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Just Installed M3 Strut Brace
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11-26-2012, 02:23 AM | #1 |
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Just Installed M3 Strut Brace
I just got back from my test drive. Install took about 2 hours, but you could do it in less time if you don't run into any problems. Basically the hardest part of the install is breaking down & replacing the cowl, so if you're proficient doing that it'll be a breeze. My car is bone stock. This upgrade is completely isolated. And my first impressions: ***GREAT*** upgrade. I was having a lot of wobble complements of a gigantic pot hole This strut brace fixed 90% of that wobble over uneven surfaces, resulting in a much more comfortable ride.
I bought this part for $225 and I wouldn't hesitate making the investment. If you're on the fence about it, and you have some wobble like I did, do it now. First upgrade Last edited by eloo; 11-26-2012 at 05:29 AM.. |
11-26-2012, 05:20 AM | #2 |
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Out of interest, did your car have no brace as standard, or is this an upgrade from the MSport brace?
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11-26-2012, 05:28 AM | #3 | |
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Here's the tutorial I used: http://billswebspace.com/335M3StrutB...stallation.htm |
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11-26-2012, 05:38 AM | #4 |
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strut braces has the biggest placebo effect on their owners lol, they are merely a conversation piece at a car meat with their hoods popped. The titanium braces kicks the most ass tho.
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11-26-2012, 06:02 AM | #5 |
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I wasn't expecting any change after the install. In fact I was pretty much just bolting it on to make damper adjustments easier after Harold puts on my Ohlins R&T next month. BUT there is a difference. The effects from that pot hole (and the curb I hit that one time) are almost completely reversed. It's not going to 'transform' your handling, but if your chassis is loose as a result of impact then this is money well spent. Fair enough though...
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11-27-2012, 09:43 AM | #6 | |
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Quote:
I struggle to see how the slightly 'beefier' M3 brace will make any difference to an MSport spec car...
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E92 pre-LCI 325i - Ohlins R&T; H&R spacers; M3 strut brace; Swift thrust sheets; 3 x chassis braces; diff brace; N53 V-brace; 034 subframe inserts; BMS clutch stop; BMS CDV; RE g/box mounts; Delrin shift bushes; Saikoumichi OCC; Cyba scoops; BMW Perf Exhaust; HEL s/steel brake hoses; M3 rear spoiler; Recaro Sportster CSs; M3 white dash LEDs; LED Angels; LED side repeaters; BMW Perf black grille; CSL reps; SSDD carbon diffuser; Monster Wrap black roof/clear front
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11-27-2012, 10:40 AM | #8 |
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where did you get it for $225? i really wanted to get this too so i can adjust my coils quicker
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11-27-2012, 12:56 PM | #9 |
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I upgraded to the m3 strut brace for one reason. My coilovers were pressed up against the stock strut braces. The M3 bar with its open design solved this issue and the noise that the stock ones were causing. Worth the money in my case.
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11-27-2012, 01:05 PM | #10 | |
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I agree. My results are based on the abuse my car has seen. A lot of folks hit pot holes though |
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11-27-2012, 01:11 PM | #11 |
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Benefits of the M3 strut brace:
* Easy access to strut tower. This becomes VERY important if you have adjustable suspension * Improved steering response during mid-corner adjustments. If it is installed correctly and torqued correctly, you will feel the difference mostly during mid-corner steering adjustments. The car does not "wait" to change direction. It responds immediately to minor steering corrections. Other than that, there is no difference during normal day-to-day driving.
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11-27-2012, 01:17 PM | #12 |
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I got it from my local dealer. I can't find the price I matched (this was collecting dust in my garage for at least 6 months) but just go in with the lowest online price you can find and if they're cool they'll match.
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11-27-2012, 02:52 PM | #13 |
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You have a good dealer. PerilloBMW in downtown Chicago will rape your wallet, you and your relatives 3 generations back when you go buy parts. God forbid you leave your car for service.
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11-27-2012, 06:38 PM | #14 | |
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+1
I bought it for the first bullet point. Sigh. I agree with the second bullet point too. I'm turning just that much faster, psychologically. Quote:
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11-27-2012, 07:38 PM | #15 |
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So how do they relate to coilovers? I'm thinking of getting one now.
How about some pics too? |
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11-27-2012, 07:56 PM | #16 | |
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It's not very high impact visually cuz of the cowl covers most of it. Here's some photos on alpina's full review: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=590096 Last edited by eloo; 11-27-2012 at 08:04 PM.. |
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11-27-2012, 08:03 PM | #17 | |
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11-27-2012, 08:07 PM | #18 |
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11-28-2012, 07:09 PM | #19 | |
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Was your stock brace tightly set when you removed it? Strut mount bolts? |
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11-28-2012, 09:49 PM | #20 |
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Come to think of it the center bolt was looser than I expected. I think it only took 40-50NM to loosen... Is that to spec? I applied 100NM + 20 degrees (all I could muster basically) to the new one.
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12-04-2012, 08:59 AM | #21 |
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No, not with the v1s. They are talking about easier access to adjust the dampening. The v1s are height adjustable only
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12-05-2012, 06:27 PM | #22 |
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[QUOTE=eloo;13062707]Our factory strut brace spans over the center of the strut mount, so when you want to change your coilover settings you need to reach under it and afik the dial would be out of sight while you turn it. I don't think this upgrade is necessarily required, but it makes sense if you upgrade to adjustable coilover system.
[QUOTE] Or you can consider coilovers with knobs on the bottom end (such as Bilstein PSS 9/10) |
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