I'm looking at installing the Dinan carbon fiber front strut on my 2009 535xi as a replacement for the stock front tower strut. On my old 2001 330ci, I experienced a very dramtic handling improvement when I installed a front strut across the engine. The 330ci didn't come with any kind of a tower front strut. I am wondering if the dinan strut for the 535xi is enough stiffer than the stock strut to make the purchase worthwhile. Has anyone tried the dinan front tower strut? Following is fromt the Dinan website.

5 Series > 535i, xi (E60) 2008-2010 > Chassis Tuning > Carbon Fiber Front Strut Tower Brace

Carbon Fiber Front Strut Tower Brace
Tubular carbon fiber strut tower brace, featuring forged aluminum end plates. Simple bolt-on installation on top of shock towers (replaces stock braces directly). Stiffens chassis by comparison to the stock braces through substantially increased rigidity, further reducing flex during cornering.

Part # D180-0007A

 

You should ask him: https://5series.net/forums/topic/985...&#entry1174383

or him: https://5series.net/forums/user/2907-eurocarfan/

 

I purchased one from another forum member here. Here is the link and my thoughts:

https://5series.net/forums/topic/965...r/page__st__30

 

I have some Dinan parts an am very happy with them however for a strut tower brace I went with Racing Dynamics

https://5series.net/forums/topic/913...&#entry1080268

 

Thanks for the posts back everyone, very helpful. Based on input received and my past experience with the Strong Strut on my 2001 330ci, I'm going to try the Racing Dynamics strut on the 535. Straight across between the towers will provide the most rigidity, especially when added to the stock strut on the 535i. I'll let you know how it works out and submit some pics once installed. Although not a 5 series, attached is a photo of the Strong Strut on my old 2001 330ci, along with the ESS Tuning supercharger! Have fun driving!!

 

What is the Strut good for?

 

A good tower brace would eliminate the deflection between the right and left tower during spirited driving and keep the shock towers square with the chassis. Stiffening up the chassis will allow the suspension to do what it's been designed for. However a good strut brace should be triangulated to not only keep the shock towers from deflecting in different directions from one side to another but should be attached to the firewall or another part of the chassis to keep the shock towers from moving . A strut brace thats connected to the just the shock towers will only keep the shock towers from deflecting in different directions but still allow the shock tower to move - in the same direction. Just my opinion.....