Strut tower brace

[Up North]

I am considering installing a strut tower brace on my M54 Z3 roadster to lessen chassis flex inherent in a convertible. Is there a noticeable difference after installation. I have noticed a bit of scuttle shake driving over bumps. Mind you, nothing like my 1973 MGB, but noticeable nonetheless.

 

[t-tony]

A worthwhile addition, but first, is your front suspension (shockers, front lower arm rear bushes, a/r bar etc.) all in good order?
If not you're wasting your money till they are.

Tony.

 

[AntStark]

Agreed.. +shock top mounts ..they can account for a lot of the sloppy feeling.

 

[Up North]

Everything is in good order. Had my mechanic go over the car last November when I took delivery. I know you can't always trust CARFAX report but it was clean and there are 42,000 miles on the odo.

 

[AntStark]

Yeah but are they original bushes? ..even if they look ok 22+ year old rubber won’t be doing its job very well anymore

 

[Up North]

No, not original. Having spent last 15 years in the dry heat of central Texas, my tech said they are in good shape and must have been replaced at some point.

 

[Stevo7682]

Have to agree with what others have said.
42k probably still original components looking in good condition.
But i have 2 2.8 zeds one 35k on clocks always garaged elderly owner all original parts.
The other has 85k new springs , shocks , drop links , front arm rear bushes and rear end bushes.
The 35k zed drives nice but the 85k zed definitely drives better just feels smoother and more planted wet or dry.
Stephen.

 

[Althulas]

For a standard Z3 the top mounts are quite cheap in comparison to ///M tax variant but even with new parts there will be a element of scuttle shake in hard driving and bad surfaces as it’s a convertible after all but should not be that bad as you appear to be describing. As for a brace a bit subjective topic, but I have one and like it even if it’s bling but when I’ve finished my 7th bridge refurb I’ll let you know

 

[Ianmc]

Bling only, don't bother.

 

[the Nefyn cat]

I can't see how having a brace between the front struts is going to make a difference to the way a convertible feels when the weak part is the bit you sit in. But if you like spending money........

 

[Up North]

Thanks. The last 2 posts were the answer I was looking for. Will treat the wife to an upscale dinner and drinks (not necessarily in that order) with the money saved.

 

[GZed]

Thanks. The last 2 posts were the answer I was looking for. Will treat the wife to an upscale dinner and drinks (not necessarily in that order) with the money saved.

……BUT …. Look at this!!

 

[GZed]

‘A bling of beauty is a joy forever’ or something like that.

Meal and drinks? Gone in a few hours. Worse still ‘A moment on the lips, a lifetime on the hips’

 

[andyglym]

I have a front strut brace, it looks nice, that's about it.

 

[SV8Predator]

Bling only, don't bother.

That's interesting. Please report your experience with a standard car, and then after you had the brace fitted.

 

[Mike Fishwick]

Have a look at this:

zroadster.org/articles/basic-bmw-z3-suspension-modifications-by-mike-fishwick.41/

zroadster.org/articles/bmw-z3-subtly-stiffening-a-z3-by-mike-fishwick.44/

 

[Delk]

Mr and the Misses both have Z3s. Hers is relatively stock with lowered springs. Mine is on coilovers, poly bushes and even poly engine mounts. It is noticable in my car because it's stiff. Don't really notice when I have it in or out on hers.

 

[SV8Predator]

Don't really notice when I have it in or out on hers.

 

[GazM3]

Yes it's certainly worth it. Noticeable improvement to the feel of the front end. as with many of these mods, its an incremental improvement to the chassis, and also compliments other upgrades

 

[Up North]

Yes it's certainly worth it. Noticeable improvement to the feel of the front end. as with many of these mods, its an incremental improvement to the chassis, and also compliments other upgrades

Ok, now I'm confused. Some say it's eye candy while others say a noticeable difference.