 » Site Navigation | | | | » Recent Threads | | | |  |  |  | |  11-22-2005, 11:41 PM | #1 | | Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Chicago Posts: 31 |  M3 X-brace
hey everyone
i recently installed the x-brace on my car and it took the better part of two days to install it. in my opinion those nutserts are a complete joke and waste of time. what i found to be the best solution was to tap the holes with a 7/16" tap (found at any hardware store) and i used 7/16"x1" stainless hex bolts and washers for attachment.
this overall method, from tapping to installing took about 20 minutes. i'll post an update in a week or so letting you know if the bolts held :-)
happy thanksgiving to all |  |  | | 11-23-2005, 12:42 AM | #2 | | Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Port St. Johns, Florida Posts: 2,242 |
installed mine, used the nutsert, which aren't too difficult to install. | | | | | 11-23-2005, 12:46 AM | #3 | | Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Chicago Posts: 31 | X-brace
glad to hear it, just givin my humble opinion and suggestions on the topic.
and as for the nutserts, having a thread lodged in place doesn't quite seem as stable as a true threaded hole. | | | | | 11-23-2005, 03:42 AM | #4 | | Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: cary, nc Posts: 2,259 |
im hoping to be ordering one of those xbraces as welll...ive always heard the nutserts were horrible and a PITA to get it. panzer, i think you are the first ive heard say it wasnt that bad..
either way, thanks for the info guys, it gives me something to think about __________________ 1995 318ti Active
Pioneer Speakers [] Aluminum Billet door locks [] ACS Pedals/Deadrest [] ACS Shift Knob / E-Brake Handle [] Clear Corners/Tails/Sides [] Sylvania Exterior Lighting [] Custom CAI [] Dinan Engine Chip [] Dinan Transmission Chip [] H&R Race Springs [] Tokico Illumina Shocks [] BMW X-Brace [] Relocated Lighter Mod [] Custom iPod Mod http://www.cardomain.com/id/robcarync | | | | | 11-23-2005, 04:31 AM | #5 | | aka Stabby Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mead, CO Posts: 5,336 |
Quote: | Originally Posted by midwestTI I recently installed the x-brace on my car and it took the better part of two days to install it. in my opinion those nutserts are a complete joke and waste of time. what i found to be the best solution was to tap the holes with a 7/16" tap (found at any hardware store) and i used 7/16"x1" stainless hex bolts and washers for attachment.
this overall method, from tapping to installing took about 20 minutes. i'll post an update in a week or so letting you know if the bolts held :-) | how many threads are actually in the holes in the subframe? doesn't look very thick to me. i hope it doesn't drop out on you!  __________________ 1996 318ti, California package, 267k miles
current mods: bilstein sports, bavauto springs, e30 m3 LCABs, solid metal ball joints, bavauto RSMs w/reinforcements, e30 3.73 LSD & halfshafts, supersprint cat-back exhaust, turner rear sway bar reinforcements, IE poly subframe & RTABs + camber/toe kits, powdercoated e36 32x front calipers, sport mirrors, H&R 28mmF/19mmR sway bars, x-brace, auto solutions SSK w/poly bushing upgrade, BMW CD43 head unit, DICE HD Radio w/iPod integration and "stealth" HD antenna, staggered style 68s, orange electronic TPMS, leather arm rest, JT Designs metal undertray
acquired and awaiting install: heated seat kit, cali top switch relo, lumbar support kit, park distance control kit, heated washer nozzle kit, m-coupe rear subframe, trailing arms, differential, and halfshafts, m-coupe front/rear brakes with master cylinder, under hood light kit, mud flaps, rear sun blind, auto-dimming rear view mirror, tilt steering wheel retrofit, apexcone 5000K HIDs with 55W ballasts
2002 X5 4.4 Sport Package, 53.5k miles
Current Mods: e46 m3 steering wheel | | | | | 11-23-2005, 06:54 PM | #6 | | Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Manassas, VA Posts: 4,129 |
The nutserts work, but it's tricky. I got 3 out of 4 in by myself, the last one my brother helped me. Quote: | Originally Posted by robcarync im hoping to be ordering one of those xbraces as welll...ive always heard the nutserts were horrible and a PITA to get it. panzer, i think you are the first ive heard say it wasnt that bad..
