Which strut tower brace should I buy?

[forrealb50]

I have a 06 325xi. Which strut tower brace do you recommend I go with? I would like to stay with a BMW brand.

[1996 328ti]

I have a 06 325xi. Which strut tower brace do you recommend I go with? I would like to stay with a BMW brand.

I wasn't aware of a BMW brand tower brace since the E36 Motorsport strut brace.

[Biggins]

Is there a specific reason you need one?

[John in VA]

If you want to stay with BMW parts, get the BMW parts HERE.

PKE9XM3BRACE* list price $379.00 / Tischer's price $315.00

OEM BMW E90/92/93 M3 Front Strut Tower Brace Kit. Kit includes components/hardware of the E9x M3 front strut brace. *Price includes Free Ground Shipping! (US only) **Please allow up to a few weeks to fill orders as some components are currently on national backorder.

[forrealb50]

Is there a specific reason you need one?

So I can be more competitive when I use the car for pro-racing.

Well actually, it's because I want one... the same reason I bought a BMW, for looks and performance.

[forrealb50]

If you want to stay with BMW parts, get the BMW parts HERE.

PKE9XM3BRACE* list price $379.00 / Tischer's price $315.00

OEM BMW E90/92/93 M3 Front Strut Tower Brace Kit. Kit includes components/hardware of the E9x M3 front strut brace. *Price includes Free Ground Shipping! (US only) **Please allow up to a few weeks to fill orders as some components are currently on national backorder.

Are there any other brands you recommend?

[John in VA]

Check over at
http://www.e90post.com/forums/

[1996 328ti]

That's the first strut brace that actually looks functional rather than eye candy.
It ties to the firewall?

[Nick325xiT 5spd]

The cheapest one you can find is generally the best one.

Edit: And the primary use of a strut tower brace is really to reinforce the strut towers. There will be a tiny, almost imperceptible improvement in steering feel, but the real difference is that the towers will be less likely to deform over time.

[woodym3]

The BMW NA website lists two different strut braces under their "Performance Accessories".
I almost choked when I saw the price of the carbon fiber model. And then I almost barfed when I read the copy: each view of the motor compartment will be a satisfying experience because it says BMW Performance?? Give me a break.

Carbon Fiber Performance Strut Brace

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Sporty in its design and supremely resilient, the carbon strut brace is marked with the wordmark "BMW Performance" on its surface, marking each view of the motor compartment a satisfying experience. Made from the same lightweight, durable carbon fiber material used in Formula One racing, this high-tech strut brace has both low density and high strength characteristics. The entire piece weighs only 1.5 pounds! Shock absorption is also increased, which reduces road forces and body roll and lends a firmer road-feel. (PN: 51 71 0 429 377)
$1,522.00
Each price is the suggested retail price and is subject to change. Price excludes installation and taxes. Shop for accessories at your local BMW Center

[Nick325xiT 5spd]

The Q stands for "uality."

[mcoupemindy]

The BMW NA website lists two different strut braces under their "Performance Accessories".
I almost choked when I saw the price of the carbon fiber model. And then I almost barfed when I read the copy: each view of the motor compartment will be a satisfying experience because it says BMW Performance?? Give me a break.

Carbon Fiber Performance Strut Brace

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sporty in its design and supremely resilient, the carbon strut brace is marked with the wordmark "BMW Performance" on its surface, marking each view of the motor compartment a satisfying experience. Made from the same lightweight, durable carbon fiber material used in Formula One racing, this high-tech strut brace has both low density and high strength characteristics. The entire piece weighs only 1.5 pounds! Shock absorption is also increased, which reduces road forces and body roll and lends a firmer road-feel. (PN: 51 71 0 429 377)
$1,522.00
Each price is the suggested retail price and is subject to change. Price excludes installation and taxes. Shop for accessories at your local BMW Center

Isn't that a huge crock of crap?

Lightweight??? My Eibach bar only weighs 30 oz.

[JC5]

If you pay $1,522.00 for a strut tower brace a sign that you have too much money?

[wnelms]

I have one from Racing Dynamics on the front and Dinan on the rear. Decent investments I think!

Paid less than $300 for each. The installation was a challenge though. The front took me about two hours and the rear took the dealer (Russel) approximately 2 days! Luckily, they only charged me for a few hours as quoted by Dinan.

[Uber-Goober]

I saw no difference in handling before and after installation of front and rear strut bars. Both Dinan, waste of money in my opinion. The suspension on the other hand, set on stiffest setting was day and night.