TD said:
THe x-brace does NOT take away stock status AFAIK.
Actually, I believe it does to the SCCA (we're talking Solo 2, of course). Here's the definition of Stock class:
http://www.moutons.org/sccasolo/Rules/stock.html
That section lists some very specific modifications that are allowed for vehicles in the stock class. Cross braces are not included in the list. However, the part is factory installed on roadsters and convertibles.
My interpretation of the rules are as follows. The x-brace was only installed on E36 M3s if they were ordered as convertibles. Therefore, they are considered part of the convertible "package." In order for the x-brace to be considered stock, one would have to install the entire package that included the x-brace. In this case, that would mean "installing" the rest of the convertible "package." This is, of course, a ridiculous proposition, but it would be the only way to have an x-brace and remain in B-Stock. So the only x-braced E36ers in BS should be convertibles.
Of course, I highly doubt that anyone would notice. Furthermore, I doubt anyone would care a whole lot at the local level, unless you become competitive in your class.
Oh BTW TD, you never answered the first part of my question. Do you have the TMEs? I've yet to see the transmission flex, but I've got a FATT in December and I'm wondering if it's really a common problem with E36s.