CF Hardtop interest group

HOT M · 11-29-2017, 12:24 PM

Anybody interested in starting a group buy for a CF hardtop for the E85?
Skyer??? hint, hint.
I know it will take a lot of time to plan and complete, but I believe there is serious demand for it.

ZeD4Mr · 11-29-2017, 07:24 PM

It can be done but need enough interest.
Semi-permanent and easily removable will be the big debate.

dre99gsx · 11-29-2017, 07:47 PM

What is the weight difference? If negligible, I won't bother.

3GFX · 11-30-2017, 10:38 AM

Subbing, interested.

HOT M · 11-30-2017, 10:39 AM

I was at Buttonwillow last friday, my first track day. All the Miatas and S2000s had hardtops, I asked why?? they said it was better for noise, aerodynamics and protection from flying debris. I went online looking for one for our Z4s couldn't find any other than 2 whites for $4k and 1 black for $6k. So I thought why don't we make them ourselves, CF because it will go with all the cars, I don't mind something else primed that can be painted.
As for semi permanent or removable? cant we copy the factory one? that will be easier for the molds.

RossBMWZseries · 11-30-2017, 11:35 AM

interested

jteran5 · 11-30-2017, 01:05 PM

interested as well. Hoping something that can be removable like OEM and reasonably priced

jns_e85 · 11-30-2017, 03:16 PM

Subbed. Interested in this as well!

tiltmode43 · 11-30-2017, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dre99gsx

What is the weight difference? If negligible, I won't bother.

This would be roadster only.

I wonder what the price point would be on this sort of thing with the low production numbers. These would for sure have to ship via container or ocean LCL.

Based on friends who have aftermarket hardtops on their s2000's, the other big challenge I'd foresee is potential squeaks.

I'd love to see this happen, it's really cool to see additional aftermarket parts for our platform (E85 especially

)! That said, I probably wouldn't partake personally as I'm happy with my OEM top. Will be following this thread

NickyC · 11-30-2017, 05:38 PM

Meh. If it blocks the sun, no want.

JCampbell_Soup · 12-03-2017, 08:51 PM

Interested also

deemo319 · 12-05-2017, 04:38 PM

Check out Smoothline Manufacturing in Cheswick, Pennsylvania.

They have started design work on an aftermarket E36/7 Z3 Removable Hardtops that will begin in April 2018 for some Z3 owners.

And regarding Z4 E85 Hardtops: they are also currently exploring the opportunity of developing removable hardtops for E85 Z4 models. I think they need measurements if an OEM hardtop to check feasibility.

Maybe they can facilitate a group buy for carbon or other some lightweight materials.

They make hardtops for cars that were never designed to have them from the manufacturer!

http://www.smoothline.com/hardtops

SaltyNC · 12-05-2017, 06:20 PM

Cool! Great find, deemo319 ! Even though there are usually warm enough days for top down in Jan and Feb here in NC, this looks nice and reasonably priced.

Salty

deemo319 · 12-05-2017, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SaltyNC

Cool! Great find, deemo319 ! Even though there are usually warm enough days for top down in Jan and Feb here in NC, this looks nice and reasonably priced.

Salty

I have thought about getting a hardtop but it really doesn't make sense in Florida. The aesthetic on a roadster is very attractive but it doesn't get very cold here.

When I do the secret super project car I will get one!

The prices are very reasonable and it seems they have options for them.

I think they could sell quite a few of them if they are priced correctly.

They should offer an alcantara headliner as an option.

HOT M · 12-05-2017, 10:56 PM

Thank you deemo319, I will reach out to them.

tiltmode43 · 12-06-2017, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Z M ROAD

Thank you deemo319, I will reach out to them.

Keep us posted, this looks like a good prospect!

