[Alpina_B3_Lux]

Originally Posted by mjollnir19

I just ordered the M3 Suspension kit from tisher and I had second thoughts about the M3 Strut Brace Kit. This is because I already have the Dinan CF Strut Tower Brace or whatever it's called. I really figured I wouldn't know the difference or whether it would even improve the handling.
After reading Alpina's review I assured that it would be a beneficial addition to my suspension set-up. Thanks Alpina!! (read your thread and wow GJ)

I'm glad my review could be of help to you!

Alpina_B3_Lux

[joegeeZe]

Alpina..quick question for you,

I have an 07 328i non sport base model. I have no suspension mods but swapped out the 16s and put on the 17s from an 09 335 (225/45 R17, style 284, square setup). Im def considering the M3 Strut Bar and was wondering if I will need anything else for the suspension upgrade being that I only have the base suspension.

Or is it simply a matter of bolting it on and start driving? I going to get it from ECS tuning. Here's the link:

http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E90-328...aign=postreply

Is this all I need? Also, the link you posted about installation on a 335, Im assuming this install would be the same on my 328 except I dont have to remove the stock strut bar because I dont have one, right? Great review btw!

[Alpina_B3_Lux]

Originally Posted by joegeeZe

Alpina..quick question for you,

I have an 07 328i non sport base model. I have no suspension mods but swapped out the 16s and put on the 17s from an 09 335 (225/45 R17, style 284, square setup). Im def considering the M3 Strut Bar and was wondering if I will need anything else for the suspension upgrade being that I only have the base suspension.

For this particular upgrade - i.e. strut bar - you would not need anything else. However, note that this is not the most noticeable upgrade for your suspension, if you compare it to other M3 bits or even a completely different suspension. Before installing the strut bar, I would consider other things but this is of course a personal choice.

Originally Posted by joegeeZe

Or is it simply a matter of bolting it on and start driving? I going to get it from ECS tuning. Here's the link:

http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E90-328...aign=postreply

Is this all I need? Also, the link you posted about installation on a 335, Im assuming this install would be the same on my 328 except I dont have to remove the stock strut bar because I dont have one, right? Great review btw!

IMO you will not need anything else. The setup between a 328 and 335 is identical as compared to the M3. Let us know how it works out and whether you notice a difference in driving!

Alpina_B3_Lux

[joegeeZe]

Originally Posted by Alpina_B3_Lux

For this particular upgrade - i.e. strut bar - you would not need anything else. However, note that this is not the most noticeable upgrade for your suspension, if you compare it to other M3 bits or even a completely different suspension. Before installing the strut bar, I would consider other things but this is of course a personal choice.

Alpina_B3_Lux

Well, I'm not in the market for a new suspension right now. I was just looking for a little something for my car, ya know?

Why dont you think the strut brace will be a noticeable improvement? In one of your replys to the thread, I think you said the change is more noticeable without any other M3 parts installed? Which other M3 bits do you think will be better?

[Alpina_B3_Lux]

Originally Posted by joegeeZe

Well, I'm not in the market for a new suspension right now. I was just looking for a little something for my car, ya know?

Why dont you think the strut brace will be a noticeable improvement? In one of your replys to the thread, I think you said the change is more noticeable without any other M3 parts installed? Which other M3 bits do you think will be better?

As I already had all the M3 parts installed before installing the strut brace, I can't speak from experience how noticeable the change will be. However, compared to other modifications (rear bushings, front axle rods / struts, anti roll bars) I believe the improvement will be less significant. Still, it's a good thing to do, and if you'd like to go ahead, just do it (as some shoe manufacturer says).

Alpina_B3_Lux

[GaryS]

Originally Posted by joegeeZe

Well, I'm not in the market for a new suspension right now. I was just looking for a little something for my car, ya know?

Why dont you think the strut brace will be a noticeable improvement? In one of your replys to the thread, I think you said the change is more noticeable without any other M3 parts installed? Which other M3 bits do you think will be better?

BY far the most effective are the front tension rod and rear subframe bushings.

[joegeeZe]

Originally Posted by Alpina_B3_Lux

As I already had all the M3 parts installed before installing the strut brace, I can't speak from experience how noticeable the change will be. However, compared to other modifications (rear bushings, front axle rods / struts, anti roll bars) I believe the improvement will be less significant. Still, it's a good thing to do, and if you'd like to go ahead, just do it (as some shoe manufacturer says).

Alpina_B3_Lux

Thanks.

[joegeeZe]

Originally Posted by GaryS

BY far the most effective are the front tension rod and rear subframe bushings.

Thanks.

[turugara]

Considering your review is already so amazing, I'll just add my $.02.

I drove my car without any strut brace for two days and, after putting on the m3 brace, there is a noticeable difference in front end responsiveness during long sweeping corners or steering inputs during turn in.

