THE LARGEST BMW 2-SERIES FORUM ON THE PLANET
2Addicts
2Addicts
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
2Addicts | BMW 2-Series forum Technical Topics Tracking / Autocrossing Harness Bar and seats

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      10-04-2016, 03:34 PM   #1
bryan_G01
Lieutenant Colonel
bryan_G01's Avatar
1165
Rep
1,931
Posts

Drives: like i stole it...
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: NY

iTrader: (0)

Harness Bar and seats

Anyone install a harness bar yet?

It looks to be a 49 or 50", but was wondering if anyone installed one and knows exactly.

Cant get an exact measurement because of the way the seatbelt clip is molded.
I wonder how much of a challenge this is going to cause.


Also, anyone know what the max size for racing seats are to fit?

Thanks!
__________________
www.nybmwcca.org
Current Cars:
1995 M3 Coupe Manual Alpine White
1997 M3 Sedan Auto Cosmo Black Metallic
2018 x3 m40 Auto Grey Metallic
Appreciate 0
      11-03-2016, 03:39 PM   #2
Anthony235
Lieutenant Colonel
Anthony235's Avatar
United_States
715
Rep
1,541
Posts

Drives: m235i
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: OC, Ca

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
2015 BMW  [0.00]
Almost every stand alone harness bar I've seen for various cars is just for looks. I would be very careful using one unless it's absolutely designed for function and not form.

The only "harness bars" that are legit will be ones integrated into a 4 point cage or something that is so close to what a 4 point cage is that you might as well get an actual 4 point cage.

Edit: I've used these before: https://www.schrothracing.com/products/tuning

Here is a Sparco bar...

Last edited by Anthony235; 11-03-2016 at 03:49 PM..
Appreciate 0
      11-04-2016, 11:04 AM   #3
i8ur911
First Lieutenant
125
Rep
356
Posts

Drives: F22 228i MSport
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: NH

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Anthony235 View Post
Almost every stand alone harness bar I've seen for various cars is just for looks. I would be very careful using one unless it's absolutely designed for function and not form.

The only "harness bars" that are legit will be ones integrated into a 4 point cage or something that is so close to what a 4 point cage is that you might as well get an actual 4 point cage.

Edit: I've used these before: https://www.schrothracing.com/products/tuning

Here is a Sparco bar...
VERY much agree with this. Unfortunately if you want harnesses, you either wait until Schroth approves quick fit harnesses for the F22 chassis, install quick fit harnesses w/o manufacturers "approval" or you install a proper 4 point roll bar.
Appreciate 0
      11-04-2016, 03:05 PM   #4
Pparana
Captain
463
Rep
957
Posts

Drives: 2015 m235i
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Jacksonville Fl

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by i8ur911 View Post
VERY much agree with this. Unfortunately if you want harnesses, you either wait until Schroth approves quick fit harnesses for the F22 chassis, install quick fit harnesses w/o manufacturers "approval" or you install a proper 4 point roll bar.

I use quick fit, yes not manufacturing approved, basically it's stitching, stitching is designed to fail if seat folds, so you don't get decapitated.

While a harness and race seat would be safer on track, not so much on street, unless your rocking a helmet full time.

If I am on the track and the roof is collapsing, given the strength of the roof in rollover testing I'm probably leaving in a helicopter or a van. I.e. More risk for me on the street.
Appreciate 0
      11-07-2016, 09:59 AM   #5
Anthony235
Lieutenant Colonel
Anthony235's Avatar
United_States
715
Rep
1,541
Posts

Drives: m235i
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: OC, Ca

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
2015 BMW  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Pparana View Post
I use quick fit, yes not manufacturing approved, basically it's stitching, stitching is designed to fail if seat folds, so you don't get decapitated.

While a harness and race seat would be safer on track, not so much on street, unless your rocking a helmet full time.

If I am on the track and the roof is collapsing, given the strength of the roof in rollover testing I'm probably leaving in a helicopter or a van. I.e. More risk for me on the street.
Always a big debate on this in the various forums. Personally I think a 4 point cage is fine with stock harnesses/seats.

I might go with a 4 point and harnesses in the future.
Appreciate 0
      11-07-2016, 11:57 AM   #6
Maynard
Colonel
United_States
3805
Rep
2,860
Posts

Drives: 228iX & M2C
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Upstate NY

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Pparana View Post
I use quick fit, yes not manufacturing approved, basically it's stitching, stitching is designed to fail if seat folds, so you don't get decapitated.
Do you mean that the manufacturer-approved part is the special breakaway stitching to accommodate possible seat failure? and if so, what part?

And wouldn't they be better if routed outside the supports for the headrest, so as to keep neck clearance?
Appreciate 0
      11-07-2016, 06:52 PM   #7
bryan_G01
Lieutenant Colonel
bryan_G01's Avatar
1165
Rep
1,931
Posts

Drives: like i stole it...
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: NY

iTrader: (0)

I've decided to just keep car as is and purchase a Spec e30 for 7-8k already race prepped.

