BMW E46 M3 strut brace

[Ron Stygar]

Received a BMW E46 M3 strutbrace today. The four nuts that hold the cross bar to the strut caps were not included. They are not listed on the parts info either. Looks like the stock E36 strut nuts would work fine here. Paul McLaughlin South Motors BMW is checking on this. He has the braces in stock.
Anyone in the CT area that wants to see if it fits the E46 M3 or non M3 E46 can stop over and see.

<img src="http://www.unofficialbmw.com/images/strutbracee46m3.jpg">

<img src="http://www.unofficialbmw.com/images/strutbracee46m3-2.jpg">

<img src="http://www.unofficialbmw.com/images/strutbracee46m3-3.jpg">

<img src="http://www.unofficialbmw.com/images/strutbracee46m3-4.jpg">

<img src="http://www.unofficialbmw.com/images/strutbracee46m3-5.jpg">

<img src="http://www.unofficialbmw.com/images/strutbracee46m3-6.jpg">

<img src="http://www.unofficialbmw.com/images/strutbracee46m3-7.jpg">

[Randy Forbes]

But Ron, the question is, will it fit on OUR cars?

Can the end brackets be made to work if another bar was fabricated?

Those ///M caps look nice...

[TD]

Originally posted by RS2
Ron,

Please keep us updated! I received my BMW E46 M3 strutbrace last week also but I can't install it because of the same reason, the four missing nuts!

Have you found the the black caps to the nuts as in the pic below of the M3 CSL prototype?

/RS2

<img src="http://members.roadfly.com/rs2/strutbrace_m3.jpg">


And if it fits an E36/7-8, will it fit a E36 M3 ('96+)?

[nate]

Originally posted by TD



And if it fits an E36/7-8, will it fit a E36 M3 ('96+)?

There are LOTS of companies that make E36 braces :dunno:

[TD]

Originally posted by nate328Ci


There are LOTS of companies that make E36 braces :dunno:

I know. But from a price/quality/appearance standpoint, I like THIS one.

If this one won't work, I'd get the Strong Strut. But it's more $$.

Adding up the component prices, I get $192.24. That's a hell of a deal for a quality piece.

[JST]

Originally posted by TD



And if it fits an E36/7-8, will it fit a E36 M3 ('96+)?

It should. The Strong Strut was designed for the E36/7-8; Paul only started selling them to E36 owners after he realized that the two were compatible. The strut for both applications is exactly the same.

[TD]

Originally posted by JST


It should. The Strong Strut was designed for the E36/7-8; Paul only started selling them to E36 owners after he realized that the two were compatible. The strut for both applications is exactly the same.


Alright! So now I'll just sit tight on the verdict re: the E36/7-8.

And even if I do the Strong Strut, I think I'll use those caps.

But I don't plan to do either soon.

BTW, after test driving that M3 Coupe for Archer, I decided I really do like the feel of the UUC SSK. Unfortunately, that's now another mod on the To Do list. If only I had more money and more time.

[The HACK]

Originally posted by nate328Ci


There are LOTS of companies that make E36 braces :dunno:

There are certain advantages to the BMW strut brace design. Most aftermarket strut makers uses a hinged design at the connection between the bar and the strut towers. BMWs in particular do not use a hinged design as far as I can see from Ron's pictures. The hinged design make the bar a strictly "for show" piece because the hinge will move along with the flex in chasis and it's added weight. The BMW designed brace should provide some real benefit in tightening up the chasis.

[nate]

Originally posted by TD


I know. But from a price/quality/appearance standpoint, I like THIS one.

If this one won't work, I'd get the Strong Strut. But it's more $$.

Adding up the component prices, I get $192.24. That's a hell of a deal for a quality piece.

Retail prices for this are more than $192.24 as listed in the photo. This is for an E46 M3, it would most likely fit a 328Ci, maybe I will get one if there are installation instructions posted :angel:

[TD]

Originally posted by nate328Ci


Retail prices for this are more than $192.24 as listed in the photo. This is for an E46 M3, it would most likely fit a 328Ci, maybe I will get one if there are installation instructions posted :angel:

Nate-

You are NOT paying attention. Go back to the top of the thread. The idea here is to see if it'll fit on the E36/7-8 (the Z3/MZ3 Roadster and Coupe). It would not be surprising if it did fit. And JST confirmed that if it fits on the E36/7-8, it'll fit on the regular E36 coupe, sedan and convertible, which is, of course, why I care.

