This is why shock tower reinforcement plates are a must

[derbo]

Are there cases where that isn’t true? I’ve seen some which specify non-M vs. M, yet I have an OEM M3 bar in my car no problem. I assume it has something to do with vertical clearance (the S54 looks like it sits at a little more of an angle, and I’ve seen some bars with more of a kink/uptick in the middle).

Some clearance issues with S54 but FWIW, BMW perf bar clears the S54.

[704sw]

Some clearance issues with S54 but FWIW, BMW perf bar clears the S54.

She’s beautiful, but a little rich for my blood lol.

[Dual]

Already installed, sorry I failed to mention.
Any particular brand of the strut bar that is recommended?

If you are into brand identity and have money, the M3 bars cannot be beat.
From a utilitarian standpoint I've been completely happy with my ECS bar, which is carbon fiber (light), well-made and inexpensive. I removed the stick-on logo and never looked back.

http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/attac...8&d=1458934526
...shows the ECS bar with logo still in place.

http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/attac...6&d=1459024196
...closeup of one end.

[BMWCurves]

Honestly, I only read the last paragraph, and it shouldn't take more than hour..

Probably for the best, it's just a bunch of rambling nonsense on my part.

[stephenkirsh]

If you are into brand identity and have money, the M3 bars cannot be beat.
From a utilitarian standpoint I've been completely happy with my ECS bar, which is carbon fiber (light), well-made and inexpensive. I removed the stick-on logo and never looked back.

http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/attac...8&d=1458934526
...shows the ECS bar with logo still in place.

http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/attac...6&d=1459024196
...closeup of one end.

ECS bar doesn't make sense to me. If I can flex it with my pinky, I don't understand how it'll transfer load from side to side.

[Dual]

I didn't notice anything like that with the unit I bought.

[danewilson77]

ECS bar doesn't make sense to me. If I can flex it with my pinky, I don't understand how it'll transfer load from side to side.

Good point, but I've seen more BMW performance strut bars break than I have the ECSTuning ones.

And if it's really there to mitigate strut tower deformation.... Who cares?

If you want to get a strut bar that won't break and protects the top hats, go for a Mason Engineering strut bar or a UUC Strutbarbarian. Or the ///M3 strut bar and the like. Nothing with skinny CF.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

[nextelbuddy]

Some clearance issues with S54 but FWIW, BMW perf bar clears the S54.

god i need that BMW Performance bar.... er I mean want. its like the last thing im missing under the hood.

when they were going out of production, ECS was selling them for $500.. everyone who bought them for $500 is now trynig to sell them for $1000+.

i cant believe there are people on here t hat have one already and also have a 2nd as a backup..

who buys $2000 in strut bars?

i have an M3 bar in mine but dang that CF one would look sweet.

IMG_20171201_231234 by Shawn Robertson, on Flickr

[stephenkirsh]

I didn't notice anything like that with the unit I bought.

Go push on it from the top.

[stephenkirsh]

Good point, but I've seen more BMW performance strut bars break than I have the ECSTuning ones.

And if it's really there to mitigate strut tower deformation.... Who cares?

If you want to get a strut bar that won't break and protects the top hats, go for a Mason Engineering strut bar or a UUC Strutbarbarian. Or the ///M3 strut bar and the like. Nothing with skinny CF.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

I do have the mason bar.

I'm pretty sure strut bars aren't there for protection of top hats. That's only something I've read in this forum. Maybe it helps a bit? That's like saying if I punch through a wood roof, a steel plate on the top of the roof will protect the underside of the roof. It might help prevent a complete failure, but I can't see it doing much more.

Either way, $100+ for a bar that kinda sorta maybe helps? or $20 for reinforcement plates that are designed specifically for that.