[fizzle]

yea definitely will once its on! tonight i should have it on.

[stressdoc]

I think the problem is lack of clearance over the air filter cover, which is higher on the 335. Not sure if there is any difference btw E90 & E92 in this regard.

[uberschnell]

Have it, sounds like a bird tap dancing on my dash.

[stressdoc]

Thanks for the info Magna. How about wrapping it with padded tape? Then it might sound like a duck waddling on the dash...

[AM335]

Originally Posted by Magna3

Have it, sounds like a bird tap dancing on my dash.

Magna3, did you leave the STB installed and just tolerate the dancing bird? Thanks.

[fizzle]

or possibly a lil felt? this is very weird as its for the e90 and its the same body. i dont understand how it doesnt fit. hmmm. did anyone with a 335 bring it to the dealer after installing to see if they know a solution?

[stressdoc]

In the performance catalog it specifically says that it is for all E9x except not for the 335. I assume that the air intake cover (which is higher on the N54 than the N52) is bumping up against it. I would have to see one, but it looks as though one could pop in a spacer/washer to elevate it where it attaches to the strut tower. But if it were that easy then surely BMW would have provided that adjustment.

[fizzle]

yea thats quite odd. hmmm, any bmw techs care to chime in?

[uberschnell]

STB still in.

I’m going to machine a set of 2mm spacers to raise the bar up and hopefully clear the cover. I wouldn’t characterize the contact as an interference fit, more like love tap. Will have to see if it still sits low enough to not hit the hood.

BTW, The driving results are +++, and any stereo and you don’t hear the sound, that’s why this fix has fallen down my Mod priority list.

[stressdoc]

Any chance you want to make more than one set of spacers?
To test for topside clearance, try putting something on top of the bar that would indicate whether it would make contact with the underside of the hood anywhere if the bar were lifted 2mm. One assumes that there is not much more vertical movement of the engine/air intake relative to the strut bar than a cm -- how much clearance btw strut brace bar and intake is there at rest?

[uberschnell]

I'll get some of my kid’s silly putty and get a read on the clearance tonight. When I make the spacers I’ll make a bunch.

[AM335]

Originally Posted by Magna3

STB still in.

I’m going to machine a set of 2mm spacers to raise the bar up and hopefully clear the cover. I wouldn’t characterize the contact as an interference fit, more like love tap. Will have to see if it still sits low enough to not hit the hood.

BTW, The driving results are +++, and any stereo and you don’t hear the sound, that’s why this fix has fallen down my Mod priority list.

Thanks for the response. Is the noise constant or does it occur when going over bumps, etc.? Will the mounting hardware be long enough if the STB is raised 2mm? Will any benefit of the STB be lost by raising (I don't believe so, but maybe a suspension expert can chime in)? I may have to order one and try it out. Thanks again for your info and please keep us updated when you make the spacers and install. Take care.

[fizzle]

just installed. looks great! ill get pics up when i get a chance which should be later on today. no installation problems, except for that external torx bolt. before you attempt this make sure you dont have it and if you do, you need to run to sears or purchase online.

[AM335]

Originally Posted by fizzle

just installed. looks great! ill get pics up when i get a chance which should be later on today. no installation problems, except for that external torx bolt. before you attempt this make sure you dont have it and if you do, you need to run to sears or purchase online.

great, looking forward to the pics and your driving impression. thanks

[stressdoc]

Any good ideas as to whether the air filter/intake top could be lowered?
Where's Terry and his Dremel when we need him...

[fizzle]

ok here are the pics as promised. sorry been a bit busy and had to reformat my computer:









easiest mods to do, and a great one. i feel my car just wanting to take turns now. next up: springs..

[AM335]

fizzle, thanks for the pics and enjoy the mod. Please update us with your impressions as you log even more miles. Now only if this bar will fit my 335???

[stressdoc]

I am thinking that fat (thick) washers under the bar where it attaches (bolts) to the stock firewall brace and strut tower would raise it a mm or 2 for clearance over the air filter in the 335 and still have structural integrity.

[fizzle]

well on the 330 it just barely fits as well. i thought when putting it on it would be hitting, but you have to adjust it. thats the problem i think most owners with the 335 are having. its basically a tight fit, but you have to work at it and get it to sit correctly.

[e90fanatic]

i guess that's why dealership wants me to pay 350 to install this!

[AM335]

Originally Posted by e90fanatic

i guess that's why dealership wants me to pay 350 to install this!

Wow! Do they do a full detail, oil change, and tire rotation too?

[e90fanatic]

Originally Posted by AM335

Wow! Do they do a full detail, oil change, and tire rotation too?

lol...you wish. i told them to leave it...dont even think about installing it for me...lol...im just going to return the strut bar