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The Tire Rack - Performance Specialists


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This install takes 5 - 10 minutes. If you can walk and chew gum you can do this
Click on the images for larger views.

WARNING:
  • The car must be parked on a level surface. DO NOT install the strut brace with the car on a lift or the front wheels off the ground in any way.


Step 1: Getting the required items together

This install requires:
  • 1 OEM strut bar kit (typically sold as a kit)
    • (6) 51-71-7-895-241 Nuts
    • (1) 51-71-7-895-251 Cover
    • (1) 51-71-7-895-252 Cover
    • (1) 51-71-7-895-250 Bracket
    • (1) 51-71-7-895-249 Bracket
    • (1) 51-71-7-895-414 Transverse (center piece)
  • 13mm Socket
  • Ratchet wrench
  • A BMW M3 (E46).
  • 5 - 10 minutes of free time.



OEM Strut Bar Kit


Step 2: Remove the nuts from the driver's side strut tower

  • Open the hood and locate the sturt towers (see image).
  • Remove the strut tower bolt cover - black plastic piece with ///M in the center.
  • There are 3 nuts at the top of the driver's side strut tower. Remove these.
  • Don't lose these as they will be required to complete the installation.



Stock View



Strut Tower Nut Locations


Step 3: Install the driver's side bracket

  • Place the bracket over the bolts protruding from strut tower with the extended side of the bracket pointing toward the center and forward (see image).
  • Using the nuts provided with the kit snug down the bracket to the strut tower. The new nuts have an extension on the bottom of the nut - this is made to fit inside the holes in the bracket and correctly position it.



Driver's Side Bracket Installed


Step 4: Repeat for the passenger side

  • The passenger side is a bit more tricky than the drivers side due to the factory location of the positive battery terminal outlet.
  • Once you remove the stock nuts from the strut tower, you will have to wiggle and finesse the bracket under the terminal.
  • Repeat the same steps as above to snug down the passenger side bracket.



Passenger Side - Note Battery Terminal



Bracket Installed


Step 5: Installing the transverse (center piece)

  • The transverse fits on the bolts which protrude from the brackets.
  • The pointed part of the transverse should point toward the front of the car.
  • Center the traverse and snug it down with 4 (2 per side) of the nuts that you removed from the strut towers.



Transverse Bolt Locations


Step 6: Tightening things up

  • Starting at the brackets, go over the nuts and tighten them down (the factory torque is 18 foot lbs).
  • Pop in the provided plastic bracket inserts.



Plastic Bracket Insert



Finished!







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