Best choice for limited-budget strut tower brace?

[Dual]

Not sure if I've selected the right forum for this, but:

I'm looking hard at the BMW 51710395077 not-carbon-fiber strut tower brace for my coupe. I like the BMW brand, no need to futz with the battery terminal, relatively easy removal for engine service and that the mounts sit firmly over the tower, to provide a little strength (maybe) until I put plates under the tower later on.

Is there anything in that price ($265 shipped) range or below that I should consider instead?

Thanks, folks.

[slater]

i have the CF bar from ECS. it's pretty nice for the price, and does not have any pivot points (this is good).

the downside is that it covers the tops of the struts, so if you ever decide to go with a koni yellow (or another adjustable strut), you'll need to remove the plates to get to the adjusters.

i'm actually thinking of selling my ECS bar as i might want to try out some koni yellows myself. :) so it may be for sale shortly. i've had it on since christmas.

[Dual]

Thank you! Do you have an ECS number for that one? (can't find it)

[slater]

yep! here ya go:

https://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E46-330i-M54_3.0L/Suspension/Strut_Tower_Brace/ES10995/

[BMWCurves]

Also be on the lookout for used M3 strut bars/braces on forums or other classifieds. They can go for about $200. They're the same bar as the one you listed, just with a black finish.

[Vas]

Going off the part number you listed, the cheapest place for that bar is from FairFax BMW. Current price is $219.64 and free shipping this month only.

[Dual]

Oh that is a good price! I went with the ECS because I'm cheap as hell, but if I hadn't been so quick on the trigger....
Thanks to all for this.

[trancenation]

Going off the part number you listed, the cheapest place for that bar is from FairFax BMW. Current price is $219.64 and free shipping this month only.

Is there a certain amount of money you have to spend to qualify for the free shipping?

[Vas]

Is there a certain amount of money you have to spend to qualify for the free shipping?

Current promotion for the month of March with them is:

Spend $50 - Get $10 off
Promo Code 10off
Spend $100 - Get $15 0ff
Promo Code 15off
Spend $200 - Free Shipping
Promo Code march

[ELCID86]

Going off the part number you listed, the cheapest place for that bar is from FairFax BMW. Current price is $219.64 and free shipping this month only.

Good deal. Fairfax is a good place and has done many of us right. Thanks to Bruce for paving the way.


---
"ZHP is a garbage option anyway- just some cosmetic upgrades with a different cam and diff to claw back some of the performance lost fitting those hideous and heavy wheels. Any 330 with a 3.46 diff will smoke a ZHP every time. The whole Mafia thing reeks of childish behavior." - anonymous

[cakM3]

Good deal. Fairfax is a good place and has done many of us right. Thanks to Bruce for paving the way.

That's nice to know Shawn!

[Dual]

The ECS bar slid right in and is light as hell. Cut some hoodliner away, using carpenter's-line chalk dots on the bar as a guide. I think I'm going to want to remove the vinyl ECS signage with GooGone or something, but I'm giving it a few days...

Thanks to all for your help!


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[danewilson77]

Looks great.

Sent from an S6 Edge

[Dual]

Minor update: I stripped off the vinyl letters 'cause that's how I like things.
Here's the strut hardware close up. It looks very 'Chinese' right now: not in a derogatory way, just that's how it's finished. I think it will mellow out with time.

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