Rollover Package - a must???

[Pirate40]

I am looking at buying a 1997 or 1998 328i convertible. I can get a really good deal on a 1997 but it does not have the rollover package. Any thoughts on whether this is a must?

I could pay 7K more for a 1998 with lower miles (59K miles) and a roll package.

I am comfortable buying the 1997 with (126k miles) from a mechanical point. I have had the car checked out and it is in sound running condition with all maintenance records. I can get it for 11k. The only thing holding me back is that it doesn't have the roll package.

On one hand rolling a 328i is not any easy thing to do unless I am looking at I high speed off road incident. I am not an insane driver, so I don't plan on off road adventures. I know plenty of people who have driven verts for years without a rollover package and no incidents.

Any thoughts on whether or not I should hold out for the roll package.

 

[Bryan330i]

What is a rollover package?

I know the newer BMW’s verts are like tanks and I think the headrests are designed to support the entire weight of the car. They have a lot of extra support.

 

[Pirate40]

The rollover package is comprised of two bars that are behind the rear headrest. They shoot out when the sensors sense a rollover. Standard after 1998. Optional before then. If you look behind the headrest there will be a plastic cover over the roll bars.

 

[MyHarley]

The newer ones have roll over protection that shoots out of the back seat head rests if the car senses a roll in the same time frame as an air bag.

 

[Bryan330i]

Okay, I had the basic idea. I sure would want this on mine if I had a vert, but then again, look at how many other brands are around that have no added protection. I am sure even without this you are a whole lot better off in a BMW vert than many others like Mustang and so on.