BMW engine room strut brace on M340i

NLJ · 11-26-2022, 10:44 PM

Can the stock air box be opened and filter swapped without having to remove the brace?

JimmyJazz · 11-27-2022, 11:54 AM

You have to remove the brace. Easy to remove and install if you have the permanent, threaded parts. Kind of a pita but not difficult if you have a nut, bolt set up like the Dinan.
I have the Dinan’s but I threaded the fender holes and used Nutserts on the radiator brace holes instead of buying the 4 series brace so it’s easy.

TheJerseyDon · 12-02-2022, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by larrylam646

The M10x20 are stretch bolts - 56Nm + 90 deg rotation. Attached is the reference from ISTA+.

wow, these bolts are $34 for 4!

rmedina · 01-20-2023, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheJerseyDon

wow, these bolts are $34 for 4!

What other bolts could we use? I now there's a bimmer tax, but damn.

JimmyJazz · 01-20-2023, 08:23 PM

I just bought stainless 10x5 allen head bolts. I think 20mm for the radiator side and 50mm for the fender side. I had same allen “lil bolt beauty washers” from Down Star for style points.

rmedina · 01-20-2023, 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyJazz

I just bought stainless 10x5 allen head bolts. I think 20mm for the radiator side and 50mm for the fender side. I had same allen “lil bolt beauty washers” from Down Star for style points.

Thanks my man..

DNB_Perth · 01-30-2023, 10:46 PM

Has anyone fitted the BMS (or other brand) Strut Tower Braces on a 2020 M340i using the MST Cold Air Intake?

helmet91 · 01-31-2023, 12:06 PM

I “upgraded” to the Dinan bars to satisfy my OCD.

I’ve got the OEM bars in perfect condition if anyone wants to make an offer.

Jerry Huang · 02-18-2023, 10:43 PM

Do you have to replace the original strut brace to install the strut??

VipinLJ · 02-18-2023, 11:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jerry Huang

Do you have to replace the original strut brace to install the strut??

If the car comes with one from the factory, yes.

G30M · 02-20-2023, 01:25 AM

i was inspecting the front brace that you bolt the diagonal things to. the stock front brace is not solid. so if you want to install the diagonal pieces you need to swap out the stock front brace for something stiffer?

Zeros · 04-03-2023, 05:09 PM

I installed these today on my 330e. I hit them with some high temp black paint before installing. I haven't driven it yet, but do like the look of them installed.

GA/\/\/\/\A_CT · 04-03-2023, 05:52 PM

Does this brace have any bad effect on the crumple zone if you get in an accident?

Zeros · 04-03-2023, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GA/\/\/\/\A_CT

Does this brace have any bad effect on the crumple zone if you get in an accident?

I believe the M440i is the same frame and comes with these installed, so I don't see how that would be an issue.

Marc R · 04-22-2023, 07:34 AM

Took the plunge and ordered this upgrade for my M340iX.

I see that i have forgot to order the stretch bolts, is it a big deal to use them again?

lzy7977 · 08-16-2023, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by helmet91

Done!

I love a nice OEM+ upgrade. Thanks to those that figured this one out.

For the strut braces, is the part number 51617456115? I also had a g20 330i, just want to make sure that I ordered the right part.

G30M · 08-16-2023, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GA/\/\/\/\A_CT

Does this brace have any bad effect on the crumple zone if you get in an accident?

These come stock in all other baby M and M cars, though it's not a direct answer to your question. Even the M440i comes with these. I don't think they do much though.

helmet91 · 08-18-2023, 03:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lzy7977

For the strut braces, is the part number 51617456115? I also had a g20 330i, just want to make sure that I ordered the right part.

Same part number across the G2# 3er/4er range...

I800C0LLECT · 08-18-2023, 12:29 PM

I would think a strut tower bar is preferred. At the end of the day the McPherson suspension just needs to be tied together at the top. A double wishbone essentially has that direct support built into it already but the McPherson does not. I doubt there’s a meaningful difference but i kind of want the strut tower bar for my own.

Anybody have data or knowledge by chance?

reala · 08-21-2023, 07:04 AM

This mod is night and day difference. It firms up the front end a lot!

lzy7977 · 08-23-2023, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by helmet91

Done!

I love a nice OEM+ upgrade. Thanks to those that figured this one out.

Just curious what thread tap did you use, taper or plug? What anti-rust spray did you use?

k4sh_90 · 08-24-2023, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lzy7977

Quote:

Originally Posted by helmet91

Done!

I love a nice OEM+ upgrade. Thanks to those that figured this one out.

Just curious what thread tap did you use, taper or plug? What anti-rust spray did you use?

It’s an M10, 1.5 thread pitch. I just used WD-40 as a lubricant while tapping the threads. Shouldn’t need to worry about rust as moisture shouldn’t be able to get in there.

