09-22-2019, 06:34 PM | #1 |
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F2x/F3x Meyle HD tension strut review
Hey all,
After exploring an F8x tension strut swap or a monoball setup, I discovered Meyle makes a pair of tension struts from their HD lineup. So far these appear to be Europe-only, and I had to buy them on ebay. The part numbers are: 316 050 0066/HD -- Left 316 050 0067/HD -- Right I found them for about $67/each, plus $25 in shipping each. As you can see from the below pic, the bushing is quite a different design from the factory one. In general, it looks much heftier. The bushing seems to have more support in the common directions force is applied to it. What you can't tell from the picture, is just how stiff the rubber is. It is significantly stiffer than the OEM piece. The pictured stock TS in the picture only has 10k miles on it, and I can already squish the center piece around with my hands. I could not get the meyle one to budge. Anyway, on to the actual review. Immediately I noticed that the steering is more precise, and less affected by imperfections in the road. Both steering and braking feel more predictable. You do feel and hear these imperfections a tiny bit more, but it's well worth it considering the change in handling. The car feels more on rails and is less upset by bumps than before. One of my main gripes with this car has been that with my wide and sticky summer tires, I had to fight the steering wheel a bit over bumps on the highway. Which in northern virginia, is frequently. In conclusion, if your tension struts need to be replaced soon and you aren't willing to step up to monoballs or try the M3/M4 swap, I highly recommend these. Hopefully we get these sold in the US soon.
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09-22-2019, 09:22 PM | #2 |
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Did you install yourself? If so, how did that go? Any tips or recommendations for the rest of us?
Assuming an alignment is not necessary after install, correct? |
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09-22-2019, 09:38 PM | #3 | |
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For tightening the new ball joint, I reversed this except I stopped once i couldn't tighten it any more with my torx and wrench. Then I jacked up the assembly from where the lower control arm meets the hub and got out the torque wrench. 125ft-lbs is a lot. You will literally move the steering out to lock while tightening this. No alignment should be necessary. I don't believe there is any change in caster. |
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09-22-2019, 09:49 PM | #4 |
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It's difficult to tell from the pictures if the bolt hole is centered in the middle of the Meyle HD bushing or not. If it is (and not offset to one side like the OE bushing) you may want to get an alignment since your caster will be increased.
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09-23-2019, 05:58 AM | #6 | |
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They do, but I can't seem to find them for sale... Here are the part numbers from their catalogue: 316 050 0068/HD -- Left 316 050 0069/HD -- Right The x-drive are listed as 385mm long.
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10-04-2019, 10:05 AM | #8 |
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10-04-2019, 10:21 AM | #9 |
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10-04-2019, 11:09 PM | #10 |
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10-21-2019, 01:33 PM | #11 |
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Helo BMW Experts!
The Meyle thrust arm is back on Ebay, ~ $100. per side: https://www.ebay.com/itm/316-050-006...gAAOSwIUVcG1YD https://www.ebay.com/itm/316-050-006...4AAOSw~KNcG1FV Murf |
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10-23-2019, 10:32 AM | #12 |
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A word of caution. I ordered mine about two weeks ago and what i received is not what Eschmacher received. The ones I received have a standard style bushing. They were new in the box which had the Meyle seal intact. I don't have any reason to believe they were switched out or tampered with. Maybe the part was updated? I am wondering if it's a solid rubber bushing cast in the original style in lieu of a hydrobearing. Can't move it all by hand and it's pretty stiff when I try to move it with a screwdriver. Not the end of the world as my car has 70k so I'm sure they need swapped anyway. Might try the old windshield adhesive to fill the gaps trick and see what happens.
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10-23-2019, 12:09 PM | #13 |
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Regardless, they are an improvement to OEM, trust me.
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10-23-2019, 12:46 PM | #14 |
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Well I’m an idiot then. I thought the one on the right was the new one.
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10-23-2019, 01:38 PM | #15 |
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10-23-2019, 04:31 PM | #16 |
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No, those are the OEM, and they are not as solid as they look. I recommend at least trying the Meyle ones.
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Handling mods: Koni yellow - Eibach prokit - Millway street - M Performance LSD - M3 brakes - EBC bluestuff Exterior: Euro LCI tail lights - Shitty ECS CF spoiler - Chinese M performance diffuser Interior: Bavsound stage 1 and subs - custom trunk sub by Mike1327 |
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11-20-2019, 10:03 AM | #17 | |
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http://www.ebaystores.co.uk/Brake-Li..._sid=137339294 Murf PS: I ordered these & got delivery in two days, England to Brklyn! Last edited by Littlebear; 11-22-2019 at 09:43 AM.. |
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11-22-2019, 03:37 PM | #18 |
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11-23-2019, 03:51 PM | #19 |
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I'd like to hear if your opinion matches the other fellow after you get them installed. I've been watching these arms for a while now. Interestingly enough the seller's price went up by 50% today from what it was just yesterday! Perhaps they are running short on stock.
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11-24-2019, 02:37 PM | #20 | |
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11-24-2019, 07:23 PM | #21 | ||
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