See you in Nasa!
__________________
www.nybmwcca.org
Current Cars:
1995 M3 Coupe Manual Alpine White
1997 M3 Sedan Auto Cosmo Black Metallic
2018 x3 m40 Auto Grey Metallic
Appreciate 0
      11-08-2016, 03:25 PM   #8
Pparana
Captain
463
Rep
957
Posts

Drives: 2015 m235i
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Jacksonville Fl

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by bryan_f22 View Post
I've decided to just keep car as is and purchase a Spec e30 for 7-8k already race prepped.

See you in Nasa!
much better choice, I campaigned those years ago, a lot of fun!
Appreciate 1
bryan_G011164.50
      11-22-2016, 07:53 PM   #9
DVC
Diligentia Vis Celeritas
DVC's Avatar
United_States
558
Rep
1,477
Posts

Drives: 335i
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Northern NJ

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by i8ur911 View Post
Unfortunately if you want harnesses, you either wait until Schroth approves quick fit harnesses for the F22 chassis, install quick fit harnesses w/o manufacturers "approval" or you install a proper 4 point roll bar.
Brey-Krause makes a great harness mount system that is easy in/out, so it can be quickly installed for track days, and removed when it's time to get back to reality and make use of the rear seats again. (Here's a link to the one they sell for the e92.)

I have been working with them to develop a version for the F30 (which should fit in the F80 too), and I imagine they'd be interested in designing one for the 2 series as well, since it would serve double duty with the M2.

They're also working on race seat mount adapters that use the factory floor mounts...the mounts should be fairly accommodating to various seats, but the specific seat they're using for the design is the Recaro Profi XL (which just happens to be the seat I'm interested in).
__________________
Ahead of the curve for specF30
Appreciate 0
      11-23-2016, 03:30 PM   #10
bryan_G01
Lieutenant Colonel
bryan_G01's Avatar
1165
Rep
1,931
Posts

Drives: like i stole it...
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: NY

iTrader: (0)

Have you made sure the seats fit in the 235?

We dont have alot of room to work with.

I emailed those folks a year ago about a harness bar for 2 series, no answer.

IND has a bolt in full cage available for around 6k.
__________________
www.nybmwcca.org
Current Cars:
1995 M3 Coupe Manual Alpine White
1997 M3 Sedan Auto Cosmo Black Metallic
2018 x3 m40 Auto Grey Metallic
Appreciate 0
      11-23-2016, 06:01 PM   #11
DVC
Diligentia Vis Celeritas
DVC's Avatar
United_States
558
Rep
1,477
Posts

Drives: 335i
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Northern NJ

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by bryan_f22 View Post
Have you made sure the seats fit in the 235?

We dont have alot of room to work with.

I emailed those folks a year ago about a harness bar for 2 series, no answer.

IND has a bolt in full cage available for around 6k.
I haven't looked into 235 seat fitment at all, but I expect the Recaro Profi XL would fit fine (don't let the "XL" scare you - it's not much bigger than standard, and Recaro seats generally run a bit on the small side). At any rate, as I understand it, their mounts will work with most race seats.

I have never tried emailing them; the company has various industrial manufacturing operations, so it might be better to just call and ask for Ian, who is their dedicated auto engineer...(and he's a die hard BMW guy).

By the way, Ian also worked up a set of anodized aluminum spacers to make the M car tension struts fit our cars. Some guys are having these custom made to get the specs just right (or buying off the shelf spacers that are close, then doing a little fitting to make them work), so I suggested that B-K consider offering them as a drop in kit in their parts catalog...Not sure if they plan to do so, but they may do if people show interest.

I'm sure the IND cage is nice - but 6k is steep, and I imagine it's a pain in the neck to get in and out.
__________________
Ahead of the curve for specF30
Appreciate 0
      11-28-2016, 11:32 PM   #12
MilehighM3
Brigadier General
MilehighM3's Avatar
United_States
910
Rep
3,452
Posts

Drives: Harrop E90 M3
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Colorado Springs

iTrader: (14)

Garage List
2009 E90 M3  [6.50]
I'm in the same boat as a few others here. Need a nice bar or cage asap. I'm getting ready to remove the M Performance seats and quick fit 4 points and install some Profi SPG XL seats with 6 points. Local tracks will no longer allow the 4 points after the first of the year, even the Schroth Profi ASM and will require a HANS even on open lapping if you're using harnesses. I would've thought there'd be an option for something other than the cage from IND by now. May have to build my own if nothing comes out soon!
Appreciate 0
      11-29-2016, 12:54 PM   #13
bryan_G01
Lieutenant Colonel
bryan_G01's Avatar
1165
Rep
1,931
Posts

Drives: like i stole it...
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: NY

iTrader: (0)

IND has a full cage under the m2.

It should bolt right since its basically the same car. Heavy price tag tho.
__________________
www.nybmwcca.org
Current Cars:
1995 M3 Coupe Manual Alpine White
1997 M3 Sedan Auto Cosmo Black Metallic
2018 x3 m40 Auto Grey Metallic
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:11 PM.




2addicts
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST