[Raymo]

Hi chaps, been looking at getting an M3 style bonnet as I find the standard e90 bonnet a bit drab and its a big flat space so I thought the power dome of the M3 style breaks that up nicely, so my question is does anyone have any experience with a carbon fibre bonnet (ie) do they fit well, are they well made and are they sturdy, Ive looked at many adverts for places selling them and the prices seem all over the place. many thanks

http://mstyle-px.rtrk.co.uk/acatalog/info_B06CF001.html

http://www.dcperformance.co.uk/cheap...s/tcb6071.html

http://www.aktivperformanceparts.co....549-769661.php

http://www.carnoisseurdirect.com/sei...bm-25163-p.asp

[Laney]

I have a friend with a carbon fiber bonnet on his E36 M3. Its to long so it bulges in the middle. It looks ridiculous and the company he bought it from won't do anything about it.

Its always a risk when buying carbon fibre panels due to fitment and quality issues.

Do you you have a pre LCI or an LCI? Maybe a facelift bonnet and bumper would be a better option??

[Chris100]

I would steer clear, a few smaller CF items can look well but a full bonnet would get a firm no from me.

[nicktyler]

I have no experience with BMW carbon bonnets specifically but I do have experience with a Seibon bonnets for 3 different cars and have found them to be perfect fit and finish every time! It is more expensive for a reason. Go with the last link if you want peace of mind that it will fit.

[Laney]

Would you be painting it to match the car or leaving it as it comes?

[Raymo]

Originally Posted by Laney

Do you you have a pre LCI or an LCI? Maybe a facelift bonnet and bumper would be a better option??

Thanks Laney, I have a pre LCI but the LCI bonnet does nothing for me visually.

Originally Posted by Chris100

I would steer clear, a few smaller CF items can look well but a full bonnet would get a firm no from me.

Originally Posted by nicktyler

I have no experience with BMW carbon bonnets specifically but I do have experience with a Seibon bonnets for 3 different cars and have found them to be perfect fit and finish every time! It is more expensive for a reason. Go with the last link if you want peace of mind that it will fit.

Thanks Guys

Originally Posted by Laney

Would you be painting it to match the car or leaving it as it comes?

Well my car is Sparkling Graphite so I would probably leave it as is, if the feedback comes in as a no go I will probably just get the Metal version of the bonnet but obviously I would have to get that sprayed, thanks again

[nicktyler]

Seriously... If your budget allows and you really want carbon go for a Seibon bonnet. You won't be dissapointed.

No. I am not on commission

[Raymo]

Originally Posted by nicktyler

Seriously... If your budget allows and you really want carbon go for a Seibon bonnet. You won't be dissapointed.

No. I am not on commission

Nick on the under side of the bonnets are they like double skinned for strength or do they have a skeleton type of thing going on. thanks btw

[nicktyler]

All the ones I have had have the skeleton thing going on. I think you would be looking at custom/mega bucks for a double skinned bonnet. It would be nice but how much time do you spend admiring the underside I suppose?

[Raymo]

Originally Posted by nicktyler

All the ones I have had have the skeleton thing going on. I think you would be looking at custom/mega bucks for a double skinned bonnet. It would be nice but how much time do you spend admiring the underside I suppose?

Oh right, not that I want a double skin affair, I was just curious how they get the rigidity of the bonnet, I know CF is thin so I'm picturing in my brain that it will rattle around or be a bit flimsy, is this the case?

[nicktyler]

If the fit is spot on and it has some rubber cushioning on it then you shouldn't have a problem. There is no reason for it to be more rattly than a OEM bonnet as long as it fits right. It is very thin but very strong and the skeleton gubbins makes it very ridgid. The bonets I have had have mouldings/skeleton bits round the edges to give it the same thickness as OEM where it makes contact with the rest of the car if you know what I mean?

If you did have a rattle that you noticed it would be easily fixed by applying some 2mm heatproof foam tape in the offending area. I have done this with exhausts before but never had to do it with a bonnet.

You know the other option would be to wrap it in carbon effect vinyl (although a bit of a cheap boy racer option)

[Raymo]

Thanks for the info Nick, much appreciated :-)

[ZURICH]

[quote=Raymo;11229191]Hi chaps, been looking at getting an M3 style bonnet as I find the standard e90 bonnet a bit drab and its a big flat space so I thought the power dome of the M3 style breaks that up nicely, so my question is does anyone have any experience with a carbon fibre bonnet (ie) do they fit well, are they well made and are they sturdy, Ive looked at many adverts for places selling them and the prices seem all over the place. many thanks

Hi, have a look at these guys, carbon and steel with lots of styles, quality and excelent prices.
Kev.


http://www.schmiedmann.com/3_series/...e15.htm#paging

[Raymo]

[quote=ZURICH;11237626]

Originally Posted by Raymo

Hi chaps, been looking at getting an M3 style bonnet as I find the standard e90 bonnet a bit drab and its a big flat space so I thought the power dome of the M3 style breaks that up nicely, so my question is does anyone have any experience with a carbon fibre bonnet (ie) do they fit well, are they well made and are they sturdy, Ive looked at many adverts for places selling them and the prices seem all over the place. many thanks

Hi, have a look at these guys, carbon and steel with lots of styles, quality and excelent prices.
Kev.


http://www.schmiedmann.com/3_series/...e15.htm#paging

Thanks Kev, great site, Have you had anything from them? and whats the quality like?

[ZURICH]

[quote=Raymo;11239543]

Originally Posted by ZURICH

Thanks Kev, great site, Have you had anything from them? and whats the quality like?

Had a few bits and pieces, delivery times are allways accurate and quality of products is top rate, I would give them 10 / 10.

Kev