[dja82]

Hi has anyone tried this on a 2014 F31 330d xdrive, is it worth it? or should I just get a normal strut brace, I have seen the back alloy strut going for reasonable prices but not the CFBR yet so may just try that for now if not too difficult

I have ordered Bilstein b14s so may be a good time to do this mod when they are being fitted?

Thanks in advance for any help

Darren

[zipphreak]

Finally completed all the work for the strut brace retrofit on my M235. It was a little bit of a project. Some major plastic trimming on the left and right plastic covers, along with the fender trim pieces. I drilled one hole on each side for those strut extension rods into the body and used an M10 rivnut. Similar to the large torx bolt in the fender, except the hole is already there for that one. You just have to rivnut it into place with the tool. Ground control camber plates for my 235 were retrofitted for the M4 studs. They use the same plate for the 2/3/4 series and M2/3/4. So it worked out.

[Lancelot]

So we finally fitted my strut hat adapters, all looks fine now, i couldn't fit these at home myself.

[zipphreak]

Too bad you didn't live closer, I would've helped you out fitting them

Wait for my update on the stage 3b alternative, I'm fitting the M2 front strut braces instead of the expensive Carbon Fiber piece. I got all the parts, and I've started mocking up the fitment. It requires a pair of brackets for each side that I'm going to use 3m structural adhesive to bond to the frame.

[zipphreak]

Here's my semi-finished phase 3b. M2 forward strut tower braces installed
This would be an alternative to the Carbon Fiber Strut Brace.. Cost about $180 USD

[dotjonnL]

Originally Posted by zipphreak

Here's my semi-finished phase 3b. Strut tower brackets installed.

This would be an alternative to the Carbon Fiber Strut Brace.. Cost about $180 USD

Your car came with provisions on the strut towers to bolt up the corner braces? I wonder if that's the same on the F30

[alex2018]

Nice mods, congratulations everybody!
I have a F36 2015 Sport line and thinking about getting them done.

Originally Posted by Lancelot

So we finally fitted my strut hat adapters, all looks fine now, i couldn't fit these at home myself.

What was the difficulty if I can ask?
I live in France region, is it possible to help me getting these struts hat adapters? Are the ones that you designed earlier?
Geometry has to be redone after the mods, right?
Thanks a lot

[zipphreak]

Negative you have to buy two sets of brackets and either glue them or weld them. I used 3m panel adhesive.
https://www.amazon.com/3M-08115-Pane.../dp/B000PEW4MI

Don't forget you still need the tool and nozzles

So I bought this kit and it worked perfectly.
https://www.amazon.com/3M-08115-Adhe...6ZJZEGANRC707G

[zipphreak]

If you have never done suspension work it's best to ask for help or find an Indy shop to do the work.

[dotjonnL]

Originally Posted by zipphreak

Negative you have to buy two sets of brackets and either glue them or weld them. I used 3m panel adhesive.

Do you have the part numbers?

Thanks in advance

[IK6SPEED]

Originally Posted by zipphreak

Here's my semi-finished phase 3b. Strut tower brackets installed.

This would be an alternative to the Carbon Fiber Strut Brace.. Cost about $180 USD

I’m having trouble seeing how these 2 side braces (if you can even call them that as flimsy as they are) can add much to this design

[zipphreak]

I didn't say IK6SPEED had to do it did I? And how do you even know they are "that flimsy" as your noting. They serve the purpose of providing additional bracing towards the front of the strut tower.

The m4 uses a Carbon fiber brace in a similar position, and bolts to the crosslink in the same holes. The M2 uses the stock F22 strut brace along with these side braces.... You don't have to do it I took the M4 strut brace and instead of the CF piece, I used the M2 pieces. Does the same deal. Less $$$ I am posting here for people to have as an alternative to spending 1200 on a piece of CF. Doesn't look as flashy but my hood is closed 99% of the time.

dotjonnL
Part #'s
Quantity 2: 41007346815 (side bracket L/R)
41007346817 (strut tower bracket left)
41007346818 (strut tower bracket right)
51647301929 (strut brace left)
51647301930 (strut brace right)
Quantity 6: 22326760945 (metric hex bolts)
51647294928 (front crosslink)
Quantity 2: 07149229516 (metric hex bolts)

[alex2018]

Could this adhesive be used to attach the 2 additional A pillar mounts for the strut bar? what is the type btw?

Did you guys think about a rear strut bar? Would it make a noticeable difference in driving feel?

[zipphreak]

alex2018 The M4 A pillar mounts don't work. They add to the stack height and interfere with the hood closing mechanism, IE. your hood won't close There's a very simple solution to mounting the strut rods.. They line up perfectly to the A pillar, mark it, drill incrementally w/ a step bit, and then install a 10mm rivnut with a rivnut tool... Nice large 10mm bolts right to the frame That's what I did and it is perfectly solid. Remember every chassis is different, so this works for the F22. Can't say it works for all chassis' though, YMMV.

[dotjonnL]

Originally Posted by zipphreak

I didn't say IK6SPEED had to do it did I? And how do you even know they are "that flimsy" as your noting. They serve the purpose of providing additional bracing towards the front of the strut tower.

The m4 uses a Carbon fiber brace in a similar position, and bolts to the crosslink in the same holes. The M2 uses the stock F22 strut brace along with these side braces.... You don't have to do it I took the M4 strut brace and instead of the CF piece, I used the M2 pieces. Does the same deal. Less $$$ I am posting here for people to have as an alternative to spending 1200 on a piece of CF.

dotjonnL
Part #'s
Quantity 2: 41007346815 (side bracket L/R)
41007346817 (strut tower bracket left)
41007346818 (strut tower bracket right)
51647301929 (strut brace left)
51647301930 (strut brace right)
Quantity 6: 22326760945 (metric hex bolts)
51647294928 (front crosslink)
Quantity 2: 07149229516 (metric hex bolts)

Is the 3M panel bond strong enough to take any flex?

[zipphreak]

dotjonnL This is new territory, not something many people have done. I'll let you know towards the end of year.. After all my track days

If your concerned, you can always weld it Since it's not primarily a vital structural component, I chose this route. If it fails, I'll weld it.

[zipphreak]

I wanted to share this with you guys. I made some brackets for the left/right trim covers, since you have to cut off the OEM tabs to fit the M4 strut brace.

I used some ABS plastic sheet from Amazon, placed piece of paper on the strut brace, traced the edges/pop-rivet hole with a pencil, transferred the lines to the ABS sheet. But I only used a razor blade/exacto knife to cut it out, and dremel would've been quicker/easier/more elegant Soo I lost some blood on this project. Good Luck

[zipphreak]

For phase3b, where the strut tower brackets are bolted to the new braces. I swapped the two 3/8 washers i was using with an aluminum spacer. They are needed because the bolts are not fully threaded, so it just takes up that space.

https://www.mcmaster.com/
part #92510A491. One for each side.

[FloorThe4]

I have a CF brace for sale if anyone is undertaking this project.
http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1506538

[Speedwell-Industries]

Looks great! Time to add Carbon engine cover and intake too?

[IK6SPEED]

Originally Posted by Steve_Jr

It's definitely better than just washer ... the washer was maded by custome order to mechanic who has no background information .. (no time to decribe T.T ) Originally yours it is ~ !

+ Lancelot

Is this the part and dimension needed for OEM F30 Struts and F80 Caps?


https://www.shapeways.com/product/CJ...li=marketplace

[Speedwell-Industries]

Wow! Very well done!!! It looks great!!

Thank you for the detailed installation guide + photos