Strut Brace Install

[ethrty]

Hey guys. just picked up a front strut brace (Its pretty much part of the M5x install isnt it? haha) and just wondering should i install it with the wheels on the ground or in the air? Im sure thats been answered on here somewhere but my search isnt working for some reason

[drumad]

ground so the strut studs stay in place.. theyre not going anywhere

they probably wont even go anywhere with the car lifted either

[Simon S]

With odd fitment issues I've read about over the years, I'd focus on just getting it seated properly. Every now and then, I'll read about how some guy needed to strongly pry the bar in place - or where measures were taken on the bar itself to get it to fit.

Somewhere along the line, I gathered that if it doesn't want to go on while it's on it wheels, supporting the front of the vehicle at the center of the front subframe will do the trick of spreading the strut towers ever so slightly as to help during installation process.

[Sagaris]

According to some parts sites, e30's had 2 different distances between strut towers and its necessary to specify when ordering one. While I am sure it is not a huge deal and will probably never be an issue, installing it with the wheels off the ground will cause residual stresses to reside in the frame (most likely the sheet metal that forms the strut towers and connects to the chassis tunnels)

My strategy for mounting the strut brace that I will be buying in the near future is:

install shorter springs and dampers (H&R +Bilstein)
drive on them for a few weeks to let them settle
THEN install new bushings and control arms to avoid having a torsional pre-load on the bushings.

Get an alignment done

Then at last when all the suspension geometry is where it needs to be, install the strut brace and re-check the alignment.

Might be overkill, but what can you expect from someone who is obsessive-compulsive?

[bostonbmw]

My IE strut bar goes on MUCH easier with the car in the air.

[ethrty]

sweet! just been told exactly what my plan of attack was to start with: install on the ground and raise if needed. the crosee piece is adjustable though so fitment shouldnt matter regardless of car in air/on ground, nor the different sturt heights.

R3v saves the day again :D

[T Verdier]

I had to have my friend stand on top of the bar and hammer it witha huge rubber mallet before it finally poped on. And that was after boreing out the holes.

[ethrty]

mine went on no sweet. raised it up before i adjusted the center bar to get that extra mm of snugness (maybe) before dropping it back down. looks the business :)

[gverelli]

I have read about fitment issues before, but mine went on fine wheels on the ground.