Installation instructions would be the same as for any other strut brace, I'd assume.

The E36 //Motorsport strut brace only fit the '95s.

JST has the Strong Strut on his E36 M3 and it is a great piece. But if I could get this for less, it would be a no-brainer.

And who pays full retail for BMW parts?

[Mr. The Edge]

I believe in a previous thread on this topic (search the archives ;) ) Ron stated that South would sell the parts for something like 20% off the LOWER price column!

Edit:I am wrong---the 2nd column is the price that they are selling at, which is 25% off retail.

[nate]

Originally posted by TD


Nate-

You are NOT paying attention. Go back to the top of the thread. The idea here is to see if it'll fit on the E36/7-8 (the Z3/MZ3 Roadster and Coupe).

Installation instructions would be the same as for any other strut brace, I'd assume.

And who pays full retail for BMW parts?

You listed dealer cost though, there is no way that you will get it.

I guess that YOU missed this part :dunno: Anyone in the CT area that wants to see if it fits the E46 M3 or non M3 E46 can stop over and see.

[TD]

Originally posted by atyclb
I believe in a previous thread on this topic (search the archives ;) ) Ron stated that South would sell the parts for something like 20% off the LOWER price column!

Edit:I am wrong---the 2nd column is the price that they are selling at, which is 25% off retail.

Which makes the $192 amount the correct total.

Does the E46 M3 come with that brace?

[nate]

Originally posted by atyclb
I believe in a previous thread on this topic (search the archives ;) ) Ron stated that South would sell the parts for something like 20% off the LOWER price column!

Edit:I am wrong---the 2nd column is the price that they are selling at, which is 25% off retail.

That is not 25% off. That appears to be dealer prices. That is off the parts CD

25% off of $113 is $87.75

[Mr. The Edge]

well here's the original thread, pricing info is vague, but it will be at least 25% off retail.


http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=4489&highlight=csl+strut

and the M3 does NOT come with the brace standard, but many are looking into adding it, mostly for cosmetic reasons.[

[nate]

Originally posted by atyclb
well here's the original thread, pricing info is vague, but it will be at least 25% off retail.


http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=4489&highlight=csl+strut

and the M3 does NOT come with the brace standard, but many are looking into adding it, mostly for cosmetic reasons.[

At 25% off, I get $264.23 with 6 nuts. Still a very good deal. But, I think the blue prices form the Parts CD are dealer invoice prices...

now, all I need to know is whether or not it will fit a non-M E46 :angel:

[TD]

Originally posted by nate328Ci

now, all I need to know is whether or not it will fit a non-M E46 :angel:

I think it is rather safe to assume YES.

But I know someone will correct me if I'm wrong.

[nate]

Originally posted by TD


I think it is rather safe to assume YES.

But I know someone will correct me if I'm wrong.

I would assume so as well, but would rather look before I leap, if you know what I mean. Parts aren't always interchangable...

[TD]

Originally posted by nate328Ci


I would assume so as well, but would rather look before I leap, if you know what I mean. Parts aren't always interchangable...

What's funny is I could now go back and quote your first reply to thsi thread but change it. As in, "There are LOTS of companies that make E46 braces."

See, good brace + good price = genuine interest re: whether it'll fit in YOUR car. That's all my first post was asking.

[Ron Stygar]

Retail price in the pic I posted, is the BMW suggested retail price. Many dealers inflate the suggested retail pricing. I know a few dealers that discount from suggested retail pricing. Paul at South Motors discounts 25%. Circle BMW 20% and P&W in PA 15%. There is a dealer in CA that does 30%.
Net price in the pic is what the dealer pays for the item.
The E46 brace will not fit the E36 or E36/7/8 cars. The strut cap bolt pattern is different and the cross bar is too long.
As far as the nuts for the cross bar goes, I would use the E36 strut cap locking nuts. They match the cap nuts and fully contact the top of the cross bar.


