Strut brace

[Bodyboarder]

Hi all , I’m liking the look of the engine strut braces and have heard that the e46 m3 ones also fit? Are they a direct fit ?

Also what’s people’s thoughts on what a m3 one is worth 2nd hand and a z4m one ?

Thanks

[srhutch]

M3 are direct fit, I have one.

Just need to remove the top off or remove completely the camber pins on each strut.

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[Bodyboarder]

Thanks

Can up take the tops off the camber pins insitu?

Also what are they worth 2nd hand ?

[srhutch]

Yep, I just used a Drexel with a cutting disk.

Depends on the brace. STD M3 from around £100. Think I paid £180/200 for my blinged up one.

[Bodyboarder]

What’s blinged about it? Caps and bolt covers ?

Been offered a m3 one for £140 ... seems high then if it doesn’t come with caps ect

[srhutch]

Caps, covers, but mainly because it’s chromed, which is rare.

[Bodyboarder]

Ah I see

[wyshyvanuk]

Couple of questions about this application:
1. I had read another string of posts which claimed that the angles of the brace end caps didn't quite match the corresponding angles of the tops of the strut tower. Any comments?
2. It would seem that the tower to tower brace will reduce the force on the tower to firewall braces, and result in fewer cracked strut tower brackets. Does anyone not agree with that view?
Thanks for your comments!!!

[RedUn]

Mine seemed to fit fine, there was no gaps that I remember?

And that does make sense about the cracked strut tower brackets, although I imagine, they crack because people drive with the bolts less than fully torqued...

[wyshyvanuk]

Thanks, srhutch and RedUn!! I'll try for the unobtainable OEM brace for a bit, then search for the E46 M3 variety. You've set my mind at ease, and I do like the look of those ///M embossed caps.

[Lynchy]

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Here's another ///M3 one, fitted straight on. Just have to source the caps .

[Argenta]

I got the e46 M3 for 1. The OEM look and 2. Availability.

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My M3 brace is quite close to the engine, after 1st summer there was tiny marks in the matt black finish where the engine had hit the brace. So I drilled out about 25mm holes where these marks were. Doesn’t seem to touch since.

[wyshyvanuk]

So, Argenta, the brace was contacting that silver colored Air Line that runs along side the Fuel Line? Can you give me more details about the holes that were drilled? Were they drilled into the brace?
I'm also wondering if even more interference would be generated if the engine mounts were ever replaced.
Lynchy, no interference issues with yours then?
Thanks, both of you, for your help!!

[Bodyboarder]

Would a 1mm washer do the trick under the suspension nuts ?

[Argenta]

It was mainly that chrome top nut that seemed to touch, possibly the fuel rail too yes, thats the 2nd hole.

Yeah a washer under the 4 nuts would help too. (The 6 strut tower bolts are really too short to accomodate washers)