[3002 tii]

Just wanted to post this here since I know the Sponsor Classified section doesn't get much traffic (however moderators please feel free to move if necessary). But spoke with the guys at AA and they've agreed to host a group buy for their strut bar brace which fits both 135i/335i, n54 and n55 motors. Their normal price is $325 + s/h but they are offering it for $269 shipped if we can get 10 confirmed buyers. That's nearly 20% off if you factor in shipping costs.

Big selling points for me were:

1) fits n54 and n55 motor and factory air box (unlike the BMW performance piece)
2) does not use hemi or hinge style joints found on some aftermarket bars
3) ease of install and no modification to stock trim
4) does not block oil cap

For those wondering why you need this, like all aftermarket mods you really could do without it. In theory it should tighten up the front end but these chassis are pretty rigid to begin with. Convertible owners would benefit more than coupe owners in that sense but another benefit for all of us is the added rigidity to the shock towers. E46's were notorious for weak shock towers which would crack or mushroom and I'm not sure how much has changed since then. NJ/NYC pothole filled roads does a number on my car and I view this as cheap insurance.

In terms of fitment, I think with exception of xi models, it should fit all E8/9x chassis including NA models (128/325/328/330). You should reach out to Da_Meister_22 with any fitment or GB related questions. Product link here

Close up photos on another member's car can be found here:
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=649792

[techwhiz]

I'm interested. Need to wait for definite commitment.
Need to wait until after Christmas though.

[3002 tii]

In the meantime, I'll create a temporary list here until Da_Meister_22 creates an official thread with specific details on date cut off, etc.


1) 3002 Tii

[Dark_Knight_335]

All a strut bar is good for is resting on when you're working under the hood- it does absolutely nothing for rigidity or performance- it just looks cool- beyond having a place to lean on when you're working under there.
That said, I have a Dinan carbon fiber strut brace that looks pretty damn cool under the hood!

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by Dark_Knight_335

All a strut bar is good for is resting on when you're working under the hood- it does absolutely nothing for rigidity or performance- it just looks cool- beyond having a place to lean on when you're working under there.
That said, I have a Dinan carbon fiber strut brace that looks pretty damn cool under the hood!

Not even, most times you're doing work on the car chances are you have to remove the strut brace. Please read the original post in its entirety, like I said it's more insurance than anything and from the 2 second Google search I did -- doesn't seem things have changed much since E46 days

E46
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=800796

E82
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showt...light=mushroom

[Taskmaster]

Not my cup of tea - looks like it may block camber plate adjustment and the block the bar is on tacky looking.

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by TheAxiom

Not my cup of tea - looks like it may block camber plate adjustment and the block the bar is on tacky looking.

Take a look under your hood and you'll see what's blocking the camber adjustments -- hint, it's the factory diagonal strut brace.

[Da_Meister_22]

JUST SHOOT EITHER ME OR 3002 Tii A QUICK PM AND THE LIST WILL BE UPDATED ACCORDINGLY.

THE LIST SO FAR

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2. New21er
3. Chunner
4. BudreauWilson
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