[TonM3]

This looks like a really solid piece, but that doesn't mean in actually provides any rigidity. Any thoughts?

[dradernh]

Originally Posted by TonM3

This looks like a really solid piece, but that doesn't mean in actually provides any rigidity. Any thoughts?

It strikes me that it might do something useful if it were welded-in to significant structural components. Just my 2¢, though.

One thing that's nice about its being bolted-in is that it's easy to remove when you want to drop the rear seats and make use of the car's hauling capacity.

[K8_M235i]

The bottom mounting point is a luggage tie down D ring. I think that explains how effective it would be.

[jb-slow]

Couldn't hurt though

[TonM3]

Originally Posted by K8_M235i

The bottom mounting point is a luggage tie down D ring. I think that explains how effective it would be.

That's true but the nut that ties down the ring there is quite big. No idea if it is reinforced or would tear our with body flex.

[K8_M235i]

Originally Posted by TonM3

That's true but the nut that ties down the ring there is quite big. No idea if it is reinforced or would tear our with body flex.

If there is body flex it will not be there. It is bracing a luggage tie down to a rear seat/partition mounting point. This isn't like an e36/46 that benefit from a rear strut brace.

Rear strut braces aren't even possible since the top hats for the rear shocks mount with bolts in the wheel well, not with a stud and a nut inside the car.

[XutvJet]

Snake oil due to the mounting locations and the fact that there is already a floor, roof, rear glass, and rear deck bracing the rear of the car. The only effective bracing for the rear would be welding something in and that is only useful for race spec 2 series running stiff suspension and super sticky rubber which puts the chassis under much heavier twisting forces.

[TonM3]

Originally Posted by XutvJet

Snake oil due to the mounting locations and the fact that there is already a floor, roof, rear glass, and rear deck bracing the rear of the car. The only effective bracing for the rear would be welding something in and that is only useful for race spec 2 series running stiff suspension and super sticky rubber which puts the chassis under much heavier twisting forces.

Originally Posted by XutvJet

Snake oil due to the mounting locations and the fact that there is already a floor, roof, rear glass, and rear deck bracing the rear of the car. The only effective bracing for the rear would be welding something in and that is only useful for race spec 2 series running stiff suspension and super sticky rubber which puts the chassis under much heavier twisting forces.

For what it's worth I have a convertible. I had an e46 M3 convertible and as a result look for any structural bracing. I have a stetrut brace and a center support underneath. Always looking for other ways to keep the body tight.