I think his is all you need to know about struts on the Z3 https://zroadster.org/articles/basic-bmw-z3-suspension-modifications-by-mike-fishwick.41/
Not a rant in my book, makes a lot of sense to insure all is well with the suspension and maybe then go for the bar if you still feel it needs support. I can see where just putting the support in would mask unattended to problems and give a false sense of security. JIMI will give you my own personal experience of strut braces and the need for them...
When I bought my first Z3 5 years ago, I joined a forum and got reading up on things that bothered me about my Zed. One of the things I things I found out matched the symptoms of something I noticed - scuttle shake and general waywardness in corners. So, armed with my new found knowledge and plenty of encouragement when I posted up my symptoms, I bought and fitted one.
Well that was a revelation because it did cure most of the issues, and the car was tighter in the corners and less 'wobbly' in general. About 6 months later my insurance was due and I struggled to find one easily that accepted it as a modification. It was also booked in for an inspection II service, so I asked the garage to take it off an put it in the boot for now.
The car was serviced and I was told it needed a new front shock which was weeping, a lower control joint and another bush I can't remember. As I drove home that evening I was amazed to find the car drove better than it ever had, including after fitting the strut brace initially. So I learnt an important lesson that day, that before looking to improve your car you should check some of the basic things first. All I had done was mask a a serious issue.
I'm not saying that strut braces don't work, just that you should make sure that there isn't another issue lurking which makes you think you need one
That is all. Rant over!
Their need is the same as a 6. But the throttle body prevents most bars from going straight across over the engine. So all the 4-cyl bars are bent in a bow shape that goes behind the throttle body. They look as limber as a crossbow, being arched in two dimensions:
I do agree on this.I will give you my own personal experience of strut braces and the need for them...
When I bought my first Z3 5 years ago, I joined a forum and got reading up on things that bothered me about my Zed. One of the things I things I found out matched the symptoms of something I noticed - scuttle shake and general waywardness in corners. So, armed with my new found knowledge and plenty of encouragement when I posted up my symptoms, I bought and fitted one.
Well that was a revelation because it did cure most of the issues, and the car was tighter in the corners and less 'wobbly' in general. About 6 months later my insurance was due and I struggled to find one easily that accepted it as a modification. It was also booked in for an inspection II service, so I asked the garage to take it off an put it in the boot for now.
The car was serviced and I was told it needed a new front shock which was weeping, a lower control joint and another bush I can't remember. As I drove home that evening I was amazed to find the car drove better than it ever had, including after fitting the strut brace initially. So I learnt an important lesson that day, that before looking to improve your car you should check some of the basic things first. All I had done was mask a a serious issue.
I'm not saying that strut braces don't work, just that you should make sure that there isn't another issue lurking which makes you think you need one
That is all. Rant over!
Totally agree with you, and I will get another one fitted at some stage in the future.
It was just a general rant. It was more for new owners finding this thread wondering whether a brace will fix their 15 year old car from handling badly.
The car just went through our vehicle safety where everything suspension wise is checked to make sure everything is correct with no wear soi'm confident that all's well under the car. My friend knew I wanted him to pay particular attention to all the bushes, etc and all I needed were new tires and a brake light bulb. Thanks for the info. JIM
I'd love one, over here we have snowmobiles, JIMI am fairly sure that there aren't any issues underlying, I got a mechanic who does work in his spare time to fit new front dampeners and he usually points out anything past its best.
Jim, If you are taking the Z out for some spirited driving then I think you would benefit from a strut. Probably best get a pair of these first though
Ash
And SNOW.
There is no difference in warranting between a 4 and a 6. The strut bar stiffens both equally. There is a small reduction in cowl shake over railroad tracks, etc. As for handling, there is no difference for me because I am a gentle driver. For a bar to improve handling, enough cornering stress must be imposed to try to bend the top of a strut tower outward. I think only tracked cars see that.
