[jg4c]

Originally Posted by P_Leotardo

So overall it was a quick and painless install. Struts did not require tapping. The only tools I used were: scissor jack, socket wrench, crescent wrench, and a flashlight. I have a torque wrench but no sockets to fit it for this project, so I tightened by hand until I felt it was snug enough. Fit and finish is 10/10, shipping was quick.

Impressions? Too early to tell?

[P_Leotardo]

Havent driven it yet but i will report back.

[P_Leotardo]

I tossed her around some corners at a decent speed this morning (as much as the RFT’s would let me) and it definitely feels more planted, although it could be a placebo effect thus far. Time will tell.

Small price to pay for added peace of mind, possible performance attributes, and of course under-hood eye candy.

[madpistol]

For reference, all 4-series get strut braces from factory. 4 Coupe, 4 Convertible, and 4 GC all have them.

[P_Leotardo]

Originally Posted by madpistol

For reference, all 4-series get strut braces from factory. 4 Coupe, 4 Convertible, and 4 GC all have them.

Yes, we've established that.

[bavarianride]

Originally Posted by P_Leotardo

The '22 M340i I purchased does not have strut braces, would adding them produce any noticeable or tangible benefits?

https://www.dinancars.com/products/s...arts/D180-0014

G20 does come with factory strut brace(bulkhead) PN#51617423989.

[bavarianride]

Originally Posted by madpistol

For reference, all 4-series get strut braces from factory. 4 Coupe, 4 Convertible, and 4 GC all have them.

All G20 3-series also get factory bulkhead strut brace part# 51617423989, but a side by side comparison of M440i vs M340i @4:48 does show a pair of silver(aluminum?) front braces in the engine bay.

[VipinLJ]

Originally Posted by P_Leotardo

I tossed her around some corners at a decent speed this morning (as much as the RFT’s would let me) and it definitely feels more planted, although it could be a placebo effect thus far. Time will tell.

Small price to pay for added peace of mind, possible performance attributes, and of course under-hood eye candy.

It might not be a placebo effect. I don't have a strut brace (yet) on my G20 but I had it on my B9 A4 (which came with a flimsy two-piece strut brace from the factory that I upgraded to a solid 034 three-piece strut brace) and there was a VERY noticeable difference.

[P_Leotardo]

Originally Posted by VipinLJ

It might not be a placebo effect. I don't have a strut brace (yet) on my G20 but I had it on my B9 A4 (which came with a flimsy two-piece strut brace from the factory that I upgraded to a solid 034 three-piece strut brace) and there was a VERY noticeable difference.

Ironically enough, I saw your post and felt compelled to log in and write this. The car feels way more composed into and out of corners, and I pulled over 1g according to the g meter in the sport display on a dry day with the tires chirping. Not something. I would’ve tried prior to installing the strut braces. They’re not magic pill, but they definitely added to the sportiness of the car.

[VipinLJ]

Originally Posted by P_Leotardo

Ironically enough, I saw your post and felt compelled to log in and write this. The car feels way more composed into and out of corners, and I pulled over 1g according to the g meter in the sport display on a dry day with the tires chirping. Not something. I would’ve tried prior to installing the strut braces. They’re not magic pill, but they definitely added to the sportiness of the car.

That is nice. The G20 handles well without braces compared to the B9 with braces from the factory. I'd love the added tightness. I'll be getting the dinan braces soon.

[bavarianride]

Originally Posted by P_Leotardo

So overall it was a quick and painless install. Struts did not require tapping. The only tools I used were: scissor jack, socket wrench, crescent wrench, and a flashlight. I have a torque wrench but no sockets to fit it for this project, so I tightened by hand until I felt it was snug enough. Fit and finish is 10/10, shipping was quick.

On the right hand side brace, does it press on the thick wire(s) going into the box to the right of the engine?

[bavarianride]

Originally Posted by P_Leotardo

You made me pop the hood and check, looks like my ‘22 MY comes with a stock intake with brace valley ....

