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      04-23-2018, 10:14 PM   #1
Azeka1
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Earlier this year I was in the market for a bolt-in half-cage/roll-bar for my Z4M Coupe. I wanted something that would allow me to safely run racing seats and harnesses for HPDE while also being removable if I choose to return the car to stock. After researching, I found that Wiechers is our only option; however, I had a very difficult time finding detailed photos, installation guidelines and general details prior to ordering it. That being said, here is my experience with this product if anyone else is also interested in purchasing a similar cage.

Please feel free to let me know if anyone needs any additional details. And excuse my messy garage, these pictures were taken before spring cleaning.

* Overall Impressions:
  • Perfect Fitment
  • Bolts into solid mounting points
  • All hardware included
  • Optional Plates for Welding Included
  • Expensive Shipping
  • Customer Service can take a couple days to get back to you
* Product Link: http://www.wiechers-sport.de/en/shop...glich-b-detail
* FedEx Shipping to NJ: 390,00 €
* Build/Wait Time: 7 Weeks from Order Date to my door
* Install Time: It took me about 4 hours for the cage alone. Someone that is more familiar with taking apart our interiors can certainly do it faster though since I took my time not to break anything.

* Build Specs: See link above for total price
  • Diameter: "Steel S355J2 (1.0577) ST52-3 (Main and front roll bar: ∅45 x 2,5mm - Cross members / struts: ∅40 x 2,0mm)"
  • Varnish: "varnished Black (+18.00 Euro)" | Translate = Painted Satin Black (not powder coated!)
  • Rear Strut: "cross instead of diagonal strut bar removable* (+85.00 Euro)" | Translate = removable X-Bar
  • H-strut removable: "no H-strut"
  • Safety belt tube: "safety belt tube without insert nuts (+70.00 Euro)" | Translate = Harness Bar
* Weight: Total - 39.3LBS
  • Hardware: 2.4 LBS
  • Main Hoop w/ Harness Bar: 23 LBS
  • X-Bar: 7.5LBS
  • Rear C-Pillar Bars (3.2LBS X2): 6.4LBS

* Installation Tips:
  • No need to remove forward lower quarter window trim. I took mine off during install and could not get it back on.
  • Removing rear carpeting makes the installation easier
  • If using VAC seat hardware, you may need to trim the rear edge with a dremel as it comes into contact with the main hoop mounting point
  • Have a helper handy for the main hoop installation

Packaging:

Installed Photos:
Attached Images
      
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1995 E36 M3 | BMW CCA Club Racer - IP #34 | Gray / Blue / Orange | 261WHP | 2,700lbs
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Gone: 2017 Audi Q7 | 2011 E93 328i 6MT | 2014 Audi A6 | 2010 VW CC 2.0T | 2011 G37 S Coupe 6MT | 2004 G35 Coupe | SW20 MR2 Widebody Turbo

Last edited by Azeka1; 04-27-2018 at 09:44 PM.. Reason: Added Weight Information
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      04-23-2018, 10:56 PM   #2
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Really digging it man! We’re there other options/configurations available for the E86? I remember few years ago their site listed different build options but I think I recently read they only offered 1 version for our cars...
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      04-23-2018, 11:07 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 3002 tii View Post
Really digging it man! We’re there other options/configurations available for the E86? I remember few years ago their site listed different build options but I think I recently read they only offered 1 version for our cars...
Thanks man! I love your setup and was looking for something similar without having to weld it in.

Yes, they offer multiple configurations of steel/aluminum tubing and sizes in addition to things like a rear X bar versus a single bar. I think you can even add on the front portion to complete the cage.
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Gone: 2017 Audi Q7 | 2011 E93 328i 6MT | 2014 Audi A6 | 2010 VW CC 2.0T | 2011 G37 S Coupe 6MT | 2004 G35 Coupe | SW20 MR2 Widebody Turbo
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      04-27-2018, 09:56 AM   #4
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Added Weight Specs to the original post for anyone interested
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1995 E36 M3 | BMW CCA Club Racer - IP #34 | Gray / Blue / Orange | 261WHP | 2,700lbs
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2006 E86 M Coupe | Silver Gray / Imola | JRZ RSTWO | APR Aero | Sparco Seats/Belts | Weichers Cage
Gone: 2017 Audi Q7 | 2011 E93 328i 6MT | 2014 Audi A6 | 2010 VW CC 2.0T | 2011 G37 S Coupe 6MT | 2004 G35 Coupe | SW20 MR2 Widebody Turbo
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      04-27-2018, 09:12 PM   #5
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Thank you for taking the time to document this! Weights are a big plus. This is on my list to order this year.

