E46 M3 Strut Bar

[das boots]

Would the paisanos in here know if the stock E46 M3 strut bar fit on a E46 ZHP? This is the same totalled E46 M3 that I posted a thread in the non-ZHP Classifieds.

[Hermes]

Yes it does, let me know when you find another one

[das boots]

Thanks. Thia all what I needed. Confirmation #2. The first was Shane.

[mimalmo]

Yes it fits. I have one on my car.

I would be a little cautious about one from a crashed car though.

[jreyes19]

^+1 test fit first and make sure no bends cracks and it is reliable :)

but it will fit, just for extra confirmation

[PKR]

I put one on mine about 6 months ago.

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Shane has a member name: BMW Doc.


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[das boots]

^+1 test fit first and make sure no bends cracks and it is reliable :)

but it will fit, just for extra confirmation

I agree. I will test fit and will check for bends & cracks.

[bbaxterZHP]

Anyone that has installed the E46 M3 Strut Brace on their ZHP, does this require the 6 strut tower collared hex nuts from the M3 also? Or can I re-use the strut tower nuts that are already on my ZHP?

I just picked up this strut brace from a buddy, however he didn't have these 6 hex nuts.

Any info on this install would be appreciated!

[Lanister]

Anyone that has installed the E46 M3 Strut Brace on their ZHP, does this require the 6 strut tower collared hex nuts from the M3 also? Or can I re-use the strut tower nuts that are already on my ZHP?

I just picked up this strut brace from a buddy, however he didn't have these 6 hex nuts.

Any info on this install would be appreciated!

You should get the proper collared nuts for it. Dealer might have them. Look up the part numbers on realoem.

[bbaxterZHP]

Thanks, yeah I just checked realOEM, and it shows a different part # for the M3 strut brace hex nut vs. the stock ZHP hex nut

About $9 each x 6 for these from ECS/BavAuto/Turner (part #51717895241) ...Think I can find the same thing at NAPA?

[Lanister]

$9 each? That's robbery!

The nuts aren't exactly unique, I've seen them before but I wouldn't know where to get them without having a sample one to compare.

[Hermes]

They are in fact slightly different because they need to clear the extra space on the strut bar mounting plate, but I agree the price is a bit ridiculous

[bbaxterZHP]

Yeah...I found another thread that said the E46 M3 strut bar used 13mm M8 collared hex nuts to mount to the strut towers. I'm going to try to find these at a hardware/auto parts store before I pay $54 for 6 nuts

Thanks for the help, I'm looking forward to getting this on the car :)

[Lanister]

Good, luck! I have one of those on myself and it's pretty sweet :)

[derbo]

Yeah...I found another thread that said the E46 M3 strut bar used 13mm M8 collared hex nuts to mount to the strut towers. I'm going to try to find these at a hardware/auto parts store before I pay $54 for 6 nuts

Thanks for the help, I'm looking forward to getting this on the car :)


You can use your stock shock towers bolts too no?


nevermind: I forgot I have extended bolts from the GC strut mounts.

[trancenation]

I would recommend getting those m3 strut tower nuts. The stock nuts don't cover many levels of thread. Try and see if some folks parting out M3s are willing to sell them if the price for them new is too ridiculous.


-Jay

[bbaxterZHP]

Thanks Jay. I posted a WTB thread on E46Fanatics, but I think finding a parted-out M3 is the best way of finding this hardware for a reasonable price. The hunt continues!

[mimalmo]

Lots of guys take them off when they buy a carbon fiber one or some other uber-cool design. Post a WTB thread on E46F, M3 Forums, Bimmerforums, etc with your desired condition, location and budget. You'll probably get a few offers in a week's time.