Right there is where people seem to notice the most difference. Pre-sway. .

It appears, from feedback, that post-sway strut-brace installs speak mostly to aesthetics.

I would be interested to see if you echo this feedback after the sways are in.

Sean

 

Unless its a 1 piece STEEL brace, I still doubt the true function of the 3 piece aluminum strut bar.

with that said, for those interested, the Tanabe strut bar can be had for $120 shipped on several websites. Just an FYI.

 

Took it off with sways and springs. I prefer it this way.

Also its too much trouble taking it off to perform a throttle body cleaning with stillen gen3s, which I recommend doing once a year on these cars.

 

I say yes, but like others have mentioned, it's definitely more noticeable before sways are installed.

 

I saw that Cusco has a quick release for the type OS bar. Perhaps that would offer a little relief if removing it often.

 

I saw that when shopping for a strut tower bar. I went with GT-SPEC since Cusco couldn't guarantee fitment with an Injen LT CAI. I may end-up going commando as others have with the GT-SPEC, (Rochester comes to mind - he also carries the necessary tools to whip it off if need be ).


Anyhow, here's a link for the Cusco type OS quick-release levers ($50):


Cusco Strut Brace quick release at Tuspeed


Sean

 

Yeah I plan on getting it. I, too, thought it to be a pain constantly removing the GT-Spec on my last car. And bc something always required fixing or tweaking, it was always coming off. I'll be getting the Cusco strut bar and the quick releases before the month is over. The Cusco sways I'm having shipped from Japan in early November

 

That's true. One allen key, and one little wrench, taking up virtually no space in the glove box whatsoever. The bar comes off and back on without any effort at all. Claiming that it's a PITA to remove and replace the bar is ridiculous. Besides, how else are you going to remove the engine cover and properly clean things without removing the FSTB?

 

Clearly there is more room to work with on this car than a MINI Cooper, which is where my previous experience with this bar comes in. Nothing was easy to get to and remove on that car except the engine oil cap and dipstick... and even that had a tendency to get brittle and break off in the guide tube :-(

 

Here's one source for $112 shipped, keep in mind these bars are listed for the Q50 only, but WILL work on all G second gen G sedans (07 to current) and all 08+ coupes, not sure about verts though.
Tanabe Sustec Tower Bar - Race Consulting Agency - PARTS | KNOWLEDGE | PASSION

 

Ah, BMW engineering. Been there and I can't go back. . All the little ways they use to keep you at the dealer. Aptly named because the owners need a monthly fix.

Open up the hood and you can't see engine. Just an oil filler cap and a dipstick.



Sean

 

Yep...I'm done with them too! Horrible

 

Taking the engine cover off with a power tool and 10mm socket takes 10 seconds. Whereas taking off the STB and putting it back on properly with the two credit card trick so it doesn't rub on the top cover is a PITA. Not to mention torqueing it properly.

 

Credit card trick?

I'm guessing you mean the general guideline that there be a couple of credit-cards thickness between the bar and the cover. That's good enough advice, but you're not actually using credit cards, are you? That would be a PITA, for sure. Instead, use a towel, folded over once or twice for whatever thickness you want, and set the bar on top, nice and level, no slip, no scratch, easy peasy. As for torqueing it properly... dude, just tighten it down good and strong. The operative consideration here is lateral stress, so as long as the bracket bolts are tight, you're good to go. Then pull the towel out and you're done. Perfect.

No offense, but you're making it way too difficult. Maybe for no reason except maybe as added rationale for not having it at all... and that's fine, your car your choices. But reassembling the FSTB should be about as simple as putting on pants.

 

Just a tip for anyone that bit on this like I did, I emailed Takeda and they responded by saying installation was best done with the wheels off the ground, just jacking up the front of the vehicle being sufficient.