Cross Strut Bar Installed...(*Update*)

Monaco35Dream · 02-10-2009, 06:04 PM

I just finished installing the Cross strut bar on my car. It was very simple, however I did get stuck at one point, so I'll show you guys the secret LOL. It does fit with the BMS DCI and Riss Racing Oil Catch Can, no problems.

Installation Tip: Once the microfilter assembly and all that goes with it are removed, there is a small cap that needs to be uncovered to gain access to the stock black tie bars 2nd bolt.

After that, it's just removing and then replacing the bolts to the struts...

And this is what she looks like:

After driving for about an hour, I have noticed a significant increase in handling. The excellent steering response our cars come with has been enhanced dramatically and overall, the car feels stiffer, more confident through the corners. There are 4 or 5 round-a-bouts in town, and previously, I was experiencing exccessive body roll. Took 3 of them while I was out today, and while my car turned, the body hardly flexed. I am very happy with the performance I have gained, and not to mention the great cosmetic addition under the hood! Many thanks to the guys at Vivid Racing for their quick shipping and tech support!!!

Monaco35Dream · 02-10-2009, 06:05 PM

Haven't gotten to drive yet, but I report as soon as I can about the difference...

miro2296 · 02-10-2009, 06:08 PM

Cool can't wait to hear the results!

BSM 135i · 02-10-2009, 06:23 PM

in for results!

untouchableE82 · 02-10-2009, 06:45 PM

i didnt get mine yet

1013mm · 02-10-2009, 08:04 PM

So what would installing something like this on a 1 do? Understeer? Body roll??

Dangerlucas · 02-10-2009, 09:05 PM

Thanks for the write up and the pics, I'm thinking about purchasing this one as well. I was under the impression that you didn't have to remove the stock one to install this, is that not the case? Also, does it only connect with one bolt on each side? I thought it would connect with all three.

Monaco35Dream · 02-10-2009, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dangerlucas

Thanks for the write up and the pics, I'm thinking about purchasing this one as well. I was under the impression that you didn't have to remove the stock one to install this, is that not the case? Also, does it only connect with one bolt on each side? I thought it would connect with all three.

It does connect to all three on each side (Bad camera angle I guess

) This is actually one of the best strut tower designs I have seen. You don't neccessarily have to remove the stock ones, but it sure makes it easier. The middle bolt of the strut tower is directly under the stock bar, making it impossible to remove the bolt without disconnecting one, or both sides. But that bolt in the middle of the windsheild is a strong MOFO...takes a little grunt to come undone, but it's doable.

M3Newbie88 · 02-10-2009, 09:56 PM

Wow very nice.. cant wait to see someone with the CF version.. I know untouchable is getting that.. very nice..

Dangerlucas · 02-10-2009, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Monaco35Dream

It does connect to all three on each side (Bad camera angle I guess

) This is actually one of the best strut tower designs I have seen. You don't neccessarily have to remove the stock ones, but it sure makes it easier. The middle bolt of the strut tower is directly under the stock bar, making it impossible to remove the bolt without disconnecting one, or both sides. But that bolt in the middle of the windsheild is a strong MOFO...takes a little grunt to come undone, but it's doable.

Sweet, thanks for the info. I think I'll be getting the CF one pretty soon.

Motorsports_3 · 02-10-2009, 11:50 PM

I have heard bad things about hinged strut bars

stovesax08 · 02-11-2009, 12:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Motorsports_3

I have heard bad things about hinged strut bars

What have you heard?

driftdriven · 02-11-2009, 12:25 AM

^^^ +1

Motorsports_3 · 02-11-2009, 04:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stovesax08

What have you heard?

Sorry I didnt mean to come off as rude or to scare anyone in my first post. I just read it and it seems so.

Well from a performance stand point atleast they tend to not work so well. The hinged part still allows the car to flex. That it the reason that the stock one is solid.

They do look really good though. The Cross does looks nice, but no disrespect to the OP I wouldnt put it on my car unless I knew 100% that it worked better than the stock one, unless you are putting it on for an asthetic point.

vividracing · 02-11-2009, 09:51 AM

Thanks for the post and the kind words! Glad you got it dialed! Untouchable let me PM you an update.

For "bad things" you can read alot of bad things, but there is none about the strut bar design.

Monaco35Dream · 02-11-2009, 11:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Motorsports_3

Sorry I didnt mean to come off as rude or to scare anyone in my first post. I just read it and it seems so.

