Strut brace broke

[NYCZ4]

Morning all,
I know this issue has been discussed in the past but I was wondering if anyone could shed some more light.

This past week I heard some noise from under the hood. Upon inspection I saw that the driver side strut brace had broken off where the brace becomes thin and attaches to the ? strut tower.

I checked the other side and this was cracked too. Same place as the left side.

Now I live in NYC.... full of pot holes etc but specifically I dont recall hitting one that badly.

The cars past traumatic history is significant for a side swipe and a front end bump where in a parking attendant who didnt know a stick shift from his own stick... and hit a wall in the garage and this was fixed a year back. BMW / GEICO fixed it at that point ensuring the frame etc was structurally ok.

So the question I have is...
1. is this related to the injury at that point.or is this unrelated. 2. if unrelated should it be covered under warranty. If related then should i ask GEICO to open a supplementary claim for the same accident as they guarranty their work for lifetime ( apparantly).

3. does this mean there is a bigger underlying structural problem since both strut bars broke. ie one broke and the other is cracked.

4. Is it safe to drive the car while waiting for repairs.

thanks again

2005 Z4 black sapphire metallic, 3.0 Sports, Nav, xenon

[20ducks]

self-installed mods/upgrades: 18" ASA AR1 Rims staggered set-up, BMW Aero front bumper cover & side panels, BMW strut tower brace, BMW Wheel locks, Z4 tire stem covers, Alutec diagonal braces, Chrome plated caliper springs, Axxis DeLuxe Brake Pads, G2 coated calipers w/Graphics, Sound Generator, Rapid Flash 3rd light, Roundel Overlays, BMW cupholder, LeatherZ Center & door Armrests, interior door handle LED's, CDV delete, Rogue Eng clutch stop, LeatherZ oil pressure & oil temp gauge kit, Ultimate pedal kit, DICE w/iPod, Carver upgrade, Alpine monoblock sub amp and sub (rockin'!).

[Scott]

From your description, it sounds like you could have just had it too tight. If you're saying it broke at the attachment holes, that would be my guess rather than anything related to the accident. Pictures would give us a better idea. Scott

[Sagan]

From your description, I don't see that the wall "bump" could be the cause. I'm assuming that the bump wasn't enough to cause the airbag to fire? My guess is that both braces failed due to fatigue cracking. Perhaps the attachment bolts became a bit loose and accelerated the fatigue issue by allowing them to vibrate. The good news is they are very easy to replace and I think they are very inexpensive.

There are rear braces under the car as well. They are diagonal and extend from your rear wheels to the area ahead of the differential. Just out of curiosity you may want to check them too. I think you should be able to see them or at least run your hand along them without lifting the car.

I'd expect that without the front braces, your front end would get a bit sloppier and the front end won't stick as well. Any change in handling would most likely be a greater tendency to understeer which would perhaps make it feel more like an Accord but is not necessarily dangerous
<img src="http://members.roadfly.org/sagan/siga.JPG">

[bowlr]

Just so happens that not too long ago, I had the same noise and upon inspection, I found the same problem that you described. My mechanic actually welded it back in place, painted it black and I am good to go.
I think the problem is that the bracket is a bit thin at that point.
2.5i Maldivas Blue, Tan top/interior, Step, convience & Premium packages.

[John Oo]

What does the noise sound like? I've been noticing a noise coming from my dash (under hood) area. It's a single "bump" sound when I turn the wheel and back up at the same time. Lately, I've been noticing the same sound when going over speed bumps.

[bowlr]

Just open the hood and grab the strut brace. If it is broke, you will see it!
2.5i Maldivas Blue, Tan top/interior, Step, convience & Premium packages.

[selman]

Just took a look at mine...both appear to be cracking at the thin point where the tube has been crimped down at the end(s).

2005 3.0 with about 14000 miles, maybe 5-7000 of those on track, no serious accidents.

I was actually in the process of shopping for a stb; I'm leaning toward the factory unit. Having these reinforced and welded is probably the way I'll go. If one's car is under warranty, they should be covered. In the OP's case, it should either be warranty or insurance supplemental.

I guess we've answered the ? re flex in the z4.

[nycz4]

now thats where the problem lies. i dont know how to upload pics. do i have to become a paid member of this forum to upload pics?

[20ducks]

email them to my addy and I'll post them.

Cheers,
Greg
self-installed mods/upgrades: 18" ASA AR1 Rims staggered set-up, BMW Aero front bumper cover & side panels, BMW strut tower brace, BMW Wheel locks, Z4 tire stem covers, Alutec diagonal braces, Chrome plated caliper springs, Axxis DeLuxe Brake Pads, G2 coated calipers w/Graphics, Sound Generator, Rapid Flash 3rd light, Roundel Overlays, BMW cupholder, LeatherZ Center & door Armrests, interior door handle LED's, CDV delete, Rogue Eng clutch stop, LeatherZ oil pressure & oil temp gauge kit, Ultimate pedal kit, DICE w/iPod, Carver upgrade, Alpine monoblock sub amp and sub (rockin'!).

[330indy]

for a 2006 z4M

Dinan? (500.)
BMW OEM? (400.)
other? (???)

[Scott]

a fellow (or former) Z3 owner. I've never heard anything but positives about it.

[330indy]

[Scott]

[nyc z4]

[nyc z4]

hi there,
my strut bars broke again after being welded in place by BMW. What did you finally end up doing with yours.