Cross Brace

[2ndBimmer]

Ive heard alot of you mention a cross or X brace you put on your cars. i assume its this http://www.bavauto.com/assets/imglib500/51718410212.jpg

What exactly is its function? And ive read somewhere about it possibly pulling apart the parts of the car its mounted to?

[1996 328ti]

It stiffens the front a bit. I've only noticed a slight improvement on on/off ramps while others notice a big improvement. Also remove the single bar when you install the x-brace. You should not use both!

Nothing is going to pull apart. It is a BMW part intended for convertibles.
You might be thinking of strut bars that may put more stress on the shock towers, especially if you run with R compound tires at the track.

[J!m]

I noticed a complete elimination of windshield 'creak' when going up a steep drive off-angle to keep the splitter from dragging.

The tower brace is not a bad idea for use with the 'X' brace.