Effectiveness of a rear strut bar...any?

ndyvidual · Wed, Dec-22-2010, 03:52:26 PM

While I'm acquiring my suspension upgrade parts over the Winter, I was wondering do rear strut bars add any handling improvements to the E46. Thought I would ask knowledge think tank here. What do you think? Link below for a random example.

http://www.bmwtuningmag.com/active-a...r-strut-brace/

Levim9 · Wed, Dec-22-2010, 03:58:33 PM

I made myself a rear shock brace and I didn't really notice a difference. It does stiffen the chassis, but probably not enough that you'll notice. (Maybe you would on the track) I just like it because the ends serve as shock tower reinforcement plates and the bar looks cool.

ndyvidual · Wed, Dec-22-2010, 04:26:50 PM

So far an E46, the advantages are aesthetics and possibly additional mount bracing? Can someone confirm the bracing functionality?

I'm concerned with the reduced function of the trunk cargo (pass through is reduced). I had planned to get some reinforced rear shock mounts, but if this bar will serve the same function, then I'd only get one or the other.

Levim9 · Wed, Dec-22-2010, 04:41:01 PM

I'm not sure how the size of the trunks differ between sedan and M3s but this is one I made installed in a sedan. They don't take up much space. You can't fold down the rear seats though with the bar. Some bars (like the Active Autowerke) are hinged and can be detached without getting into the shock towers. It's convenient because you can quickly take the bar section out when needed but some would say that because it's hinged, it won't be as sturdy as a one piece.

m3816 · Wed, Dec-22-2010, 05:15:26 PM

if people are interested we should talk to Mason engineering for a group buy

PerkM3 · Wed, Dec-22-2010, 06:43:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m3816

if people are interested we should talk to Mason engineering for a group buy

From what I've seen/read theirs is the best.

E-solo · Wed, Dec-22-2010, 06:53:49 PM

Wouldn't the answer depend on the suspension being used. I'm sure its more effective with a softer suspension as opposed to a stiff suspension.

wilsel · Wed, Dec-22-2010, 07:13:50 PM

IMO the rear deck (where the rear speakers are located) is enough bracing. The only benefit I see is the additional support (thickness) for the rear shocking mounting points.

ClAlpha · Wed, Dec-22-2010, 10:29:21 PM

The mounts on that Active Autowerke strut bar are a much better design than those on my Dinan brace. And trust me from experience, you will LOVE that removable center section. Even in order to use the ski bag for those with cold weather packages, you'll need to unfasten the bar to fold down the center flap. Also FWIW, I haven't noticed any difference during normal street driving without the brace. So unless your car gets track or AutoX time, at best this is a mod for aesthetics.

Kr3st · Wed, Dec-22-2010, 10:56:53 PM

I thought if you wanted to Autox the car you want the front end to be stiff with a strut then you want the rear to be able to move around. Meaning not to add one to the back.

Am I wrong?

Wed, Dec-22-2010, 03:52:26 PM	#1
ndyvidual Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 156 In the garage: '95 BMW M3 '00 HONDA ACCORD '03 BMW M3 Reputation: 0 Location: Boston	Effectiveness of a rear strut bar...any? While I'm acquiring my suspension upgrade parts over the Winter, I was wondering do rear strut bars add any handling improvements to the E46. Thought I would ask knowledge think tank here. What do you think? Link below for a random example. http://www.bmwtuningmag.com/active-a...r-strut-brace/

Wed, Dec-22-2010, 03:58:33 PM	#2
Levim9 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 21 Reputation: 0 Location: Central PA	Re: Effectiveness of a rear strut bar...any? I made myself a rear shock brace and I didn't really notice a difference. It does stiffen the chassis, but probably not enough that you'll notice. (Maybe you would on the track) I just like it because the ends serve as shock tower reinforcement plates and the bar looks cool.

