Author Topic: how much does the e36 hood weigh? (Read 7998 times)

92BMW318is · « **on:** January 18, 2013, 09:24:24 PM »

Was wondering the weight of the hood but cant find any specifications.

Nelson_40 · « **Reply #1 on:** January 18, 2013, 10:52:01 PM »

39 to 42lbs if the internet is to be believed. Try searching E36 hood weight reduction for good results or read BF here.

keflaman · « **Reply #2 on:** January 19, 2013, 04:16:42 PM »

Depends...

The hood itself for the cabrio/coupe weighs 17.734 kg/39.097 lb; the sedan hood weighs 15.830kg/34.899 lb.

Many of the ancillary parts according to year and model (and even transmission) may have different weights.

If you are looking for the most definitive, accurate answer to your question enter your VIN number on BMWfans and look into the bodywork section and bring up "Engine hood/mounting parts".

Under the illustration, and in the next to last column on the right are the weights.

It's pretty interesting to compare.

-Cabrio http://bmwfans.info/parts/catalog/E36/Cabrio/USA/318i-M42/browse/bodywork/engine_hood_mounting_parts/
-Sedan http://bmwfans.info/parts/catalog/E36/Sedan/USA/318i-M42/browse/bodywork/engine_hood_mounting_parts/
-Coupe http://bmwfans.info/parts/catalog/E36/Coupe/USA/318is-M42/browse/bodywork/engine_hood_mounting_parts/

92BMW318is · « **Reply #3 on:** January 19, 2013, 07:36:18 PM »

Thanks guys I was thinking about getting a fiberglass hood. trying to find weight difference, and see if it amounted to much

bmwman91 · « **Reply #4 on:** January 19, 2013, 08:34:42 PM »

Be aware that fiberglass and composite body panels almost never fit quite right. It is extremely difficult to control warpage in large composite materials, at least when they are at a price point that appeals to anyone other than aerospace companies! A fberglass hood that weighs substantially less than the stock one is almost guaranteed to be warped since it has to be pretty darn thin. You may also find that you get a lot of alternator noise in your sound system since fiberglass does not function as an EMI shield shield like the steel hood does.

Nelson_40 · « **Reply #5 on:** January 19, 2013, 09:41:27 PM »

Quote from: bmwman91;119402

Be aware that fiberglass and composite body panels almost never fit quite right. It is extremely difficult to control warpage in large composite materials, at least when they are at a price point that appeals to anyone other than aerospace companies! A fiberglass hood that weighs substantially less than the stock one is almost guaranteed to be warped since it has to be pretty darn thin. You may also find that you get a lot of alternator noise in your sound system since fiberglass does not function as an EMI shield shield like the steel hood does.

I second all of this and add that there is no reason to replace it unless you are racing in an unrestricted class.

92BMW318is · « **Reply #6 on:** January 21, 2013, 07:44:01 AM »

If I do replace the hood it won't be till spring or summer. And it all depends on wether or not the airconditioner still works. If it doesnt I plan to take off hood front fenders and trunk and replace with fiber. And completly remove a\c unit. Maybe shave off 100lbs.