By noticeable, I don't mean a drastic change. I mean enough that you would be able to feel it and appreciate it.

However, I do believe that this is in part due to the fact that I can pretty much feel everything on the road through the entire m3 bits, toe links, subframe bushings, lsd, coilovers, stiff spring rates, etc.

If you were on stock suspension with all the flimsy bushings I doubt you would be able to appreciate, let alone feel, the difference that this strut brace will make. I'd say leave it as a very last upgrade. Only then will you feel any difference.

[Freelo]

+1. Installed it a month ago. Subtle improvement in steering sharpness in turns. Nice addition, but highly doubt you would notice it without upgraded suspension and m3 bits.

[HP Autosport]

Originally Posted by turugara

Considering your review is already so amazing, I'll just add my $.02.

I drove my car without any strut brace for two days and, after putting on the m3 brace, there is a noticeable difference in front end responsiveness during long sweeping corners or steering inputs during turn in.

By noticeable, I don't mean a drastic change. I mean enough that you would be able to feel it and appreciate it.

However, I do believe that this is in part due to the fact that I can pretty much feel everything on the road through the entire m3 bits, toe links, subframe bushings, lsd, coilovers, stiff spring rates, etc.

If you were on stock suspension with all the flimsy bushings I doubt you would be able to appreciate, let alone feel, the difference that this strut brace will make. I'd say leave it as a very last upgrade. Only then will you feel any difference.

Nice observation and review!

Look at those AST 5200's!

[Alpina_B3_Lux]

Originally Posted by turugara

Considering your review is already so amazing, I'll just add my $.02.

I drove my car without any strut brace for two days and, after putting on the m3 brace, there is a noticeable difference in front end responsiveness during long sweeping corners or steering inputs during turn in.

By noticeable, I don't mean a drastic change. I mean enough that you would be able to feel it and appreciate it.

However, I do believe that this is in part due to the fact that I can pretty much feel everything on the road through the entire m3 bits, toe links, subframe bushings, lsd, coilovers, stiff spring rates, etc.

If you were on stock suspension with all the flimsy bushings I doubt you would be able to appreciate, let alone feel, the difference that this strut brace will make. I'd say leave it as a very last upgrade. Only then will you feel any difference.

I absolutely agree.

With my current Öhlins setup I'm even more satisfied with the car - review also coming, but only in a few months when I've been able to properly try out the suspension.

Alpina_B3_Lux

[turugara]

Originally Posted by Alpina_B3_Lux

...but only in a few months when I've been able to properly try out the suspension.

Alpina_B3_Lux

Sometimes I wish I was in California where track events occur year round.

[HP Autosport]

Originally Posted by turugara

Sometimes I wish I was in California where track events occur year round.

BMWCCA Golden Gate Chapter is at Laguna Seca today!

[turugara]

Originally Posted by HP Autowerks

BMWCCA Golden Gate Chapter is at Laguna Seca today!

If only I could pack up my bags and just move to California. IF ONLY That were to happen.

[robc1976]

Sorry to bump up a old thread but I need some info...I have all M3 bits but have a "cusco strut brace" and want to upgrade to the M3 strut brace but have a few concerns:

1. I have BC BR coilovers and I adjust my camber by pushing the strut bolts in towards the engine bay all they way in (have the camber plates in the middle setting) and this is perfect (about -1.2)...hence why I don't use the camber plates lol! Will this brace allow strut adjustments like this or will they put them in the middle and I will have to use my camber adjustments? Reason I don't use the camber adjustments is because I have no idea what degree they would be at lol!! I have pretty wide tires up front with a 3MM spacer Keep rim from scraping coilover) and don't want them to rub.

[GreekboyD]

Great review. How long did it take you to install it?

Harold, would your kit work on a 335d?

[robc1976]

Originally Posted by GreekboyD

Great review. How long did it take you to install it?

Harold, would your kit work on a 335d?

Took me about 35 mins to install.

[GreekboyD]

Thanks Rob.

[GreekboyD]

Rob/Harold or the OP (anyone else) I have a question. I just installed the M3 strut brace/tower along with Vorshlag camber plates and the rubber liner part (directly) above the brace doesn't sit flush and sort of flaps up and down when I lift it with my hand.

I ordered the kit from Harold.

Any ideas?

[robc1976]

Originally Posted by GreekboyD

Rob/Harold or the OP (anyone else) I have a question. I just installed the M3 strut brace/tower along with Vorshlag camber plates and the rubber liner part (directly) above the brace doesn't sit flush and sort of flaps up and down when I lift it with my hand.

I ordered the kit from Harold.

Any ideas?

Where the V seats with the rubber? Post a pic!

[GreekboyD]

Thanks for inquiring Rob. All is fine with the M3 strut brace kit.

Vorshlag camber plates not so much.