belt in the middle of mine it has a raised padded bit i wouldnt want anyone sitting on it
User avatar
andyp
True Old Skooler
Posts: 6899
Joined: Sun Jan 09, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: LONDON

Post Fri Nov 18, 2005 10:24 am

so has mine and we find it ok as you can adjust the belt, you can only use the belts when carrying up to five people norm kids in the back after this the belts go out the window like when we had 7 in mine.
User avatar
orangecurry
E30 Zone Addict
E30 Zone Addict
Posts: 2518
Joined: Mon Apr 11, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: West Sussex

Post Fri Nov 18, 2005 10:25 am

to make up for the lack of roof, not only are the sills thicker, but the front suspension turrets have extra sections welded in (hence much less need if any for an aftermarket top strut), the 325 has the biggest (Hartge size) anti-roll-bar as standard, and there is also an added 'frame' behind the rear seats.
This makes for an excellent chassis set-up, with very little 'scuttle shake'.

I have been chased by my pals 850R (obviously he could have destroyed me!) and he said he has never seen a car corner so 'flat'.

I think (from the handbook) that the 325 conv weighs 1310kg vs 1180kg (2 door 325 base model), so just under 10% more?

I had a 318i 1990 facelift conv before this, and it had no ABS. It also had a broken power-hood - this is very common, and can be very expensive to fix.

The 318 was quick, lighter than a 6-cyl, and I would definately recommend it over a 320.
Hyperion
E30 Zone Squatter
E30 Zone Squatter
Posts: 1727
Joined: Tue Jul 12, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: JHB, South Africa

Post Fri Nov 18, 2005 11:14 am

would be cool to see pics of these extra cab mods u mentioned Orangecurry. As u can see i have the Baur which didnt come with the mods u mentioned. because it still has a bit of a "roof" even with the top down.
Ziggy
E30 Zone Team Member
E30 Zone Team Member
Posts: 11534
Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: floating round my tin can...

Post Fri Nov 18, 2005 1:33 pm

Zayyan; the important question you've missed out is:
Should I get one? & the answer is YES!

Power hood's a PITA according to everyone I know of that's had one, & the manual ain't exactly slow - doesn't look as flash but a much more sensible choice!

Handling / body flex ain't a problem IMHO. It's not gonna be a track car (is it?!) so don't worry about it.

Yes they weigh more, but not *that* much & it's soooo worth it.

Rear seatbelt's easy to fit, but there's no way I'd let 3 people get in the back of my car!

Just do it! Now, while they're cheap for the winter... all you need is heated seats :D
E30 in need of wiring loom smoke since April '11...
Zayyan
Engaged to the E30 Zone
Engaged to the E30 Zone
Posts: 6385
Joined: Wed Jan 12, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: Aylesbury

Post Fri Nov 18, 2005 3:13 pm

Thanks a lot for the replies everyone - gonna start looking at some next weekend :)

Cheers for the hood advice Ziggy - I wanted an electric one for the flashness (I thought I might as well pose as much as possible in a cab Image) but if they're that much trouble I'll consider manuals as well :thumb:

And no it's not gonna be a track car - just wanted to make sure it has at least some of the fun factor of the tin tops 8)
Image
Ziggy
E30 Zone Team Member
E30 Zone Team Member
Posts: 11534
Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: floating round my tin can...

Post Fri Nov 18, 2005 4:31 pm

They've got *more* of the fun factor IMHO! - any drawbacks are more than made up by the fun of open air motoring! :cool: (<- your hair might end up lookin like that though!!)

Power hoods are all good 'til they go wrong, & it seems that they all do, which gets very expensive!
E30 in need of wiring loom smoke since April '11...
User avatar
orangecurry
E30 Zone Addict
E30 Zone Addict
Posts: 2518
Joined: Mon Apr 11, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: West Sussex

Post Fri Nov 18, 2005 4:42 pm

Hyperion wrote:would be cool to see pics of these extra cab mods u mentioned Orangecurry.
to hear is to obey

front turret
Image

in the boot - I happened to have the carpet off anyway - you can see the double 'skin'
Image

cabs are fantastic - my 3 year old son and I have just been hacking around Sussex with the top down today - stunningly good fun.
12345kevin
E30 Zone Camper
E30 Zone Camper
Posts: 1161
Joined: Sat Apr 09, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: Essex

Post Fri Nov 18, 2005 4:51 pm

I think you would have problems with insurance etc with an extra seat belt / person in the back as they were only built and therefore type approved as 4 seats ! Just my opinion, someone may know better.

As for the roof, I would go manual every time, less to go wrong etc. Just means you have to get out the car to put it down.
Hyperion
E30 Zone Squatter
E30 Zone Squatter
Posts: 1727
Joined: Tue Jul 12, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: JHB, South Africa

Post Fri Nov 18, 2005 4:52 pm

cool, its clear the Baurs dont have this extras, my car is like a coupe but with a really BIG sunroof :)
User avatar
stevetigger
E30 Zone Addict
E30 Zone Addict
Posts: 4659
Joined: Thu Feb 24, 2005 11:00 pm

Post Fri Nov 18, 2005 4:59 pm

12345kevin wrote:I think you would have problems with insurance etc with an extra seat belt / person in the back as they were only built and therefore type approved as 4 seats ! Just my opinion, someone may know better.

As for the roof, I would go manual every time, less to go wrong etc. Just means you have to get out the car to put it down.