either way, thanks for the info guys, it gives me something to think about | __________________ 
1998 (July) 318ti, 5-spd
OEM Armrest Blaupunkt Heidelberg CD50 CD Player/Compact Drive MP3 Player Diamond Audio 5.25" rear speakers Navman ICN 530 GPS BMWALARM.COM (with comfort settings) after market alarm system Magnecor 8.5mm wires M-Z3 Shifter/Momo Knob Burlwood Dashboard Stromung Exhaust X-brace Racing Dynamics Front Strut Bar Carbonio C.A.I. 17" Rial Rims Vader Seats/Heated/Lumbar Support M-tech Steering Wheel/Front Sway Bar/Front & Rear Bumper Depos/w 6500K Angel Eyes/6000K HIDs Clear Corners M3 Mirrors UUC Light Weight Flywheel/M5 Clutch/M3 Clutch Slave E28 3.46 LSD/Mcoupe Cover/E30 Flanges & Halfshafts UUC S.S. Brake/Clutch Lines Hartge Roof Spoiler BavAuto Springs Bilstein Sport Struts/Shocks E46 M3 Rear Shock Mounts SPC Front Camber Kit Reiger Hatch Spoiler BavAuto Rear Camber Kit Dinan Stage II Software Turner Rear Sway Bar Reinforcements BMW E46 Auto dimming mirror with Clown Nose alarm Engine Compartment Light Heated Wiper Fluid Retrofit OEM Fire Extinguisher Da'lan Trailer Hitch Rear Sun Shade OEM Fog Light Retrofit H & R MZ3 Rear Sway Bar/ UUC Adjustable End Links Cruise Control Retrofit On Board Computer Retrofit M3 twistie style side skirts Carbon Fiber Hood | | | | | 11-23-2005, 07:01 PM | #7 | | aka Stabby Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mead, CO Posts: 5,336 |
is it the "crushing" of the nutserts that's difficult or what? did you use the instructions on understeer? __________________ 1996 318ti, California package, 267k miles
current mods: bilstein sports, bavauto springs, e30 m3 LCABs, solid metal ball joints, bavauto RSMs w/reinforcements, e30 3.73 LSD & halfshafts, supersprint cat-back exhaust, turner rear sway bar reinforcements, IE poly subframe & RTABs + camber/toe kits, powdercoated e36 32x front calipers, sport mirrors, H&R 28mmF/19mmR sway bars, x-brace, auto solutions SSK w/poly bushing upgrade, BMW CD43 head unit, DICE HD Radio w/iPod integration and "stealth" HD antenna, staggered style 68s, orange electronic TPMS, leather arm rest, JT Designs metal undertray
acquired and awaiting install: heated seat kit, cali top switch relo, lumbar support kit, park distance control kit, heated washer nozzle kit, m-coupe rear subframe, trailing arms, differential, and halfshafts, m-coupe front/rear brakes with master cylinder, under hood light kit, mud flaps, rear sun blind, auto-dimming rear view mirror, tilt steering wheel retrofit, apexcone 5000K HIDs with 55W ballasts
2002 X5 4.4 Sport Package, 53.5k miles
Current Mods: e46 m3 steering wheel | | | | | 11-23-2005, 07:52 PM | #8 | | Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Manassas, VA Posts: 4,129 |
I used their instructions. The hard part is holding the nutsert still, while you crank the bolt inserted in the nutsert. The nutsert has to stay seated, while you crank the **** out of the bolt. So you are apply an immense force in one direction, while turning the bolt in the other. Quote: | Originally Posted by cali-ti is it the "crushing" of the nutserts that's difficult or what? did you use the instructions on understeer? | __________________
1998 (July) 318ti, 5-spd
OEM Armrest Blaupunkt Heidelberg CD50 CD Player/Compact Drive MP3 Player Diamond Audio 5.25" rear speakers Navman ICN 530 GPS BMWALARM.COM (with comfort settings) after market alarm system Magnecor 8.5mm wires M-Z3 Shifter/Momo Knob Burlwood Dashboard Stromung Exhaust X-brace Racing Dynamics Front Strut Bar Carbonio C.A.I. 17" Rial Rims Vader Seats/Heated/Lumbar Support M-tech Steering Wheel/Front Sway Bar/Front & Rear Bumper Depos/w 6500K Angel Eyes/6000K HIDs Clear Corners M3 Mirrors UUC Light Weight Flywheel/M5 Clutch/M3 Clutch Slave E28 3.46 LSD/Mcoupe Cover/E30 Flanges & Halfshafts UUC S.S. Brake/Clutch Lines Hartge Roof Spoiler BavAuto Springs Bilstein Sport Struts/Shocks E46 M3 Rear Shock Mounts SPC Front Camber Kit Reiger Hatch Spoiler BavAuto Rear Camber Kit Dinan Stage II Software Turner Rear Sway Bar Reinforcements BMW E46 Auto dimming mirror with Clown Nose alarm Engine Compartment Light Heated Wiper Fluid Retrofit OEM Fire Extinguisher Da'lan Trailer Hitch Rear Sun Shade OEM Fog Light Retrofit H & R MZ3 Rear Sway Bar/ UUC Adjustable End Links Cruise Control Retrofit On Board Computer Retrofit M3 twistie style side skirts Carbon Fiber Hood | | | | | 11-26-2005, 08:23 AM | #9 | | Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Port St. Johns, Florida Posts: 2,242 |
