[SD Convert]

I'm looking at doing this upgrade to replace the aftermarket strut tower brace on my 430i. This is to get better engine access (the dealer charges me 1/2 hour to remove and reinstall it if they determine it's in the way).

It appears that the Carbon Fiber brace has fitment issues on 4-cylinder engines, so I'm not doing that at this time. Even without this, I expect the additional fender attachment points will give me more structural rigidity than I currently have.

The corner braces to the A-Pillar are currently running a total of about $450, not including the custom frame attachment. I think I'll leave this out for now as well. If there's a problem, I'll look into it.

Since I've got a convertible, the bottom bracing is already in place.

I'm wondering about the windshield panel covers. If I'm not using the CF brace, do I still need to replace them?

I'm also looking at getting a step washer created to go on the top of the strut shaft to keep it centered in the guide support bearing. I think I know a place that would be willing to make this from 17-4PH stainless at a "reasonable" price (they have in the past, but who knows what they'd charge today). I'll be replacing my struts as part of this upgrade, so I'll have all the parts available before hand for fitting.

Finally, does anyone know if I can keep the factory strut brace (51-61-7-378-711) for some additional structure?

Thanks in advance.

[SD Convert]

If anyone is interested in the A-pillar bracket that the struts in Stage-4 connect to, here's some additional information:

F30 bracket
Left 41008063227
Right 41008063228

F32 bracket
Left 41008063221
Right 41008063222

According to RealOEM, these brackets are used on the F80 and F82 from 2012 to 2018/2019. The panel they're attached to is the same for F30 & F80 and F32 & F82. These should work for those cars.

Just to be complete, zipphreak lists parts 41217284399 (left) and 41217284400 (right) for the M2 Coupe.

These brackets would need to be welded on or attached with a structural epoxy. In both cases, some repaint would be needed.

[SD Convert]

Originally Posted by SD Convert

I'm wondering about the windshield panel covers. If I'm not using the CF brace, do I still need to replace them?

This mod replaces a grommet in the fender with a nutsert. The F33 (and I assume the rest of the F3x bodies) use a positioning pin inserted into that grommet to position the windshield panel covers. To get the windshield panel covers to fit (not properly, but fit at all), the positioning pin that goes into the grommet needs to be removed. After removing that pin and cleaning up around it, they fit, but I think the windshield panel covers listed in the OP would fit better.

Originally Posted by SD Convert

I'm also looking at getting a step washer created to go on the top of the strut shaft to keep it centered in the guide support bearing. I think I know a place that would be willing to make this from 17-4PH stainless at a "reasonable" price (they have in the past, but who knows what they'd charge today).

The place I had in mind (Totally Stainless - great place for stainless fasteners) doesn't do this anymore. I found a local machine shop that came highly recommended. They created the step washers (see attached PDF). These go on top of the strut shaft. They center the shaft in the guide support bearings and spread the load a bit. If I had to do this again, I'd make the main thickness 2mm instead of 4mm. There would be no difference in cost but there would be a few more threads above the strut nut.

If anyone is interested, I have a few spare step washers that I'd be willing to let go.

Originally Posted by SD Convert

does anyone know if I can keep the factory strut brace (51-61-7-378-711) for some additional structure?

The holes that it bolts to on the guide support bearings is gone (I knew that when I started this) and there are no other mounting holes that will work, even if I bend the support.

[E90lova]

I always knew this chassis was crap. All these braces required to make the chassis feel like any current chassis from other German manufacturers today. An Audi A6 C7 feels way stiffer than my F30, also the B8.5 Q5 I had and the A4.