Did our cars come with front strut brace??

[m3f_96GSR_dab21dcddb]

I got my car used and thought that it is very strange for our cars to be labeled as such great handling machines yet they don't even have a front strut brace over the engine......or do they?

[m3f_SG_M3_d1201712b5]

Nope, we didn't get one.

[m3f_Sirius_880bd69485]

Only recently with the E46's did they start the front strut brace as OEM equipment. I think that was in late year 03 models. Alot of BMW's come with them now, X3, I think the X5s do now, the 6 series does too.

[m3f_salty_80d4b8491b]

I think a front strut brace is often just eye candy on a well engineered car. Mustangs in 1965 had them on their performance models because there was a real need. I have read here that the X brace does a lot more for chassis stiffening.

[m3f_WD Pro]

Euro M3 GT's had them.



They look real good - matt balck with the m logo on the strut tops.



I think some of the Euro cabs had them to ? but a different type to the GT.

[m3f_Sirius_880bd69485]

I think a front strut brace is often just eye candy on a well engineered car. Mustangs in 1965 had them on their performance models because there was a real need. I have read here that the X brace does a lot more for chassis stiffening.



Thats why I got both.

[m3f_num3owner]

is the cross brace a real good investment for your $$$?

[m3f_Sirius_880bd69485]

It makes the front end tighter imo. I would have to take mine off to find out how much though :P

[m3f_num3owner]

would you suggest getting a rear brace at the same time?

[m3f_salty_80d4b8491b]

It makes the front end tighter imo. I would have to take mine off to find out how much though :P



Yeah that would be a pretty sensitive Butt Meter that can detect that. I have one on my Corrado. Can't say I noticed anything. I also had one on my 280-Z. Made a big difference. I suppose it will keep the unibody tighter as the miles pile up. One down side to these devices is if you get in a crash, the damage can be transfered to the other side. That is what insurance is for I suppose.

[m3f_salty_80d4b8491b]

It makes the front end tighter imo. I would have to take mine off to find out how much though :P



Yeah that would be a pretty sensitive Butt Meter that can detect that. I have one on my Corrado. Can't say I noticed anything. I also had one on my 280-Z. Made a big difference. I suppose it will keep the unibody tighter as the miles pile up. One down side to these devices is if you get in a crash, the damage can be transfered to the other side. That is what insurance is for I suppose.

[m3f_SG_M3_d1201712b5]

You will notice a x-brace. The only strut braces worth anything are the non-hinged designs. The oem ltw, JTD, old UUC, and strong strut. Rear bars are a waste, there isnt' any movement back there.

[m3f_Edgy_592e912c16]

I've read same as Salty -- under the hood is for looks, x-brace gives more stiffness. Think they were standard on the converts...