M3 Strut Tower Brace Kit for your 128i 135i

HP Autosport · 02-23-2011, 01:30 PM

M3 brace installed on a 135i with N54

Das Ein · 02-23-2011, 03:41 PM

Nice! Wish the M3 brace was shown off a little more in the engine bay. I think it looks cool.

HP Autosport · 04-27-2011, 02:57 AM

BMW installed all the M3 bits on the 1 like we did, but completely left out the strut tower brace.

That is not a problem, this strut tower brace kit will also fit the 1 series M coupe.

pwdrtoastman · 04-27-2011, 03:39 AM

this is nice, I would be interested in the part number for the pre 10 plastic peice.

Dackelone · 04-27-2011, 03:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HP Autowerks

BMW installed all the M3 bits on the 1 like we did, but completely left out the strut tower brace.

I thought... the 1M has this part?

HP Autosport · 04-27-2011, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dackelone

I thought... the 1M has this part?

So it does...

Can I get a copy right on my product!

ianc · 04-27-2011, 11:47 AM

So is there any tangible performance benefit handling-wise with this part as opposed to the factory 135 strut bar, or does it just ease adjustment of the front struts and camber?

ianc

ucbsupafly · 04-27-2011, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ianc

So is there any tangible performance benefit handling-wise with this part as opposed to the factory 135 strut bar, or does it just ease adjustment of the front struts and camber?

ianc

The performance benefit of upgrading from the factory strut bar is very little to none. I run a much beefier bar from Mason Engineering and I hardly notice anything different. I upgraded from the stock bar mainly to gain access to the camber plates. To put it in perspective, the BRRacing shop car doesn't even run a strut bar, factory or aftermarket.

With that said, the M3 strut bar upgrade may be the way to go if you want easy access to the strut tower holes. The Mason one blocks access to the airbox and may have to be modified to accomodate the slight build tolerances of each car.

Dackelone · 04-27-2011, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ianc

So is there any tangible performance benefit handling-wise with this part as opposed to the factory 135 strut bar, or does it just ease adjustment of the front struts and camber?

ianc

I think there MUST be some sort of tangable difference bewteen the two. After all BMW wouldn't spend money on extra 1M parts IF they served no performance purpose. What the gains are... I can not say.

Perhaps like Harold said in teh original post... that with the M3 style brace - the strut towers are less likely to mushroom out under road bumps and wear and tear on the unitbody/frame.

uberschnell · 04-27-2011, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dackelone

I think there MUST be some sort of tangable difference bewteen the two. After all BMW wouldn't spend money on extra 1M parts IF they served no performance purpose. What the gains are... I can not say.

Perhaps like Harold said in teh original post... that with the M3 style brace - the strut towers are less likely to mushroom out under road bumps and wear and tear on the unitbody/frame.

well for one thing the M Strut brace is anchored to all three strut bolts vs. stock which is attached with one separately mounted bolt.

ianc · 04-28-2011, 10:21 AM

Quote:

After all BMW wouldn't spend money on extra 1M parts IF they served no performance purpose

There it is in the M3 parts bin; go for it!

I believe you are correct though, that its construction will provide some strengthening of the strut tower against damage...

ianc

fancyfl1ght · 04-28-2011, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ianc

There it is in the M3 parts bin; go for it!

I believe you are correct though, that its construction will provide some strengthening of the strut tower against damage...

ianc

to prevent mushrooming strut towers. It is very cheap insurance considering the official BMW fix is the remove the engine, cut the top of the tower off and weld in a new one. BMW bodyshop estimate $10,000.

PeteA · 05-20-2013, 01:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HP Autowerks

We just found out on earlier 135i's, at least up to 2010, the heater closing panel can be reused. 2011 and later cars will either need to modify the existing heater closing panel or purchase the earlier version.

Hi guys,

Does this mean if an N55 user purchases the N54 heater closing panel we will be able to install your kit + the closing panel without any modification on a N55 vehicle? I'm not sure what the part number would be - could you provide it for the forum?

HP Autosport · 05-20-2013, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeteA

Hi guys,

Does this mean if an N55 user purchases the N54 heater closing panel we will be able to install your kit + the closing panel without any modification on a N55 vehicle? I'm not sure what the part number would be - could you provide it for the forum?

Go to realoem.com and look at the heater closing panel for 135i N54 up to 2010. You can modify your existing panel at no additional cost.

PeteA · 05-20-2013, 10:04 PM

Thanks guys, I've managed to find the part diagram for those who are interested in purchasing the N54 part if not comfortable with modifying the existing part with a trim/cut:
http://www.bmminiparts.com/DiagramVi...203&MOSP=50607

However, both the N54 135i, 1M and N55 135i diagrams have the same part numbers for the Heater Closing Panel (there are two). Not sure which one applicable.

1. 64 31 6979758
or,
2. 64 31 6925975

Eddie135 · 05-20-2013, 11:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeteA

Thanks guys, I've managed to find the part diagram for those who are interested in purchasing the N54 part if not comfortable with modifying the existing part with a trim/cut:
http://www.bmminiparts.com/DiagramVi...203&MOSP=50607

However, both the N54 135i, 1M and N55 135i diagrams have the same part numbers for the Heater Closing Panel (there are two). Not sure which one applicable.

