Strut Brace on Z4MC.

[nickw6666]

I know this is a subject that has had a few posts, but I'm hoping to get some latest views on products available and also whether this is a modification worth doing to a Z4MC as opposed to a Z4MR.

So does adding a strut brace add any noticeable difference to a Z4MC? The coupe of course has almost double the rigidity of the roadster, so does a strut brace still help? Is the brace helping reduce movement/flex of the suspension turrets independent of how stiff the body shell is? I've read that adding a brace can help in hard cornering and also maybe help with suspension control over very bumpy roads.

Next question relates to product. I've read that there is a BMW Z4M BMW Genuine Part strut brace but it appears that this may have been discontinued.

Can anyone advise if this is the case and if there are any alternatives that are UK manufactured? I know Turnersport do a good one but they are based in US.

I'd rather though fit a genuine BMW one though if its worth doing as my car is still under BMW warranty and all work is still carried out by BMW Main Dealer.

Many thanks...

 

[pHilli0]

I found it made a difference yes not masive but yes as part of overall mods and enhancements. The bonnet is soooo long it benefits from additional stiffening.

 

[Argenta]

I have the M3 CSL one, had to be slightly tweaked to fit perfectly.

It's bound to stiffen by definition, as it stretches between 2 mounting points - otherwise divided by air.
Seen from an engineer perspective strictly!

However, the bodyshell is so stiff I personally did not feel any difference.

I'm satisfied it LOOKS good & knowing it actually does something.

 

[Truth]

Got the same as srhutch a chrome csl one. No modification necessary just need to remove the locator pins off the top of the struts. As others have said can't feel any real difference, maybe a little when giving it some stick in the corners, but it looks nice! Had to buy some extra caps off eBay for the bar as it only came with 6. Keep an eye on eBay for one. That's where I got mine.

 

[nickw6666]

Thanks for the feedback so far.

It sounds as if the modification is worth doing, provided it's not too expensive in relation to the level of gain you get.

Something else did occur to me though. Although the Z4MC is very stiff, over time the rigidity will likely reduce slightly through constant forces flexing and wear and tear so some extra stiffening might just help the structure of the chassis remain constant over the longer term.

I'm thinking I will fit one to help with the rigidity even if the handling benefit is relatively small.

 

[Truth]

http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-E46-M3-2005-STRUT-BAR-BRACE-SHOCK-MOUNT-BRACKET-5171789525001-5171789524901-/132212164603?hash=item1ec87587fb%3Ag%3AHI0AAOSwEzxYdmP2&_trkparms=pageci%253Abd6ee40f-8bfc-11e7-9a01-74dbd1807a9f%257Cparentrq%253A293ba54c15e0aa4910e8fb87fffaf9ba%257Ciid%253A7

One you want though I got mine for £120 so seems expensive but I can't find any other genuine ones. So guess that's the price

 

[srhutch]

Got the same as srhutch a chrome csl one. No modification necessary just need to remove the locator pins off the top of the struts. As others have said can't feel any real difference, maybe a little when giving it some stick in the corners, but it looks nice! Had to buy some extra caps off eBay for the bar as it only came with 6. Keep an eye on eBay for one. That's where I got mine.

First one I've seen the same as mine, they must be quite rare.

 

[srhutch]

http://m.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-E46-M3-2005-STRUT-BAR-BRACE-SHOCK-MOUNT-BRACKET-5171789525001-5171789524901-/132212164603?hash=item1ec87587fb%3Ag%3AHI0AAOSwEzxYdmP2&_trkparms=pageci%253Abd6ee40f-8bfc-11e7-9a01-74dbd1807a9f%257Cparentrq%253A293ba54c15e0aa4910e8fb87fffaf9ba%257Ciid%253A7

One you want though I got mine for £120 so seems expensive but I can't find any other genuine ones. So guess that's the price

And no strut nuts supplied, so more expensive.

 

[Argenta]

Build thread:

http://rejsa.nu/forum/viewtopic.php?t=98143&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=126

Some mods you can do to the mounts, up to you of course but they are alloy so very easy to work on.
One of them (don't remember which side) do not sit fully flat against the strut tower either, so it's worth pulling out the old grinder..

 

[dgm]

It's ten years since I fitted a genuine BMW strutbrace and I can still remember it tightening up the front end and making the car noticeably tidier going into fast bends. I disagree with the perspective that it's largely a waste of time or cosmetic only.

 

[Steve84N]

It's ten years since I fitted a genuine BMW strutbrace and I can still remember it tightening up the front end and making the car noticeably tidier going into fast bends. I disagree with the perspective that it's largely a waste of time or cosmetic only.

+1

Some folk don't drive hard enough or don't feel nuances but it is a tangible improvement. I have a Weichers brace.

 

[nickw6666]

Really useful experience feedback.

It certainly seems that if you are pushing the car hard in cornering, which many of us do with a car like the Z4M, then the brace adds some stability.

Definitely going to try and fit one but I'm keen to try and find a genuine BMW one, even if there are really good alternatives out here.

 

[Steve84N]

You can feel it in normal driving too, less pull on ruts etc, but it is most apparent mid corner digging in hard.

 

[Fishy Dave]

It's bound to stiffen by definition, as it stretches between 2 mounting points - otherwise divided by air.
Seen from an engineer perspective strictly!

However, the bodyshell is so stiff I personally did not feel any difference.

I'm satisfied it LOOKS good & knowing it actually does something.

I agree, no noticeable difference on my Z4MR and I don't think anyone can accuse me of not driving hard enough or being unaware of feel or nuance.

 

[Steve84N]

Ironically it may work better on a coupe as you're still getting more flex elsewhere on a roadster so it could be less noticeable.