SaltyNC · 12-06-2017, 11:29 AM

Sounds like if you're in PA, you might be able to get one for free if you guinea pig your car for fitment. The Z4 isn't on the list, but they might add it if they know a number of us are interested:

http://www.smoothline.com/free-convertible-hardtops

Salty

HOT M · 12-06-2017, 01:50 PM

I just got done talking to Jack from Smoothline, he said he will be starting the Z3 and Z4 in the spring to finish in the summer. He is working on 3 projects that he will finish in the spring. He has already somebody with a Z4 from East PA that contacted him this morning for fitting. The price will be in the low $2000 with a plexiglass window instead of glass, design wise it will be close to factory. It will be offered in around a dozen of colors and carbon fiber. It will be lighter than factory.
He also said we can start organizing ourselves and to email him the list of potential buyers.
So, let us start a list.

deemo319 · 12-06-2017, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Z M ROAD

I just got done talking to Jack from Smoothline, he said he will be starting the Z3 and Z4 in the spring to finish in the summer. He is working on 3 projects that he will finish in the spring. He has already somebody with a Z4 from East PA that contacted him this morning for fitting. The price will be in the low $2000 with a plexiglass window instead of glass, design wise it will be close to factory. It will be offered in around a dozen of colors and carbon fiber. It will be lighter than factory.
He also said we can start organizing ourselves and to email him the list of potential buyers.
So, let us start a list.

Way to go, this is awesome. Glad I could help in the smallest way for the forum.

Now, who's going with a carbon fiber hardtop with an alcantara headliner?

jns_e85 · 12-06-2017, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Z M ROAD

I just got done talking to Jack from Smoothline, he said he will be starting the Z3 and Z4 in the spring to finish in the summer. He is working on 3 projects that he will finish in the spring. He has already somebody with a Z4 from East PA that contacted him this morning for fitting. The price will be in the low $2000 with a plexiglass window instead of glass, design wise it will be close to factory. It will be offered in around a dozen of colors and carbon fiber. It will be lighter than factory.
He also said we can start organizing ourselves and to email him the list of potential buyers.
So, let us start a list.

Did smoothline say if they would offer the same rear windscreen options as they do other tops? If they offer a safety glass version with a defog like they do for their various other tops, that may push those of us who use our Z's in winter towards a purchase for sure!

HOT M · 12-06-2017, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jns_e85

Did smoothline say if they would offer the same rear windscreen options as they do other tops? If they offer a safety glass version with a defog like they do for their various other tops, that may push those of us who use our Z's in winter towards a purchase for sure!

Jack mentioned that he will have 2 options, one clear plexi and one tinted. If I recall, he mentioned the fact that in case he will have to use glass and defoger it will take much more time. It is worse pushing if we have a good number interested.

RossBMWZseries · 12-06-2017, 05:01 PM

The idea seems great and all, but I feel like this would be one of those aftermarket items you regret leaving your OEM for.

