Strut Brace?

Biginboca · 12-11-2017, 09:26 PM

I see there’s a few strut braces available for the E9x series ranging from a $75 Megan Racing one to a $1,000 Carbon Fiber BMW one.

Do these really do anything for the E9x platform? We already have the diagonal bracing to the cowl is there really any added benefit besides looks for the aftermarket braces that cross directly from strut to strut?

TheeGovernor · 12-11-2017, 11:13 PM

No an upgraded strut brace is not really needed on a modern car. Unless you are running r compounds or something

avocet · 12-12-2017, 03:30 AM

Considering that the front struts are only tied in from the top to the firewall, a tower to tower strut will box in the top and add substantial stiffness to the front unibody.

Needed? Maybe not, but definitely an improvement.

cpie168 · 12-12-2017, 09:28 AM

The problem with the aftermarket strut braces is that they cover the engine oil inlet. I wonder if people actually have to remove their strut brace each time they do an oil change?

agustincuenca · 12-12-2017, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cpie168

The problem with the aftermarket strut braces is that they cover the engine oil inlet. I wonder if people actually have to remove their strut brace each time they do an oil change?

yup, I do have to remove it when oil changes or even when topping it up....kinda sucks

cpie168 · 12-12-2017, 10:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by agustincuenca

yup, I do have to remove it when oil changes or even when topping it up....kinda sucks

That's a deal breaker for me then.

feuer · 12-12-2017, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by agustincuenca

yup, I do have to remove it when oil changes or even when topping it up....kinda sucks

Why? I'm yet to see one that requires removal.

zero2sixtyZ · 12-12-2017, 01:47 PM

Planning on adding coilovers? Some of the adjustment knobs on top of the strut will hit the stock strut brace.

If you can find a junkyard E9x M3, pull the strut brace with all the hardware and install. If it hits your stock cowl, unscrew the studs from the brace brackets and install with stainless nuts/bolts.

avocet · 12-12-2017, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cpie168

The problem with the aftermarket strut braces is that they cover the engine oil inlet. I wonder if people actually have to remove their strut brace each time they do an oil change?

With my Megan bar:

I loosen the nuts on both sides, remove one and pivot the bar up and tighten the other so it is held raised and out of the way. Then do the reverse when finished.

An additional... oh I would say... 1.2 minutes per oil change to carry out. I usually try and give the strut area a good inspection while I am doing it.

I don't see that as a problem. But then I also remove the undertray to drain oil because getting a little bit of oil dripped on the inside of the tray would not be acceptable for me.

Quote:

Originally Posted by zero2sixtyZ

If you can find a junkyard E9x M3, pull the strut brace with all the hardware and install...

The M3 strut bar still only triangulate between the towers and firewall. Not between the struts. Closing the triangle between the towers is where the strut brace is valuable.

agustincuenca · 12-12-2017, 07:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by feuer

Why? I'm yet to see one that requires removal.

I don't know about the rest, but the ECS one it sits right on top of it.

justpete · 12-12-2017, 09:28 PM

Any crossbar is going to be over the oil filler cap but it's not an issue unless it's too close to remove the cap. Otherwise a funnel works just fine.

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Blueeyesredpanda · 12-12-2017, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justpete

Any crossbar is going to be over the oil filler cap but it's not an issue unless it's too close to remove the cap. Otherwise a funnel works just fine.

Attachment 1736400

Just wondering what kind of pipe / hose are those?

justpete · 12-12-2017, 10:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blueeyesredpanda

Just wondering what kind of pipe / hose are those?

BMRS lines for oil cooler and SamcoSport coolant hoses.

The Nightman · 12-13-2017, 01:21 PM

My Ultra Racing bar is curved like the BMW one so it doesn't block the washer fluid and oil filler. It's a one piece design but the brackets could be beefier. I noticed a slight improvement in steering response so I'm happy considering it's only $100 on Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/ULTRA-RACING-.../dp/B01E6P7GIS

On a side note, can we refill oil through the oil filter housing?

justpete · 12-13-2017, 02:28 PM

Forgot to mention the M3 strut tower brace feet are machined to accommodate the UltraRace feet, if that's not clear in the picture. FYI

avocet · 12-13-2017, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justpete

Any crossbar is going to be over the oil filler cap but it's not an issue unless it's too close to remove the cap. Otherwise a funnel works just fine.

