bmw e36 reinforcment plates

[carl 22]

hi guys ive just picked up a p reg 323 coupe and want to start skidding it asap but im a bit worried about reinforcing plates as ive heard they are quite weak im just wondering what il need exactly and wheres best to get them from?
or would strut braces spread the load on the struts enuff to cure it?

[Rich330]

Are you running/buying coilovers?

If you're shopping, drop BC racing an email as when I was looking they told me that they've designed theirs to distribute the load in a manner that saves the struts.

Got them on my E46 and if my towers mushroom I'll sue their dicks off for giving me false info.

Otherwise I've heard strut braces can help a bit, but you can also get reinforcement plates from BMW and other places which aren't very expensive.

[R32 GTR]

E46 are a lot more fragile in this area than the E36 i drifted mine for a while before they started to tear. Its definitely worth doing because you will eventually need to do it.

Dont rely on a strut brace to do the job of a reinforcement plate

[jonofd3]

I take it this is just to butch up the strut tops on the inner arches?? reason I ask is a mate is skidding an E36 and I'm prety sure his towers are std with a strut brace....
he's a welder by trade so could make something himself if it's just a flat strengthening plate!

[R32 GTR]

this is the kit, its standard on M3's - http://store.bimmerworld.com/e36-rea...-kit-p541.aspx

[carl 22]

thanks guys il start looking for m3 ones.
i didnt realise bmw did them.
seems a bit weird that they knew there was a problem and never added them to all the cars.

[R32 GTR]

thye never expected the lower models to be raced though so no need for the added expenses plus its a great service cost

[victim]

I'm just running Z3 reinforcement plates that bolt on and spread the load. only cost pennies and they seem to be doing the trick after 18months of abuse

[victim]