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BMW Strut Tower Brace

I think the SS bars look nice as well, although it's doubtful it's much stronger than the oem with all the holes in it...

I think as long as you get something without a hinge in it, it'll be worth it.
 
Anyone know if a realignment is necessary after a strut bar installation?

And how much to tighten the bolts?
 
Gauss said:
Anyone know if a realignment is necessary after a strut bar installation?

And how much to tighten the bolts?

If you undo the strut nuts while the car is on the ground then the weight of the car will prevent the strut tops moving before you refit the nuts plus you there should be a dowel in the strut top to lock in the factory camber setting. If you were happy with the settings before fitting then there's no need to adjust anything however it's the perfect opportunity to dial in some neg camber! Torque for the front strut nuts are 35Nm but I'm not sure about the rears. Sorry.
 
FWIW the instructions that come with the DINAN brace instruct you to fit the brace with the car on flat, level ground and to tighten the supplied nuts to 18 ft-lbs
 
Finally got my OEM brace fitted-glorious afternoon and I had time to finish... I'm hoping it doesn't rub on the air intake as it sits *right* on it. It's going to be a bit of a PITA, though, as I'll have to remove the cross piece before I get my oil changed. Good thing it's only once a year! :D

Before:
DSCN0318.jpg


another angle:
DSCN0320.jpg


possible rub point:
DSCN0319.jpg


right bracket on:
DSCN0321.jpg


left bracket on:
DSCN0322.jpg


cross piece on:
DSCN0323.jpg


cross piece tight against the air intake:
DSCN0325.jpg


I'm hoping that doesn't rub. Shouldn't if it doesn't move, right? Sorry for the dust, but we're steady into pollen season, :cry: .
 
Funny - It's a better application on the M? Looks good - hope you don't need oil :rofl: BTW - Put the black nut caps on...
 
Caddyshk said:
Funny - It's a better application on the M? Looks good - hope you don't need oil :rofl: BTW - Put the black nut caps on...

I have them. This was a used brace so should they still fit tightly enough? Don't want anything flying around in there...
 
Rick Hunter said:
Might want to put a bit of glue to keep them in place. Otherwise they WILL fly off eventually.

suggestions on type of glue? Just a dab of Elmer's? Remember, I have to take off the cross brace to change oil.


First impressions are positive. Maybe I'm searching for effect, but the car seems more "up on her toes" and not quite a flat footed-might also have to do with tightening the factory firewall-to-tower brace (was tight by firewall, but at the towers, one needed a good quarter turn to hit 25 ft.lbs). Also seems that I get better feedback through the steering wheel. Bumps seem to hit more mid-car than all up front. We'll see tonight when I drive a road that has *always* tramlined (even in my 325).
 
To be honest, I never put mine on (I spoke with other owners who also said they had lost a few of the rubber pieces while driving). I like the look of all silver vs. silver with lil' black caps. Sorry... I don't have any suggestions.
 
Rick Hunter said:
Not yet. But here it is: NO SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCE noted on a Coupé for day to day driving. The bling factor got the best of me this time. :( --- :)

Bling factor got me too
Strong%20Strut2.JPG


 
Smokin said:
Rick Hunter said:
Might want to put a bit of glue to keep them in place. Otherwise they WILL fly off eventually.

suggestions on type of glue? Just a dab of Elmer's? Remember, I have to take off the cross brace to change oil.

Just put a dab of clear silicon on top of the nuts before fitting the caps. :thumbsup:
 
Breaker said:
Smokin said:
Rick Hunter said:
Might want to put a bit of glue to keep them in place. Otherwise they WILL fly off eventually.

suggestions on type of glue? Just a dab of Elmer's? Remember, I have to take off the cross brace to change oil.

Just put a dab of clear silicon on top of the nuts before fitting the caps. :thumbsup:

Duh, why didn't I think of that. Good old rubber cement had passed my mind, but not the modern equivalent... :headbang: :lol:
 
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