11-26-2022, 10:44 PM	#45
NLJ First Lieutenant 217 Rep 351 Posts Drives: 2023 M340i Join Date: Aug 2022 Location: Canada iTrader: (0) Garage List 2023 BMW M340i X-Drive [0.00]	Can the stock air box be opened and filter swapped without having to remove the brace?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-27-2022, 11:54 AM	#46
JimmyJazz Private 247 Rep 66 Posts Drives: 2020 M340i, 2009 PontiaG8GT, Join Date: Jan 2022 Location: Lubbock TX USA iTrader: (0)	You have to remove the brace. Easy to remove and install if you have the permanent, threaded parts. Kind of a pita but not difficult if you have a nut, bolt set up like the Dinan. I have the Dinan’s but I threaded the fender holes and used Nutserts on the radiator brace holes instead of buying the 4 series brace so it’s easy.
	Appreciate 1 meyer1son295.00 Quote

01-20-2023, 08:23 PM	#49
JimmyJazz Private 247 Rep 66 Posts Drives: 2020 M340i, 2009 PontiaG8GT, Join Date: Jan 2022 Location: Lubbock TX USA iTrader: (0)	I just bought stainless 10x5 allen head bolts. I think 20mm for the radiator side and 50mm for the fender side. I had same allen “lil bolt beauty washers” from Down Star for style points.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-30-2023, 10:46 PM	#51
DNB_Perth Enlisted Member 15 Rep 42 Posts Drives: 2020 BMW M340i XDrive Join Date: Jan 2023 Location: Perth (SOR), Western Australia iTrader: (0)	Has anyone fitted the BMS (or other brand) Strut Tower Braces on a 2020 M340i using the MST Cold Air Intake? Last edited by DNB_Perth; 02-14-2023 at 11:11 PM.. Reason: english
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-31-2023, 12:06 PM	#52
helmet91 Lieutenant 298 Rep 562 Posts Drives: BMW G20 330i X-Drive M-Sport Join Date: May 2020 Location: NL iTrader: (1) Garage List 2019 (G20) BMW 330i ... [0.00]	I “upgraded” to the Dinan bars to satisfy my OCD. I’ve got the OEM bars in perfect condition if anyone wants to make an offer.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-18-2023, 10:43 PM	#53
Jerry Huang New Member 2 Rep 8 Posts Drives: G42 230 Join Date: Oct 2022 Location: Ann Arbor iTrader: (0)	Do you have to replace the original strut brace to install the strut??
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-20-2023, 01:25 AM	#55
G30M Brigadier General 3792 Rep 4,143 Posts Drives: BMW M550i; Kia EV6 GT Join Date: Dec 2021 Location: Australasia iTrader: (0)	i was inspecting the front brace that you bolt the diagonal things to. the stock front brace is not solid. so if you want to install the diagonal pieces you need to swap out the stock front brace for something stiffer?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-03-2023, 05:09 PM	#56
Zeros Private 24 Rep 67 Posts Drives: 2023 330e & 2013 528i Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Glen Mills, PA iTrader: (0)	I installed these today on my 330e. I hit them with some high temp black paint before installing. I haven't driven it yet, but do like the look of them installed. Attached Images
	Appreciate 3 madpistol1746.00 P-ToK72342.00 B58-M340iX201.00 Quote

04-03-2023, 05:52 PM	#57
GA/\/\/\/\A_CT Lieutenant 220 Rep 589 Posts Drives: ‘20 m340ix Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: CT iTrader: (0)	Does this brace have any bad effect on the crumple zone if you get in an accident?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-22-2023, 07:34 AM	#59
Marc R Mr Anderson,we've been expecting you... 26 Rep 208 Posts Drives: X3 M40i Join Date: May 2012 Location: Dept. of Justice iTrader: (0)	Took the plunge and ordered this upgrade for my M340iX. I see that i have forgot to order the stretch bolts, is it a big deal to use them again? Last edited by Marc R; 04-22-2023 at 08:50 AM..
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-18-2023, 12:29 PM	#63
I800C0LLECT Private First Class 65 Rep 130 Posts Drives: BMW M340 Join Date: Jul 2023 Location: Germany iTrader: (0)	I would think a strut tower bar is preferred. At the end of the day the McPherson suspension just needs to be tied together at the top. A double wishbone essentially has that direct support built into it already but the McPherson does not. I doubt there’s a meaningful difference but i kind of want the strut tower bar for my own. Anybody have data or knowledge by chance?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-21-2023, 07:04 AM	#64
reala Private First Class 24 Rep 106 Posts Drives: 16' MG M235i xDrive Join Date: May 2016 Location: Earth iTrader: (0)	This mod is night and day difference. It firms up the front end a lot!
	Appreciate 0 Quote