[Ron Stygar]

Although it looked like the BMW E46 M3 strut brace would fit a
non-M E46 we didn't know for sure.
At Limerock Saturday, I set one in place over the area where it goes on a 328ci, and again it looked like it would fit.
Today, parts guy Paul McLaughlin installed one on a E46 330ci and he called me saying that it fit. He sent the following pics.
Paul still has the best deal on these, so far.
Soon (May 4th maybe), I'll be installing one in my garage on a brand new 2002 330ci someone is stopping over with. Will be checking clearances, recording the amounts. Will be posting some detailed pics along with the data soon after.

 

[nate]

Are the part numbers in the other thread correct? :thumb:

 

[Ron Stygar]

Yes.

 

[alee]

But does it actually do anything?

It was my understanding that the rear needs the strut brace far more than the front. I kinda thought the front was more show than function unless you're driving 9/10 or more.

 

[nate]

But does it actually do anything?

It was my understanding that the rear needs the strut brace far more than the front. I kinda thought the front was more show than function unless you're driving 9/10 or more.

And what is wrong with driving 9/10 or more? :dunno:

 

[alee]

And what is wrong with driving 9/10 or more? :dunno:

Nothing, as long as I'm not sharing that road with you.

 

[Guest]

But does it actually do anything?

It was my understanding that the rear needs the strut brace far more than the front. I kinda thought the front was more show than function unless you're driving 9/10 or more.

If you're going the "show car" route (and these cars will NEVER see a track) the bar is ALL show. And for public road driving, unless you cross over into highly irresponsible (which I admit I have done), you would never notice one either. But if you track the car, you will notice and it will provide a noticeable benefit.

 

[nate]

Nothing, as long as I'm not sharing that road with you.

Don't do it on the street!

I'll kick your ass at the track

 

[alee]

If you're going the "show car" route (and these cars will NEVER see a track) the bar is ALL show. And for public road driving, unless you cross over into highly irresponsible (which I admit I have done), you would never notice one either. But if you track the car, you will notice and it will provide a noticeable benefit.

I'm still thinking hard about getting a rear one. I'm 90% convinced it will improve everyday driving, and do something about the rear seat rattles.

The other 10% of me is wondering what else I could buy from a 2002 model year to update my car.

 

[alee]

I'll kick your ass at the track

I don't doubt it. But I'll whoop your ass in gadgetry.

Ok, you win.

 

[nate]

The other 10% of me is wondering what else I could buy from a 2002 model year to update my car.

You could just get some more M68s :lmao:

 

[nate]

I don't doubt it. But I'll whoop your ass in gadgetry.

Ok, you win.

You will definatally win in gadgetry! :thumb:

My 16" Type 43s will walk all over any of your 11 M68s

 

[Nick325xiT 5spd]

I will tell you that I notice a significant difference in the way my car drives when I take the cargo net out. The amount of extra flex in the body is VERY noticable. I imagine that a rear stress bar would make another huge leap in stiffness. The question, of course, is whether or not this can be done without ****ing up the car's trim.
Go for it, Al. Stiffness is a wonderful thing.

 

[Mr. The Edge]

If you're going the "show car" route (and these cars will NEVER see a track) the bar is ALL show. And for public road driving, unless you cross over into highly irresponsible (which I admit I have done), you would never notice one either. But if you track the car, you will notice and it will provide a noticeable benefit.

BMW is now including this brace, as of mid-March production, in ALL M3's it ships worldwide.

This was confirmed by several people today (through BMWNA).

So apparently, BMW thinks it's important enough for people to have one (on M3's anyway).

 

[JonM]

So apparently, BMW thinks it's important enough for people to have one (on M3's anyway).

Or at least, BMW Marketing thinks so.