New CF roof Group Buy for Z4 M/non-M Coupe

P

Palantirion

Member
 SoCal
I am putting together a Group Buy for those interested in a VERY high quality CF roof for their Z4 Coupe. The master thread is http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?p=3416703#post3416703

I am also curious what other CF products the Z community would like to see produced. I have an "in" with Carbon Smith now, and they have told me that they are willing to make us ANYTHING so long as we can justify their expenses with appropriate sales. So let's brainstorm!
 
I like the CF hardtop idea. Are the M and non-M versions the same?

A CF intake would require some real flow and dyno R&D, and would compete with existing CAIs for sales. Just throwing that out there.
 
What a brilliant idea!

I am interested... except for i am in the UK? Is there anyway round this / does the compnay has a UK branch?

How much will the company produce CF roof for and how much discount potentially?
 
funkdude said:
What a brilliant idea!

I am interested... except for i am in the UK? Is there anyway round this / does the compnay has a UK branch?

How much will the company produce CF roof for and how much discount potentially?
Click to expand...
-Products can be shipped anywhere. I'm not sure if your asking about the CF roof for the Z4 Coupe, or the CF hardtop for Z4 Roadsters.
 
The group buy is ending at 10-1-08 (midnight EST).
The thread has lingered long enough. The direct-to-the-manufacturer GB price of $1499 WILL END at 10-1. After 10-1 you can order the roof at its regular price through http://www.bmstuning.com

Eric and I are both somewhat surprised at the lack of sales of this product. Considering before we developed it the only choice was a $1700 roof that was a visual abortion. The apparent demand for a quality CF roof, and my insistence as an enthusiast, is the only reason why Carbon Smith stepped up to pursue the project (at their expense) and there's no way I am going to be able to get them to make other products for us if they are taking the shaft on development costs due to a lack of sales.

Perhaps consumers just don't understand what separates a quality CF part from the much cheaper "Chinese junk" that seems to be the industry standard. If you aren't interesting in a CF roof for your Z4 Coupe, that's fine - to each his own :thumbup: But if it is a product you DO want, then you owe it to your car to buy a quality piece. We aren't driving Civics.

Below is an excerpt from an email Eric sent to me regarding our mutual frustration in getting this product in the hands of enthusiasts. He wanted me to explain why this is the best possible CF product you can buy for your Z4, but I think he did a fine job of summing up all the relevant points:
Hey Earl,

Below are the specs and lead times for the tops. I guess the biggest thing people need to understand is that we stand by our quality and quality is what sets us apart from any other Carbon Fiber supplier. I have fielded a few calls who just want the cheapest thing they can get. This is surprising considering that we are talking about a BMW Z4. I would think it would be the opposite. I think they still don’t understand how complex the Carbon Fiber manufacturing process is. It’s like they think we are slapping them together and making huge profits off of these tops, but I can tell you that when you add in the cost of the materials and labor, we are not making very much money.

We really want to help sell these tops, but I think it will be necessary for you to try and explain it to them in your own terms about quality, fitment etc. We can not cheapen or slap them together to save a buck, it just doesn’t work that way. We build quality products and at the end of the day, our name is on them. Because we supply Porsche, Tesla, Lamborghini, Mercedes and the like, we do not want to become known as just another ********** that sells product as cheap as possible. Our products will far outlast our competitors as we use only the highest quality Carbon, Epoxy’s, Clear, etc which adds significantly to the UV protection, quality and durability. I would think that someone who buys a BMW Z4 would appreciate quality...this is the good ole USA and as we know all too well, you get what you pay for and we are not looking to be known as the Wal-Mart of Carbon Fiber products.

Part # BMBMZ4RO01, BMW Z4 Coupe Carbon Fiber Roof
The standard version is 2X2 twill (Larger Fibers), for Plain Weave you will need to add a (-P) at the end of the part number.
Specifications:
-6 layers of T300 intermediate modulus carbon fiber fabric on the top skin.
-Surface can be either 3K plain weave or 3K 2x2 twill fabric if made from scratch.
-3 layers of 7500style 9oz fiberglass cloth on the bottom skin standard, with reinforcing fiberglass around the fasteners.
-Approximately 45% by weight high temperature epoxy resin matrix.
-8mm Riv-nut fasteners bonded in place to prevent pull-out.
-Factory fit and finish.
-Available with carbon bottom for additional weight savings (Additional Charge Applies).
-Can be unfinished for race applications for further reduced weight. Without clear, it might save as much as 1 lb.
-Standard Z4 CF roof cuts 12lbs from stock, that's 46% of the stock weight!
-One year warranty against manufacturer defects.

Note: Installation is the full responsibility of the customer, CarbonSmith does not warrant defects caused by improper installation. Our recommendation for installation is BMS in Huntington Beach
Shipping: Estimated days to ship from order date 3weeks ARO.

Regards,
Eric Meckes
CarbonSmith
[email protected]
770-318-5700 - Direct
Click to expand...

In bold above I have highlighted three points that I find considerably important:
First, that the roof's backing is fiberglass cloth - not cut fibers like most CF manufacturers. This makes the part MUCH stiffer and will increase the stiffness of the Z4 as well as the lifespan of the roof.
Second, Carbon Smith uses epoxy resin - not polyester resin like most CF manufacturers. This increases cost, but greatly increases the product's resistance to UV yellowing. They UV-resistant clear they use also prolongs the roof's lifespan.
Third, Carbon Smith's parts fit EXACTLY like the factory parts. This isn't just a claim, it's a real fact. We all know how most aftermarket CF parts fit, and what problems bad fitment can cause.

Again, 10-1-08 is the cutoff date, so get your orders in to Eric - NOW!!!
 
If I owned a Coupe, I would be all over this! Eric is not kidding when he talks about knockoffs, it may or may not fit. Anyone that has the slightest inclination on getting a quality carbon roof, speak now. :thumbsup:
 
FYI ovrkll, if we can get the roofs sold off in a reasonable quantity the next project I want to set up with Carbon Smith would be a molded-from-OEM CF hardtop for the Z4 Roadsters.
 
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