How long did it take to install? And, any photos of the loop mounting at the floor?

Also, if I were to place the same order as you did, could you provide the actual order details per their website? (for example, they list safety belt tube with 4 nuts, one with out..., X-bar with gussets or without)
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Last edited by dre99gsx; 04-27-2018 at 09:21 PM..
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      04-27-2018, 09:35 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dre99gsx View Post
Thank you for taking the time to document this! Weights are a big plus. This is on my list to order this year.

How long did it take to install? And, any photos of the loop mounting at the floor?

Also, if I were to place the same order as you did, could you provide the actual order details per their website? (for example, they list safety belt tube with 4 nuts, one with out..., X-bar with gussets or without)

You're welcome and glad that you find it helpful! I will edit my first post with the actual order specs like you pointed out.

I did a couple other things while doing the install but I would say that it took me about 4 hours for the cage alone. Someone that is more familiar with taking apart our interiors can certainly do it faster though since I took my time not to break anything.

Somehow I failed to take pictures of the main hoop floor mounts without carpeting. Here are the two best that I have:

Passenger Side - I found it easier to remove this plastic wire retainer:
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      01-15-2019, 12:01 AM   #7
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Did you end up drilling into the floor pan or welding the plates on?
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      01-15-2019, 09:10 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 3002 tii View Post
Did you end up drilling into the floor pan or welding the plates on?
I ended up bolting it all in. Was very straight forward and can easily be reversed.
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2006 E86 M Coupe | Silver Gray / Imola | JRZ RSTWO | APR Aero | Sparco Seats/Belts | Weichers Cage
Gone: 2017 Audi Q7 | 2011 E93 328i 6MT | 2014 Audi A6 | 2010 VW CC 2.0T | 2011 G37 S Coupe 6MT | 2004 G35 Coupe | SW20 MR2 Widebody Turbo
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      01-29-2019, 08:55 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Azeka1 View Post
I ended up bolting it all in. Was very straight forward and can easily be reversed.
I did the same. Pretty easy install once I got over drilling holes in my car.
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      01-30-2019, 12:47 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by F360C View Post
I did the same. Pretty easy install once I got over drilling holes in my car.
You went with same kit?
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      01-31-2019, 08:15 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 3002 tii View Post
You went with same kit?
Yeah except I only have one cross bar in the rear where Azeka1 has the X bar.

IMG_0628 by Adam McGregor, on Flickr
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      01-31-2019, 10:01 AM   #12
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Damnit... this is on the top of my list to do. I need to order the kit and install for this season. This thread will be my guide
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      01-31-2019, 10:20 AM   #13
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F360C Looks good with the single cross-bar, too!

dre99gsx If you order now you should get it in time for the start of the season. Last year I made payment on 1/29 and received it on 3/23.
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Gone: 2017 Audi Q7 | 2011 E93 328i 6MT | 2014 Audi A6 | 2010 VW CC 2.0T | 2011 G37 S Coupe 6MT | 2004 G35 Coupe | SW20 MR2 Widebody Turbo
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      01-31-2019, 10:54 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Azeka1 View Post
F360C Looks good with the single cross-bar, too!

dre99gsx If you order now you should get it in time for the start of the season. Last year I made payment on 1/29 and received it on 3/23.
Man makes me want to look for a cheap n52 coupe and do a track build again lol
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      02-01-2019, 02:10 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dre99gsx View Post
Damnit... this is on the top of my list to do. I need to order the kit and install for this season. This thread will be my guide
Compared to what you have done to your car this will a walk in the park. The hardest part is just taking the interior apart.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Azeka1 View Post
F360C Looks good with the single cross-bar, too!
You were my inspiration. Once I saw yours I had to buy the one that the guy from France (Comics69) was selling.