<img src="http://www.unofficialbmw.com/images/strutbracee46m3-8.jpg">

You could also use the E46 strut cap nuts. The added flange diameter does nothing since it doesn't fully contact the top of the cross bar which curves down on the sides.

<img src="http://www.unofficialbmw.com/images/strutbracee46m3-9.jpg">

I found a cover for the strut cap nuts. Looks OK. I would dry film coat in black the strut cap nuts or live with the silver.

<img src="http://www.unofficialbmw.com/images/strutbracee46m3-10.jpg">

This pic shows the two above nuts along with the nut cover.

<img src="http://www.unofficialbmw.com/images/strutbracee46m3-11.jpg">

[Ron Stygar]

Strut brace with hardware weighs just over 2 pounds 10 ounces.

[sgalaba]

http://pw1.netcom.com/~sgalaba/m3e46/images/strutb2l.jpg

We installed one today, we used a nut like the E46 Strut cap but just a bit larger, they were from the rear bumper support mount from an X5. The nut has a washer built into it that spins (I don't know the name for this type of nut)

[Ron Stygar]

Is this a locking nut?

[Mr. The Edge]

Hey Ron, do you have Paul's email address at South?

Thanks

[Ron Stygar]

paul.mclaughlin@southbmw.com
or
1-800-883-7278

[defcon1racing]

I found a cover for the strut cap nuts. Looks OK. I would dry film coat in black the strut cap nuts or live with the silver.

<img src="http://www.unofficialbmw.com/images/strutbracee46m3-10.jpg">

This pic shows the two above nuts along with the nut cover.

<img src="http://www.unofficialbmw.com/images/strutbracee46m3-11.jpg">

Do the covers fit the E36 nut or the E46 nut?


Does any one have a list of part numbers that have to be ordered including everything (covers, E36 nuts, etc)? I'm a little confused.

Thanks.

[Mr. The Edge]

Originally posted by atyclb

and the M3 does NOT come with the brace standard,

Apparently as of Mid-March production, M3's ARE coming with the brace standard

[.Gravedgr.]

Originally posted by atyclb
Apparently as of Mid-March production, M3's ARE coming with the brace standard
What? U.S. versions, or Euro only? And am I understanding you to say that it will be a factory installed standard?

[Mr. The Edge]

u.s. models, that's the current rumor. Factory installed.

[glaws]

Think I agree with atyclb on two things: BMW will have a strut brace on the later production M3's (standard? option?). But from what I've read, for the way most of us drive, most of the time it would be cosmetic rather than functional.

[porkyzilla]

rs2 thats the sweetest engine cover ive seen, its beautiful, where did you get that carbon fiber made? i would love to put it on my upcomming m3!

[defcon1racing]

Originally posted by porkyzilla
rs2 thats the sweetest engine cover ive seen, its beautiful, where did you get that carbon fiber made? i would love to put it on my upcomming m3!

That's the M3 CSL consept car with the c/f intake and engine cover. No one has found part numbers to my knowledge....

[.Gravedgr.]

Originally posted by glaws
Think I agree with atyclb on two things: BMW will have a strut brace on the later production M3's (standard? option?). But from what I've read, for the way most of us drive, most of the time it would be cosmetic rather than functional.
Just heard back from my salesperson on my 5/3 production M3 - no strut brace....

Here is the exact quote: "There will be no strut brace standard on the M3 (according to BMW). I was told that they were careful not to make the car too rigid so that it would retain a forgiving ride."

[Mr. The Edge]

Originally posted by .Gravedgr.

Just heard back from my salesperson on my 5/3 production M3 - no strut brace....

Here is the exact quote: "There will be no strut brace standard on the M3 (according to BMW). I was told that they were careful not to make the car too rigid so that it would retain a forgiving ride."

If that's the case, then the U.S. is getting short-changed again. New M3's delivered to the U.K. are indeed being shipped with the strut brace standard now.

[defcon1racing]

Originally posted by .Gravedgr.

Just heard back from my salesperson on my 5/3 production M3 - no strut brace....

Here is the exact quote: "There will be no strut brace standard on the M3 (according to BMW). I was told that they were careful not to make the car too rigid so that it would retain a forgiving ride."

That doesn't go along with this post:

http://forums.roadfly.org/bmw/forums/e46m3/forum.php?postid=415717&page=1

[.Gravedgr.]

