Strut Bars/Sway Bars

[///Mantis]

I feel like putting a strut bar and probably sway bars if i finally opt to get the car. My questions are:

1. Does the OEM performance front Strut bar made for E92 335's fit the M3?

2. Is there rear strut bar for E92?

3. What are the specs of stock Sway bars? did anyone take them out for aftermarket ones? I am also wondering if the subframe needs dropping in the process of installing the rear sway bar.

It might be too early for those questions, but im hoping some people in Europe have played with the car or heard... etc.

[rvacha]

Are they needed? The E9X chassis is a fine chassis, rigid as hell. The front already has a strut bar of sorts anyway - not sure if a traditional strut bar will help much

[///Mantis]

Are they needed? The E9X chassis is a fine chassis, rigid as hell. The front already has a strut bar of sorts anyway - not sure if a traditional strut bar will help much

on my 335 sway bars made day and night difference. it was soooo flat it was ridiculous!

as for strut, i heard it makes a huge difference. strut is easy and i'd do it. but if sway bars is as PITA as 335 then im not gonna do it :(

[rvacha]

The M3 "dome strut":

[///Mantis]

The M3 "dome strut":

yah i saw those. but you can put a bar across from one side to the other, on top of these. I'm just wondering if the OEM CF bar can be fitted with the V8 engine/hood/vents.

[swamp2]

I doubt many (if any) suspension parts for the 335i will fit the M3. Totally different suspension, of course close but truly totally different. The strut towers are in the same location but clearing the engine is the consideration with regards to a strut brace. Read the after sales training pdf posted here on the forum that shows all of the suspension differences :thumbsup:

[///Mantis]

I doubt many (if any) suspension parts for the 335i will fit the M3. Totally different suspension, of course close but truly totally different. The strut towers are in the same location but clearing the engine is the consideration with regards to a strut brace. Read the after sales training pdf posted here on the forum that shows all of the suspension differences :thumbsup:

thanks swamp. that was my only concern, clearing the engine. i guess i'll be first to try that when my car comes

[///Mantis]

:bump: any new info on sway/strut bars??? i really really want sways on this thing

[BMW-M-Mexico]

I feel like putting a strut bar and probably sway bars if i finally opt to get the car. My questions are:

1. Does the OEM performance front Strut bar made for E92 335's fit the M3?

2. Is there rear strut bar for E92?

3. What are the specs of stock Sway bars? did anyone take them out for aftermarket ones? I am also wondering if the subframe needs dropping in the process of installing the rear sway bar.

It might be too early for those questions, but im hoping some people in Europe have played with the car or heard... etc.

Mantis, I bought my rear strut bar from ACS and is on its way now.

[///Mantis]

:needpics: and review bro.. how do you like it?
how much? you installed it? if so care to do a small DIY?

thanks man!! that's great

[BMW-M-Mexico]

Should have it within the next two weeks. I'll post pics etc... ASAP. Cost about US$599 shipping included.

[///Mantis]

not bad, nice man, i be waiting for pix :D

[BMW-M-Mexico]

Sure thing. Will post them and let you know how it drives etc...

[UltimateBMW]

Maybe I'm missing something here... but I seem to remember that huge hood bulge... that functional hood bulge...

And then that Airbox that sits promptly right on top of the engine, filling up that familiar hood bulge. I don't really see how there would be any room for a strut to be placed over that. It would have to bend upwards and I think the angle needed would provide room for deflection of the bar itself.

Not to mention it would look awkward.

[///Mantis]

look awkward?! least of my concerns.

well that's why BMW performance has some homework to do to fit that thing in there. im sure they will produce something. but from what i remember from engine bay i think they can fit something in there behind the air intake

[corbz]

There is no way your going to be able to fit a strut bar between the towers anywhere, there is simply is no clearance all the way back to the firewall, the hood bulge is there for a reason. Next question is why? the e92 as said above is already an exceptionally stiff chassis and the m3 already has a very large 'dome strut' as shown above which connects the struts to the firewall. So even if you could fit one, a strut from one tower to the other would provide negligible benefits at best on this car IMO. Also where the rear strut towers are is already a very stiff and reinforced point of the chassis again imo you wont feel much/any difference, your much better of spending the money on something else.

[///Mantis]

after 1 week the car is making creaks as i go down my work's drive way! it's like getting loose or something. i hated that in my 335. WTP deal with that??

i need struts now

[ChinoOrtega]

ACS struts are coming, my rear strut which is removable is being installed right now, front strut should be out soon, I'll post pics Wed, or Thursday.

[///Mantis]

i want OEM CF ones... if any....

[Blip Bavarian]

ACS struts are coming, my rear strut which is removable is being installed right now, front strut should be out soon, I'll post pics Wed, or Thursday.

pics?

[BMW-M-Mexico]

My ACS strut is already installed! Works great. I think you will like it!

