Probably asked before, any suggestions for a decent 2 point strut brace?

ryushe

ryushe

Member
 Rotterdam
As per title. I've searched around, and can find a few old threads talking about the benefits (or lack of) of an additional strut brace/bar. Searched the web as well and all I can really find is the Ultra Racing 3 point strut brace. I've become interested as I found one of the tower <---> center sway bars had a loose bolt earlier today, which after tightening (and checking and retightening the other bolts) really made a difference in my mind. So now I'm curious if even further stiffening would make a difference. Engine is an N52 for reference, seems to make some difference in available braces.
So, question time.
  • Is a 2 or 3 point strut brace worth it?
  • If so, 2 or 3 point?
  • And any suggestions for a decent one?
  • Or am I just being daft?
 
For what use? Road? Absolutely f-all.. track? Most probably F-all, but will inspire your butt to go a bit harder in your brain, but probably does absolutely f-all. Does look cool though, so depending on what your after.. we’re all daft mate, that’s why we love the z4 :D
 
Hi, my name is ryushe, and I'm a ... er ... 'spirited' I believe is the word, road driver. With a little track time sprinkled in :rofl:

But I guess you answered the questions so far, so thanks, and unless anyone else has other views, you might be spot on as far as the looks department. So yeah, in that case, which one? :D
 
I can suggest two more to look at (no personal affiliation):

1) https://cosmoracing.com/en/bmw-e85-...m-strut-tower-brace-front-strut-tower-bar-bmw

That has pretty clean looks and doesn't interfere with the oil filler on N52 but I have Koni adjustable struts on the front and this does not give access to the "top mount" to make adjustments. Product is made in Canada, which is nice to see and support if possible.

2) https://www.racdyn-usa.com/PROD/196+99+85+011.html

This is the one I sourced for myself, but yet to install it (other work items pending). I don't like the blue logo but it's apparently just a decal (which I plan to remove with some solvent) and I don't like the silver color against the black engine bay, so I'll re-paint it with a matte black before installing.

It's designed for N52 so it doesn't interfere with the oil filler and it does give me access to the top mount should I want to adjust the Koni so it meets my needs.

Given what it is, I think it's reasonably priced.

3) Strong Strut is also out there but their cross-brace is designed for S54 so it DOES interfere with the oil filler. I think it's a bit overpriced for what it is, availability is spotty.

I spent a lot of time looking into whether or not the strut brace in #1 and #2 are inferior to a "solid" piece (like Strong Strut) and there are some good write-ups out there that show the type of pivot the #1 / #2 use are fine because brace is trying to control body "twist" not limit lateral / side-to-side movement.

I also tried to find out if a 2-point vs. 3-point is an issue from a strength / rigidity and I don't think it does matter was my conclusion, as long as you HAVE mounts in across and to the firewall and they are properly tighetend.
 
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The other ones @r3vmatch mentioned seem US only. The Wiechers one looks pretty good and available . Only available via eBay though it seems. Did it make an actual difference? Or is it mostly a looks thing? :)
 
Wiechers has gone bust few years ago. Now the prices are more than x2 what they used to be when they were in business.
 
Don’t know if the OEM e46 M3 fits the non-S54 engjned cars, but there’s one for sale on M3Cutters
forums.m3cutters.co.uk

[E46] - OEM Strut Bar

Comes with all the fixings and is in good condition. Picture attached shows it fitted to my car. £150 collected, I'm in Bucks.
forums.m3cutters.co.uk forums.m3cutters.co.uk
 
I went with the Racing Dynamics unit.
This short video helps to explain why McPherson strut front ends really benefit from a strut brace, (much more so than the better double a-arm front susp.).

 

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