E9X Best front strut bar for an e92/e9x?

Torgus

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I've always been VERY skeptical of front strut bars on most platforms. BMW has a stiffer chassis than many other platforms so I am even more skeptical, especially as it comes with some sort of V brace stock both m3 and non m3.

What is the general consensus on front strut bars? Any better than the others?


I see these options:

m3 V brace:
maxresdefault.jpg




m3 V brace with Ultra Racing(I hate this company): https://www.amazon.com/ULTRA-RACING-4-Point-Front-TW4-2757/dp/B01E6P7DXG
s-l500.jpg

But it is closer to triangulating the 3 points which is what I would like.



Non m3 strut brade between front struts, keeping stock non m3 V bars:
attachment.jpg




@barry@3DM any thoughts?



I am amazed no one made an aftermarket strut bar that triangulates the 3 points. I would buy one. You seem stuck with a better V brace(m3) or the worse e9X stock v brace and a bar across the strut towers.
 
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derekgates

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I have wondered the same! Also, does any of this make a difference? Is the front stiff enough with stock or M3?


I went M3 strut brace as it connected AROUND strut towers instead of a single point. Does not triangulate, however.

Turner/ECS has a triangulation bar that I was considering but not sure it fits with the M3 strut brace: https://www.ecstuning.com/b-turner-...325i-328i-330i-335i-e82-128i-135i/067037~tms/

1584028981171.png


Why do you hate Ultra Racing?
 

Torgus

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I have wondered the same! Also, does any of this make a difference? Is the front stiff enough with stock or M3?


I went M3 strut brace as it connected AROUND strut towers instead of a single point. Does not triangulate, however.

Turner/ECS has a triangulation bar that I was considering but not sure it fits with the M3 strut brace: https://www.ecstuning.com/b-turner-...325i-328i-330i-335i-e82-128i-135i/067037~tms/

View attachment 35831

Why do you hate Ultra Racing?

It does not fit with the m3 V brace, It removes the m3 V brace which seams like a worse idea. I searched on it before. I don't think anyone makes one that triangulates which is what I want. I think I once saw someone make the Dinan CF bars work in a triangulation form but it was custom and that is like $1500 in CF strut bars. Steel bars which should cost $300.



Ultra racing makes tons of stiffening products that don't do jack shit for plenty of platforms(in my opinion):

rl4-250.jpg



https://www.sico-developments.co.uk...s-e90-325-2005-2011-rear-lower-brace-rl2-1029 <--looks useless to me.

https://www.aleksracing.com/rear-lower-bar-bmw-e90-3-series-rls8-1671 <--looks useless to me.

https://www.shangyastore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=583292 <--looks useless to me.

http://shop.undergrounddivision.com/product/ultra-racing <--but why?

https://www.codusshop.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=328307 <--wtf?

https://www.importitall.co.za/ULTRA...0-M3--E92-M3-V8-40-LA42759-ap-B01E6P7CAA.html <--The solid metal plate needs reinforcing on the m3?


I swear they just look for pick up points and then make bars that fit with ZERO consideration to form or function. Also, I'm pretty sure they use child labor.
 

derekgates

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It does not fit. That strut bar. It removes the m3 V brace. I searched on it before. I don't think anyone makes one that triangulates. I think I once saw someone make the Dinan CF bars work in a triangulation form but it was custom and that is like $1500 in CF strut bars. Steel bars which should cost $300.

Yeah I remember seeing that sexy CF bar that was modified. The thread exploded after hearing how much it cost. I have since been waiting on a setup.

In my car I get creaking and other 'bearing noise' that I can't tell if it is due to lack of triangulation or the stupid Vorshlag camber plates wearing their bearing down. (I am preparing to tear down suspension and send to @barry@3DM for revalving/spring upgrades, maybe he can recommend GC plates or keep using Vorshlag)

Ultra racing makes tons of stiffening products that don't do jack shit for plenty of platforms(in my opinion):

View attachment 35832


https://www.sico-developments.co.uk...s-e90-325-2005-2011-rear-lower-brace-rl2-1029 <--looks useless to me.

https://www.aleksracing.com/rear-lower-bar-bmw-e90-3-series-rls8-1671 <--looks useless to me.

https://www.shangyastore.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=583292 <--looks useless to me.

http://shop.undergrounddivision.com/product/ultra-racing <--but why?

https://www.codusshop.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=328307 <--wtf?

https://www.importitall.co.za/ULTRA...0-M3--E92-M3-V8-40-LA42759-ap-B01E6P7CAA.html <--The solid metal plate needs reinforcing on the m3?


I swear they just look for pick up points and then make bars that fit with ZERO consideration to form or function. Also, I'm pretty sure they use child labor.

blahahahahahaha. I need to triangulate my... *checks notes* side skirts!

Duly noted. :p



Now, in some cars it is actually useful to brace areas like behind the rear seats. My MKIV GTI had tremendous chassis problems that were fixed up with a brace:
IMG_0731.JPG
IMG_0732.JPG
 
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Torgus

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@derekgates

They do offer this:
_1412699424__81604.1583269293.jpg


I think it is unneeded on our platform personally. If you ever take away the grey fabric shielding everything seems very well connected.

If anyone wants to really stiffen things up get a real welded in roll cage. But then you like like a hardo driving around on the streets with a full cage ;)


Why do we need this?

A strut bar? I'm not sure we do to be honest.

I have read multiple times people saw an improvement going to the m3 V brace. I have also read people claiming there was an improvement when they add an across strut brace but kept the stock e9x non m3 v brace.

It's about the last suspension mod I can imagine doing. But...I said that about a lot of things ;)

I am really curious everyone's thoughts or opinions on the various strut braces available or if there is a brace that triangulates that somehow I have missed after looking for it for years.
 
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hellokitty

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I have the M3 strut brace. It makes a difference when turning in. Steering is more responsive, quicker and more precise. Without it, the steering still felt rubbery even with M3 bits and aluminum monoballs pushed in.

Steering feels 95% like my F80 M3. I am sure I can get to 100% if I ran Cup 2s on my 335is like I do on my F80.