E46 strut bar fits

BlackSapphireZ · 10-02-2007, 12:15 PM

just thought I'd let everyone know.

although the clearance on top of the engine is very slim...I trimmed a little but still very close. Some said M3 bars are lower but I spent nearly nothing for it so

oh it's FRONT btw

.

mister_roger · 10-02-2007, 01:00 PM

Cool! You know, I was wondering if an e46 strut bar fits a Z4 myself, because i've seen this ACS replica bar on eBay that claims to fit e46 AND Z4. Yet, there is no other bar out there that claims to have dual fitment for both vehicles, and even BMW part #s are different for the factory braces. I'm sure it is due to the clearance issue that you pointed out.

Seeing that the e46 bar actually does fit (if a bit snug), this should open up a few more options. That strut bar looks like the one I've seen on eBay for really cheap. Although the design looks rather flimsy, it's inexpensive enough to try out.

How does the handling feel with that bar installed? Any noticeable improvements?

BlackSapphireZ · 10-02-2007, 01:11 PM

could be just my head but seems like front end is little bit firmer, less wandering around, tighter feel.

mine cost me... nearly nothing

NEW

pbdm4k · 10-02-2007, 01:35 PM

Yeah, but that appears to be a cheap ebay bar. You'll notice very little if anything due to the hinged bar. The bar still allows a considerable amount of flexing.

If you want a noticeable difference, either the factory strut tower bar for the Z4 (although the bolts are known to give way to stress over time), or go with a stronger aftermarket like ACS or Strong Strut that do not have hinges or moving parts and when bolted together provide a solid strut brace.

Dammmittt · 10-02-2007, 02:37 PM

Well he did spend almost nothing on it, you get what you pay for

mister_roger · 10-02-2007, 03:39 PM

From my understanding the front strut bar is put under stress in the lateral (left - right) direction, which shouldn't be affected too much by the hinge.
I'm not going to try and start any debates here, but I have noticed that while the AC Schnitzer, BMW, and Strong Strut bars are a solid design, the Dinan and Racing Dynamics strut bars are also a hinged design. I'm sure that these manufacturers took this design element into consideration when developing their products.

However, on this bar it is the strut tower mounts that seem like the weakest point, as they appear to be made from rather flimsy metal.

I agree with the saying, "you get what you pay for". $35 vs. $300+

pbdm4k · 10-02-2007, 04:04 PM

Well, arguably with Dinan, you get a lot less than what you pay for.
$800 for a muffler still blows my mind...

But if you do think about it, a solid design is a much better design. The strut tower bars job is to reduce flexing, right? So wouldn't it be better if the bar itself can't move either?

Mazda factory strut tower bars are also solid braces as well as Neuspeed braces.

fabuloufrankie · 10-02-2007, 04:44 PM

Sweet...I just traded in my 01' 330I for a Z4 3 days ago. Tomorrow the dealer is letting me take my 330i for the day to pull my audio system out and now my strut bar is coming with me

.

Glad I saw this post.

I noticed less wandering when I put the strut bar(same cheap ebay one) on my E46. I'm not saying it was a huge difference but it was enough to know it wasn't just in my head...definitely worth the $30 or 40 bucks I paid. I'm sure the more expensive ones are better though. Tomorrow it'll go on my Z4.

mister_roger · 10-02-2007, 05:15 PM

Given the same price point, I would definitely go with a solid bar no doubt. But at this price, a hinged bar seems to be the only option. They do sell solid e46 strut bars for around $100, but these bars cover the entire strut tower, which would prevent me from adjusting my Koni shocks.

From a manufacturing standpoint, it is probably cheaper to produce a hinged bar because the individual components (strut tower mount, center bar, etc..) can be reused for different vehicle applications. A solid bar would have to be vehicle specific, therefore increasing production costs. Just my thought.

Dammmittt · 10-02-2007, 07:37 PM

I'd like to give you guys a class on mechanics, but I'm too busy with my real homework. Bottom line is, hinges incurage rotation while a solid bar does not. If you're trying to eliminate flex with the bar, a solid one will do a helluva lot more for you than something that's going to move with the car anyway.

BimmerZealot · 10-02-2007, 09:15 PM

So you had to shave the bar for it to fit over the engine? How bout with an N52 ?

