Latest venture on this topic on my side:
I finally added the black extension rods to finalize the setup!
There are specific reasons why I needed to get this done;
One is I was getting clunking noise over bumps which we determined to be due to lack of these extension rods settling the alloy strut brace
Second is that it gives added steering precision which is actually quite noticeable.
I started up from the BMW OEM design and ordered both F80 and F82 parts but none fitted my car, i suspect they are not designed to be added after soldering the body parts since they wouldn't fit.
(check post from Steve:
https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...&postcount=108)
So i decided to make them myself;
Step 1 involves scanning the surface in 3D, I used the face ID sensor of the iPhone X to get a surface scan and import into blender 3D modeling software (white surface), and design a piece to cover that surface with good enough precision;
Then home 3D printed plastic models of the part : it took a number of back and forth to get the shape right but i'll keep it short
Before sending it to be professionally metal 3D printed in stainless steel:
Then fitted and glued with epoxy glue
Note that it seems each car is going to need a specific part designed, even my left and right parts are not symmetrical, I had to design them both individually and they don't look the same at all.