Site hosted by Angelfire.com: Build your free website today!

E21 Rear Strut Bar

I found 3 different styles of rear strut tower bar available for the e21. While I am no engineer, I do feel that the rear strut bar is an important component in any e21 intended for the track. The E21 does flex in that area, I am unsure if the flexing is caused by mere twisting of the body or from the load of the suspension. I am however sure it does flex. Don't believe me? Pull the back seat out and look at the welds around the wheel arch area, I bet they are cracked. Again, parts I carry are priced in orange.

_________________________________________________________________

BMP: The BMP bar is nice because it is one solid aluminum unit, there are no hinges. It mounts to the upper strut mount bolts. Cost: $155.00

Barvarian Autosport: The Barvarian Autosport unit is very unique. It too is made of aluminum, but has a rather non-traditional mounting system. A collar which wraps around each strut tower is used.

Top End Performance/Korman: These are steel bars which incorperate a battery tray for relocating the battery to the trunk. These bars bolt to the side of the strut towers. Top End bar pictured.

_________________________________________________________________

My Choice

I chose the BMP bar. I really liked the fact that it has no hinges; also that it mounts to the upper strut mounts. As for the Bavarian Autosport brace I do not feel too confident about the collar type mounting system. Aside from that it uses hinges to attach the bar to the collars; I would prefer a welded joint. The Top End and Korman bars are nice and they are a very clean way to keep the battery in the trunk, I do have some reservations about these bars. I am not fond of the small mounting point on each strut tower. In addition I don't think that subjecting the strut towers to the weight of the battery is a great idea. I will bolt my battery box to the floor.

_________________________________________________________________

Home Page

Project 320i Suspension Main Page