Strut bar install

BMWFM · 03-07-2009, 06:35 PM

***Scroll down for step by step installation guide***

Just trying to install the BMW alu strut bar. (I am a bit new at mods). I read the DIY but...

One of the nut (A) does not correspond to the instructions drawing and I failed to remove it with an Hex wrench (adaptor broke).

Overview. Based on the official installation instructions sheet, A should have the same shape as B. But in reality, they are different.

What is this nut and which tool/adaptor should I use to unscrew it? (+ size information appreciated. looks close 7/16).

Thanks for your help!

FM

ToadHollow · 03-07-2009, 08:56 PM

That's a different style bolt than what I have. Actually, it's different from the DIY for the strut brace install as well. I'm guessing due to the xi ...... ?

XI models are a PIA that way ....... you will have to remove that bolt all the same for the install. Everything lines up, correct? If so then hit up your local Auto Zone for the correct socket and install that bad boy

15 minute install ..... tops.

BMWFM · 03-07-2009, 09:29 PM

Yeah. Everything else looks fine and lines up. BMW parts catalog says it fits on a 328xi. The black bar going to the rear of the engine even appears on the instruction sheet from BMW.

Just that this stupid nut is different from expected. I went to Home Depot and Lowes and they had no clue about what this was. I already broke my neighbor's hex socket on it. I am just worried of breaking the nut without the proper tool.

Thanks for your support!

FM

ToadHollow · 03-07-2009, 09:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMWFM

Yeah. Everything else looks fine and lines up. BMW parts catalog says it fits on a 328xi. The black bar going to the rear of the engine even appears on the instruction sheet from BMW.

Just that this stupid nut is different from expected. I went to Home Depot and Lowes and they had no clue about what this was. I already broke my neighbor's hex socket on it. I am just worried of breaking the nut without the proper tool.

FM

Check out Sears ....... atleast you're covered if the Craftsman socket breaks

E90330iS · 03-09-2009, 02:13 PM

go to autozone and ask them for help!

GMWNashville · 03-09-2009, 06:33 PM

its called an etorx...pretty common on most newer bmws. alot of e90s have those...

zsapphire7 · 03-09-2009, 07:06 PM

Yes, mine are the same design, and mine is a regular e92 335i. I think they probably updated the newer models with them. Goto sears, thats where i got some Etorx sockets.

BMWFM · 03-10-2009, 01:07 PM

Thanks a lot!

Just ordered the sockets.

FM

BMWFM · 04-05-2009, 07:37 PM

Time for installation: 15 minutes.

Step 1: Check that you have everything

Step 2: Remove the existing screws
- Hex 13 mm
- eTorx E14

Step 3: Attach the adapters

Step 4: Attach the bar

Step 5: Screw to the required torque (see pdf, courtesy of mdemange)

Step 6: Add covers

Step 7: Check final assembly and save remaining screws

r0w3r · 11-11-2010, 07:24 AM

From experience I can confirm the above.

Now trying to figure out what to do with a strut brace and trying to get dealer who sold it to me to take it back. As well as buy the original bolts to refit as they are one time use only bolts.

P2 · 01-06-2011, 02:45 PM

Did this upgrade do anything for you? Do you think it stiffend the car or is it just eye candy?

ENINTY · 01-08-2011, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by P2

Did this upgrade do anything for you? Do you think it stiffend the car or is it just eye candy?

I went with the carbon fiber one (it was on sale) figuring it was mostly eye candy. It's hard to really say if it stiffens up the front end. I thought I noticed a bit more steering feel (my tires were almost ready for replacement at the time). A couple of thousand miles after I installed the bar, I got new tires (and switched brands) so now the steering feel is totally different.

P2 · 01-09-2011, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ENINTY

I went with the carbon fiber one (it was on sale) figuring it was mostly eye candy. It's hard to really say if it stiffens up the front end. I thought I noticed a bit more steering feel (my tires were almost ready for replacement at the time). A couple of thousand miles after I installed the bar, I got new tires (and switched brands) so now the steering feel is totally different.

Thanks. I actually am just hoping to stiffen things up a bit and stop some of the door rattles that have to do with the seals. Any bit of handling would be a bonus.

luster · 01-28-2012, 05:20 AM

I just completed this install. If you are looking for etorx or female torx sockets, I got mine here http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...00_i00_details

Cheers

Cuba · 04-08-2012, 08:08 PM

Does anybody have a part number for the screw circled as A? I slightly stripped mine and wanted to replace it. I searched and couldn't find anything. Thanks

