The Dinan strut brace is a great piece of jewelry. In some ways I believe it could be helpful, but I believe it is not a great initial investment for improving handling, although some argue that it also helps keep the car rattle free. I believe that many people buy a strut brace on a whim because it is highly visible in the engine compartment and is relatively inexpensive compared to other suspension mods. But in a bang for the buck comparison it is my last choice. I am not saying to people that they shouldn't get a strut brace. What I am saying is that they will find a lot more value saving up spending their first upgrade money on shock/struts/springs (especially on the M's) and beefier sway bars - the strut should come later.
The number one choice for a strut brace in my opinion is one that is a solid unit with no hinges (most of the big name units use some sort of joint or hinge... Dinan, RD, Eibach, Bavarian Auto, BMP, AA, Strong Strut and others). The only solid bars I know of are the JT-Designs bar, the UUC Barbarian and the original BMW Motorsport bar... but none of these will work on an M Roadster or Z3. I would recommend to 3-series owners that they look into these solid units. As I understand it there could be a new name in solid strut braces coming along soon but we will have to wait and see. For now here is a pic of the Dinan unit.
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| Dinan Strut Bar |