Here's a factoid for you...

An M3 without fold down rear seats has approx 18,000 Nm/degree of torsional rigidity. :thumbup: If the M3 is fitted with folding rear seats, the torsional rigidity drops to around a little below 13,000 Nm/degree of torsional rigidity. :(

In comparision... the new E90 330i has 23,000 Nm/degree of torsional rigidity. :eek:

This information was communicated to me by a friend of mine late one night, so the numbers may be slightly off...

Hello rear strut tower bar.

wow. can anyone else verify?

bmw claims its up 25%

http://www.alfisti-hr.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=737&sid=557674a3318d17e203229e3e8aca6d97

lingua :

* considering Ford's claims for the Ford GT:
"The aluminum space-frame chassis is similar to Ferrari 360 in technology but only stiffer. Torsional rigidity is 29,000Nm per degree, surpassing the Ferrari’s 23,000Nm/degree."

* BMW 3 E90 ima 18 000 + 25 % = 22 500 Nm/degree

I've heard there's a rear strut bar for the M which can be easily removed when you need trunk space. IIRC, the end links stay in place and there's a quick disconnect for the bar itself. Anyone know which bar this is or whether I dreamt the idea up over beers one night?

Here's a factoid for you...

An M3 without fold down rear seats has approx 18,000 Nm/degree of torsional rigidity. :thumbup: If the M3 is fitted with folding rear seats, the torsional rigidity drops to around a little below 13,000 Nm/degree of torsional rigidity. :(



I couldn't order my 04 M3 coupe without folding down rear seats from Germany. They come as standart.. :mad :nono

My AA rear strut bar easily disconnects via two screws if I ever wanted to use the passthrough.

My AA rear strut bar easily disconnects via two screws if I ever wanted to use the passthrough.
That's what I was looking for. I may have to get one for track and autocross use.

Here's a factoid for you...

An M3 without fold down rear seats has approx 18,000 Nm/degree of torsional rigidity. :thumbup: If the M3 is fitted with folding rear seats, the torsional rigidity drops to around a little below 13,000 Nm/degree of torsional rigidity. :(

In comparision... the new E90 330i has 23,000 Nm/degree of torsional rigidity. :eek:

This information was communicated to me by a friend of mine late one night, so the numbers may be slightly off...

From my memory, these are e36 numbers. I don't have e46 numbers

Hello rear strut tower bar.

Rear strut tower bar will not do ANYTHING to minimize torsional rigidity.

courtesy of Gustave Stroes:

http://e30m3performance.com/myths/Strutbar_Theory/strut_bar_theory.htm