is buying a used X-Brace for $30 advisable?

[98three28i]

found someone selling a used X-Brace for $30, came off a 96 e36 M3. They are selling it as is, and said that there is a small piece (upper right piece) that is bent on it, which would need to be re-bent for fitment.

Is that worth it?? I wouldnt have any hardware for it either??

thanks

ps, they also have the exhaust for $75, have no idea if it's been cut, or is intact to be bolted back on. is that a steal?

[Hamfisted]

Bent means the metal is already tweaked and weakened. You can get a brand new one on Ebay for $110, all you need is the (4) M8x1.25 x 30 bolts and the matching (4) M8 "Nutserts" to fasten it with. You can get the bolts at Lowes but the Nutserts usually come from the dealer (p/n 51 71 8 175 003) or a fastener supplier in your area. Only the late model M3's had the Nutserts already installed in the crossmember. Its too important a piece to settle for a used bent one.

E36 "X Brace" on Ebay


There's also a few online suppliers that have the whole kit for $130.





Mike

[BMWjesterFAN]

Don't buy that x-brace. I saw it also, and I would not advise getting it. As Ham said, it is already weakened, and that is not a part of your car that you want to be weak.

[Furious]

can you link a picture of it? if its bent too much than its unuseable. if its too rusted than its not worth it either.