Attachment 1736400

I never really looked but there must be a way to unhinge the cap(without breaking stuff) and be able to just pop the thing off, and, like you said, use a funnel.

My Megan bar is too tight to allow the cap to flip open. I just haven't thought of it as a big enough issue. Maybe I'll look into it in the spring...

justpete · 12-13-2017, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by avocet

I never really looked but there must be a way to unhinge the cap(without breaking stuff) and be able to just pop the thing off, and, like you said, use a funnel.

My Megan bar is too tight to allow the cap to flip open. I just haven't thought of it as a big enough issue. Maybe I'll look into it in the spring...

I think the cap just twists and comes off, iirc. Been awhile...

avocet · 12-13-2017, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justpete

I think the cap just twists and comes off, iirc. Been awhile...

Well, if that's the case don't I feel dumb...

justpete · 12-13-2017, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by avocet

Well, if that's the case don't I feel dumb...

Bet it's different on pre-LCI though so you're likely right.

3002 tii · 12-14-2017, 12:54 AM

On e46's it also helped protect the strut mounts from cracking and deforming. Not sure if that's an issue for the e9x. Whatever you do, avoid getting a hinged joint design.

I always liked the Dinan piece for the e9x...

Phil325i · 12-16-2017, 11:43 AM

Nobody's mentioned the BMW M3 strut brace. Although it's not tower to tower, it deffo weights up the steering (compared to the MSport standard items). Did on mine anyway...

Biginboca · 12-16-2017, 06:00 PM

Thanks to the recommendation of freedomfries I ordered the ultra racing one off amazon. For $100 and it not blocking the oil fill or washer fill I figured it’s a no brainer...

