Strut Reinforcement Plates...Advisable? Where to Buy?

[tbradshaw]

I'm replacing shocks & struts on my '04 3.0i. I've seen videos of people adding a strut reinforcement plate when doing the job to prevent mushrooming. Is this a worthwhile addition and, if so, who sells them for the Z4? I can't find them anywhere. I don't anticipate driving the car hard (I'm old and my reaction time is shot) but Atlanta can be a bumpy city.

Thanks.

[rcb912]

FCPeuro.com carries reinforcement plate

[tbradshaw]

FCPeuro.com carries reinforcement plate

They don't list anything that fits a Z4. Does the E46 version work?

Thanks.

[MIKYZZ4]

Search this forum or Google: Z4

strut reinforcement plate

[tbradshaw]

I have done just that and am still not sure about the viability of E46 plates on a Z4. I've see some who say it's direct fit and others who say it would require some trimming/drilling/grinding. And none of those were recent discussions. I'm curious what the current situation is. Thanks.

Search this forum or Google: Z4

strut reinforcement plate

[MIKYZZ4]

Sorry, I didn't realize most of the info wasn't current,
may I suggest making a call to RE, along with BMW motorsports suppliers,
such as BimmerWorld,TurnerMotorsports,TCKline, for info and suggestions.

[B328iC]

Sorry, I didn't realize most of the info wasn't current,
may I suggest making a call to RE, along with BMW motorsports suppliers,
such as BimmerWorld,TurnerMotorsports,TCKline, for info and suggestions.

Thanks for the suggestion. I decided to check with all 3 to see what if anything they carried in the area of reinforcement for the Z4.
Bimmerworld only carries the bottom reinforcement plate that mounts to the bottom of the car.
Turner carries a Rear Trailing Arm Bushing Limiter kit and Rear shock Mount Reinforcement plates.
TC Kline carries Rouge Rear Trailing Arm Shims.
ECS carries Rear Shock Mount Reinforcement plates, the bottom reinforcement plate that mounts to the bottom of the car, Rear Trailing Arm Bushing Limiter kit and a Weld-In Camber Arm Reinforcement kit.
I even called my local BMW dealer to check with them and they have never installed a set of the Strut Reinforcement plates on a Z4. They had done so on some E46's but not a Z4.
So in checking it looks like the weakest points in the E85 Z4 are the rear shocks might need the reinforcement plates. I believe most of the Z4's came equipped with the Bottom reinforcement plate as I know mine with the M Sport Suspension did. The Rear Trailing arm and the rear Camber Arms seem to be the points needing the most attention.
If you want to add the E46 Strut Reinforcement plates you will need to drill out a hole for the pin that's on the Z4 mount or remove the pin. But I have not been able to find anywhere that it actually helps or that there is a real need for the plate. All I have found is it's "cheap insurance".

[Kram71]

From what I have seen twice in 3 months is that FCP Euro will sometimes have parts they can locate by VIN but are not listed for your car on their website.