Since I just installed coilovers, I've been looking for a reasonably priced option to gain access to the tops of the struts for adjustments. I really wanted an OEM look, but considering I just wanted it for access, I couldn't justify the cost of a full M3 brace kit. I looked at pictures of a 1M and saw that it used a different brace than the M3. Looking through RealOEM confirmed that the 1M used the M3 strut tower rings, but used the same center mounting method as the 135. Once I compiled the PN's, and checked pricing, I found that the 1M brace "kit" (see pic below) could be pieced together for about $205. I ordered it all up hoping that it would fit and when it got here, everything bolted right up without any issues or modifications.
Here is the OEM 135i brace
Here is a comparison of the 135i and 1M braces:
Here is the 1M brace installed:
Here it is all back together:
Here is the complete part list:
QTY / PN / Description
1 / 51618055091 / Strut Tower Mounting Ring - Left (Same as M3 part)
1 / 51618055092 / Strut Tower Mounting Ring - Right (Same as M3 part)
1 / 51618051973 / SPRING DOME STRUT, LEFT (unique to 1M)
1 / 51618051974 / SPRING DOME STRUT, RIGHT (unique to 1M)
6 / 51717895241 / Hex Nut, M8 (These replace the 6 stock nuts that hold the strut in place)
4 / 31316769731 / Self Locking Collar Nut, (same nut as the 6 getting replaced by the PN above. So, if you want, you could use 4 of those 6 instead of buying these 4 new ones)
2 / 51617891281 / Strut Tower Covering Cap