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View Full Version : Front strut bar for e36 '98 318ti?


themysteryman83
11-20-2005, 01:08 AM
I need some recommendations on a front strut brace for my Ti. Looking specifically for one that is compatible with traction control seeing as my car has it. Where exactly is the traction contol module? Looked in the bently manual and can find no reference to location in the engine compartment. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

Ian
leedawg
11-20-2005, 01:34 AM
Um why does the strut bar have anything to do with traction control? and why do you want a front strut bar any way ?? DO you drive your car at 100+ miles per hour on a track? Im not talking bout the LA freeway either :D
themysteryman83
11-20-2005, 01:38 AM
Um why does the strut bar have anything to do with traction control? and why do you want a front strut bar any way ?? DO you drive your car at 100+ miles per hour on a track? Im not talking bout the LA freeway either :D

The traction control module will get in the way of a strut bar not specifically designed to work around it, a first in a long line of upgrades, no, but I do enjoy a fast turn or two and there's plenty around here :)
leedawg
11-20-2005, 01:45 AM
LOL Hum was not aware of this box that is in the way. My car has no such box and does have traction control so who knows :)
themysteryman83
11-20-2005, 01:48 AM
LOL Hum was not aware of this box that is in the way. My car has no such box and does have traction control so who knows :)

So what bar do you have then? I have been reading all kinds of info on the strut bars. It seems that the secondary throttle body for the traction control system gets in the way of the brace, but I don't know for sure without seeing one firsthand.
leedawg
11-20-2005, 01:56 AM
Um Dinan aluminum strut bar. Just goes over the top without any mods
Just bolt it on
leedawg
11-20-2005, 01:58 AM
I was not aware of a fitment problem. Then again I have a 328i so might be differnt than your car.
Panzer_M
11-20-2005, 02:28 AM
BMP makes a good non hinged bar. but it's 250$, Sparco makes good cheaper fixed ones, but I don't know a vendor for them.

anything with a hinge is worthless.

Solid Bars or nothing
leedawg
11-20-2005, 02:47 AM
Really? I think my dinan has a hinge on it or at least a ball joing whre it attachs to the struts. Paid a sht load for it :( oh well such is life.
UDM Motorsport
11-20-2005, 02:55 AM
Yup the Sparco Bar does fit...and goes around the traction control box.
Its single piece and CHEAP!!!

Here's a pic of it installed in my car (i know a few people who fitted this on their 318ti

http://www.udm-motorsport.com/FranklinJoseph/mycars/1998M3/engine4.JPG
lovesm3s
11-20-2005, 02:56 AM
hey franklin i got that bar on my car and i like it thanks :)
themysteryman83
11-20-2005, 03:00 AM
What about this one (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/92-93-98-318-BMW-ALL-E36-FRONT-STRUT-BAR_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ6763QQitemZ80156170 78QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW)?
The only thing i'm weary about is his no return policy!!
metale
11-20-2005, 07:46 AM
Get an x-brace.

you won't see it tho.
themysteryman83
11-20-2005, 08:39 AM
Yes i'm thinking that would be the first upgrade now that i read more about it!
Thanks! Any work on the strut bar though?
metale
11-20-2005, 10:29 AM
The strut bar does look cool, and there are a few that don't interfer with the DSC module. But people with both x-brace and strut bars state that the x-brace made more diference in handling. And plus, it protects the oil pan.

Note that a cheap heavy strut bar also adds to the car wheight.

On this page: http://www.understeer.com/onlinestore-suspension.shtml there is a nice strut bar that should be both lightweight, and DSC-clear.
bellavus
11-20-2005, 10:47 AM
x brace is defintely better :D