BlackSapphireZ · 10-02-2007, 09:48 PM

i think N52's are higher so ur better off not getting it.

if you adjust the bar end to fit snug and tighten it to eliminate movement it's ok for what it is

i paid $22 shipped... so it's worth every penny

mister_roger · 10-03-2007, 11:24 AM

Ok, i just ordered one too. $24 shipped. I guess at that price you can't really go wrong. It if turns out to be crap, then I can use it as a towel rack :P

pbdm4k · 10-03-2007, 10:47 PM

It's just wrong in my opinion. It's a BMW. Treat it like one.

Do it right the first time and get the ACS or the Strong Strut. (I would not include Dinan as being a quality strut tower bar in this instance as it seems they did it for the money and not the engineering prowess. However for the Mini, they DID bother to make it a solid strut WITHOUT hinges.)

Do it right the first time so you don't have to do it again later.

BlackSapphireZ · 10-03-2007, 11:02 PM

thats why you put chrome wheels on ur BMW... at least i don't make my BMW look ghetto ugly

pbdm4k · 10-03-2007, 11:04 PM

Not chrome, high polish. They're also iForged and they save me about 10lbs per wheel.

Bottom line... Performance.

mister_roger · 10-04-2007, 12:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pbdm4k

Only the best. Otherwise, bugger off and go drive a civic like the rest of the poor chaps who drool over my car.

You have some ego problems buddy. If you have the money, then go nuts. Otherwise, let budget-minded people do what they want.

-- Don't forget to wipe the drool from your car.

ssdb · 10-04-2007, 07:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BimmerZealot

So you had to shave the bar for it to fit over the engine? How bout with an N52 ?

I dont know if it is the same for the strut brace being discussed here but I am sharing my experience with the BMW part this week just in case......

I had a BMW strut brace fitted to my '06 Z4 3.0si coupe which has the N52 engine this week. The service dept said that the brace (which is designed for an E85) would fit my coupe (an E86). It does.....kind of.

Looking from above, the brace is "V" shaped and when fitted normally with the tip of the "V" points forwards (as it should) it covers the oil cap. So I had to have it fitted with the point of the "V" pointing backwards. BMW say there will be no loss of performance. Haven't really had a chance to put it to the test yet though.

BlackSapphireZ · 10-04-2007, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pbdm4k

Not chrome, high polish. They're also iForged and they save me about 10lbs per wheel.

Bottom line... Performance.

thats why you deleted the picture.. I don't know, by ur crappy picture quality that was taken with crappy camera, i couldn't tell whether it was ghetto ugly or ghetto ugly lol With your money why don't you invest in a nice camera, they're only $100

pbdm4k · 10-04-2007, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackSapphireZ

thats why you deleted the picture.. I don't know, by ur crappy picture quality that was taken with crappy camera, i couldn't tell whether it was ghetto ugly or ghetto ugly lol With your money why don't you invest in a nice camera, they're only $100

I deleted cuz I realized showing rims is off topic.
I meant to show the strong strut installed, but whatever.

I apologize for starting a flame war with you, but I still stand by the policy that if you're going to do it, do it right the first time.

Getting back on topic and not low blowing about who has what to spend, if you wanted it for the performance, you should buy one that performs.

pbdm4k · 10-04-2007, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ssdb

I dont know if it is the same for the strut brace being discussed here but I am sharing my experience with the BMW part this week just in case......

I had a BMW strut brace fitted to my '06 Z4 3.0si coupe which has the N52 engine this week. The service dept said that the brace (which is designed for an E85) would fit my coupe (an E86). It does.....kind of.

Looking from above, the brace is "V" shaped and when fitted normally with the tip of the "V" points forwards (as it should) it covers the oil cap. So I had to have it fitted with the point of the "V" pointing backwards. BMW say there will be no loss of performance. Haven't really had a chance to put it to the test yet though.

BMW is right that it will fit, and the V pointing backwards is no big deal. This brace will still perform very well and helps with the floaty feeling from the front of the car.

BimmerZealot · 10-04-2007, 09:54 PM

BlackSapphireZ still wondering if you had to sand/shave/trim the bar for it to clear?

