Is an X-Brace worth the money?

[Wonderboy]

The m3 already has a great suspension. But i would like to make it a bit more responsive. Lots of bmw guys put this part on their car, and i was just wondering if you guys think it's worth the money? Are there different kinds? (OEM, Aftermarket)

[Hamfisted]

I installed one on a 328i and it seemed to beef up the front subframe pretty well. I also moved the existing cross-bar tube back six inches too some other existing holes just for added lateral bracing and to protect the tranny pan a little better. The local euro wholesaler had them in town here for $105 but I had to go to the dealer to get the metric inserts to fasten it to the subframe. They were about $2 apiece :





-Mike

[Wonderboy]

What Inserts? Are we talking nuts and bolts?

[Hamfisted]

Originally Posted by Wonderboy

What Inserts? Are we talking nuts and bolts?

Yes, if I remember right only the convertible and the M3 have the retaining nuts already inserted in the subframe crossmember holes. All others have to use those press-in and squeeze nut inserts (NutSerts?), and the only place I found them was at the dealer. Also had to drill out the holes a little to fit the inserts in there. There's a few How-To's on the web if you do a search.

Here's the whole kit on Ebay:
eBay Motors: BMW X Brace E36 318ti M3 323 325 328 318 NEW (item 190025299076 end time Sep-03-06 11:58:11 PDT)






-Mike

[Wonderboy]

Thx Much dude!

[Linds]

KO performance also had a group buy going on at bimmerforums a little while ago for $111 including the hardware and the buffer stop. Not sure if it's still going on but it's a pretty good price if it is.

[94BMW325i]

I hope it is, I need them! Linds you should sell me your swaybars, and get aftermarket ones

[Linds]

Haha, don't tempt me. I just spent $1500 on wheels and tires...although my birthday is coming up and people will be wanting to know what to get me hehe