Electric, I can put my roof down at the lights, it takes about 30 seconds all in all. Thats only ten seconds longer than a brand new bm softtop!
DaveD
E30Zone Wiki Specialist
Posts: 5129
Joined: Tue Jan 11, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: Sheffield

Post Fri Nov 18, 2005 5:00 pm

just to put my oar in...I Like power roofs..they can be repaired for not THAT much money(kit from Germany ...Jason in walsall) and they certainly make you feel good

had mine a year now and can't wait to get out in it in the spring 'specia;y with a new red roof and new split rim bbs'

get one you wont regret it
User avatar
stevetigger
E30 Zone Addict
E30 Zone Addict
Posts: 4659
Joined: Thu Feb 24, 2005 11:00 pm

Post Fri Nov 18, 2005 5:04 pm

DaveD wrote:just to put my oar in...I Like power roofs..they can be repaired for not THAT much money(kit from Germany ...Jason in walsall) and they certainly make you feel good

had mine a year now and can't wait to get out in it in the spring 'specia;y with a new red roof and new split rim bbs'

get one you wont regret it
Same here, had it a year no probs, roll on the spring!!
Zayyan
Engaged to the E30 Zone
Engaged to the E30 Zone
Posts: 6385
Joined: Wed Jan 12, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: Aylesbury

Post Fri Nov 18, 2005 6:20 pm

stevetigger wrote:
12345kevin wrote:I think you would have problems with insurance etc with an extra seat belt / person in the back as they were only built and therefore type approved as 4 seats ! Just my opinion, someone may know better.

As for the roof, I would go manual every time, less to go wrong etc. Just means you have to get out the car to put it down.

Electric, I can put my roof down at the lights, it takes about 30 seconds all in all. Thats only ten seconds longer than a brand new bm softtop!
What happens if you've gotta move after the top's started lowering? :?

Kevin, good point about the seats, but if I were to specify the number of seats as 5 on the insurance, I can't see a huge problem.
Image
User avatar
stevetigger
E30 Zone Addict
E30 Zone Addict
Posts: 4659
Joined: Thu Feb 24, 2005 11:00 pm

Post Fri Nov 18, 2005 6:33 pm

Zayyan wrote:
stevetigger wrote:
12345kevin wrote:I think you would have problems with insurance etc with an extra seat belt / person in the back as they were only built and therefore type approved as 4 seats ! Just my opinion, someone may know better.

As for the roof, I would go manual every time, less to go wrong etc. Just means you have to get out the car to put it down.

Electric, I can put my roof down at the lights, it takes about 30 seconds all in all. Thats only ten seconds longer than a brand new bm softtop!
What happens if you've gotta move after the top's started lowering? :?

Kevin, good point about the seats, but if I were to specify the number of seats as 5 on the insurance, I can't see a huge problem.

You dont, if the lights change and ur half way though.......the cars behind can wait! winkeye
Zayyan
Engaged to the E30 Zone
Engaged to the E30 Zone
Posts: 6385
Joined: Wed Jan 12, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: Aylesbury

Post Fri Nov 18, 2005 6:34 pm

:lol: Good answer :D
Image
User avatar
DemonDaz
E30 Zone Regular
E30 Zone Regular
Posts: 510
Joined: Sat Feb 19, 2005 11:00 pm

Post Sat Nov 19, 2005 8:52 am

I don't think you can legally have a third person in the rear in these. I know stacks of people get away with overloading cars, BUT it you can be done by the police, and the insurance will not cover you even if you specify 5 seats.
Image
User avatar
stevetigger
E30 Zone Addict
E30 Zone Addict
Posts: 4659
Joined: Thu Feb 24, 2005 11:00 pm

Post Sat Nov 19, 2005 2:28 pm

DemonDaz wrote:I don't think you can legally have a third person in the rear in these. I know stacks of people get away with overloading cars, BUT if you can be prosecuted by the police, and the insurance will not cover you even if you specify 5 seats.

I agree with that, Its not a designed for three in the back, it has two seats and thats that!!!
mrLEE30
E30 Zone Team Member
E30 Zone Team Member
Posts: 6589
Joined: Tue Jan 18, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: Sweating buckets in Bahrain

Post Sun Nov 20, 2005 4:35 am

Hyperion wrote:
would be cool to see pics of these extra cab mods u mentioned Orangecurry.

not only thicker sills but a cross member under the rear seat and an additional cross member under the front window. You can see the thicker sills below and the additional cross member (looks grey as its covered in soundproofing)under window below.

mine a manual roof but it takes seconds to raise or lower, but haven't closed mine in a while winkeye so seconds is just a guess!!

Image

oh yeah and buy one!!!

Image
Zayyan
Engaged to the E30 Zone
Engaged to the E30 Zone
Posts: 6385
Joined: Wed Jan 12, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: Aylesbury

Post Sun Nov 20, 2005 4:39 am

DemonDaz wrote:I don't think you can legally have a third person in the rear in these. I know stacks of people get away with overloading cars, BUT it you can be done by the police, and the insurance will not cover you even if you specify 5 seats.
Bugger :?

It'll only be for when I really have to carry four passengers plus myself but it seems like it isn't worth it :(

And Mr. Lee, I plan to :wink:
Image
mrLEE30
E30 Zone Team Member
E30 Zone Team Member
Posts: 6589
Joined: Tue Jan 18, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: Sweating buckets in Bahrain

Post Sun Nov 20, 2005 6:04 am

dude,

you can fit three women in it, and that should be enough!! winkeye
User avatar
andrewe30m3
E30 Zone Regular
E30 Zone Regular
Posts: 254
Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: Chessington, Surrey

Post Sun Nov 20, 2005 10:39 am

i loved my cab, was great fun.. definately buy one if you are thinking about it.
Image
DaveD
E30Zone Wiki Specialist
Posts: 5129
Joined: Tue Jan 11, 2005 11:00 pm
Location: Sheffield

Post Sun Nov 20, 2005 4:19 pm

to answer zayans ? the roof stops moving if you move