Is the front reinforcement bumper really important?

[davidau]

Is the front reinforcement bumper a Raodworthy item or it can be removed?
how many people here have them removed?
Its the black reinforcement bar behind your plastic front bumper.

[Jeo]

Assuming you mean the part under the piece of foam in the picture?


I'd guess so in that it wouldn't have been put there for no reason, but don't really have anything more than that.

[Entice]

Umm, I would imagine that it would be an ADR requirement.

I think in the case of a serious collision significant questions may be raised...

[gslender]

serious collision

...and one resulting in the death of somebody could potentially raise questions relating to criminal negligence as manslaughter - ie you did something stupid that resulted in the contribution to someones death.

"The prosecution must satisfy the jury that the negligence or incompetence of the defendant went beyond a mere matter of compensation and showed such a disregard for the life and safety of others as to amount to a crime against the State and conduct deserving punishment": Bateman (1925) 19 Cr.App.R. 8 at 13

[mx5racing]

The beam is there to spead the impact load to the front panel and then chassis rails. On the NB models which was the 1st to have an airbag then it forms part of the whole structure and could be considered an intrinsic component.
In Australia until the introduction of ADR69 (Jan 01/96 for all new models) there was no front end accident test that would require the reo to conform however from then on it was needed. There are strict rules for any ADR69 affected vehicle with regard to modifications and any replacement bumper, airdam, radiator, etc could/may affect the way the OEM components do their job in an accident.
Would it be a roadworthy thing..... IMHO on a NB onwards, yes but the examiner would have to be aware of it and this could be unlikely unless they are an MX5 expert.
Im not sure what purpose not having the beam in there would solve?? Having had a few hits on the track I can assure you more damage is done without it than with it.......

[NitroDann]

My car doesnt have it.

Saved 6 kilos easy as pie...

Dann

[noobee]

your car is designed to progressively collapse in a serious prang.this is the first part for a front ender, this doesnt just spread the load a little.but collapses at a controlled rate(air out of the little holes) trying to decelerate you at a rate that may just keep you alive.Dan,you should put it back in,or,never prang.
Mick

Ps.I met you outside the hamilton tender center a while ago and you showed me and missus around your car.

[NitroDann]

Oh hey gday mate. Its pretty well doesnt come out on the street anymore. I know what its for, and its in now. But its not and nor is the spare, or the baby teeth, or the passenger seat etc at the track. it only take like ten minutes to remove each ends bumper support.

Dann

[noobee]

yeah,i gathered you like your car light.thought i'd put my 2cents in,just bored,sitting here at work making railway wheels til 7 am.

Mick

[NitroDann]

well youve seen how much I dont run in it daily,

No carpet, power steering, radio, fan, heater, spare tyre, inner guards, door glass etc etc. Its how i roll. Weight is performances enemy.

Dann

[lightyear]

I wouldn't worry too much about weight.

I removed mine too, not because it was heavy, just because i like to live dangerously.

[davidau]

Have put this back in and seems that the bodykit require some modification for this to be put back on. I think little protection is better than no protection.

[Boyracer]

I always keep this in my race cars cause you can give someone a pretty hard whack without damaging your car...the other car usually comes off much worse, espescialy Lotus'ssss, and the odd Porsche.

[tbro]

I always keep this in my race cars cause you can give someone a pretty hard whack without damaging your car...the other car usually comes off much worse, espescialy Lotus'ssss, and the odd Porsche.

Been watching Boags have we????

Terry