10-02-2007, 12:15 PM	#1
BlackSapphireZ Major 97 Rep 1,191 Posts Drives: 22 GLE 53 Coupe Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Ladson, SC iTrader: (0)	E46 strut bar fits just thought I'd let everyone know. although the clearance on top of the engine is very slim...I trimmed a little but still very close. Some said M3 bars are lower but I spent nearly nothing for it so oh it's FRONT btw . __________________ 2022 GLE 53 Coupe Last edited by BlackSapphireZ; 10-02-2007 at 12:42 PM..
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10-02-2007, 01:00 PM	#2
mister_roger Private First Class 13 Rep 136 Posts Drives: 2003 Maldives Blue 2.5i Join Date: May 2007 Location: Bellevue, WA iTrader: (0)	Cool! You know, I was wondering if an e46 strut bar fits a Z4 myself, because i've seen this ACS replica bar on eBay that claims to fit e46 AND Z4. Yet, there is no other bar out there that claims to have dual fitment for both vehicles, and even BMW part #s are different for the factory braces. I'm sure it is due to the clearance issue that you pointed out. Seeing that the e46 bar actually does fit (if a bit snug), this should open up a few more options. That strut bar looks like the one I've seen on eBay for really cheap. Although the design looks rather flimsy, it's inexpensive enough to try out. How does the handling feel with that bar installed? Any noticeable improvements? __________________ 2003 Maldives Blue 2.5i -- 18" M6 wheels, 12mm rear spacer, ///MZ4 front bumper conversion, Eibach lowering springs, Koni shocks, Hotchkis F/R anti-roll bars, Helene Performance air filter.
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10-02-2007, 01:11 PM	#3
BlackSapphireZ Major 97 Rep 1,191 Posts Drives: 22 GLE 53 Coupe Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Ladson, SC iTrader: (0)	could be just my head but seems like front end is little bit firmer, less wandering around, tighter feel. mine cost me... nearly nothing NEW __________________ 2022 GLE 53 Coupe
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10-02-2007, 01:35 PM	#4
pbdm4k Lieutenant Colonel 74 Rep 1,689 Posts Drives: 2010 335d Join Date: May 2007 Location: North of the Border iTrader: (3)	Yeah, but that appears to be a cheap ebay bar. You'll notice very little if anything due to the hinged bar. The bar still allows a considerable amount of flexing. If you want a noticeable difference, either the factory strut tower bar for the Z4 (although the bolts are known to give way to stress over time), or go with a stronger aftermarket like ACS or Strong Strut that do not have hinges or moving parts and when bolted together provide a solid strut brace.
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10-02-2007, 02:37 PM	#5
Dammmittt My favorite sign. 167 Rep 4,333 Posts Drives: 2007 M Coupe Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Der Autobahnen iTrader: (0)	Well he did spend almost nothing on it, you get what you pay for __________________ 07 ///M Coupe (Premium Package) Black Saphire Ext. Imola Red Int. Best Website EVER!
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10-02-2007, 03:39 PM	#6
mister_roger Private First Class 13 Rep 136 Posts Drives: 2003 Maldives Blue 2.5i Join Date: May 2007 Location: Bellevue, WA iTrader: (0)	From my understanding the front strut bar is put under stress in the lateral (left - right) direction, which shouldn't be affected too much by the hinge. I'm not going to try and start any debates here, but I have noticed that while the AC Schnitzer, BMW, and Strong Strut bars are a solid design, the Dinan and Racing Dynamics strut bars are also a hinged design. I'm sure that these manufacturers took this design element into consideration when developing their products. However, on this bar it is the strut tower mounts that seem like the weakest point, as they appear to be made from rather flimsy metal. I agree with the saying, "you get what you pay for". $35 vs. $300+ __________________ 2003 Maldives Blue 2.5i -- 18" M6 wheels, 12mm rear spacer, ///MZ4 front bumper conversion, Eibach lowering springs, Koni shocks, Hotchkis F/R anti-roll bars, Helene Performance air filter.
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10-02-2007, 04:04 PM	#7
pbdm4k Lieutenant Colonel 74 Rep 1,689 Posts Drives: 2010 335d Join Date: May 2007 Location: North of the Border iTrader: (3)	Well, arguably with Dinan, you get a lot less than what you pay for. $800 for a muffler still blows my mind... But if you do think about it, a solid design is a much better design. The strut tower bars job is to reduce flexing, right? So wouldn't it be better if the bar itself can't move either? Mazda factory strut tower bars are also solid braces as well as Neuspeed braces.
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10-02-2007, 04:44 PM	#8