11-29-2017, 12:24 PM	#1
HOT M Second Lieutenant 81 Rep 212 Posts Drives: 2019 M2C Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Central Coast, California iTrader: (1)	CF Hardtop interest group Anybody interested in starting a group buy for a CF hardtop for the E85? Skyer??? hint, hint. I know it will take a lot of time to plan and complete, but I believe there is serious demand for it. __________________ 2019 M2C Sunset Orange/Black (Ohlins/swift coilovers, Ground Control Camber Plates, Dinan Heat exchanger, BM3 ECU tune, CF mirror caps, diffuser and rear spoiler, Vorsteiner V-FF 101 Patina Bronze wheels)
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11-29-2017, 07:24 PM	#2
ZeD4Mr Lieutenant Colonel 501 Rep 1,543 Posts Drives: Skyer Z4MR Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada iTrader: (18)	It can be done but need enough interest. Semi-permanent and easily removable will be the big debate. __________________ FB Group-- > fb.com/groups/z4group Instagram --> @Skyermotorsport FB Page-- > fb.com/Skyermotorsport
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11-29-2017, 07:47 PM	#3
dre99gsx Captain 510 Rep 911 Posts Drives: 1994 Toyota Supra Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: NJ iTrader: (2)	What is the weight difference? If negligible, I won't bother. __________________ Andre - 2J into a Z4 Coupe!
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11-30-2017, 10:38 AM	#4
3GFX Captain 723 Rep 912 Posts Drives: 2003 BMW Z4 3.0i Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Ontario iTrader: (0)	Subbing, interested.
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11-30-2017, 10:39 AM	#5
HOT M Second Lieutenant 81 Rep 212 Posts Drives: 2019 M2C Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Central Coast, California iTrader: (1)	I was at Buttonwillow last friday, my first track day. All the Miatas and S2000s had hardtops, I asked why?? they said it was better for noise, aerodynamics and protection from flying debris. I went online looking for one for our Z4s couldn't find any other than 2 whites for $4k and 1 black for $6k. So I thought why don't we make them ourselves, CF because it will go with all the cars, I don't mind something else primed that can be painted. As for semi permanent or removable? cant we copy the factory one? that will be easier for the molds. __________________ 2019 M2C Sunset Orange/Black (Ohlins/swift coilovers, Ground Control Camber Plates, Dinan Heat exchanger, BM3 ECU tune, CF mirror caps, diffuser and rear spoiler, Vorsteiner V-FF 101 Patina Bronze wheels)
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11-30-2017, 11:35 AM	#6
RossBMWZseries Major 224 Rep 1,130 Posts Drives: '11 E92 328i LCI & '06 Z4MR Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: San Juan TX iTrader: (1) Garage List 2006 BMW Z4M Roadster [7.00]	interested __________________ 2014 BMW X5 Sdrive35i F15 2011 BMW 328i E92 LCI 2006 BMW Z4 M Roadster E85 2013 BMW S1000RR K46 R.I.P. 1998 BMW Z3 Roadster 1.9L E36 SOLD
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11-30-2017, 01:05 PM	#7
jteran5 Private 8 Rep 83 Posts Drives: 2007 AW Z4M Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: NJ iTrader: (1)	interested as well. Hoping something that can be removable like OEM and reasonably priced
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11-30-2017, 03:16 PM	#8
jns_e85 Second Lieutenant 74 Rep 264 Posts Drives: '05 X3 2.5i, '06 z4M, '17 M2 Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Chicago Area iTrader: (3)	Subbed. Interested in this as well! __________________ 2017 M2 - Camber Hubs, MPE, and some other goodies 2006 Z4M - Epic Tune / Eventuri CAI / Euro Headers / Stromung / FA 500 / AS SSK / Arc 8s 2004 Z4 3.0i - Gone, but not forgotten!
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11-30-2017, 05:38 PM	#10
NickyC Lieutenant General 17474 Rep 10,662 Posts Drives: M4 CS. Former G82, x2 F82, F80 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Jacked out of my mind iTrader: (23)	Meh. If it blocks the sun, no want.
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12-03-2017, 08:51 PM	#11
JCampbell_Soup New Member 3 Rep 16 Posts Drives: BMW Z4 E85 2.5i Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Brisbane iTrader: (0)	Interested also
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12-05-2017, 04:38 PM	#12
