Mushrooming strut towers revisited: M3 strut mounts vs. "regular" E46 strut mounts

Could it be that the M3's strut towers are less prone to mushrooming not only because many of them come with a strut brace from the factory, but also because an M3 strut mount looks like this...





Versus a regular E46 one that looks like this?





The one on the M3 looks quite a bit beefier. This is a recent discovery for me. da. fuq.

I do believe they play a large role.

I don't think you can simply swap M3 strut mounts though. IIRC camber would be off, and they don't accept standard diameter springs (unlike non-M mounts)

I don't know if they're any stronger, but it looks like E30 mounts may fit.

This seems like a more likely culprit of mushrooming than the lack of a strut tower brace. I'm getting the rough road package soon and might look into reinforcing these while I'm at it

Originally Posted by Ruthlessone3k

This seems like a more likely culprit of mushrooming than the lack of a strut tower brace. I'm getting the rough road package soon and might look into reinforcing these while I'm at it

Wtf is the rough road package

Originally Posted by peytonracer4

Wtf is the rough road package

It' is basically just a metal plate that sandwiches between the top of the strut and the underside of the strut tower. From reading around it seems like these were standard equipment in eastern European countries where they are known for having rough roads.

you can get the here for $19.90 http://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-32...ates-pair.aspx

since my car is lowered and has stiffer suspension, I'm going to git them a try. It certainly can't hurt.

Probably would help, since the aluminum of the non-m mount is incredibly soft, but the M3 mounts are also four times the price. Just flatten your strut towers if they are already bent with a 2x4 and a 5 pound sledge hammer and install the rough road package plates; much cheaper and easier unless you want to mix and match parts.

Originally Posted by Ruthlessone3k

It' is basically just a metal plate that sandwiches between the top of the strut and the underside of the strut tower. From reading around it seems like these were standard equipment in eastern European countries where they are known for having rough roads.

you can get the here for $19.90 http://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-32...ates-pair.aspx

since my car is lowered and has stiffer suspension, I'm going to git them a try. It certainly can't hurt.

I am very familiar with the plates and I've considered them myself. But I've NEVER heard them called the rough road package.

Originally Posted by peytonracer4

I am very familiar with the plates and I've considered them myself. But I've NEVER heard them called the rough road package.

The correct term is "Poor Road Package" and for the front suspension it included a spacer between the strut bearing and strut tower, a reinforcement plate for the strut tower, and a blind rivet to hold the reinforcement plate in place.


Parts 12, 13, and 14

Any idea where to get part #12 at? Cant seem to find it anywhere.

Originally Posted by Ruthlessone3k

Any idea where to get part #12 at? Cant seem to find it anywhere.

Do you really want to raise your suspension?

Originally Posted by mkodama

Do you really want to raise your suspension?

Yeah, it sits way too low. I'm currently rubbing in the rear with 16's and the front will with 17's

Originally Posted by peytonracer4

I am very familiar with the plates and I've considered them myself. But I've NEVER heard them called the rough road package.

yes the plates are two components from the "Rough Road Package". but correct, the "re-inforcement plates" are not "thee" Rough Road Package

Originally Posted by mkodama

The correct term is "Poor Road Package" and for the front suspension it included a spacer between the strut bearing and strut tower, a reinforcement plate for the strut tower, and a blind rivet to hold the reinforcement plate in place.

It's more commonly listed as "Rough Road Package" but true it's also listed within BMW as "Poor Road" as well.
http://tis.spaghetticoder.org/s/view.pl?1/10/98/80