To the good people at AA:

[Ritt]

I installed your diff brace today in my M3. It appears to be a quality product and I have no doubt of its strength and ability to perform its advertised purpose. I even got it adjusted properly on the first try; everything is solid and there's no new NVH I can detect.

HOWEVER: you need to revise your directions, to reflect the fact that the rear section of the exhaust really needs to be removed to have much hope of adjusting and securing the pinch bolt/locknut at the top of the diff casing properly.

I was only able to do it without dropping the muffler because I've got a set of metric crow's-foot wrenches, and even then I had to kludge together a bizarre combination of ratchet extensions to get around the exhaust heat shielding.

Sigh; the tribulations of the confirmed DIY'er...

[mweinst]

Um, while I am pretty sure that AA is active on this website, wouldn't it be better to pick up the phone and call them? That way, you wouldn't embarrass yourself, or them, over something that can be dealt with privately. I'm sure that they would want to hear about your experience installing their product, and they may be able to give you some tips for the future.

[Ritt]

I did call them to let them know about the issue, before posting here. I don't see how this is embarrassing, though I freely admit to my high level of sarcasm ;)

I posted here because I used the crow's-foot wrenches and thought the community might like to know they work (I'm betting someone else probably already posted that though).

AA's tip was to use a lift. I don't have one, so I had to make do. My point is that a lot of folks are going to read the directions and end up where I was - wondering how to get your hand, and some kind of tool, in the tiny space between the exhaust and the diff while trying to tighten the pinch-bolt.

[Brent 930]

I don't need no stink'n crows foot or remove the muffler.

[LuxoM3]

FWIW - writing instructions is a whole occupation in itself!

I used to create QUICKSTART posters for clients...

[hc1001]

i never got that set screw right. car makes a weird high pitch vibration noise cruising on the highway. usually at 2K rpm at 5th or 6th gear. must be teh combination of tall gears and low rpm.

tried adjusting it a couple times but i'll live with it.

[Ritt]

I just set it as per the directions, and I didn't notice any new noise though I admit I didn't run the RPMs so low in 5th (I was on the highway).

BTW, I'm thinking of a 6-speed swap in my long-range plans, I might have to get in touch with you about some details.

[KnudsonsM3]

FAYLE from the OP :rofl:

[Ritt]

FAYLE from the OP :rofl:

How?

[JW1984]

No fail here. I for one appreciate the tip.

Much appreciated!

[KnudsonsM3]

How?

no idea...:(