Just Installed M3 Strut Brace - BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum

eloo · 11-26-2012, 03:23 AM

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

Phil325i · 11-26-2012, 06:20 AM

Out of interest, did your car have no brace as standard, or is this an upgrade from the MSport brace?

eloo · 11-26-2012, 06:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phil325i

Out of interest, did your car have no brace as standard, or is this an upgrade from the MSport brace?

It's actually the strut 'brace' that I installed. [Changed the title to clarify]

Here's the tutorial I used: http://billswebspace.com/335M3StrutB...stallation.htm

~XxTeexX~ · 11-26-2012, 06:38 AM

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.

eloo · 11-26-2012, 07:02 AM

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...

Phil325i · 11-27-2012, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eli_335i

It's actually the strut 'brace' that I installed. [Changed the title to clarify]

Here's the tutorial I used: http://billswebspace.com/335M3StrutB...stallation.htm

Yes I get that, but what I wanted to know was whether this was an upgrade from the MSport brace like in your fitting guide. Or do you have an OEM spec car without bracing fitted? I notice the writer of the guide makes no reference to any improvement.

I struggle to see how the slightly 'beefier' M3 brace will make any difference to an MSport spec car...

GOTMH8N · 11-27-2012, 10:51 AM

$225 would be better spent on sway bars lol

cleex024 · 11-27-2012, 11:40 AM

where did you get it for $225? i really wanted to get this too so i can adjust my coils quicker

Johnny D · 11-27-2012, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ~XxPornxX~

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.

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.

eloo · 11-27-2012, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phil325i

Yes I get that, but what I wanted to know was whether this was an upgrade from the MSport brace like in your fitting guide. Or do you have an OEM spec car without bracing fitted? I notice the writer of the guide makes no reference to any improvement.

I struggle to see how the slightly 'beefier' M3 brace will make any difference to an MSport spec car...

My car had the MSport brace... weird I thought all our cars had that, not just the sports package.

I agree. My results are based on the abuse my car has seen. A lot of folks hit pot holes though

vasillalov · 11-27-2012, 02:11 PM

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.

eloo · 11-27-2012, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cleex024

where did you get it for $225? i really wanted to get this too so i can adjust my coils quicker

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.

vasillalov · 11-27-2012, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eli_335i

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.

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.

aleckzandr · 11-27-2012, 07:38 PM

+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:

Originally Posted by vasillalov

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.

Amini77 · 11-27-2012, 08:38 PM

So how do they relate to coilovers? I'm thinking of getting one now.

How about some pics too?

eloo · 11-27-2012, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amini77

So how do they relate to coilovers? I'm thinking of getting one now.

How about some pics too?

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.

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

Amini77 · 11-27-2012, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eli_335i

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.

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

Makes sense, I'm getting KW V1s so I should really consider these right?

eloo · 11-27-2012, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amini77

Makes sense, I'm getting KW V1s so I should really consider these right?

I think it's worthwhile, especially if you have a torque wrench and a few hours to burn on the weekend

nitehawk · 11-28-2012, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eloo

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

I can't help but think something was loose and replacing the strut brace may have fixed that in the process.

Was your stock brace tightly set when you removed it? Strut mount bolts?

eloo · 11-28-2012, 10:49 PM

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.

Manny_World · 12-04-2012, 09:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amini77

Makes sense, I'm getting KW V1s so I should really consider these right?

No, not with the v1s. They are talking about easier access to adjust the dampening. The v1s are height adjustable only

annalisa_ferri · 12-05-2012, 07:27 PM

[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)

11-26-2012, 03:23 AM	#1
eloo Enlisted Member Drives: 2007 BMW 335i Coupe (Stock) Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 48 iTrader: (0)	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 06:29 AM.
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11-26-2012, 06:20 AM	#2
Phil325i Lieutenant Drives: E92 325i MSport Coupe Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: UK South East Posts: 525 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 BMW 325i Coupe [0.00]	Out of interest, did your car have no brace as standard, or is this an upgrade from the MSport brace? __________________ E92 pre-LCI 325i - Ohlins R&T; H&R spacers; BMS clutch stop; BMS CDV; RE g/box mounts; K&N; Cyba scoops; BMW Perf Exhaust; M3 rear spoiler; LED Angels; BMW Perf black grille; SSDD carbon diffuser; Monster Wrap black roof

11-26-2012, 06:38 AM	#4
~XxTeexX~ attention whore Drives: yes Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Socal Posts: 2,999 iTrader: (0)	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. __________________ #TeamStretchNpoke join the aggressive movement! JTILAK07,seanphan,project335i,SoCal BimMn,Mahhvinn,kkakonn

11-27-2012, 10:51 AM	#7
GOTMH8N 40 Roll? Drives: 335i Sport Join Date: May 2012 Location: Cincinnati Posts: 963 iTrader: (2)	$225 would be better spent on sway bars lol __________________ DCI // DPs // JB4

11-27-2012, 11:40 AM	#8
cleex024 Major Drives: 2008 BMW 335i Coupe Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Virginia Beach Posts: 1,185 iTrader: (2)	where did you get it for $225? i really wanted to get this too so i can adjust my coils quicker __________________ Space Gray l 6MT l OSG LSD w/ VAC Race Diff Cover l Cobb e30 l Morr vs8.2 l UUC SSK w/ DSSR l VSRF Catless Dps l RPI Intercooler l CDV Removed l HID AE 8000k l ETS Catback l TCK Coilovers w/ Camber Plates l ER Dual Oil Coolers l Rear Camber and Toe Arms l K&N Drop In l Solid Tranny/Diff/Subframe Bushings l Bridgestone RE-11

11-26-2012, 07:02 AM	#5
eloo Enlisted Member Drives: 2007 BMW 335i Coupe (Stock) Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 48 iTrader: (0)	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...

11-27-2012, 02:11 PM	#11
vasillalov Mad Linux Guru On The Loose Drives: 2008 335i Sedan Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 3,997 iTrader: (3) Garage List 2008 335i E90 [4.00]	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. __________________ Equal Opportunity Harasser! 6MT \| COBB \| AR \| AE \| Forge DV \| HPF \| P3 Gauge \| Hybrid Intake \| O.S.Giken TCD \| M3 bits BMWCCA #447439

11-27-2012, 08:38 PM	#15
Amini77 Colonel Drives: SGM E90 330xi Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Tarzana, CA Posts: 2,506 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 330XI [0.00]	So how do they relate to coilovers? I'm thinking of getting one now. How about some pics too? __________________ Instagram: amini77

11-28-2012, 10:49 PM	#20
eloo Enlisted Member Drives: 2007 BMW 335i Coupe (Stock) Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 48 iTrader: (0)	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.

12-05-2012, 07:27 PM	#22
annalisa_ferri Private Drives: E82 135i Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Netherlands Posts: 57 iTrader: (0)	[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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