Z3 Strut Brace Fitted then removed

[Alan Slade]

I recently bought an alloy front upper strut brace from eBay for my Z3. Today I fitted it and in my opinion, it looks quite good, and seems very well made. I was aware, that a small modification was necessary to accommodate the earth terminal. I did that and it fitted a treat. Then came the crunch. The bonnet would not close so I have had to take it off again. Don't know what to do now, might tell the vendor where to fit it.

 

[windym]

They might not take it back if you have modified it, how high off the engine does it sit?

Andy

 

[Alan Slade]

They might not take it back if you have modified it, how high off the engine does it sit?

Andy

I don't expect them to take it back. They do say in the advert that it has to be modified for the earth. As you can see from the label it is supposed to fit the Z3. It clears the top of the engine by about 15 mm, I can't get my fingers in there. I think it fouls the soundproofing where the washers hose passes through. Very difficult to see.

 

[Antm72]

It does appear to sit quite high the E36 is alot squarer than the zed. Is it not the strut towers that are high is it mine sits mm off the engine and alot lower at the turrets.The bar angled more in keeping with the zeds bonnet.
Frustrating when it clearly states it will fit !!

 

[DaveB with a Z3]

Stupid question time.
They look great but those who run them, does it make a noticeable difference. I know it's supposed to make the front end stiffer

 

[t-tony]

I asked that question about the E85 Z4 Dave, still waiting for an answer. When I fitted one on my Z3 I definitely felt it was better but whether that was in my mind or not I don't honestly know. The same when I fitted one on my old Mazda Eunos too.

Tony.

 

[t-tony]

This is how close the one on my Z3 was,

The plastic engine cover was actually "sprung" upwards and when you pressed it down with your finger there was a gap of about 8mm.

Tony.

 

[DaveB with a Z3]

I'd never thought about a strut brace for the Z3 but they do look good and if I get one I'm gonna blame Alan

 

[DaveB with a Z3]

Oh and having a wee 4 cylinder engine gives me more room than you 6 pot guys

 

[t-tony]

Someone, who shall Roman nameless Sent me a link to a place where I really could spend some money.

Same make @Antm72 has on his Z3.

Tony.

 

[t-tony]

Oh and having a wee 4 cylinder engine gives me more room than you 6 pot guys

But strangely, ones for those are not straight and pass round the rear of the engine if I remember right and usually more expensive too.

Tony.

 

[Bazza]

Alan, we could have a look Thursday? and see if it can be modified?
as for do they help yes as far as I'm concerned, it helps to eliminate tramming effect as on the Z3 the engine is slung rather low a big lump too
making the struts flex? note that on the Z4, BMW fitted them as standard and on all models since so something in that I think?

 

[Bazza]

Oh just remembered that a performance company is also making them for the rear as well?

 

[DaveB with a Z3]

I've been on that site T-tony and didn't see one for a 1.8 , mind you I need to go lay in a darkened room and disable my PayPal account.

 

[Bazza]

Ah plus they look good and add 35BHP to all models

 

[t-tony]

Alan, we could have a look Thursday? and see if it can be modified?
as for do they help yes as far as I'm concerned, it helps to eliminate tramming effect as on the Z3 the engine is slung rather low a big lump too
making the struts flex? note that on the Z4, BMW fitted them as standard and on all models since so something in that I think?

On the Z4 they only fitted the angled bars back to the bulkhead though, not a direct brace across between the towers just like all the other models.

Tony.

 

[Alan Slade]

Alan, we could have a look Thursday? and see if it can be modified?
as for do they help yes as far as I'm concerned, it helps to eliminate tramming effect as on the Z3 the engine is slung rather low a big lump too
making the struts flex? note that on the Z4, BMW fitted them as standard and on all models since so something in that I think?

I don't think it can be modified without cutting and welding to lower the brace. Won't be bringing it Thursday, have you seen the forecast?

 

[Stevo7682]

Oh and having a wee 4 cylinder engine gives me more room than you 6 pot guys

The 4cyl engines have their own brace ( to clear the inlet manifold) tend to always be dear even second hand

 

[Dino D]

Is it fouling just the fluffy stuff ? It comes off easily enough.
And this engine is not one that needs sound deadening - I removed the fluffy stuff from my bonnet so I can hear my induction kit better.
Fully mats have no place on a proper car anyway

 

[DaveB with a Z3]

The 4cyl engines have their own brace ( to clear the inlet manifold) tend to always be dear even second hand

B*gger !