Were you ever able to get all your interior plastic back in? I was able to get all but one piece on each side back in. Those pieces I am going to try and notch and put back in but idk if it will work

Quote:
Originally Posted by 3002 tii View Post
Man makes me want to look for a cheap n52 coupe and do a track build again lol
I always wondered why you sold that 3.0... I didnt think you fully got rid of the track bug.
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      02-01-2019, 02:20 PM   #16
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F360C Glad this was helpful! You got a great deal and saved quite a bit. Yes, same here; I could not get one small piece of trim from each side back in under the quarter window. You're probably right and can notch it to fit.

Ended up just going all the way and taking the trunk trim out for another ~40lbs of savings
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Gone: 2017 Audi Q7 | 2011 E93 328i 6MT | 2014 Audi A6 | 2010 VW CC 2.0T | 2011 G37 S Coupe 6MT | 2004 G35 Coupe | SW20 MR2 Widebody Turbo
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      02-01-2019, 05:23 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by F360C View Post
...

I always wondered why you sold that 3.0... I didnt think you fully got rid of the track bug.
Never lost the bug but lost the time. Car sat there for months between work and fam. The roady being milder, take it out more often and what not. Tracked the vert but without 6 point, seats and cage I’m definitely not pushing as hard as I used to.
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      03-05-2019, 06:28 PM   #18
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So you were able to install all this and not remove the big black plastic part behind the seats? My stock seats are right on those speakers behind them. Maybe the fixed back seats are a bit less bulky.
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      03-05-2019, 09:06 PM   #19
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So you were able to install all this and not remove the big black plastic part behind the seats? My stock seats are right on those speakers behind them. Maybe the fixed back seats are a bit less bulky.
That is right, all interior panels can be reinstalled and even the center console works as intended.

Unfortunately I have not tested the OEM seats. Considering you are right up on the rear bulkhead panels, any harness bar setup sounds like it will force you to move a little forward.

The roll bar can be ordered without the harness-bar though if you perhaps want to mount your harnesses using eye bolts fastened through the bulkhead.
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1995 E36 M3 | BMW CCA Club Racer - IP #34 | Gray / Blue / Orange | 261WHP | 2,700lbs
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2006 E86 M Coupe | Silver Gray / Imola | JRZ RSTWO | APR Aero | Sparco Seats/Belts | Weichers Cage
Gone: 2017 Audi Q7 | 2011 E93 328i 6MT | 2014 Audi A6 | 2010 VW CC 2.0T | 2011 G37 S Coupe 6MT | 2004 G35 Coupe | SW20 MR2 Widebody Turbo
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      03-07-2019, 01:40 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Azeka1 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by jhall1957 View Post
So you were able to install all this and not remove the big black plastic part behind the seats? My stock seats are right on those speakers behind them. Maybe the fixed back seats are a bit less bulky.
That is right, all interior panels can be reinstalled and even the center console works as intended.

Unfortunately I have not tested the OEM seats. Considering you are right up on the rear bulkhead panels, any harness bar setup sounds like it will force you to move a little forward.

The roll bar can be ordered without the harness-bar though if you perhaps want to mount your harnesses using eye bolts fastened through the bulkhead.
I'll be adding fixed back seats.
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      10-27-2019, 05:40 AM   #21
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Hi OP, Is it possible to reupload the photos? Mine is on order and your photos would help alot. Cheers
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      10-27-2019, 05:54 AM   #22
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Hi OP, Is it possible to reupload the photos? Mine is on order and your photos would help alot. Cheers
Re-uploaded a few. My app keeps crashing while trying to attach more but DM me if you need any additional help. Sadly I just sold my Z4M but have quite a few pictures saved on my phone.

It's a great kit because it allows you to reinstall the full interior and retain use of the center console.
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