A must-have for any performance-driven E46 3-Series - reduce the chances for strut housing and mount "mushrooming" and increase the car's strength when using performance oriented spring and/or struts. We highly recommend using a reinforcement plate on each front strut mount when installing an aftermarket performance suspension kit.
Sold individually. 2 required per vehicle installation. May require modification of reinforcement plate to retain full adjustment capabilities of camber plates for track applications.
This plate fits the front left or right position on E46 323i, 325i, 325xi, 328i, 330i, 330xi Sedan/Wagon (1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005) and E46 323Ci, 325Ci, 328Ci, 330Ci, M3 Coupe/Convertible (2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006).
With every new 3-Series model, BMW engineers have increased their concern for saving weight (and cost) in every location possible as a way compensate for the added weight (and cost) of modern safety, luxury, and technology features. With computer-based load and fatigue programs (starting with the E36), BMW tried to create a light chassis that could withstand the loads of the stock suspension without deformity or flex throughout the car's life cycle. With this type of production technology, BMW can make the material as thin as possible to meet the projected fatigue and wear expectation of that part's life span.
Unfortunately, this production philosophy made it's way down to the chassis itself - the cars backbone. Problems start to occur with the addition of lower and stiffer aftermarket springs and struts that transmit more load to the strut towers than was intended, and there's the potential to bottom out more often due to a lower ride height. With these added forces, the strut tower has a tendency to "mushroom" open, bending the strut mount's studs outward. This damage to the uni-body can be greatly decreased by using these factory reinforcement plates. This is a serious concern for performance-minded enthusiast that want to extract even more performance from their E46 and plan to drive the car accordingly.
BMW Fitments:
3 Series
E46 (99-05) > 320i
E46 (99-05) > 323Ci
E46 (99-05) > 323i
E46 (99-05) > 325Ci
E46 (99-05) > 325i
E46 (99-05) > 325xi
E46 (99-05) > 328Ci
E46 (99-05) > 328i
E46 (99-05) > 330Ci
E46 (99-05) > 330i
E46 (99-05) > 330xi
E46 (99-05) > M3