E46 M3 strut brace on a non-M E46
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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.
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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.
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Are the part numbers in the other thread correct? :thumb:
Yes.
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.
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 said:
Nothing, as long as I'm not sharing that road with you. 
nate328Ci said:
G
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.
alee said:
Don't do it on the street!
I'll kick your ass at the track
I'll kick your ass at the track
alee said:
Nothing, as long as I'm not sharing that road with you.
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.
The other 10% of me is wondering what else I could buy from a 2002 model year to update my car.
TD said:
I don't doubt it. But I'll whoop your ass in gadgetry.
Ok, you win.
Ok, you win.
nate328Ci said:I'll kick your ass at the track
You could just get some more M68s :lmao:
alee said:The other 10% of me is wondering what else I could buy from a 2002 model year to update my car.
You will definatally win in gadgetry! :thumb:
My 16" Type 43s will walk all over any of your 11 M68s
My 16" Type 43s will walk all over any of your 11 M68s
alee said:
I don't doubt it. But I'll whoop your ass in gadgetry.
Ok, you win.
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.
Go for it, Al.
Stiffness is a wonderful thing.
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).
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).
TD said:
Or at least, BMW Marketing thinks so.
atyclb said:
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