Some time ago I saw a show that mentioned cars rolling over ect. There was mention of one of the mercedies convertible that had a roll bar that will raise on sensors detection of a possible roll. Does anyone have any info on this.
Dale

my pal had a BMW 330ci, this had the pop up roll bars which he had the joy of seeing in action.

basically as you say, detect a potential roll and go BANG up to the roof. he found out on a country lane, over a bump too fast (nowhere near a roll mind you) and they went off. cant remember what he did to reset them though, either a quick fiddle or down to the dealer.

I just thought that this could be a way of keeping the rollbar looking good but still make it go high enough if the need is there to keep you head in the general shape it was in.
Dale

impressive how they make them so strong when they move and must have limited bracing. on the bimmer they follow the line of the seat back, raise about 8 inches i think.

surely that sort of system would have a major weight penalty. Not so bad when your car's powered by some huge v8, plus I wonder what the SVA would say about a home made pop up roll bar.

I always wonder what would happen if someone was in the way of one of the pop up roll bars - presumably they have enough power to eject you if you are sat on them at the wrong moment

The following link will tells about cautions for rescuers in case of an accident on these types of cars.
http://www.extrication.com/rops.htm

I think it could be done by having a low height roll bar that looks good being inset to a sleeve that woud mounted securly. At its lower point it would be bottomed out and solid and compressed air could fill the sleve to rais the bar up to a level that would offer more protection. Could possible do it for resonable weight 20-30 lbs--ok for a road car- If its strictly a track car then asthetics takes a lower priority than safety. I doubt an automatic one would ever pass inspection for a track anyway.
Dale