Rollbar that works with soft and hard tops

[DimrBimmer]

I just learned from RF and then from vendor website that hard dog rollbar is not compatible with power top or hard top. Bummer, I was getting ready to purchase it. Any other options for a rollbar that allows me to use my power softtop and the hardtop?
So hard dog no go.
HMS no longer available. I wonder if I can get a hold of original HMS design....
Any other vendors out there?
Maybe not US based?
Anyone?

[Vintage42]

I just learned... that hard dog rollbar is not compatible with power top or hard top...

I thought the Hard Dog mounts could be trimmed to work with the power top.
https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...7#post14166837

[328 Power 04]

I thought the Hard Dog mounts could be trimmed to work with the power top.

Correct, but I don't think it will work with hard top.

[DimrBimmer]

Correct, but I don't think it will work with hard top.

Correct. That is what I am hearing. I really want to get a rollbar that I can fit under hardtop.

[bubbafett]

I really want to get a rollbar that I can fit under hardtop.

I am also interested in this...

[BimmerBreaker]

OEM Roll Bars fit the soft top and hard top

What are you trying to accomplish with an aftermarket roll bar? Track events?

Get one custom made?

[DimrBimmer]

OEM Roll Bars fit the soft top and hard top

What are you trying to accomplish with an aftermarket roll bar? Track events?

Get one custom made?

Everyone gives me shit about trying to fit in race seats with harness attached to OEM roll hoops (unless you are referring about something else). Calling it a death trap in a case of a rollover. While, I don't think that later version roll hoops fall out as on some of the older models. (Mine is 2001 M roadster). I am trying to do few track days per year and was trying to make the car more track safe. Roll bar with harness bar seems like commonly recommended solution. Custom might be the way to go...

[SunzOut]

Do you pass the "broom stick" test with the current Roll hoops?

[DimrBimmer]

Do you pass the "broom stick" test with the current Roll hoops?

I am sure I would. I am only 5'10, 5'9 if I didn't water myself enough. It's more about safety. Would these OEM hoops hold up or buckle in a case of a rollover. Everyone here seems to be against adding harness with original OEM hoops.

[deni2s]

Following the thread to read how exactly is custom roll bar less "death trap" than properly fitted, TUV certified OEM roll hoops...

[DimrBimmer]

Following the thread to read how exactly is custom roll bar less "death trap" than properly fitted, TUV certified OEM roll hoops...

Here lies a dilemma... awhile ago I posted about installing race seats and harnes and was told that OEM roll hoops is not enough in the even of a rollover and that strapping yourself with 5-point harness to the seat was not very wise, unless an aftermarket roll bar like hard dog or HMS was installed. So, since HMS no longer offers rollbars for z3s, and hard dog does not fit under the hardtop, custom rollbar seems to be the way to go. But what do I know. I am just some kid who finally got himself a toy car and want to take it to a track to have some fun. Just trying to improve safety for myself and the passenger (instructor).

[LannVouivre]

With a 5 point harness, unless the manufacturer designed the car around that (3 point allows you to get slumped in your seat and ragdoll around a little instead of being held firmly upright and mostly stationary), you run the risk that they intended for there to be a certain amount of give in the space over the seats to help absorb some of the energy. That's what I'm guessing, anyway. When you hit something head on, the engineering strongly focuses on the car's body collapsing to reduce G forces on the passengers. Or something.

[Tim95M3]

I found a used HMS bar a while back. Really only wanted it because I love the way it looks, and I can use my hardtop. So shoot me.

[Vintage42]

With a 5 point harness, unless the manufacturer designed the car around that (3 point allows you to get slumped in your seat and ragdoll around a little instead of being held firmly upright and mostly stationary), you run the risk that they intended for there to be a certain amount of give in the space over the seats to help absorb some of the energy...

So the standard 3-point allows you to slump in a roll over? And keeps you from hanging downward?
A roll over could happen so fast you won't have the thought or the time to slump or hunch over, and the standard seat belt will still hang your head below the hoops. And what if the windshield collapses.
No roll hoops 1.jpg

An inch of scalping might be fatal.
Does it not take a harness that will keep you from hanging upside down in the seat, and a bar that will cover any such hanging?
A 5-point harness plus a high and strong Hard Dog seems the safest in an unexpected roll over.

[LannVouivre]

In a rollover, you still get flung around. They're not counting on you intentionally hunching or slumping. The 5 point harnesses require a full cage or better rollbar because there will be no give from the harness in a rollover. The 3 point won't hold you in place while the roof is getting caved. (Interestingly, the tests I was watching with various modern convertibles showed no give from the hoops and some give in the A pillars.) Literally all I was saying about that, purely what the generally accepted explanation is for why they don't want a 5 point harness in track unless you have a roll cage etc.

It's also important to note that safety testing mandates in the USA stop at or before 55 mph vehicle speed. You might be going faster than that on a track when things go south.

[DimrBimmer]

I found a used HMS bar a while back. Really only wanted it because I love the way it looks, and I can use my hardtop. So shoot me.

Can I shoot you and then take away your rollbar?

- - - Updated - - -

Maybe one of you good folks with HMS rollbar can send some pictures drawn on paper with measurements? Then we can get them manufactured?

[Tim95M3]

Can I shoot you and then take away your rollbar?

- - - Updated - - -

Maybe one of you good folks with HMS rollbar can send some pictures drawn on paper with measurements? Then we can get them manufactured?

Honestly, with a sizeable deposit, I'd be glad to remove my bar and send it to someone and have it replicated. I need to remove it and have it powder-coated anyway.