E46: Roll bar + fixed bucket seats = unsafe?

BMWinLinE6 · 10-11-2012, 12:04 PM

I want to install 4-point roll bar, fixed bucket seats, and harnesses in my E46 sedan. I heard that A pillar is not strong enough in a rollover situation that it may cave in. In a fixed bucket seat you'll be dead, but reclining seats can fall back and save you.

I've seen a lot of related pictures but most are E30 and E36. I also heard that E46 has strengthened A pillar and this is no longer a risk. Please share your experience and knowledge. Is it safe in an E46 with fixed bucket seats but no reinforcement on A pillar?

I don't intend to install a full cage in my car, because it'll still be used on the street. Thanks!

timsev · 10-11-2012, 01:42 PM

Actually, you are only supposed to use fixed back seats with a roll bar, so you would be doing it right. Who told you the A pillar wasn't strong enough?

The last thing you want is a reclining seat to break or fold with a roll bar. You'll be ground beef in there unless you have a fixed back and harness.

Bayerische E46 · 10-11-2012, 05:32 PM

In my opinion, a roll bar in a street car is completely and unacceptably unsafe. Exposed steel inside the cabin, even if covered with high density padding, is a BIG NO-NO in a street car. Simply put, no welds, no helmet, no HANS... -> no steel.

Edit:

Here, I wrote this up some time ago - should give you an idea of what I mean: http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showpos...6&postcount=22

Link to full thread: http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=936303

dji203 · 10-13-2012, 04:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bayerische E46

In my opinion, a roll bar in a street car is completely and unacceptably unsafe. Exposed steel inside the cabin, even if covered with high density padding, is a BIG NO-NO in a street car. Simply put, no welds, no helmet, no HANS... -> no steel.

Edit:

Here, I wrote this up some time ago - should give you an idea of what I mean: http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showpos...6&postcount=22

Link to full thread: http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=936303

If its just a rollbar or half cage, ie no bars running down the front you are fine. Rear passengers is another thing though.

Hit_Apex · 10-12-2012, 09:57 PM

You would have to be a taller guy with freakishly short legs for this to be a concern.

10-11-2012, 12:04 PM	#1
BMWinLinE6 Registered User Join Date: May 2011 Location: Canada Posts: 6 My Ride: E46 sedan View My Garage	E46: Roll bar + fixed bucket seats = unsafe? I want to install 4-point roll bar, fixed bucket seats, and harnesses in my E46 sedan. I heard that A pillar is not strong enough in a rollover situation that it may cave in. In a fixed bucket seat you'll be dead, but reclining seats can fall back and save you. I've seen a lot of related pictures but most are E30 and E36. I also heard that E46 has strengthened A pillar and this is no longer a risk. Please share your experience and knowledge. Is it safe in an E46 with fixed bucket seats but no reinforcement on A pillar? I don't intend to install a full cage in my car, because it'll still be used on the street. Thanks!

10-11-2012, 05:32 PM	#3
Bayerische E46 Registered User Join Date: May 2012 Location: - Posts: 130 My Ride: - View My Garage	In my opinion, a roll bar in a street car is completely and unacceptably unsafe. Exposed steel inside the cabin, even if covered with high density padding, is a BIG NO-NO in a street car. Simply put, no welds, no helmet, no HANS... -> no steel. Edit: Here, I wrote this up some time ago - should give you an idea of what I mean: http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showpos...6&postcount=22 Link to full thread: http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=936303 Last edited by Bayerische E46; 10-11-2012 at 05:37 PM.

10-12-2012, 09:57 PM	#5
Hit_Apex Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Newbury Park, CA Posts: 122 My Ride: 2006 M3 ZCP View My Garage	You would have to be a taller guy with freakishly short legs for this to be a concern. __________________ 2006 SG ZCP M3 6MT TCKline/Ground Control-SS Stepped-Crackpipe-Borla-4.10 2008 AW E90 335i 6MT Quaife-3.46-PSS10-Code3IC-RissDP-BBSCH-245/275 RE01R-JB3 2.0B

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10-11-2012, 01:42 PM	#2
timsev Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 15 My Ride: BMW View My Garage	Actually, you are only supposed to use fixed back seats with a roll bar, so you would be doing it right. Who told you the A pillar wasn't strong enough? The last thing you want is a reclining seat to break or fold with a roll bar. You'll be ground beef in there unless you have a fixed back and harness.