Interestingly, my G20 330i also has the same stock intake with brace valley, and dinan product page says the same front strut braces can fit 330i too!

There is one issue on my 330i, namely, a thick wrapped wire(bundle?) blocks a straight path to the right strut hole.

That wire has to be pressed down, or the brace needs to go under the wire, and either approach can pull on/stress the wire connector.

I would like to see photos of G20 330i owners with this mod.

[P_Leotardo]

Originally Posted by bavarianride

On the right hand side brace, does it press on the thick wire(s) going into the box to the right of the engine?

Nope, sits about an inch above it.

[bavarianride]

Originally Posted by P_Leotardo

Nope, sits about an inch above it.

Yeah 330i is not designed to have this front strut brace from factory, so the wire connector is just below the level of the right strut hole.

Also my wire(bundle) is installed with a upward arc, I will see if it can be pushed down to create some clearance.

[iifymbro]

installed these and they definitely make a difference when you're really leaning on it, front end stays tucked in on line markedly better

[P_Leotardo]

Originally Posted by iifymbro

installed these and they definitely make a difference when you're really leaning on it, front end stays tucked in on line markedly better

When did you put them in and how many miles do you think you have on them? Glad it’s not just a placebo effect but after a week or so I definitely notice a difference.

[iifymbro]

Originally Posted by P_Leotardo

When did you put them in and how many miles do you think you have on them? Glad it’s not just a placebo effect but after a week or so I definitely notice a difference.

put them in yesterday and went for a drive targeting some high speed sweepers around me that I ripped through right before installing them, the braces largely removed the premature vague understeer at the same previous speeds. I wasn't sure if it was just not enough tire on the front or the chassis flexing enough to compromise dynamic camber, now I know.

The airbox is clearly molded to allow a brace, I wonder why BMW isn't including them

[P_Leotardo]

Originally Posted by iifymbro

put them in yesterday and went for a drive targeting some high speed sweepers around me that I ripped through right before installing them, the braces largely removed the premature vague understeer at the same previous speeds. I wasn't sure if it was just not enough tire on the front or the chassis flexing enough to compromise dynamic camber, now I know.

The airbox is clearly molded to allow a brace, I wonder why BMW isn't including them

Not sure, but the dinan ones are much more sturdy than the hollow metal pipe ones with bent ends as are in my wife’s 2022 X5.

[JimmyJazz]

Installed my Dinan braces today. If I didn’t have a’GearWrench’ long handle ratchet to hold the fender well nut, I couldn’t have done it by myself. No impressions yet, mainly installed for ‘style points’. 😁

[MDBMWowner]

Originally Posted by P_Leotardo

The '22 M340i I purchased does not have strut braces, would adding them produce any noticeable or tangible benefits?

https://www.dinancars.com/products/s...arts/D180-0014

I just learned that in order to replace the filter on the Dinan CAI on a car with the support braces.....that you have to remove the one brace that sits over the filter cover. Do you know if the entire brace has to be removed or just loosened?

[G30M]

Originally Posted by P_Leotardo

So overall it was a quick and painless install. Struts did not require tapping. The only tools I used were: scissor jack, socket wrench, crescent wrench, and a flashlight. I have a torque wrench but no sockets to fit it for this project, so I tightened by hand until I felt it was snug enough. Fit and finish is 10/10, shipping was quick.

did it braces change anything?

[Dan B]

Originally Posted by JimmyJazz

Installed my Dinan braces today. If I didn’t have a’GearWrench’ long handle ratchet to hold the fender well nut, I couldn’t have done it by myself. No impressions yet, mainly installed for ‘style points’. 😁

I have a 24 M440i and the mounts are threaded so there is no nut. Really easy. Install was 5 minutes.

Originally Posted by g21

did it braces change anything?

The biggest difference is the car pushes less and is more predictable. It is not night and day different but it is noticeable.