Front strut brace - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

Ian · 21st September 2001, 12:07

I know from a previous thread that there are very few manufacturers of a front strut brace to fit the E34 M5. If anyone is interested I have just bought one from Kelleners (www.kelleners-sport.com). It arrived last week and I fitted it over the weekend and was pleasantly surprised by how much difference it made to high speed cornering. The item is clearly designed for the M5 and is assymetrically shaped to fit perfectly around the engine but not impact on the underside of the bonnet (no mean feat as there ain't much room!)

I can recommend this for DEM350 (~£110) inc tax and postage. Hope this info is useful to someone - hope to post a pic on the Owners page in the next week or so.

IvanDias · 24th September 2001, 00:25

That sounds very interesting, I didn`t know anyone did one.

£110, not bad, makes a good "tomefromme" christmas gift.

Please could you describe in a little more detail "how" it makes the card feel, mine goes wide if trying to accelerate hard in a bend or large roundabout. Will this help any?

Does it make the card easier to place in a corner, as the steering is known for its imprecise feel (recirculating ball).

I presume the 3.6 engine is physically the same size as the 3.8, I would appreciate any experts telling me whether there is a reason why I could not order one myself ?

Thanks,

Ivan

E34 ///M5 3.6 1990

Ian · 24th September 2001, 13:02

Good questions, I know my car feels better but I'm not too good at describing how that change feels but this is my impression (I'm sure someone else can explain the science and why it works!)

The front end feels more solid, especially if cornering on a bumpy surface. The response feels sharper, I assume because you no longer have to allow for the slight body flexion before the steering really starts to work.

Also there is increased bite and grip, presumably because the tyre contact patch is more constant.

Whilst it doesn't eliminate the points you raise my impression is that it certainly helps.

I have noticed after a couple of weeks some very slight rubbing but this is only on the sound insulation on the underside of the bonnet and then only in the areas that are raised (and as they only have air behind them I don't see this as a problem, it comes nowhere near the actual bonnet itself).

Hope this helps, maybe others can explain it better.

Certainly worth the £100 in my opinion- if you get one I'd be grateful if you could mention my name (no direct connection to the company but looking to get some more work done next year!)

Regards

IvanDias · 24th September 2001, 15:24

Ian,

I am tempted so much I looked up the website.

What was the part number from your invoice, as I cannot see it from a casual glance at the website.

Thanks,

Ivan,

And when/if/soon(!) I get it I will mention you.

Ian · 24th September 2001, 16:16

Will have to check the invoice at home for ther P/N or you can always email Ralf Kelleners via the website. His English is excellent. I just asked for a front strut brace for an E34 M5 and that's exactly what I got !

P/N to follow : Just had a look at the invoice, no part number is listed, I suppose you just ask for it by name !