How bad is this strut tower crack?

[S3diment]

Should I get someone to clean it out and then weld it? This gen didn't include the strut tower brace, would it be wise to invest in one?

[SeanE46]

Dang I have not seen a crack like that before

[S3diment]

Dang I have not seen a crack like that before

Uh... car isn't totaled or anything right?

[erickhoyos]

Yes, it would be a smart choice to get a tower brace. You could probably find a cheap oem one for sale online.

[SteelGreyM]

Wow. Now thats crazy. Id take this to your most trusted body shop. Preferably one that's motorsports oriented. Get their professional opinion and inspection.

[eacmen]

Are you the original owner? Might be a sign of a previous accident.

Strut brace is a good idea but won't stop that crack from spreading. Drill the crack, weld it might work. I've seen some weld in the BMW reinforcement plates, that might also be an idea.

But you might find that a strut tower brace won't fit if the strut tower shifted. If you do get a tower brace get one that is a single piece (like Mason or RE) to provide the most rigity.

If you're running heavy springs with aftermarket camber plates consider softer springs or more OE style plates like Turner.


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[S3diment]

Are you the original owner? Might be a sign of a previous accident.

Strut brace is a good idea but won't stop that crack from spreading. Drill the crack, weld it might work. I've seen some weld in the BMW reinforcement plates, that might also be an idea.

But you might find that a strut tower brace won't fit if the strut tower shifted. If you do get a tower brace get one that is a single piece (like Mason or RE) to provide the most rigity.

If you're running heavy springs with aftermarket camber plates consider softer springs or more OE style plates like Turner.


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Yes, the third owner. I was aware of an accident. I’ve looked into the RE brace. Was going to take some quick measurements to ensure fit.

Currently running it PSS10 setup. Should I modify it to the softest setting? I’m local to EAG, at this point they seem like the best body shop unless you’re familiar with any others in the OH/KY/IN area.

[eacmen]

Yes, the third owner. I was aware of an accident. I’ve looked into the RE brace. Was going to take some quick measurements to ensure fit.

Currently running it PSS10 setup. Should I modify it to the softest setting? I’m local to EAG, at this point they seem like the best body shop unless you’re familiar with any others in the OH/KY/IN area.

PSS10 isn't that harsh, should be fine. You're running it with stock top hats or camber plates?

EAG is crazy pricey. I would call up local luxury car dealers and ask where they do their body work. Or an experienced race shop.

Before I opened our current track car it was serviced at Winning Formula in Louisville, KY. Owner drove over two hours there for service. Seemed like they knew what they were doing and could likely even fab a brace if needed.

https://www.winningformulagarage.com/

[sdwz_m3]

I have a crack on mine too, however different location. Mine is on both towers where the strut bolts are. The shop I’m going to will drill two holes on either end and then weld the crack. I assume yours could be fixed the same. Pic for reference


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[S3diment]

PSS10 isn't that harsh, should be fine. You're running it with stock top hats or camber plates?

EAG is crazy pricey. I would call up local luxury car dealers and ask where they do their body work. Or an experienced race shop.

Before I opened our current track car it was serviced at Winning Formula in Louisville, KY. Owner drove over two hours there for service. Seemed like they knew what they were doing and could likely even fab a brace if needed.


https://www.winningformulagarage.com/

Yep, running top hats. Thanks for the lead on the shop in Louisville, I’ll definitely check them out. Can confirm- EAG is pricy!

[eacmen]

Yep, running top hats. Thanks for the lead on the shop in Louisville, I’ll definitely check them out. Can confirm- EAG is pricy!

To be clear I never used them myself. So can't vouch for them, but I haven't seen anything that pissed me off too much so far and their service records seem to be decent.


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[TexaZ3]

This is fixable, but geez - huge crack. I'd be parking the car until fixed, and getting a brace after repair.

[S3diment]

Just dug up this old thread below which leads me to believe it’s more of a crack in the seam weld. Which admittedly they’re suggesting isn’t as big of a deal. Would you consider this similar?

https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?987461-Strut-tower-seam-has-a-crack

[BADCLOWN]

Where are you located in OH?

Im across the river in KY about 10 mins from Cincinnati. I have had various services done on both my ZHPs at Stein Automotive in Louisville, might look into them as well. Only other place I could recommend, I use an independent mechanic/friend near Kenwood Mall that I’ve known for years (excellent mechanic, fabulous welder/fabricator, and a BMW/euro guy) that could probably fix that.

[Maxima SE]

I have a crack on mine too, however different location. Mine is on both towers where the strut bolts are. The shop I’m going to will drill two holes on either end and then weld the crack. I assume yours could be fixed the same. Pic for reference


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you need to run reinforcement plates with those coilovers. Otherwise cracks will be back