[1clean335i]

Active Autowerke just released a front strut bar for the M3

[BMW-M-Mexico]

Active Autowerke just released a front strut bar for the M3

Yep, did see that in European Car!! Appears to be around $300.

[lucid]

after 1 week the car is making creaks as i go down my work's drive way! it's like getting loose or something. i hated that in my 335. WTP deal with that??

i need struts now

You're saying your M car just kind of "loosened up" after 3 months of ownership, and therefore you need a strut bar? Sorry, but I think it's in your head. As others have said, the dome strut should be fine. A rear bar might make a difference though. If you really want a tight ride, modify your suspension I'd say.

[sayemthree]

strut bar??

:needpics:

[BMW-M-Mexico]

Its in the October issue of European Car Magazine.

[sayemthree]

Its in the October issue of European Car Magazine.

what page?

[BMW-M-Mexico]

ufff!!! There is a secton that has all sorts of new accessories listed for several cars.

[sayemthree]

I only saw the miniature bottle operer strut brace?? :(

[BMW-M-Mexico]

I only saw the miniature bottle operer strut brace?? :(

I have the magazine at home, I'll sent you all the details tonight!

[///Mantis]

You're saying your M car just kind of "loosened up" after 3 months of ownership, and therefore you need a strut bar? Sorry, but I think it's in your head. As others have said, the dome strut should be fine. A rear bar might make a difference though. If you really want a tight ride, modify your suspension I'd say.

the noises that i hear when i go down the drive way are in my head :thumbsup:

[BMW-M-Mexico]

the noises that i hear when i go down the drive way are in my head :thumbsup:

Common issue with M3 drivers Mantis. No porblem at all then. May I then suggest my family psychiatrist!! :lol:

[sayemthree]

I have the magazine at home, I'll sent you all the details tonight!

cool - or post a pic?

[sayemthree]

cool - or post a pic?

where da struts?

[BMW-M-Mexico]

where da struts?

It is on page 112 of Modified Luxury & Exotics (not on European car) September/October 2008 issue. I will scan it and post it. Sorry, my bad!!

[BMW-M-Mexico]

Here you go:

[sayemthree]

thanks!!!

[///Mantis]

Common issue with M3 drivers Mantis. No porblem at all then. May I then suggest my family psychiatrist!! :lol:

man first week i had the car i didnt hear a rattle or anything. it is so obvious now every time i go over a huge bump or a drive way. i guess i cannot complain coz i'll be ridiculed and said to be crazy or something.... :sigh: M3 drivers!!!

[BMW-M-Mexico]

man first week i had the car i didnt hear a rattle or anything. it is so obvious now every time i go over a huge bump or a drive way. i guess i cannot complain coz i'll be ridiculed and said to be crazy or something.... :sigh: M3 drivers!!!

There are a couple of rattles in mine as well but these go away. It is generally when I start the car and the engine makes everything vibrate. Of course, I rarely drive the car and it has very few miles on it.

[sayemthree]

man first week i had the car i didnt hear a rattle or anything. it is so obvious now every time i go over a huge bump or a drive way. i guess i cannot complain coz i'll be ridiculed and said to be crazy or something.... :sigh: M3 drivers!!!

you have a loose nut!

[Sticky]

Thanks for the scans BMW M Mexico, much appreciated. Will the strut make a difference or is it a waste of money?

[ace996]

Thanks for the scans BMW M Mexico, much appreciated. Will the strut make a difference or is it a waste of money?
IMHO...
Strut bars..usually waste of money unless you've gone to r-compounds/coilovers/sways...and then some. Back in the day, when chassis were not so stiff, they were great...but these days there are usually better places to spend your money, especially since we have a bar already tied to the firewall.
Again, just my opinion...

[Sticky]

IMHO...
Strut bars..usually waste of money unless you've gone to r-compounds/coilovers/sways...and then some. Back in the day, when chassis were not so stiff, they were great...but these days there are usually better places to spend your money, especially since we have a bar already tied to the firewall.
Again, just my opinion...
Many of the 997 guys feel the same way about aftermarket struts.

[ArsenalFC]

There are a couple of rattles in mine as well but these go away. It is generally when I start the car and the engine makes everything vibrate. Of course, I rarely drive the car and it has very few miles on it.

Can you please post a pic of the ACschnitzer rear and front strut braces. thank you. Do they look like this?

[BMW-M-Mexico]

Can you please post a pic of the ACschnitzer rear and front strut braces. thank you. Do they look like this?

As of yet I only have the ACS rear strut and have been in contact with ACS to get the front strut. Whether it helps or not is difficult to say since I never time by laps around the track. I just simply drive and have fun!! I can say there is no perceptible difference but its only obvious that rigidity is at least slightly improved from before and this generally is good when taken together with a slightly lowered ride, lower center of gravity, etc…

[lucid]

man first week i had the car i didnt hear a rattle or anything. it is so obvious now every time i go over a huge bump or a drive way. i guess i cannot complain coz i'll be ridiculed and said to be crazy or something.... :sigh: M3 drivers!!!

