I already searched for a few E36 rollbars, but couldn't find the information I wanted.

I want to start tracking my car in ernest, and since I already have a pair of pretty good sports/race seats and a 4-pt harness (DOT aproved), for safety sake I'd like some sort of rollover protection.

My question is, which of the available E36 rollbars (bolt in, preferably) will work with the rear seats intact? I have to keep the rear seats in because I compete in STX, a class that does not allow their removal.

Also, about how heavy is a 4-pt rollbar? I've heard estimates anywhere from 30lbs to over 100lbs, so I want to see if its going to be worth the weight penalty. Anything under 50lbs will be pretty easilly offset (either with losing weight myself :D or maybe even a solid, non-split seat conversion).

Also, would a custom cage be the way to go in this instance? I'm sure there is a building in my area that could weld together a good one for me. I'm not looking for anything pretty or elegant, I just want some added protection in the event (heaven forbid) or a rollover.

Thanks!

Steve

Maybe 50# for a bolt in 4 point with harness bar and diagonal. Got one sitting in my living room that I may install Saturday if you want to check it out.


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Maybe 50# for a bolt in 4 point with harness bar and diagonal. Got one sitting in my living room that I may install Saturday if you want to check it out.


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50lbs aint bad at all... HMS's bar (just found it) weighs 65lbs... where abouts did you get it, if you din't mind me asking?

Bummer about the Sharks last night, eh? They aint out of it yet...

Steve

Have you tried I/O Port Steve? How much are you looking to spend? Theres a guy in milpitas that I stumbled across that seems to be extremely good, but im sure he charges an arm, a leg, and a newborn...

There's a Kirk Group buy going on right now for dirt cheap.

TC Kline bolt-in bars will work with only minor distortion of the side bolsters (They regain their shape if you take the rollbar out.) It weighed 60 lbs according to my notes. However I don't know if he's selling them anymore. They aren't listed in his online catalog. Wonder why, there was a waiting list a mile long for them.

hms motorsports have a nice one

Like vjlax said, there's a Kirk group buy going on at the moment.
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=205943&page=1&pp=25
I'm not 100% if they'll fit with the rear seats, but I can vouch for their quality.