Roll hoops, alumex (ACS) or "bulk"?

[Erha]

Alfie's topic on his new ///M Roadster reminded me of the idea about the polished roll hoops. Now, alumex's "special offer" of 490€ still seems a bit steep to me, so can anybody tell me what I would gain with the Alumex:
http://www.alumex.de/indexE.html

Compared to a cheaper option:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BMW-Z3-R ... enameZWD2V

Because to me these two seem exactly the same - the shape of the hoops and the "non-visible" (when installed) part seem identical to me. Also I have hard time accepting that two pieces of steel would cost 500€, the ~100€ would seem more on the level that it should be.

Anyone have any insights on this?

[IOMRoadster]

Remember these are a safety item - I'm sure you never intend to park on the roof but if you did would you wish you went for the best or the cheapest?

I know that the factory hoops and the AC hoops are tested but would question the others.

I did hear a while back that the AC items are made by alumex, but having seen them both together, they're not the same shape so not so sure.

Also only the factory or AC have any padding to stop you banging your head on metal in the event of a rear impact.

[SledgeHammer]

That's true, the only "safe" rollbars are the ones from alumex, Schnitzer and OEM BMW. I made a list of all types of rollbars being made for the Z3, it can be found here:

http://www.digitalediensten.nl/z3forum/ ... topic=1846

You won't be able the understand the text, but the links could come in handy.

And think twice before u choice which one is best for you....

[Phoenix Nights]

If your car already has the standard black roll hoops fitted, does that mean you can switch to chrome roll hoops - or do you need to have some kind of fitting kit installed first? My car is a 2001 ///M Roadster. Any advice appreciated - thanks.

[AussieZ3]

If your car already has the standard black roll hoops fitted, does that mean you can switch to chrome roll hoops - or do you need to have some kind of fitting kit installed first? My car is a 2001 ///M Roadster. Any advice appreciated - thanks.

Yes, easy to do.

http://www.mz3.net/articles/165.html

[Inferno]

ok, i am resurrecting this.

i have the Alumex 60mm tubing "4-point" roll hoops for the Z3's without OEM roll hoops fittings (http://www.stockreco.com/PictureQ309.jpg), is these supposed to be also for safety, or only for eye candy?, because from what i understand these would be absolutely destroyed in case of an accident.

[deni2s]

Looks like eye candy only, because they should be much longer IMHO (I don't see the bottom part). These will destroy your subwoofer in case of accident.

[Jonttt]

Wow thread resurrection

Not sure those are alumex, there are lots of cheap eye candy about on ebay.

The Z3 roll over protection is the seat back and windscreen which is why roll hoops where not fitted to the lower spec early Z3s

However genuine alumex (also branded as AC Schnitzer who they made for but those command a real premium) are german TUV safety approved so yes are additional roll over protection as per the OEM hoops.

So the simple question should be are they TUV approved, if not = eye candy

Lots of threads debating the cheap ebay versions over the years.

Ps the schnitzer ones where changing hands for c£600 last I knew

[Inferno]

Ok, i got it, it is eye candy only, which is logical since you can actually see it and feel it from a closer look, i only asked because mine was supposed to be made by alumex, that's what the ebay listing stated back then at least... anyway no harm, i didn't bought them for safety in the first place

[deni2s]

Ps the schnitzer ones where changing hands for c£600 last I knew

Got them here for £750 last year in pristine condition, very happy

[('_')Z3]

There is a Z3 for sale on autotrader with the ac schnitzer hoops fitted, although the seller doesn't appear to realise there rarity as they are purely listed as chrome. Might be worth a phone call from someone to see if he'd swap them out

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/ ... 1/usedcars