deemo319 Lieutenant Colonel 1750 Rep 1,689 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Longwood iTrader: (0)	Check out Smoothline Manufacturing in Cheswick, Pennsylvania. They have started design work on an aftermarket E36/7 Z3 Removable Hardtops that will begin in April 2018 for some Z3 owners. And regarding Z4 E85 Hardtops: they are also currently exploring the opportunity of developing removable hardtops for E85 Z4 models. I think they need measurements if an OEM hardtop to check feasibility. Maybe they can facilitate a group buy for carbon or other some lightweight materials. They make hardtops for cars that were never designed to have them from the manufacturer! http://www.smoothline.com/hardtops
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12-05-2017, 06:20 PM	#13
SaltyNC Captain 370 Rep 870 Posts Drives: 2006 BMW Z4M Roadster Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: NC iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 BMW Z4M Roadst ... [0.00]	Cool! Great find, deemo319 ! Even though there are usually warm enough days for top down in Jan and Feb here in NC, this looks nice and reasonably priced. Salty __________________ 2006 BMW Z4M Interlagos Blue/Black Aux Port\|LED Interior\|LED Strip Trunk\|Underseat First Aid Box\|Stubby Antenna\|Intravee II\|BMW Oil Change Kit\|Top Down Side Panels\|Vibra Technics Engine Mounts\|Rogue Trans Mounts\|Engine Mount Bolts Upgrade\|RS Windblocker\|Euro Front Plate\|M5 Illum Shift Knob\|Supersprint Powerloop Exhaust\|Gruppe-M Intake\|RPI Scoop\|Black Grills\|19x8.5 ET35 F 19x9.5 ET22 R Sportline 8s PSS\| Besian Vanos\|CDV Delete
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12-05-2017, 10:56 PM	#15
HOT M Second Lieutenant 81 Rep 212 Posts Drives: 2019 M2C Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Central Coast, California iTrader: (1)	Thank you deemo319, I will reach out to them. __________________ 2019 M2C Sunset Orange/Black (Ohlins/swift coilovers, Ground Control Camber Plates, Dinan Heat exchanger, BM3 ECU tune, CF mirror caps, diffuser and rear spoiler, Vorsteiner V-FF 101 Patina Bronze wheels)
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12-06-2017, 11:29 AM	#17
SaltyNC Captain 370 Rep 870 Posts Drives: 2006 BMW Z4M Roadster Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: NC iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 BMW Z4M Roadst ... [0.00]	Sounds like if you're in PA, you might be able to get one for free if you guinea pig your car for fitment. The Z4 isn't on the list, but they might add it if they know a number of us are interested: http://www.smoothline.com/free-convertible-hardtops Salty __________________ 2006 BMW Z4M Interlagos Blue/Black Aux Port\|LED Interior\|LED Strip Trunk\|Underseat First Aid Box\|Stubby Antenna\|Intravee II\|BMW Oil Change Kit\|Top Down Side Panels\|Vibra Technics Engine Mounts\|Rogue Trans Mounts\|Engine Mount Bolts Upgrade\|RS Windblocker\|Euro Front Plate\|M5 Illum Shift Knob\|Supersprint Powerloop Exhaust\|Gruppe-M Intake\|RPI Scoop\|Black Grills\|19x8.5 ET35 F 19x9.5 ET22 R Sportline 8s PSS\| Besian Vanos\|CDV Delete
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12-06-2017, 01:50 PM	#18
HOT M Second Lieutenant 81 Rep 212 Posts Drives: 2019 M2C Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Central Coast, California iTrader: (1)	I just got done talking to Jack from Smoothline, he said he will be starting the Z3 and Z4 in the spring to finish in the summer. He is working on 3 projects that he will finish in the spring. He has already somebody with a Z4 from East PA that contacted him this morning for fitting. The price will be in the low $2000 with a plexiglass window instead of glass, design wise it will be close to factory. It will be offered in around a dozen of colors and carbon fiber. It will be lighter than factory. He also said we can start organizing ourselves and to email him the list of potential buyers. So, let us start a list. __________________ 2019 M2C Sunset Orange/Black (Ohlins/swift coilovers, Ground Control Camber Plates, Dinan Heat exchanger, BM3 ECU tune, CF mirror caps, diffuser and rear spoiler, Vorsteiner V-FF 101 Patina Bronze wheels)
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12-06-2017, 05:01 PM	#22
RossBMWZseries Major 224 Rep 1,130 Posts Drives: '11 E92 328i LCI & '06 Z4MR Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: San Juan TX iTrader: (1) Garage List 2006 BMW Z4M Roadster [7.00]	The idea seems great and all, but I feel like this would be one of those aftermarket items you regret leaving your OEM for. __________________ 2014 BMW X5 Sdrive35i F15 2011 BMW 328i E92 LCI 2006 BMW Z4 M Roadster E85 2013 BMW S1000RR K46 R.I.P. 1998 BMW Z3 Roadster 1.9L E36 SOLD
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