Well from a performance stand point atleast they tend to not work so well. The hinged part still allows the car to flex. That it the reason that the stock one is solid.

They do look really good though. The Cross does looks nice, but no disrespect to the OP I wouldnt put it on my car unless I knew 100% that it worked better than the stock one, unless you are putting it on for an asthetic point.

Um, there isn't a stock one, so IMO this is 10x better than the "stock one". If/when something goes wrong, ill post about it, but after actually driving the car, I can feel a distinct difference and improvement...Maybe ill just check to see how tight they are more often...thanks for the heads up though!!

coolguy · 02-11-2009, 12:04 PM

Does the M3 strut bar fit our 1er like the 335i?

vividracing · 02-11-2009, 12:05 PM

The JIC Bar for the 135I and 335I is the same. I do not think or know if the M3 fits the same.

Motorsports_3 · 02-11-2009, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Monaco35Dream

Um, there isn't a stock one, so IMO this is 10x better than the "stock one". If/when something goes wrong, ill post about it, but after actually driving the car, I can feel a distinct difference and improvement...Maybe ill just check to see how tight they are more often...thanks for the heads up though!!

If there is no stock one, wouldnt 10x nothing still be nothing using simple math? lol, just busting your balls.

But seriously doesnt the two bars you removed that go from the strut tower to the firewall do the same thing? Maybe a suspension expert could chime in?

Monaco35Dream · 02-11-2009, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Motorsports_3

If there is no stock one, wouldnt 10x nothing still be nothing using simple math? lol, just busting your balls.

But seriously doesnt the two bars you removed that go from the strut tower to the firewall do the same thing? Maybe a suspension expert could chime in?

Remove and REPLACE...you are actually completing a "suspension triangle". Nothing was taken out. only added..

ps and yes i was never the math wiz!!! lol

vividracing · 02-11-2009, 12:47 PM

They dont do the EXACT same thing. Since they are short, thin, skinny... they have alot of flex in them. They are not connecting the strut tower to strut tower and instead going to the fire wall. This style make sense for say a Porsche which the strut tower has a direct inline frame portion to it.

The JIC piece is directly connecting the 2 strut towers together to eliminate independent flex. With the factory design, they can still have this. For example on the EVO IX and VIII, notice how the strut tower bar connects to all 3 points? This is the best scenario for rigidity and keeping the chassis from flexing.

My old evo

Upgrade+ · 02-11-2009, 01:07 PM

Good to see you can still access the ecu with no problems. I want one so bad! Go for more hard corners and report back!

