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BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Technical Forums > All-Wheel-Drive (Xi / xDrive) Talk > Strut Brace OEM vs Aftermarket



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      07-25-2008, 04:38 PM   #1
jimmy330xi
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Strut Brace OEM vs Aftermarket

I just got an OEM front strut brace, after that I found an alum strut brace. The aftermarket one looks a lot thicker and stronger than the OEM one. The OEM one curves to the front, leaving you access to the oil cap witout complications, do you think that the aftermarket one will perform better than the OEM piece or did I make the right choice buying a BMW product?
Oh, one more question, Does anyone knows where I can get the one for the rear?
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      07-25-2008, 05:04 PM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jimmy330xi View Post
I just got an OEM front strut brace, after that I found an alum strut brace. The aftermarket one looks a lot thicker and stronger than the OEM one. The OEM one curves to the front, leaving you access to the oil cap witout complications, do you think that the aftermarket one will perform better than the OEM piece or did I make the right choice buying a BMW product?
Oh, one more question, Does anyone knows where I can get the one for the rear?
Look in the Sponsors forum for the M-Force rear strut brace, although you'll have to wait like the rest of us for it. In terms of performing better, I'd think they'd perform the same. You won't really feel a strut brace unless you're tracking your car anyway from what I understand. The beauty of the OEM one is the ease of access to oil. Someone correct me on the performance...?
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      07-25-2008, 05:24 PM   #3
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Just went to the M-Force Design thread and PM'd those guys to put me on the list for the rear one. I wish I had seen it before that they were bringing those back. I'm not too mad, I got the OEM one for a reasonable price. Thanks for the reference.
Yeah, I like that the OEM one lets you access the oil without having to remove it, and the color matches my interior trim. I don't really track my car but before I leave Germany I want to do a few laps around the Nurburgring and the Sachsenring. Cant leave Germany without going around one of the worlds famous tracks.
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      07-25-2008, 07:10 PM   #4
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I don't think an aftermarket unit would make a performance difference. The purpose of a strut brace is to resist stretching and compression while connected to the strut towers, it wouldn't matter how firm it is when pressed down on the middle for example as it wouldn't have any functional impact. But if you like one over the other for looks are are willing to shell out the bucks to do so, I have no objection to that
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      07-25-2008, 07:34 PM   #5
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If the performance of a strut tower brace is barely noticeable then I like the fact that I got the OEM one since it looks a lot better.
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      07-31-2008, 05:47 AM   #6
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I got the front and back bars for my e91 330xi from M-Force Design. Now it feels a bit stiffer when cornering. Not a huge difference in everyday driving though.. But sure helps when on a track. I'm going to hit the Nurnburgring in september! Can't wait!
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      07-31-2008, 12:32 PM   #7
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Nurnburgring in September?!!!!!!!!!!!!! That sounds awesome, take your camera and snap some pictures and post them. I can't wait go be back in Germany.
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      08-20-2008, 12:10 AM   #8
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dude if you want real suspension performance... get the upgraded Rear SWAY bar... keeps the back of the car PLANTED on the pavement.

any strut bar reinforces the chasis and that always helps but with the RSB (and front sway bar if you go for the full package which you should consider cuz its a good value to get both) it keeps the rear shocks more level during cornering and makes it feel like you have super glue on your rear tires.

i used to take this corner off a street that is 45 mph limit onto another 55mph limit all the time. When I was feeling peppy, I'd only slow down to about 28-30mph and then floor it as I came out of the turn, tires screeching and all. If I tried going any faster... I'd and almost hit the curb/median. After getting an upgraded RSB... I was able to do it at about 37-38mph (more importantly at higher rpms in 2nd gear) with no screeching rubber and whoa... i end up hitting 55mph REAL quick.
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      08-20-2008, 08:10 PM   #9
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^ yeah, I'm considering on getting the front and rear sway bars and coilovers to go along with the suspension upgrades but I'm taking it slow. I am about to order me a new '09 R1 and all the money is going towards my bike right now. It will be paid off by the time is delivered. I will definately get the sways and coilovers, on time.
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      08-20-2008, 08:54 PM   #10
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coilovers are very nice, dont get me wrong, but for under $200... the sway bars are just such a great upgrade.
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