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Description

BMW E36 Front Strut Tower Reinforcement, also for Compact

This E36 front strut tower reinforcement is a steel backing plate for the front strut towers of the BMW 3 Series E36 and E36 Compact. On older cars with high mileage, the towers can start to crack around the upper shock absorber mount. This plate absorbs the forces and prevents that damage.

It is a sensible upgrade above all for E36s with stiffer suspension, coilovers or lots of circuit and drift kilometres. On a tidy road car with high mileage, it also protects the bodywork.

Key benefits of the E36 front strut tower reinforcement

• Prevents cracks in the front strut towers
• Intended for older E36s with high mileage
• Fitted as a backing plate under the original strut tower
• 3 mm thick S355 steel
• Laser-cut and bent on CNC press brakes
• Zinc-plated against rust
• Fits the E36 and the E36 Compact

Suitable for

BMW 3 Series E36, front

• BMW 3 Series E36
• BMW E36 Compact

Technical specifications

• Item number: 0083
• Application: reinforcement of the front strut tower (upper shock absorber mount)
• Material: S355 steel
• Thickness: 3 mm
• Production: laser-cut, bent on CNC press brakes
• Finish: zinc-plated
• Fitting: as a backing plate under the original strut tower
• Weight: 0.62 kg

Installation and delivery

The E36 front strut tower reinforcement goes under the original strut tower as a backing plate, at the upper shock absorber mount. This spreads the force of the strut over a larger area. The most convenient time to fit it is when the struts are off anyway, for example when fitting new shock absorbers, strut top mounts or coilovers.

Before fitting, check the strut tower carefully for rust and hairline cracks. If the sheet metal is already cracked, have it repaired first. When reassembling, tighten all nuts to the specified torques. Always have the wheel alignment checked after work on the front suspension.

You will find more parts for a stiffer body in our chassis and subframe reinforcements category. If you drive an E46, take a look at the strut tower reinforcement for the E46.

A cracked strut tower is a major repair; this plate stops it from getting that far.

Why choose this E36 front strut tower reinforcement?

The E36 is an older car by now, and many examples have high mileage and have been given stiffer suspension. As a result, cracks in the front strut towers are becoming more and more common. With this E36 front strut tower reinforcement made of 3 mm steel, you give the tower extra bearing surface without having to rebuild the car extensively.

The difference is in the details: the plate is laser-cut and bent on a CNC press brake, so it fits accurately. The zinc coating protects the steel in the damp environment under the bonnet. For a relatively small amount, you remove a well-known weak spot of the E36.

Frequently asked questions

Is this a weld-in part?

No, it is a backing plate that is fitted under the original tower, at the upper shock absorber mount. You will need tools to remove the strut, though.

What exactly does the plate do?

It increases the bearing surface under the upper shock absorber mount, so the forces of the strut are no longer concentrated on a small piece of sheet metal.

Does it also fit the E36 Compact?

Yes, the E36 front strut tower reinforcement fits the E36 and the E36 Compact.

Is the plate protected against rust?

Yes, the E36 front strut tower reinforcement is zinc-plated.

When is the best time to fit it?

When you are working on the front suspension anyway, for example when fitting new shock absorbers or strut top mounts.

Do I need one or two per car?

The car has a front strut tower on the left and on the right. If you are unsure whether the delivery covers both sides, please contact us before you order.

My strut tower is already cracked, will this still help?

Have the crack repaired professionally first. After that, the plate prevents it from happening again.

Delivery outside the European Union: different shipping costs may apply. Don’t worry: we will email you as soon as possible after your order and agree the shipping with you. You are not committed to anything without your consent.