E46 Strut Reinforcement Plates

[kis]

I’ve seen a few e46 threads mention reinforcement plates for the front strut tower to help combat mushrooming. I’ve not actually experienced this issue myself but thought for like 10 quid a side it’s worth doing. Particularly since our lovely UK roads are completely pot hole free!

I think I’ve read that the plates won’t be a direct fit and so could need some modifying but happy to do that so long as it’s only minor and isn’t voiding the plates structural integrity making the plate a useless venture.

Has anyone used the plates? Something better? Offer any insight?

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Thanks in advance, Kis

 

[Thrustyjust]

I havent seen many threads on cars our age needing them , as have researched a bit. Seemed to be early 3 series , unless that was just the threads I read. When I change the springs, the struts obviously come out, which is why I was looking. Not much help I know, but they will raise the ride height a fraction , which isnt an issue with coilovers, as that can be adjusted. I would have thought that with coilovers being more stressing on the towers , maybe a good idea , but standard struts with standard damping maybe a little overkill.

 

[Thrustyjust]

Oh and another thing, if you want a strut brace , the bolts might be too short for the cap and strut being fitted.

 

[Sgr74]

I used e46 plates. It’s just another hole that needs drilled for the pin.

 

[Spaniarduk]

I used e46 plates. It’s just another hole that needs drilled for the pin.

If that's the case the answer would be as simple as removing the pins, which in turn allows for the top of the struts to be pushed that little bit further inboard, which sensibly reduce the inherent understeer in the Z4. Win - win.

 

[Darkangelv2]

I’ve used these. They’re cheap and extra security if you fit a strut brace and stiffened suspension.

As mentioned, just remove the additional pin and job’s a good’un.

No point with standard suspension though.

 

[TomK]

Has anyone used the plates? Something better? Offer any insight?

I use them, they fit fine, but really are only necessary for solid top mounts used on more track focussed suspension (intrax 1k2, KW Clubsport etc) as the surface area of the top mount is far smaller.

 

[LittleZ4]

I've used these as well with no issues. Pin removed. I've not tried fitting a strut brace yet though so couldn't comment on the bolts being to short.

 

[kis]

Cheers guys. I’ve got some ST STX coilovers from the forum. So yeah I think I’ll get a set... since I’ll be there fitting the new ones anyway. Just makes sense. Thanks again for sharing, not sure about thread but hope I’ve enough for the reinforcement and the strut!