Dinan's front strut tower braces are a pair of solid black anodized billet aluminum bars made for the BMW G2x platform, covering the G20 3 Series 330i and M340i and the G42 2 Series 230i and M240i. The manufacturer's stated purpose is added chassis rigidity and less flex under hard cornering, which is the reason to choose a brace over leaving the stock engine bay as it is. The included hardware is designed for G20 and G42 cars that did not come from the factory with a front brace. Dinan directs 4 Series owners to a different kit, D180-0013, that reuses the factory brace hardware.
The main reason to buy this kit over a generic strut bar is fitment assurance. Dinan guarantees fit with the stock intake or with Dinan intakes that include the brace valley (D760-0058 / D760-0059). It does not guarantee fit with other aftermarket intakes or with Dinan's flat-lid intakes (D760-0052 / -0055), so a buyer running a non-Dinan intake should confirm clearance before ordering. For a G20 330i or M340i, or a G42 230i or M240i, looking for a tighter front end with a clean, anodized look, this is a bolt-on upgrade. Searchers looking for a G20 330i strut brace, G42 M240i front strut tower brace, or billet aluminum G2x chassis brace will find the core details below.
The manufacturer states that fitment is guaranteed with the stock intake or with Dinan intake systems that include the brace valley (D760-0058 / -0059). Compatibility is not guaranteed with other brands of aftermarket intakes or with the flat-lid Dinan intakes (D760-0052 / -0055).
Per the manufacturer, a G2x 4 Series should use kit D180-0013, which reuses the factory brace hardware. This kit is designed for the 3 Series G20 and 2 Series G42 models that do not come with factory braces.
The manufacturer's install instructions specify a tightening torque of 40 Nm (30 ft-lb) for all bolts.
The manufacturer describes this as a bolt-on installation. Its instructions call for raising the front of the vehicle on a lift or jack to create space between the wheel and wheel well, which gives access to the rear mounting holes. Position each brace so the DINAN logo reads left to right when viewed from its own side of the car. The front mounting holes take the shorter M8 x 25mm bolt, which passes through a washer and the brace, with the lock nut threaded on from underside. The rear mounting holes take the longer M8 x 60mm bolt, and its head sits in the wheel well near the top of the spring, so plan for that access before you start. Tighten all bolts to 40 Nm (30 ft-lb).
