M3 Strut Tower Brace Kit for your 128i 135i

tomkiti · 04-28-2014, 07:26 AM

Yes, the tubes appear to be the same shape/thickness.

cpt97m3 · 04-28-2014, 10:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomkiti

Yes, the tubes appear to be the same shape/thickness.

Thanks for them info.

HP Autosport · 04-30-2014, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cpt97m3

Is the tube the same size/shape as the stock 135i brace? I have a BMS OCC and wanted to make sure the bracket will fit on the M3 brace.

Yes, they are. We have many customer with the M3 brace and BMS OCC.

maxslug · 05-13-2017, 06:50 PM

Hi,

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomkiti

I
Second, I was able to get the angle mount to fit into the panel without any modification. It took a while and I really had to stretch the rubber boots, but it does fit. You definitely don't want to run without this panel, otherwise the engine compartment will have direct access to the ventilation system.

I just wanted to second both these points -- if you try to run w/out this piece, your heat / AC / fresh air is all wonky cuz you're sucking in engine compartment air (which is not good for you). I ran it this way for a while after doing some suspension work and putting on the new m3 bar.

I was also able to re-use the panel on my N55 with extreme patience in stretching the boots. I used a pair of giant needle nose pliers to stretch the boot (using the top bolt hole to clamp to), then I vice-gripped those shut, Then I was able to push down on the other side enough to finally get it wedge in there. Took at least 30 minutes and lots of attempts, but was eventually possible. I don't know how much the N54 part is, and if it bolts right up, but I would consider that route!

I also found it easier to remove the top cowl piece, which involves removing the windshield wipers, the temp sensor, and a couple bolts. I think it was worth it just to see what's happening and to re-install the panel easier.

-m

HP Autosport · 05-13-2017, 11:21 PM

Some heat can help too, either putting the boots in boiling water for a little while or using a hair drying to make it just a bit more pliable.

Traf · 05-14-2017, 09:16 AM

It's funny cause when i tried the M3 brace it wouldn't fit. I had to use the 1M brace.

Suprgnat · 05-14-2017, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Traf

It's funny cause when i tried the M3 brace it wouldn't fit. I had to use the 1M brace.

You must use the M3 brace by HP Autowerks as they modify the M3 brace to match the slope of the 1-Series wind screen.

Fits perfectly.

HP Autosport · 05-14-2017, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Traf

It's funny cause when i tried the M3 brace it wouldn't fit. I had to use the 1M brace.

There is a slight difference in the firewall configuration thus affect the angle of the mount. We have a modified version that will allow you to use the full M3 brace.

Suprgnat · 05-14-2017, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Suprgnat

You must use the M3 brace by HP Autowerks as they modify the M3 brace to match the slope of the 1-Series wind screen.

Fits perfectly.

Quote:

Originally Posted by HP Autosport

There is a slight difference in the firewall configuration thus affect the angle of the mount. We have a modified version that will allow you to use the full M3 brace.

Sorry, I meant HP Autosport, not HP Autowerks in my previous post, but a Google search for either will lead you to the same place.

HP Autosport · 05-14-2017, 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Suprgnat

Sorry, I meant HP Autosport, not HP Autowerks in my previous post, but a Google search for either will lead you to the same place.

We were HP Autowerks until June of 2012, then we change our name to HP Autosport.

Traf · 05-15-2017, 02:03 AM

Oh ok that explains it.

HP Autosport · 02-08-2018, 11:00 AM

For those wondering what the cost of this kit is:

http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showt...ighlight=brace

p][m · 05-16-2020, 07:16 PM

The black bolts are after market or they have a BMW part number?

HP Autosport · 05-17-2020, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by p][m

The black bolts are after market or they have a BMW part number?

Aftermarket.

p][m · 05-17-2020, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HP Autosport

Aftermarket.

I thought so, but wanted to confirm.

Thanks

Donkeyshins · 09-18-2023, 12:47 PM

Resurrecting an old thread here.

While BMW has a 'left' and 'right' version of the strut tower rings (51618055091, 51618055092), I'm noticing that the only real difference appears to be the location of an offset gap on the underside webbing across from the (and a recess on one side of the flange but the brace bars are not keyed to make use of this notch).

As such, could you use two of the right-hand strut tower rings since they are less than half price compared to the left-hand ring?

[EDIT] the offset gap in the webbing is key as it is relieved to allow the welded-in bits for the single-screw bar to clear. So yes, you need to buy a right-hand and left-hand ring.

04-28-2014, 07:26 AM	#45
tomkiti New Member 0 Rep 8 Posts Drives: 2011 AW 135i Coupe Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Columbia, Maryland iTrader: (0)	Yes, the tubes appear to be the same shape/thickness.
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05-13-2017, 11:21 PM	#49
HP Autosport Supreme Allied Commander 3837 Rep 54,338 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Santa Barbara, AP, Brembo, GIAC, Koni, Ohlins, Performance Friction, www.hpautosport.com iTrader: (36)	Some heat can help too, either putting the boots in boiling water for a little while or using a hair drying to make it just a bit more pliable.
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05-14-2017, 09:16 AM	#50
Traf First Lieutenant 95 Rep 339 Posts Drives: E82 135i Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Paris iTrader: (0)	It's funny cause when i tried the M3 brace it wouldn't fit. I had to use the 1M brace.
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05-15-2017, 02:03 AM	#55
Traf First Lieutenant 95 Rep 339 Posts Drives: E82 135i Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Paris iTrader: (0)	Oh ok that explains it.
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02-08-2018, 11:00 AM	#56
HP Autosport Supreme Allied Commander 3837 Rep 54,338 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Santa Barbara, AP, Brembo, GIAC, Koni, Ohlins, Performance Friction, www.hpautosport.com iTrader: (36)	For those wondering what the cost of this kit is: http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showt...ighlight=brace
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05-16-2020, 07:16 PM	#57
p][m Private 53 Rep 51 Posts Drives: E91 320D Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Portugal iTrader: (0)	The black bolts are after market or they have a BMW part number?
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09-18-2023, 12:47 PM	#60
Donkeyshins Second Lieutenant 364 Rep 289 Posts Drives: 2010 128i ZSP 6MT Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Puget Sound Region iTrader: (0) Garage List 2010 BMW 128i [0.00]	Resurrecting an old thread here. While BMW has a 'left' and 'right' version of the strut tower rings (51618055091, 51618055092), I'm noticing that the only real difference appears to be the location of an offset gap on the underside webbing across from the (and a recess on one side of the flange but the brace bars are not keyed to make use of this notch). As such, could you use two of the right-hand strut tower rings since they are less than half price compared to the left-hand ring? [EDIT] the offset gap in the webbing is key as it is relieved to allow the welded-in bits for the single-screw bar to clear. So yes, you need to buy a right-hand and left-hand ring. __________________ 2010 128i ZSP 6MT Coupe Deep Sea Blue (Tiefseeblau) Metallic Style 264 Wheels Lemon Boston Sport Interior Last edited by Donkeyshins; 09-27-2023 at 05:14 PM..
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