handling of a Cali roof?

[cmoore]

Not ever having seen one, what was done differently with the chassis bracing on a cali top? One would assume that if nothing was done, then those cars would tend to flex much more. If a significant amount of additional support was added providing chassis bracing consistent with a standard model, then those cars would be significantly heavier, also affecting handling. While i don't intend to make it a track or autox car, i am thinking about getting this car because of its small, lightweight chassis. Has anyone ever weighed them side by side? Or driven both in stock trim? i see one here that looks nice but has a blown head gasket, so trying to learn more about this option.

[1996 328ti]

Originally Posted by cmoore

Not ever having seen one, what was done differently with the chassis bracing on a cali top? One would assume that if nothing was done, then those cars would tend to flex much more.

I believe there is reinforcement around the roof.

I had a 98 California and it handled just fine.
Had it on track quite a few times.
I didn't notice any flexing compared to my 96.

Now my E30 convertible, I can feel that one flex.

[greenlantern181]

I'm in the same boat. I'm looking a Cali top Ti and curious about the weight in comparison to other Ti's as well. The car may see some heavy track time. Maybe I should hold off on this one.

[FunElan]

I really want a Cali top-my car has no sunroof at all! I would even consider a trade. I think by the 90s BMW figured out chassis flex. My dad's 1969 1600 Cabriolet has TONS of flex.

[cooljess76]

e36 convertibles, Z3 Roadsters, Z3 Coupes and I think '95 M3 LTW's came with x-braces to stiffen the chassis. Common uprade for all e36's including the ti.

[cooljess76]

Part# 51718410212
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...28&hg=41&fg=10

[BlackBMWs]

Originally Posted by 1996 328ti

Now my E30 convertible, I can feel that one flex.

Steven, A little off topic, but a Raceskids x-brace and skid plate and a strut bar majorily stiffened up my E30 Vert. Makes it way fun to drive hard.

Just saying...

[zoner]

In my experience, a sunroof or Cali-top ti still has all of the roof pillars and roof structure to provide a fair amount of structural rigidity, it's when you have no roof or pillars at all (e.g convertible tops) that you lose that rigidity.

I once had an IROC Camaro Convertible that I had to weld frame rail stiffeners into because it literally handled like a wet noodle.