1. 64 31 6979758
or,
2. 64 31 6925975

Yeah, good to know as well.

maxslug · 11-05-2013, 01:07 PM

PeteA -- did you ever sort out what the part number was if we want to swap the N54 panel onto an N55 car?

maupineda · 11-15-2013, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maxslug

PeteA -- did you ever sort out what the part number was if we want to swap the N54 panel onto an N55 car?

It would be this 64316979758, this is the part the actual M3 uses and is a 14 bucks part so better to get it that trim anything.

maxslug · 11-15-2013, 11:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maupineda

It would be this 64316979758, this is the part the actual M3 uses and is a 14 bucks part so better to get it that trim anything.

thanks maupineda!

maupineda · 11-16-2013, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maxslug

Quote:

Originally Posted by maupineda

It would be this 64316979758, this is the part the actual M3 uses and is a 14 bucks part so better to get it that trim anything.

thanks maupineda!

Any time. I knew as I am planing to do the M3 cowl conversion this xmas and next year get the brace, this way I can show it of and the trademark I6 almost in full, so had all PN written down.

tomkiti · 04-25-2014, 02:55 PM

I just finished installing the M3 strut tower brace kit from HP Autosport on my 2011 135i and wanted to comment on my experience.

First, before removing the heater closing panel, you must also remove the long rubber gasket that seals its top lip, otherwise you won't be able to pull it out.

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.

Other than those minor issues, everything went smoothly.

cpt97m3 · 04-28-2014, 12:09 AM

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.

02-23-2011, 01:30 PM	#23
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)	M3 brace installed on a 135i with N54 Attached Images
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02-23-2011, 03:41 PM	#24
Das Ein Captain 30 Rep 815 Posts Drives: '16 Audi TTS, '17 500 Abarth Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: The Colony, TX iTrader: (4)	Nice! Wish the M3 brace was shown off a little more in the engine bay. I think it looks cool.
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04-27-2011, 02:57 AM	#25
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)	Strut tower brace kit for the 1M or M1(some of you still call it) BMW installed all the M3 bits on the 1 like we did, but completely left out the strut tower brace. That is not a problem, this strut tower brace kit will also fit the 1 series M coupe. Last edited by HP Autosport; 04-27-2011 at 02:58 AM.. Reason: Modify post for 1 series M coupe application.
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04-27-2011, 03:39 AM	#26
pwdrtoastman Second Lieutenant 16 Rep 222 Posts Drives: 2007 BMW 335i Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Colorado iTrader: (-1)	this is nice, I would be interested in the part number for the pre 10 plastic peice.
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04-27-2011, 11:47 AM	#29
ianc Ex '87 Carrera 246 Rep 1,259 Posts Drives: '10 TiAg 6MT 135i Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Redwood Shores, California iTrader: (0)	So is there any tangible performance benefit handling-wise with this part as opposed to the factory 135 strut bar, or does it just ease adjustment of the front struts and camber? ianc __________________ "I will tell you there is a big difference between driving money and driving blood, sweat and tears." - PorscheGuy79 "I got 328 loaner and was impressed with performance. It feels much faster than my 135i." - MOCKBA
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05-20-2013, 10:04 PM	#37
PeteA Major 127 Rep 1,054 Posts Drives: E30, E82 Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Melbourne iTrader: (3)	Thanks guys, I've managed to find the part diagram for those who are interested in purchasing the N54 part if not comfortable with modifying the existing part with a trim/cut: http://www.bmminiparts.com/DiagramVi...203&MOSP=50607 However, both the N54 135i, 1M and N55 135i diagrams have the same part numbers for the Heater Closing Panel (there are two). Not sure which one applicable. 1. 64 31 6979758 or, 2. 64 31 6925975 __________________ Pete's Build Thread
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11-05-2013, 01:07 PM	#39
maxslug Custom User Title Here 7 Rep 63 Posts Drives: 2011 135i 6MT, 2014 E84 X1 Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: SF iTrader: (1)	PeteA -- did you ever sort out what the part number was if we want to swap the N54 panel onto an N55 car?
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04-25-2014, 02:55 PM	#43
tomkiti New Member 0 Rep 8 Posts Drives: 2011 AW 135i Coupe Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Columbia, Maryland iTrader: (0)	I just finished installing the M3 strut tower brace kit from HP Autosport on my 2011 135i and wanted to comment on my experience. First, before removing the heater closing panel, you must also remove the long rubber gasket that seals its top lip, otherwise you won't be able to pull it out. 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. Other than those minor issues, everything went smoothly. Attached Images
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04-28-2014, 12:09 AM	#44
cpt97m3 AutoXer 34 Rep 683 Posts Drives: 2009 135i Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: So Cal iTrader: (2)	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. __________________ 2009 135i, Alpine White, 6MT, M-Sport, iDrive, iPod/USB, Heated Seats, Premium Sound, BMW Assist
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