Hearing rattles doesn't mean that your chassis has lost its stiffness. Rattles can be caused by many things that have nothing to do with stiffness. Anyway, you did end up starting a good thread regardless. :thumbsup:

[ArsenalFC]

As of yet I only have the ACS rear strut and have been in contact with ACS to get the front strut. Whether it helps or not is difficult to say since I never time by laps around the track. I just simply drive and have fun!! I can say there is no perceptible difference but its only obvious that rigidity is at least slightly improved from before and this generally is good when taken together with a slightly lowered ride, lower center of gravity, etc…

How about the rear strut? What does it look like? Can you please post a pic? Do you think there would be a difference in performance of ACschnitzer and the ActiveAutoworke Strut? I know there is about 400 difference but I was wondering if it is worth the extra 400. I'm positive the Ac one looks much better if indeed is the one from the pic...But if it is just the straight one from Acschnitzer I rather save 400 and get the front and rear AA unit.

Do you know who makes sways for our cars?

[ChinoOrtega]

I posted pics of mine a while ago, here you go:
http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=136657&highlight=ACS+rear+strut

[BMW-M-Mexico]

How about the rear strut? What does it look like? Can you please post a pic? Do you think there would be a difference in performance of ACschnitzer and the ActiveAutoworke Strut? I know there is about 400 difference but I was wondering if it is worth the extra 400. I'm positive the Ac one looks much better if indeed is the one from the pic...But if it is just the straight one from Acschnitzer I rather save 400 and get the front and rear AA unit.

Do you know who makes sways for our cars?

Here are some more pics of the rear strut. I don’t think you would ever perceive a difference between one strut and another even on track, when all mods are added together, there may be a slight difference in feel. But for instance, every 100 lbs of weight you take off from your car may yield you, best case, 0.10 seconds from 0 to 62mph. This difference is easily mitigated by a change of altitude of 100 meters.

For certain things I generally go with ACS because I know they us the best materials and they do R&D before they put something out instead of just looks (And their looks usually really suck lol). The ACS front strut tower, whenever it becomes available is a very nice piece indeed.

I Don´t know anyone who makes sway bars yet, but I am up for them when they become available.

[sayemthree]

nice - and easily removable.

[ModBargains.com]

Are you sure ActiveAuto has strut bars for the M3?

[ArsenalFC]

yah i saw those. but you can put a bar across from one side to the other, on top of these. I'm just wondering if the OEM CF bar can be fitted with the V8 engine/hood/vents.

My dealer said it would fit on the M3, I doubt it will but they said that it will fit and they have it in stock. :confused2

I also would like to install sway bars and strut braces... I had sway bars on my 540i and they made a night and day difference. So sways are a must for me because I hate body roll.

[BMW-M-Mexico]

Are you sure ActiveAuto has strut bars for the M3?

Yes, I even posted a picture of it.

[ArsenalFC]

Yes, I even posted a picture of it.


It does say in the magazine that AA has a strut brace for the M3 but its wrong, I contacted AA and they said that its wrong, The AA strut brace is not yet available for the E9X M3...BMW-M-Mexico do you have GruppeM intake on your car? If so do you think that the intake sits higher than the OEM intake, especially the part that connects to the hood opening? I'm asking because if one of the Tuners makes a strut brace I wonder if it will not fit due to the GruppeM sitting higher than the OEM. I will be installing my GruppeM on Friday the 19th so I will measure and let you guys know that have the GruppeM if it indeed sits higher than OEM. Which I think will cause fitment issues of the strut brace.... I really would love the strut brace from BMWperformance, the carbon fiber one, my dealer said it will fit the E92 M3 but i doubt it will.

[BMW-M-Mexico]

It does say in the magazine that AA has a strut brace for the M3 but its wrong, I contacted AA and they said that its wrong, The AA strut brace is not yet available for the E9X M3...BMW-M-Mexico do you have GruppeM intake on your car? If so do you think that the intake sits higher than the OEM intake, especially the part that connects to the hood opening? I'm asking because if one of the Tuners makes a strut brace I wonder if it will not fit due to the GruppeM sitting higher than the OEM. I will be installing my GruppeM on Friday the 19th so I will measure and let you guys know that have the GruppeM if it indeed sits higher than OEM. Which I think will cause fitment issues of the strut brace.... I really would love the strut brace from BMWperformance, the carbon fiber one, my dealer said it will fit the E92 M3 but i doubt it will.

My bad!! Didn´t take the time to check this with AA. Goes to show how inaccurate these magazines can sometimes be. Anyway, I do have the Gruppe-M intake and it does not appear to be any higher than stock, but haven´t measured it to make certain. In any event, even if it does sit higher, I don´t believe it would interfere with any strut bar, it is the intake plenum that is the issue and as you, I also doubt the BMW Performance Strut would fit over the stock air box. In fact, I am fairly certain that a strut for this engine will have to somehow go around the air box.