Originally posted by defcon1racing
That doesn't go along with this post:

http://forums.roadfly.org/bmw/forums/e46m3/forum.php?postid=415717&page=1
Hey - I'm with you guys. I hope my dealer is wrong and they DO come with a strut brace. Just not going to hold my breath until I hear from someone who has recently taken delivery. ;)

[rroyjr]

Please add me to the list for people searching for the 4 elusive bolts.

[Pinecone]

I just installed the strut bracce. It took about 15 minutes.

The only difficult part (and I wouldn'
t call it difficult) was gettin ht passenger side bracket under the postive terminal box. I took a long screwdriver and gently pried it up while sliding the bracket under. A few taps and it was in.

I got it from Paul at South BMW. He has it down to an art. You call and ask for Paul. Tell him you want an E46 M3 strut brace. He tells you $271 dollars plus shipping.

He sends the two brackets, the brace, the plastic caps, 6 strut nuts, 4 nuts for the bar to bracket (and he sends the smaller E36 strut nuts for this) and 6 plastic nut caps. The only thing wrong is that the plastic nut caps don't fit the smaller E36 nuts. If this bothers you, you could use 4 of the strut nuts you took off to install the strut bar.

I haven't driven it yet, so no report on whether it is noticeable. It does look nice. Very understated, but purposeful.

I do have one question. Is the small allen screw by the inside strut bolt the one you remove to get more negative camber?

[Pinecone]

After I installed the brace I did about 150 miles of driving that day. The roads ranged from freshly paved interstate, to freshly scraped ready to pave interstate. In town over good and bad roads. Basically a little of everything.

I also did not tell my wife I had installed the brace, in fact she did not even know I had it. And she is into performance cars and driving. She primarily drives the M Roadster.

My impression is one of more tautness to the car. Not really harsher, but just a different reaction to bumps and rough pavement. Turn in seems a little better, but I was not able to really push it.

I asked my wife, and she did notice the difference in ride, but she felt the car was a little harsher riding. More like the M Roadster ride. Firmer and less supple.

But overall, it does change the feel of the car. Does it really help the handling? I don't know, but I think it does, plus it looks nice. :)

BTW this is on a Coupe. I would expect more change in a Cab.

[SteveT]

Just did a quick scan of this thread. I just took delivery of a new M3. It does indeed have the strut brace.

[Heresy]

Paul definitely has it down to a science. I faxed the credit card authorization to him a couple hours ago and he just called me back with the FedEx tracking number, already on the way :thumbup: .

Now I have cross-drilled rotors, CD/MP3 Changer and strut tower brace to install. :D

[JetBlack330i]

Does anybody know if his strut will fit an E46 sedan?

[Mr. The Edge]

Originally posted by JetBlack330i
Does anybody know if his strut will fit an E46 sedan?

seemingly yes:

http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=6221&highlight=strut+e46

check the last post

[Ron Stygar]

Just noticed that the EPC I have shows all of the parts now.

http://www.unofficialbmw.com/images/strutbracee46m3-12.jpg

[Chris325i]

Any idea on torque specs for the fasteners involved ? I just installed one on my E46 325i and I used 18 ft/lb for the strut top nuts and 24 ft/lb for the bar-to-bracket nuts (using E46 strut top nuts for these).

Bentley's says 18 ft/lb for 18mm flange nuts & 25 ft/lb for 21mm flange nuts...the new longer strut nut has an 18mm flange & the standard nuts are 21mm so I went with that for starters.

[Mpire]

So do the strut hat pieces fit the M coupe? Is it possible to maybe cut and weld and make the center bar fit?

[abelgo1]

The documentation I received with my OEM strut brace indicated to use much of the existing hardware. I remember initially thinking that some bolts were missing. It took 15 minutes to install; a piece of cake. One bolt, however, needed encouragement. By the way, I somehow ended up with about a dozen of those plastic caps that I don't need. If anyone is interested, they're yours for a handshake.

abelgo1@mindspring.com [/COLOR]

[Bruce]

Will you guys quit it with the political crap?

The only reason I don't nuke this thread is there is good info in it. Nothing constructive has been added.

This thread is closed.