03-07-2009, 06:35 PM	#1
BMWFM Lieutenant 12 Rep 431 Posts Drives: 328xit Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	Strut bar install *Scroll down for step by step installation guide* Just trying to install the BMW alu strut bar. (I am a bit new at mods). I read the DIY but... One of the nut (A) does not correspond to the instructions drawing and I failed to remove it with an Hex wrench (adaptor broke). Overview. Based on the official installation instructions sheet, A should have the same shape as B. But in reality, they are different. What is this nut and which tool/adaptor should I use to unscrew it? (+ size information appreciated. looks close 7/16). Thanks for your help! FM Attached Images __________________ F34 335i xDrive, M Sport, Alpine White, Black Dakota, Dark Burl, Dynamic Handling, Technology, Driver Assistance, Premium, Active Cruise Control, Heated Seats, Side and Top View Cameras, European Delivery, Debadged Last edited by BMWFM; 04-05-2009 at 08:04 PM..
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03-07-2009, 08:56 PM	#2
ToadHollow Once upon a time ...... 276 Rep 5,048 Posts Drives: 2008 JB E92 - SOLD 5/2010 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Asti, Italy & Austin, Texas iTrader: (16) Garage List 2008 E92 335i [8.00]	That's a different style bolt than what I have. Actually, it's different from the DIY for the strut brace install as well. I'm guessing due to the xi ...... ? XI models are a PIA that way ....... you will have to remove that bolt all the same for the install. Everything lines up, correct? If so then hit up your local Auto Zone for the correct socket and install that bad boy 15 minute install ..... tops. __________________
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03-07-2009, 09:29 PM	#3
BMWFM Lieutenant 12 Rep 431 Posts Drives: 328xit Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	Yeah. Everything else looks fine and lines up. BMW parts catalog says it fits on a 328xi. The black bar going to the rear of the engine even appears on the instruction sheet from BMW. Just that this stupid nut is different from expected. I went to Home Depot and Lowes and they had no clue about what this was. I already broke my neighbor's hex socket on it. I am just worried of breaking the nut without the proper tool. Thanks for your support! FM __________________ F34 335i xDrive, M Sport, Alpine White, Black Dakota, Dark Burl, Dynamic Handling, Technology, Driver Assistance, Premium, Active Cruise Control, Heated Seats, Side and Top View Cameras, European Delivery, Debadged
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03-09-2009, 02:13 PM	#5
E90330iS Major General 143 Rep 6,333 Posts Drives: BMW M4 Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Arcadia, California iTrader: (56) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	go to autozone and ask them for help! __________________ 2017 BMW M4 DCT Lease Transfer: https://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...8#post23736398
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03-09-2009, 06:33 PM	#6
GMWNashville Colonel 172 Rep 2,373 Posts Drives: 19 G05, 16 F80, 10 E70x5D Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Nashville, TN iTrader: (2)	its called an etorx...pretty common on most newer bmws. alot of e90s have those...
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03-09-2009, 07:06 PM	#7
zsapphire7 Colonel 104 Rep 2,368 Posts Drives: 08 e92 M3 Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: SF Bay Area iTrader: (21)	Yes, mine are the same design, and mine is a regular e92 335i. I think they probably updated the newer models with them. Goto sears, thats where i got some Etorx sockets.
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03-10-2009, 01:07 PM	#8
BMWFM Lieutenant 12 Rep 431 Posts Drives: 328xit Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	Thanks a lot! Just ordered the sockets. FM __________________ F34 335i xDrive, M Sport, Alpine White, Black Dakota, Dark Burl, Dynamic Handling, Technology, Driver Assistance, Premium, Active Cruise Control, Heated Seats, Side and Top View Cameras, European Delivery, Debadged
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11-11-2010, 07:24 AM	#10
r0w3r New Member 3 Rep 24 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: South iTrader: (0)	BMW Performance Aluminium Strut Brace does not fit 4 cyl engines From experience I can confirm the above. Now trying to figure out what to do with a strut brace and trying to get dealer who sold it to me to take it back. As well as buy the original bolts to refit as they are one time use only bolts.
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01-06-2011, 02:45 PM	#11
P2 First Lieutenant 53 Rep 375 Posts Drives: 2023 i4 M-Sport eDrive 40 Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: NW Chicago Land iTrader: (0)	Did this upgrade do anything for you? Do you think it stiffend the car or is it just eye candy?
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01-28-2012, 05:20 AM	#14
luster Major 57 Rep 1,092 Posts Drives: e90, e88 Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Sydney AU, NJ US, TST HK iTrader: (21)	I just completed this install. If you are looking for etorx or female torx sockets, I got mine here http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...00_i00_details Cheers
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04-08-2012, 08:08 PM	#15
Cuba Cuba 81 Rep 1,676 Posts Drives: 07 328xi Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: PA iTrader: (12)	Does anybody have a part number for the screw circled as A? I slightly stripped mine and wanted to replace it. I searched and couldn't find anything. Thanks __________________ 07 328xi Monaco Blue\|Premium\|Cold\|Navi\|CA\|LLumar\|Mtec\|DDM\|aFe\|Ambe r-Gone\|Rear Fogs\|Bimmian\|PY-Speed\|OEM\|e92-lighting\|V1\|BavAuto\|Weisslicht\|Cyba\|Beyern\|Falken\| Sonic Tuning\|ECS Tuning\|JL Audio\|Rockford Fosgate
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