I'm thinking of buying a 2009 M3 Coupe to use a DD. How durable is the CF roof? Is it practical to have this for a DD? I will be parking it outside (no car port or garage) and I am concerned about possible damage caused by the elements.

 

Honestly, I'd just skip it. I know it shaves a few pounds off the highest point of the car, but if you're going to be dd'ing it, then who cares?

In general, the sun is tough on carbon fiber clearcoats. Parking it outside, as you said you will, would make me skip that roof. I could be wrong, but isn't it the same price for the moonroof instead?

I'm a little biased too, though, as I don't like driving cars much that don't have moonroofs.

 

i have done MASSIVE amounts of research about m3s because i originally was going to buy a e90 or e93 in ss II with bambo beige interior. great combo imo. but plans few through, and now im interested in p cars.

others have asked about the cf roof and ppl say it isnt an issue parking it outside. keep in mind, most of these cars have been in circulation for only 2-3 yrs max, so we wont know until these cars age. but from what ive read, so far, no issues. and honestly, thats the best and the most honest answer i think your going to get since those m3s havent been around very long.

and the cf is an option, and the moon roof is standard. but if you are buying used, the cf shouldnt increase the price very much since those options dont hold much value on the used market.

 

The CF is standard, it's the moonroof that's a no cost option.

I've got it on good authority that BMW make a sizable profit if you spec the moonroof instead of the CF, hence it being a no cost option.

Personally I think the CF roof is one of the major selling points of the car, I'm a carbon lover and I think it looks amazing, so much so that I passed up a perfect car with the ZCP pack as well just because it had the moonroof. I can't tell you about durability yet since mine's too new but I can't imagine it won't stand the test of time. If it doesn't, there's always the warranty anyway

 

The problem with the warranty is that it only covers the first 4 years. As another member pointed out, how these roofs withstand the test of time is unclear since they have only been produced since 2008.

I guess another question I have concerns the replacement cost of the roof if something did happen. Is this a $1000 job or a $5000 job?

Also, what is a fair price to pay for a 2009 w/ 15-20k miles, DCT, Coupe, Nav, etc. (loaded)?

 

oh yah, your right. i was looking more into the sedan and vert, so i know the coupe the least.

how many miles are on it and whats the condition? usually, its about 45k if it has around 30k miles on it and is in good condition. price should drop a lil more since the sedan is getting discountinued in 6 months and the vert and coupe is out in 1.5yrs. be prepared to take a big hit in depreciation.

 

oh, and the flip side to that is that the e9x will be the last "proper" na engine built by bmw. i am maybe planning on getting one too as a daily driver because i really do like the e9x platform, but getting a pcar is more important now.

 

I've had mine for 3 years...no issues...BUT..why not ask an M6 owner as they also have CF roofs and have been out since 05/06

 

Or M3 CSL owner?

 

Can anyone explain to me please why the CF roof is better? Does it really save any weight compared to the regular roof (without a sunroof)?
How much is a CF roof option in an M3, anyway?

 

It saves weight, but I doubt it's noticeable, even on a track. It's a marketing trick for me, but looks good and shaves a few lbs, so why not?
It's a no-cost option on the M3. It's the default roof option. The actual option is the standard steel/aluminum roof with a moonroof.

 

it also lowers the center of gravity on the car. by how much, thats up for debate. i also think its a marketing ploy fwiw.

also, cf is brittle. ive heard someone say that they wouldnt want to be in a m3 with a cf roof if the car flipped over.

 

I doubt that. It's brittle, yes, but BMW already thought of that. Also, there have been crashed M3s and no one was killed by the roof.
Also, if it's a bad for safety they wouldn't have used it in the M3 in the first place, as they have some experience with the M3 CSL, then the M6. The M3 is the last to use the CF roof.

 

Good point!

 

i've never heard anyone having any problems with the cf roof..but from a practical standpoint the roof choice is a cosmetic/functional one. i prefer having a moonroof so would only consider cars built that way, but i have to admit that the carbon roof looks way cool, especially with certain colors like white/silver/grey.....