Has anyone had the Mason rear strut bar installed?

Has anyone tried this? Will it fix (or mostly) the rear subframe issue? From what I understood, it allows the force from the two subframe hard points gets distributed onto the cross bars then to other parts of the chassis in this case the two rear towers. Not only that, but it will stiffen up the rear chassis as well so you kill two birds with one stone. At least that how it works on paper.

I've been looking at this. Looks interesting. I don't really use my trunk anyways. The install is pretty straight forward other then dropping the subframe down to remove the studs and drill the holes for mount a new stud that

Originally Posted by Tchleung

I've been looking at this. Looks interesting. I don't really use my trunk anyways. The install is pretty straight forward other then dropping the subframe down to remove the studs and drill the holes for mount a new stud that

Based on their own instruction, it doesn't look like you have to even lower the subframe. Just remove the two torx screws that hold the subframe to the chassis, the subframe still being hold in place.
There's another option that lets you have more space in the trunk.
http://www.masonengineering.net/Docu...stallation.pdf

But then I am thinking there might not be a free lunch. Now that more of the force being transmitted to the chassis, you'll feel more harshness and vibration which the subframe was designed to isolate in the first place? true?

Here is a custom setup that was done on my car:



Just enough room for 5gal meth tank and pump to fit behind it. Car feels very nice and stiff comparing to my last E46M. But pretty much everything else was reworked too. It also has subframe reinforcement kit, susp, sways, engine mounts, trans mounts, ect ect....

More info in my Journal below:

I have a vert so this doesn't matter for me but I have been interested in this. So I'm in for some more responses.

I personally don't see this as a cure for subframe mount failures - and certainly not this many years after manufacture.

Originally Posted by 808elise

Here is a custom setup that was done on my car:



Just enough room for 5gal meth tank and pump to fit behind it. Car feels very nice and stiff comparing to my last E46M. But pretty much everything else was reworked too. It also has subframe reinforcement kit, susp, sways, engine mounts, trans mounts, ect ect....

More info in my Journal below:

Do you feel the rear strut brace add any noise or harshness into the cabin?

Originally Posted by Westrace

Do you feel the rear strut brace add any noise or harshness into the cabin?

To tell u the truth I have no idea. With everything done to the car it is jus noisier mostly due to engine mounts, tires, susp, exhaust, supercharger, ect ect.... It would b difficult for me to tell the difference if any at this point do to all the other background. If u check out my journal there is a link in there about how it was made and some testing and stuff from another guy that did the same thing.

Originally Posted by 808elise

To tell u the truth I have no idea. With everything done to the car it is jus noisier mostly due to engine mounts, tires, susp, exhaust, supercharger, ect ect.... It would b difficult for me to tell the difference if any at this point do to all the other background. If u check out my journal there is a link in there about how it was made and some testing and stuff from another guy that did the same thing.

Ok, thanks. I'll check out your Journal Link.

Similar thing done to my old M3:


Felt amazing after it was in, so much more stiff and predictable.

Originally Posted by Tarmac_E46_M3

Similar thing done to my old M3:


Felt amazing after it was in, so much more stiff and predictable.

But looks like yours are welded onto the frame, and maybe a little bit enforcement at the subframe hard points. The Mason's bars are more like bolt-on.

Did you feel any added noise or harshness?

It's definitely welded on and basically bulletproof. No added harshness, I was actually surprised. It made the car a new beast, i would do it again if I got another M3.

That is just like mine. Mine is also welded. I have a lot done to this car but most of it was completed by the last owner including this. So I can't tell you before and after. One thing I can tell you is that this E46M compared to my last one is on a whole new handling level. My wife is so annoyed with cornering in third at this point that she threatens to open the door and jump out every day now.

I know I found a replica for 3k but you know it looks better if it's original BMW parts but demm