Wed, Dec-22-2010, 04:26:50 PM	#3
ndyvidual Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Posts: 156 In the garage: '95 BMW M3 '00 HONDA ACCORD '03 BMW M3 Reputation: 0 Location: Boston	Re: Effectiveness of a rear strut bar...any? So far an E46, the advantages are aesthetics and possibly additional mount bracing? Can someone confirm the bracing functionality? I'm concerned with the reduced function of the trunk cargo (pass through is reduced). I had planned to get some reinforced rear shock mounts, but if this bar will serve the same function, then I'd only get one or the other.

Wed, Dec-22-2010, 04:41:01 PM	#4
Levim9 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 21 Reputation: 0 Location: Central PA	Re: Effectiveness of a rear strut bar...any? I'm not sure how the size of the trunks differ between sedan and M3s but this is one I made installed in a sedan. They don't take up much space. You can't fold down the rear seats though with the bar. Some bars (like the Active Autowerke) are hinged and can be detached without getting into the shock towers. It's convenient because you can quickly take the bar section out when needed but some would say that because it's hinged, it won't be as sturdy as a one piece. __________________ No Sunroof - Active Tuned - AFE Stg2 - JVT Headers - OEM Section 1 & 2 - Borla left exit Muffler - UUC SSK - ACT Clutch & Flywheel

Wed, Dec-22-2010, 05:15:26 PM	#5
m3816 Shhh..my foot is sleepin on the gas Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 3,600 Reputation: 0 Location: Planet Earth	Re: Effectiveness of a rear strut bar...any? if people are interested we should talk to Mason engineering for a group buy __________________ HKS GTS8550 Stage II SuperSprintAeromotive Clutch Masters4.10Rogue Engineering KW3H&RGround ControlEuro rotorsSS lines 42 DesignVorsteinerBimmianApex//M-Alcantara 507WHP @ 8400rpm-11.2psi . Need a Expert BMW tech in the DMV Pm Me

Wed, Dec-22-2010, 06:53:49 PM	#7
E-solo Registered User Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 1,834 Reputation: 0	Re: Effectiveness of a rear strut bar...any? Wouldn't the answer depend on the suspension being used. I'm sure its more effective with a softer suspension as opposed to a stiff suspension. __________________

Wed, Dec-22-2010, 07:13:50 PM	#8
wilsel Registered User Join Date: Dec 2009 Posts: 1,272 Reputation: 0 Location: Fort Collins, CO.	Re: Effectiveness of a rear strut bar...any? IMO the rear deck (where the rear speakers are located) is enough bracing. The only benefit I see is the additional support (thickness) for the rear shocking mounting points. __________________

Wed, Dec-22-2010, 10:29:21 PM	#9
ClAlpha Der Ingenieur Join Date: Feb 2010 Posts: 145 In the garage: '06 BMW M3 Reputation: 0 Location: Jersey Shore	Re: Effectiveness of a rear strut bar...any? The mounts on that Active Autowerke strut bar are a much better design than those on my Dinan brace. And trust me from experience, you will LOVE that removable center section. Even in order to use the ski bag for those with cold weather packages, you'll need to unfasten the bar to fold down the center flap. Also FWIW, I haven't noticed any difference during normal street driving without the brace. So unless your car gets track or AutoX time, at best this is a mod for aesthetics. __________________ 2006 ///M3 ZCP CB/Cin 6MT Dinan Stage 2 Tune / K&N 57 Intake / Supersprint Race / KW ST Coilovers / Weisslicht AE's / HID 3000K Fogs

Wed, Dec-22-2010, 10:56:53 PM	#10
Kr3st ///Mean ///Muggin' Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 1,179 In the garage: '04 BMW M3 Reputation: 0 Location: Winter Park / Orlando	Re: Effectiveness of a rear strut bar...any? I thought if you wanted to Autox the car you want the front end to be stiff with a strut then you want the rear to be able to move around. Meaning not to add one to the back. Am I wrong? __________________ Supersprint Race \|Quad FX-R\|TE37SL \| BC Racing Coilovers \| AA Headers \| AA Supercharged 516rwhp on pump gas

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