Dinan Strut Tower Brace Install - 4.8is

[jsears]

Reading the forum I have there have been mix reviews of the Dinan Front Strut Tower Brace. Having my previous 5-series equipped with a Signature 2 package and enjoying the improved performance I figured what the heck I would give this a try to. And since Dinan was running a special it just solidified the deal.

I figured I would save some money in the long run and do this as a do it yourself project. Well, UPS just dropped the brace at work ( I don't like waiting) and I ripped open the box like it was Christmas.

Dinan provides instruction on how to do the install, and it seems pretty straightforward. I was wondering if anybody has done the install themselves and what complications they have ran into?

One set of the instructions states:
"Remove the washer bottle and trim the brace that goes over the strut tower as shown. Cut on the black line. Use a die grinder with the cut off wheel. "

Can anybody with a 4.8is and the strut tower brace verify that this is true?

[X5 Meister]

Call up Dinan and make sure you ordered the right one. If cutting is involved I'd return it. Seems like they should have sorta done that already; especially for the price.

[jsears]

They need to get a new technical writer. The wording and the pictures seem to contradict themselves. According to the pictures you have to cut the trim off of the washer bottle. So the brace can fit properly, you would think that with all this R&D they do, they could build a brace that avoids a washer fluid reservoir.

[X5 Meister]

Can you post a scan of the instructions? Also, how much did you pay for it? I recall they used to run around $600, now it's like $390 with an additional 15% off right? BTW, are you sure it's compatible with X5's that have full air suspension?

[TwinsPoppa]

This thread has somebody saying you DON't have to cut:

http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/...+strut+install


This thread says you DO have to cut:

http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/...+strut+install

[X5 Meister]

Yeah I saw that. One guy says it needs cutting another says no. I'm curious as to how jsears will make out. BTW, when you install it and have to remove the screws that are on the shock towers, aren't you in the process also screwing up your suspension settings?

[jsears]

Well, I scanned the instruction however due to file size limitations I can't upload it! Grrrr!

I called Dinan and left them a VM with their technical support guy.

The instruction sheet states that it will work for the following cars:
Part Number: D180-0530A
2001-05 X5 3.0i
2000-03 X5 4.4i
2004-05 X5 4.4i (N62)
2002-03 X5 4.6is
2004-05 X5 4.8is

Mine is a 2006 so that is concerning.

I paid $390 + shipping and then there is 15% back after you send in the rebate form. Typically it is around $600 to buy one.

[jsears]

Originally Posted by TwinsPoppa

This thread has somebody saying you DON't have to cut:

http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/...+strut+install


This thread says you DO have to cut:

http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/...+strut+install

Well crap! Dinan says I have to cut, and the forum is split.

[jsears]

Originally Posted by X5 Meister

Yeah I saw that. One guy says it needs cutting another says no. I'm curious as to how jsears will make out. BTW, when you install it and have to remove the screws that are on the shock towers, aren't you in the process also screwing up your suspension settings?

Didn't even think about that. So, now I have 2 VM's out. One to the Dinan technical support and one to the Dinan Authorized Dealer in my area. See who calls back first!


Follow the link and it says its for the 4.8is.
http://www.dinancars.com/store/produ...cat=379&page=1

[X5 Meister]

jsears here you go...