Quote: | Originally Posted by L84THSKY The nutserts work, but it's tricky. I got 3 out of 4 in by myself, the last one my brother helped me. | I got 3 of the 4, then crossthreaded the tool...then had to get the 4th in the next day...still not too bad. | | | | | 12-14-2005, 02:33 AM | #10 | | Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: cary, nc Posts: 2,259 |
bringing it back from the dead, i am installing my x brace soon...and not sure if i want to deal with the nutserts...
has your tapped cross member worked out so far? __________________ 1995 318ti Active
Pioneer Speakers [] Aluminum Billet door locks [] ACS Pedals/Deadrest [] ACS Shift Knob / E-Brake Handle [] Clear Corners/Tails/Sides [] Sylvania Exterior Lighting [] Custom CAI [] Dinan Engine Chip [] Dinan Transmission Chip [] H&R Race Springs [] Tokico Illumina Shocks [] BMW X-Brace [] Relocated Lighter Mod [] Custom iPod Mod http://www.cardomain.com/id/robcarync | | | | | 12-14-2005, 03:34 AM | #11 | | Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: state college, pa Posts: 3,431 |
I think the better option would be for the x-brace to "float" using the nutserts.
If you get into an accident or otherwise rip it out, you won't damage the subframe in the process. Nor do you flex that crossmember at all -- those things are under a HIGH amount of tension. __________________
I scream, you scream, we all scream for ZOMBIES. | | | | | 12-15-2005, 03:20 AM | #12 | | Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Fort Collins, CO Posts: 290 |
The nutserts are cake to install if you follow the directions at understeer.com. Seriously, it took maybe 3 minutes apiece. | | | | | 01-10-2006, 06:05 AM | #13 | | Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Chicago Posts: 31 | X Brace Update
so far so good. the threads are holding perfectly and the car handles like a dream. the x-brace def brought a noticeable change in handling. the front end loves to squat and grip now, leaving lots of fun to be had with those rear wheels.
nothing has turned loose, and i've driven about 1100 miles on the brace thus far. great install without those sleeves. | | | | | 01-10-2006, 12:40 PM | #14 | | Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: San Francisco Posts: 308 |
It can be a pain in the ass to install those suckers, but dont bother with one of those L shaped allen keys, use a 5mm (whatever size they were) 3/8 socket--->way easier to hold still when cranking in the nutsert __________________
'99 ti /Mtechnic, Schwartz II, Meyle Control Arms w/Full Metal Ball Joints, PowerFlex poly LCAB's, Pirelli P Zero/Nero 225/50/16, "the d-baffle"...... | | | | | 08-13-2007, 03:17 AM | #15 | | Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: back in PA Posts: 204 |
I'll add to the old thread...
The best way to hold the nutsert still (per Google search) is to add grooves into the flat washer that faces against the nutsert/cross brace. Take a thick flat washer and add grooves with a hacksaw at the 12/6 o'clock and 3/9 o'clock positions on the flat washer. (only cut about halfway into the washer.)
Make sure this is facing the nutsert when you install the "install bolt" with nut and second flat washer.
The flat washer and nutsert start to spin when you begin tightening down on the nut. The flat grooves on the washer will grab the nutsert and crossbrace and lock those parts down and you can continue to turn the nut to crush down on the inside of the nutsert. ( I tried a lock washer first ....it held the nutsert but the single "barb" on the lockwasher compressed and chewed up the nutsert.... you need an even surface to press down on the nutsert to hold it...thus the 12/6 and 3/9o'clock washer grooves. | | | | | |
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