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Ron Stygar Carl Buckland Dale Beuning Forums Help
From digest.v7.n588 Fri Nov 14 01:55:44 1997 About a week ago I ordered the X-brace, also called under-engine reinforcement, from the local BMW dealer. As others have pointed out, this is the same part that comes on convertibles to stiffen the chassis. I went down to the local dealer and ordered part # 051-71-201-234. Dealer's list $172.15, my price $117.38 (I've heard it said, here on the Digest "Cheap is good"). I picked it up today and couldn't resist. Took the cover off, pulled the car out of winter storage, and drove to my friend's shop. One 13mm socket, one 16mm socket, ratchet, jack, jackstands, creeper, & 4- 7mm by 1 inch long bolts with flat washers. Jack the car up, remove the single crossbar, reuse the bolts and add the 4 new ones to mount the new brace. 20 minutes later, done. Not even a one beer job. The longest part of the install was the ride home to play with the new toy. Rumor was that the bar eliminated more chassis flex than the strut bar (I have a Dinan bar & Dinan stage 3 suspension, with adjustable Koni's). Rumor confirmed. I went through some 60mph sweepers that I usually drift through. Hit them at the same speed and wondered who straightened them out, no drift.
The biggest difference is not in ultimate grip, but in feel and comfort. The
car is more stable at the limit. The front end seems more planted. I like it.
I'd recommend this change, not as a modification, but as an upgrade to the
chassis design on any E-36.
Scott Adare |
