[NFS]

I've seen aftermarket strut braces offered to enhance torsional stability.

But there seems to be a strut brace type thing already fitted to my car. You can see it in this pic:



Instead of going straight accross the engine bay it seems to tuck under the cover infront of the wipers.

Is this a 'strut brace' or something else and do all e90's have it?

[SoYank]

I think they all have it. The aftermarket strut brace goes from the suspension tower, across the top of the engine in front of the oil fill cap, to the other suspension tower.

[NFS]

Originally Posted by SoYank

I think they all have it. The aftermarket strut brace goes from the suspension tower, across the top of the engine in front of the oil fill cap, to the other suspension tower.

So why would I want an aftermarket strut brace if I already have one

[SoYank]

Originally Posted by needforspeed

So why would I want an aftermarket strut brace if I already have one

Don't know. That's probably why my car doesn't have the aftermarket one.

[KL2DC]

Some argue that it serves only as a cosmetic i.e. that a curved bar couldn't give you the required rigidity. But those who have done this mod, have observed a noticeable increase in front end rigidity.

[NFS]

Originally Posted by KL2DC

Some argue that it serves only as a cosmetic i.e. that a curved bar couldn't give you the required rigidity. But those who have done this mod, have observed a noticeable increase in front end rigidity.

OK - but doesn't the one that seems to be fitted as standard provide enough rigidity?

[KL2DC]

Originally Posted by needforspeed

OK - but doesn't the one that seems to be fitted as standard provide enough rigidity?

Some people want more, what can I say

There was some discussion, but no definitive answer/consensus has been established.

Personally, I believe there is some benefit. I remembered reading someone's post about how you shouldn't install the bar on a 335i sedan as it brought about some rattling in the interior. That makes me think that the bar does do something. Fwiw, I am thinking about doing this mod soon.

[NaTuReB0Y]

Originally Posted by needforspeed

So why would I want an aftermarket strut brace if I already have one

then go with sway bars....front and rear.

[KL2DC]

Originally Posted by NaTuReB0Y

then go with sway bars....front and rear.

He's trying to address body/chassis rigidity not roll...but I agree sway bars have a lot of bang to the buck in terms of results.

[mjh93sa]

Short discussion here:
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=37834

See also:
http://e30m3performance.com/myths/St...bar_theory.htm

[NFS]

Originally Posted by mjh93sa

Short discussion here:
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=37834

See also:
http://e30m3performance.com/myths/St...bar_theory.htm

Good ... but the point is ... there seems to be a strut bar fitted as standard ... or is that something else ?

[NaTuReB0Y]

Originally Posted by needforspeed

Good ... but the point is ... there seems to be a strut bar fitted as standard ... or is that something else ?

yes...we have the standard one as indicated by you.....

but people always want more........

and it looks hot too......

[SoYank]

Originally Posted by NaTuReB0Y

yes...we have the standard one as indicated by you.....

but people always want more........

and it looks hot too......

Probably feels hot too after a long drive.