Troubleshooting - Installing the M3 Strut Brace

[froop]

I'm just wondering if anyone here has any experience in installing the M3 strut brace?

I tried installing it tonight (first proper DIY job that isn't a cosmetic mod) and I got stuck at the centre Torx bolt that holds the OEM strut braces in place.

It's just at such an awkward angle, at full stretch and it's really damn tight. I even tried hammering the socket wrench to no avail.

Because I needed to use an extension on the socket wrench in order for it to reach the bolt inside the hole there's a fair amount of play and I'm having a lot of difficulty applying the torque to the bolt...

Does anyone with experience have any tips or pointers? I'd really appreciate it.

Thanks.

[Dackelone]

I would PM or call Harold and ask him. He is the guru for adapting //M parts to our cars. Also maybe this thread will help you out. ?

M3 Strut Tower Brace Kit for your 128i 135i
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showt...m3+strut+tower

[pavo335]

Originally Posted by froop

I'm just wondering if anyone here has any experience in installing the M3 strut brace?

I tried installing it tonight (first proper DIY job that isn't a cosmetic mod) and I got stuck at the centre Torx bolt that holds the OEM strut braces in place.

It's just at such an awkward angle, at full stretch and it's really damn tight. I even tried hammering the socket wrench to no avail.

Because I needed to use an extension on the socket wrench in order for it to reach the bolt inside the hole there's a fair amount of play and I'm having a lot of difficulty applying the torque to the bolt...

Does anyone with experience have any tips or pointers? I'd really appreciate it.

Thanks.

It doesn't fit you need to buy the 1m strut brace

[int2str]

I just did this last night. No real advice other than "pull". I did it with a short extension, a good "E" type bit (don't use a normal socket, use a "E" torx bit). I did it with a normal ratchet handle and a good amount of elbow grease. Wasn't too hard to break loose to be honest.

Don't forget to install the new bolt that comes with the kit - I missed it....

Originally Posted by pavo335

It doesn't fit you need to buy the 1m strut brace

Untrue and un-helpful.

[Kiwi Peter]

Originally Posted by int2str

I just did this last night. No real advice other than "pull". I did it with a short extension, a good "E" type bit (don't use a normal socket, use a "E" torx bit). I did it with a normal ratchet handle and a good amount of elbow grease. Wasn't too hard to break loose to be honest.

Don't forget to install the new bolt that comes with the kit - I missed it....



Untrue and un-helpful.

A M3 tower bar / strut brace will not fit a 135, you will need to mod the centre mount as the angle is not correct.
You need to make sure that you purchase the modded centre mount when you buy your kit.

[froop]

I purchased the M3 strut tower brace kit for 128i/135i's from HPA.

http://www.hpashop.com/BMW-128i-135i...tbrace-e82.htm

I'm hoping that it should be ok as I believe it comes with the modified centre mount.

Thanks for all the comments guys. A couple people have told me they used a breaker bar to loosen up the bolt so I might need to go and buy one of those and have a second crack at it. If all else fails, Peter I'm sure you'll see me again soon haha (I was guy that dropped by yesterday with the AW 135i)

[NiVeDh]

If anyone accidentally bought the unmodified one and would like to trade for a modified one, please let me know. I bought the unit from someone with a 135i and the modified one will not fit my 335i as I found out the hard way.

Thanks.

[flinchy]

for the price, is the M3 type brace better than a standard type one? i mean, it's not far off double the price for it..?