02-10-2009, 06:04 PM	#1
Monaco35Dream Captain 44 Rep 647 Posts Drives: 08' 135i, 96' Talon Tsi AWD Join Date: May 2008 Location: Santa Maria, CA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2008 135i [0.00]	*Cross Strut Bar Installed...(Update)* I just finished installing the Cross strut bar on my car. It was very simple, however I did get stuck at one point, so I'll show you guys the secret LOL. It does fit with the BMS DCI and Riss Racing Oil Catch Can, no problems. Installation Tip: Once the microfilter assembly and all that goes with it are removed, there is a small cap that needs to be uncovered to gain access to the stock black tie bars 2nd bolt. After that, it's just removing and then replacing the bolts to the struts... And this is what she looks like: After driving for about an hour, I have noticed a significant increase in handling. The excellent steering response our cars come with has been enhanced dramatically and overall, the car feels stiffer, more confident through the corners. There are 4 or 5 round-a-bouts in town, and previously, I was experiencing exccessive body roll. Took 3 of them while I was out today, and while my car turned, the body hardly flexed. I am very happy with the performance I have gained, and not to mention the great cosmetic addition under the hood! Many thanks to the guys at Vivid Racing for their quick shipping and tech support!!! Last edited by Monaco35Dream; 02-10-2009 at 08:53 PM.. Reason: Update
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02-10-2009, 06:05 PM	#2
Monaco35Dream Captain 44 Rep 647 Posts Drives: 08' 135i, 96' Talon Tsi AWD Join Date: May 2008 Location: Santa Maria, CA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2008 135i [0.00]	Haven't gotten to drive yet, but I report as soon as I can about the difference...
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02-10-2009, 06:08 PM	#3
miro2296 Colonel 57 Rep 2,251 Posts Drives: '08 Montego Blue BMW 135i Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Round Rock, TX iTrader: (1)	Cool can't wait to hear the results! __________________ ------------------------------------- BMW 135i/6 Speed/Montego Blue/Formula One Ceramic Tint/JB4 G4/AA Sport Intercooler/19 inch Iconz 880Z(19X8.5 & 19X10)/PSS 225/35 & 265/30/E93 M3 front sway bar/TRW front and rear Control Arms/BMS Drop In Filter/Dinan Exhaust/BlackLines/Upgraded \\\M RSFB
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02-10-2009, 06:23 PM	#4
BSM 135i Colonel 206 Rep 2,229 Posts Drives: 08' BSM E82 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Cali iTrader: (23)	in for results!
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02-10-2009, 06:45 PM	#5
untouchableE82 1Addict, and Proud 88 Rep 1,024 Posts Drives: 2008 modified 135i Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Toronto iTrader: (1) Garage List 2008 135i [0.00]	i didnt get mine yet __________________ [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC] the old look: bmw performance http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=299703 the new look: Widebody 135i http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showt...98#post7686798
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02-10-2009, 08:04 PM	#6
1013mm aka 1013MM 1249 Rep 9,545 Posts Drives: pokingly flush Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Los Angeles / HK iTrader: (7) Garage List 2009 135i [8.26]	So what would installing something like this on a 1 do? Understeer? Body roll?? __________________ -John Project YOSHI Sale Thread
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02-10-2009, 09:05 PM	#7
Dangerlucas Captain 30 Rep 621 Posts Drives: BMW 135i Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (2) Garage List 2008 135i [5.50]	Thanks for the write up and the pics, I'm thinking about purchasing this one as well. I was under the impression that you didn't have to remove the stock one to install this, is that not the case? Also, does it only connect with one bolt on each side? I thought it would connect with all three. __________________ Legal Disclaimer: Anything I or anyone else says about my vehicle on this website(1addicts.com or any affiliated or nonaffiliated sites), pertaining to modifications, is only to gain acceptance from my/our peers, and does not actually represent anything actually existing on my car, and thus, cannot be held against me in any issues, i.e. warranty claims, that may arise.
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02-10-2009, 09:56 PM	#9
M3Newbie88 Brigadier General 138 Rep 4,053 Posts Drives: E92 M3 Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Canada iTrader: (5)	Wow very nice.. cant wait to see someone with the CF version.. I know untouchable is getting that.. very nice..
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02-10-2009, 11:50 PM	#11
Motorsports_3 E30 Addict 38 Rep 590 Posts Drives: 2008 135, 1988 325 Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Miami iTrader: (3)	I have heard bad things about hinged strut bars __________________ Check out my e30 project! http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthr...6#post11306896
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02-11-2009, 12:25 AM	#13
driftdriven Captain 53 Rep 905 Posts Drives: BMW 135i Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	^^^ +1
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02-11-2009, 09:51 AM	#15
vividracing 685 Rep 6,854 Posts Drives: E90 M3, F30 335i, F80 M3 Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Arizona iTrader: (14)	Thanks for the post and the kind words! Glad you got it dialed! Untouchable let me PM you an update. For "bad things" you can read alot of bad things, but there is none about the strut bar design.
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02-11-2009, 12:04 PM	#17
coolguy Captain 43 Rep 611 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: TN iTrader: (0)	Does the M3 strut bar fit our 1er like the 335i?
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02-11-2009, 12:05 PM	#18
vividracing 685 Rep 6,854 Posts Drives: E90 M3, F30 335i, F80 M3 Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Arizona iTrader: (14)	The JIC Bar for the 135I and 335I is the same. I do not think or know if the M3 fits the same.
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02-11-2009, 12:47 PM	#21
vividracing 685 Rep 6,854 Posts Drives: E90 M3, F30 335i, F80 M3 Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Arizona iTrader: (14)	They dont do the EXACT same thing. Since they are short, thin, skinny... they have alot of flex in them. They are not connecting the strut tower to strut tower and instead going to the fire wall. This style make sense for say a Porsche which the strut tower has a direct inline frame portion to it. The JIC piece is directly connecting the 2 strut towers together to eliminate independent flex. With the factory design, they can still have this. For example on the EVO IX and VIII, notice how the strut tower bar connects to all 3 points? This is the best scenario for rigidity and keeping the chassis from flexing. My old evo
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02-11-2009, 01:07 PM	#22
Upgrade+ Good life 130 Rep 1,937 Posts Drives: 2008 E90 M3 AW Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: NY iTrader: (8)	Good to see you can still access the ecu with no problems. I want one so bad! Go for more hard corners and report back!
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