fabuloufrankie Registered 0 Rep 4 Posts Drives: 2004 Z4 3.0i Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Reston, VA iTrader: (0)	Sweet...I just traded in my 01' 330I for a Z4 3 days ago. Tomorrow the dealer is letting me take my 330i for the day to pull my audio system out and now my strut bar is coming with me. Glad I saw this post. I noticed less wandering when I put the strut bar(same cheap ebay one) on my E46. I'm not saying it was a huge difference but it was enough to know it wasn't just in my head...definitely worth the $30 or 40 bucks I paid. I'm sure the more expensive ones are better though. Tomorrow it'll go on my Z4.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-02-2007, 05:15 PM	#9
mister_roger Private First Class 13 Rep 136 Posts Drives: 2003 Maldives Blue 2.5i Join Date: May 2007 Location: Bellevue, WA iTrader: (0)	Given the same price point, I would definitely go with a solid bar no doubt. But at this price, a hinged bar seems to be the only option. They do sell solid e46 strut bars for around $100, but these bars cover the entire strut tower, which would prevent me from adjusting my Koni shocks. From a manufacturing standpoint, it is probably cheaper to produce a hinged bar because the individual components (strut tower mount, center bar, etc..) can be reused for different vehicle applications. A solid bar would have to be vehicle specific, therefore increasing production costs. Just my thought. __________________ 2003 Maldives Blue 2.5i -- 18" M6 wheels, 12mm rear spacer, ///MZ4 front bumper conversion, Eibach lowering springs, Koni shocks, Hotchkis F/R anti-roll bars, Helene Performance air filter.
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10-02-2007, 07:37 PM	#10
Dammmittt My favorite sign. 167 Rep 4,333 Posts Drives: 2007 M Coupe Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Der Autobahnen iTrader: (0)	I'd like to give you guys a class on mechanics, but I'm too busy with my real homework. Bottom line is, hinges incurage rotation while a solid bar does not. If you're trying to eliminate flex with the bar, a solid one will do a helluva lot more for you than something that's going to move with the car anyway. __________________ 07 ///M Coupe (Premium Package) Black Saphire Ext. Imola Red Int. Best Website EVER!
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10-02-2007, 09:15 PM	#11
BimmerZealot Major 61 Rep 1,210 Posts Drives: 2019 BMW X3 xDrive30i Join Date: May 2007 Location: San Diego, California iTrader: (2)	So you had to shave the bar for it to fit over the engine? How bout with an N52 ?
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10-02-2007, 09:48 PM	#12
BlackSapphireZ Major 97 Rep 1,191 Posts Drives: 22 GLE 53 Coupe Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Ladson, SC iTrader: (0)	i think N52's are higher so ur better off not getting it. if you adjust the bar end to fit snug and tighten it to eliminate movement it's ok for what it is i paid $22 shipped... so it's worth every penny __________________ 2022 GLE 53 Coupe
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10-03-2007, 11:24 AM	#13
mister_roger Private First Class 13 Rep 136 Posts Drives: 2003 Maldives Blue 2.5i Join Date: May 2007 Location: Bellevue, WA iTrader: (0)	Ok, i just ordered one too. $24 shipped. I guess at that price you can't really go wrong. It if turns out to be crap, then I can use it as a towel rack :P __________________ 2003 Maldives Blue 2.5i -- 18" M6 wheels, 12mm rear spacer, ///MZ4 front bumper conversion, Eibach lowering springs, Koni shocks, Hotchkis F/R anti-roll bars, Helene Performance air filter.
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10-03-2007, 10:47 PM	#14
pbdm4k Lieutenant Colonel 74 Rep 1,689 Posts Drives: 2010 335d Join Date: May 2007 Location: North of the Border iTrader: (3)	It's just wrong in my opinion. It's a BMW. Treat it like one. Do it right the first time and get the ACS or the Strong Strut. (I would not include Dinan as being a quality strut tower bar in this instance as it seems they did it for the money and not the engineering prowess. However for the Mini, they DID bother to make it a solid strut WITHOUT hinges.) Do it right the first time so you don't have to do it again later. Last edited by pbdm4k; 10-04-2007 at 02:31 PM.. Reason: I apologize for being offensive.
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10-03-2007, 11:02 PM	#15
BlackSapphireZ Major 97 Rep 1,191 Posts Drives: 22 GLE 53 Coupe Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Ladson, SC iTrader: (0)	thats why you put chrome wheels on ur BMW... at least i don't make my BMW look ghetto ugly __________________ 2022 GLE 53 Coupe
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10-03-2007, 11:04 PM	#16
pbdm4k Lieutenant Colonel 74 Rep 1,689 Posts Drives: 2010 335d Join Date: May 2007 Location: North of the Border iTrader: (3)	Not chrome, high polish. They're also iForged and they save me about 10lbs per wheel. Bottom line... Performance.
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10-04-2007, 09:54 PM	#22
BimmerZealot Major 61 Rep 1,210 Posts Drives: 2019 BMW X3 xDrive30i Join Date: May 2007 Location: San Diego, California iTrader: (2)	BlackSapphireZ still wondering if you had to sand/shave/trim the bar for it to clear?
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