12-11-2017, 09:26 PM	#1
Biginboca Colonel 3789 Rep 2,738 Posts Drives: 2009 E92 328i 6MT Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Boynton Beach, FL... USA iTrader: (3)	Strut Brace? I see there’s a few strut braces available for the E9x series ranging from a $75 Megan Racing one to a $1,000 Carbon Fiber BMW one. Do these really do anything for the E9x platform? We already have the diagonal bracing to the cowl is there really any added benefit besides looks for the aftermarket braces that cross directly from strut to strut?
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12-11-2017, 11:13 PM	#2
TheeGovernor Life is better with burnouts 101 Rep 611 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Mile High iTrader: (4) Garage List 1996 Toyota Forklift [0.00] 2007 BMW 335i [0.00]	No an upgraded strut brace is not really needed on a modern car. Unless you are running r compounds or something
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12-12-2017, 03:30 AM	#3
avocet Major 273 Rep 1,166 Posts Drives: 2007 328i 2011 X5d Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Vancouver bc iTrader: (0)	Considering that the front struts are only tied in from the top to the firewall, a tower to tower strut will box in the top and add substantial stiffness to the front unibody. Needed? Maybe not, but definitely an improvement.
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12-12-2017, 09:28 AM	#4
cpie168 Major 173 Rep 1,117 Posts Drives: 2010 E90 328i 6MT ZSP BSM Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: K/W and GTA, Ontario, Canada iTrader: (1)	The problem with the aftermarket strut braces is that they cover the engine oil inlet. I wonder if people actually have to remove their strut brace each time they do an oil change?
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12-12-2017, 01:47 PM	#8
zero2sixtyZ Colonel 1034 Rep 2,721 Posts Drives: e92 + f15 Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Cambridge, MA iTrader: (4) Garage List 2015 X5 xdrive50i [10.00] 2007 335i Coupe [9.62]	Planning on adding coilovers? Some of the adjustment knobs on top of the strut will hit the stock strut brace. If you can find a junkyard E9x M3, pull the strut brace with all the hardware and install. If it hits your stock cowl, unscrew the studs from the brace brackets and install with stainless nuts/bolts.
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12-12-2017, 09:28 PM	#11
justpete Brigadier General 1241 Rep 3,778 Posts Drives: '11 328i '19 M6 Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: DFW iTrader: (0) Garage List 2019 BMW M6 [10.00] 2011 BMW 328i [9.00]	Any crossbar is going to be over the oil filler cap but it's not an issue unless it's too close to remove the cap. Otherwise a funnel works just fine. __________________ 2011 E90 328i 6MT, BMW Aero, CF hood/boot, PI+CAI+RM+3IM+BPC, SS+CI528+ThermoTec+SS#1+2XBurns, AKG 75D eng/trans, Al/Delrin diff/RS, CM 850, UCP, CAE, AKG DSSR, DiffsOnline 3.91 30/90 LSD+BW cooler, C&R, Setrab, Accusump, AST 3-way+Swift, Aurora PR+BW spherical, Vorshlag CPs, M3 brace+UR bar, ARC-8 18x8.5, 255 R1R, RB/CSL rotors+cooling, 135i calipers, RS29, RT700, Safecraft, OMP HTE-R+804F+QD Superquadro, 6pt cage+FIA, Braille, RT DL1Mk3
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12-13-2017, 01:21 PM	#14
The Nightman Cometh 1236 Rep 1,407 Posts Drives: Boy's Soul Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Boy's Hole iTrader: (4) Garage List E90 LCI "330i& ... [10.00]	My Ultra Racing bar is curved like the BMW one so it doesn't block the washer fluid and oil filler. It's a one piece design but the brackets could be beefier. I noticed a slight improvement in steering response so I'm happy considering it's only $100 on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/ULTRA-RACING-.../dp/B01E6P7GIS On a side note, can we refill oil through the oil filter housing?
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12-13-2017, 02:28 PM	#15
justpete Brigadier General 1241 Rep 3,778 Posts Drives: '11 328i '19 M6 Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: DFW iTrader: (0) Garage List 2019 BMW M6 [10.00] 2011 BMW 328i [9.00]	Forgot to mention the M3 strut tower brace feet are machined to accommodate the UltraRace feet, if that's not clear in the picture. FYI __________________ 2011 E90 328i 6MT, BMW Aero, CF hood/boot, PI+CAI+RM+3IM+BPC, SS+CI528+ThermoTec+SS#1+2XBurns, AKG 75D eng/trans, Al/Delrin diff/RS, CM 850, UCP, CAE, AKG DSSR, DiffsOnline 3.91 30/90 LSD+BW cooler, C&R, Setrab, Accusump, AST 3-way+Swift, Aurora PR+BW spherical, Vorshlag CPs, M3 brace+UR bar, ARC-8 18x8.5, 255 R1R, RB/CSL rotors+cooling, 135i calipers, RS29, RT700, Safecraft, OMP HTE-R+804F+QD Superquadro, 6pt cage+FIA, Braille, RT DL1Mk3
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12-14-2017, 12:54 AM	#20
3002 tii Lieutenant General 2469 Rep 12,686 Posts Drives: Z4 M, X5, GX460 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: CT iTrader: (100) Garage List E86 Z4 M [10.00] F15 X5 xDrive35i [9.17] F10 550i (Retired) [9.17] E85 Z4 M (Retired) [9.41] F25 X3 xDrive35i (R ... [9.43] E82 135is (Retired) [9.56] E90 328i xDrive (Re ... [9.25] E86 Z4 3.0si (Retired) [8.93]	On e46's it also helped protect the strut mounts from cracking and deforming. Not sure if that's an issue for the e9x. Whatever you do, avoid getting a hinged joint design. I always liked the Dinan piece for the e9x... Attached Images Last edited by 3002 tii; 12-14-2017 at 01:03 AM..
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12-16-2017, 11:43 AM	#21
Phil325i Brigadier General 639 Rep 3,213 Posts Drives: E92 325i MSport Coupe Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: UK South East iTrader: (1) Garage List 2009 BMW 325i Coupe [6.00]	Nobody's mentioned the BMW M3 strut brace. Although it's not tower to tower, it deffo weights up the steering (compared to the MSport standard items). Did on mine anyway... __________________ 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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12-16-2017, 06:00 PM	#22
Biginboca Colonel 3789 Rep 2,738 Posts Drives: 2009 E92 328i 6MT Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Boynton Beach, FL... USA iTrader: (3)	Thanks to the recommendation of freedomfries I ordered the ultra racing one off amazon. For $100 and it not blocking the oil fill or washer fill I figured it’s a no brainer...
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