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      09-17-2018, 11:00 PM   #1
ghoku18
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Front Strut and/or Rear Shock Reinforcement Plate

I have seen mixed feedback whether to install the front strut and/or rear shock reinforcement plate. This would be for a non-modified or lowered daily driver z4.

Seeing if anyone has any experience to add to this.

Last edited by ghoku18; 09-17-2018 at 11:59 PM..
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      09-18-2018, 10:34 PM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ghoku18 View Post
I have seen mixed feedback whether to install the front strut and/or rear shock reinforcement plate. This would be for a non-modified or lowered daily driver z4.

Seeing if anyone has any experience to add to this.
It's cheap insurance IMO. My first Z4MC had distorted and bent one of my rear shock towers. I bent it back and that no doubt weakened the steel.
Bought a 2nd Z4MC and put front and rear reinforcement plates and after several track days still great.
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      10-19-2018, 04:19 PM   #3
Carsareart
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I just installed some on mine. Insurance....
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      10-19-2018, 06:53 PM   #4
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I installed the rear one but didnt the front since I have camber plates and a strut brace.
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      04-05-2020, 05:20 PM   #5
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OK now. I keep hearing about these reinforcement plates for the Z4 but can't find anyone that carries them. What an I missing?
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      04-07-2020, 07:57 PM   #6
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IIRC, E46 plate fits the Z4M

https://www.bimmerworld.com/Front-St...Plate-E46.html
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      04-21-2020, 10:22 AM   #7
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I decided to check with a few after market suppliers to see what if anything they carried in the area of reinforcement for the Z4.
Bimmerworld only carries the bottom reinforcement plate that mounts to the bottom of the car.
Turner carries a Rear Trailing Arm Bushing Limiter kit and Rear shock Mount Reinforcement plates.
TC Kline carries Rouge Rear Trailing Arm Shims.
ECS carries Rear Shock Mount Reinforcement plates, the bottom reinforcement plate that mounts to the bottom of the car, Rear Trailing Arm Bushing Limiter kit and a Weld-In Camber Arm Reinforcement kit.
I even called my local BMW dealer to check with them and they have never installed a set of the Strut Reinforcement plates on a Z4. They had done so on some E46's but not a Z4.
So in checking it looks like the weakest points in the E85 Z4 are the rear shocks might need the reinforcement plates. I believe most of the Z4's came equipped with the Bottom reinforcement plate as I know mine with the M Sport Suspension did. The Rear Trailing arm and the rear Camber Arms seem to be the points needing the most attention.
If you want to add the E46 Strut Reinforcement plates you will need to drill out a hole for the pin that's on the Z4 mount or remove the pin. But I have not been able to find anywhere that it actually helps or that there is a real need for the plate. All I have found is it's "cheap insurance".
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      04-22-2020, 10:14 AM   #8
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I've ordered both front and rear reinforcement plates for my suspension refresh from Bimmerworld even though I know it may not be needed. Also new guide supports and rear shock mounts. Figured it would be lower a bit, possibly but highly unlikely more stiffer so to avoid damaging the shock towers in the long run seems like a good idea. I plan on keeping the car for years to come so it makes sense.

RTAB limiters are not exactly reinforcing the chassis per say. I found this link which explains in good detail what the limiters do for the car.

https://vorshlag-store.com/products/...iters-full-set

And you're correct about drilling a hole in the e46 reinforcement plates for the Z4 guide support alignment pin. But that's hardly a show stopper.
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      04-22-2020, 10:18 AM   #9
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The E46 plates will fit, i run them in my Z4MC with JRZ RS Ones. No issues.
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