[M_Power Rob]

Originally Posted by KPACABA

Agree with you that it's great news the issue was not structural or mechanical in nature.

However, I would have rather had the repair done at the factory or VPC than at the local dealer. By now, the techs at VPC have gained sufficient enough experience in this particular task to, hopefully, do a great job. Whereas, your local dealer techs (as good as they may be) may require additional training.

While they may/will do some, the VPC does not have the tech manpower to stop their normal course of business to address each car in need the "fix" proposed (and likewise, the factory cant stop and put completed cars back on the assembly line to do the same). In many cases, local dealerships will be the only means to have the work done.

[Jayymora]

Stop sale was cleared today and looks like it arrives later next week which is unfortunate as I will be out of town..

[NoNameG42]

Originally Posted by KPACABA

Agree with you that it's great news the issue was not structural or mechanical in nature.

However, I would have rather had the repair done at the factory or VPC than at the local dealer. By now, the techs at VPC have gained sufficient enough experience in this particular task to, hopefully, do a great job. Whereas, your local dealer techs (as good as they may be) may require additional training.

Normally I can agree with you, however in this particular case, when the issue can be fixed by this guy then just about any monkey can do the job. (No offense to this guy or monkeys)

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[Rahul718]

Hey guys, bit of a bump. there was mention in this thread that the top of the shock tower might be aluminum. However, I think the entire shock tower would be aluminum… is anyone able to confirm? Would the “ribs” also be aluminum?

[GregW / Oregon]

Originally Posted by Rahul718

Hey guys, bit of a bump. there was mention in this thread that the top of the shock tower might be aluminum. However, I think the entire shock tower would be aluminum… is anyone able to confirm? Would the “ribs” also be aluminum?

A magnet seems to stick to the sides of the shock towers.

[Rahul718]

Originally Posted by GregW / Oregon

A magnet seems to stick to the sides of the shock towers.

That’s really odd…. On my g82, the magnets do not stick to the shock towers, in any area, and they both share the same part number for the shock towers…

[GregW / Oregon]

Originally Posted by Rahul718

That’s really odd…. On my g82, the magnets do not stick to the shock towers, in any area, and they both share the same part number for the shock towers…

It’s hard to reach the sides of the towers without removing the air intakes. They appear to be one piece. I will retract that until I can test further.

[aerobod]

The aluminium cast component encompasses a large portion of the strut tower and is common to all CLAR platform 2, 3 & 4 series: https://parts.bmwofsouthatlanta.com/...l-41007329933?

[Rahul718]

Originally Posted by aerobod

The aluminium cast component encompasses a large portion of the strut tower and is common to all CLAR platform 2, 3 & 4 series: https://parts.bmwofsouthatlanta.com/...l-41007329933?

Correct, this is the part number I was referencing. Do you happen to know if this entire piece is aluminum? Part 41007329933

[Tag]

The strut tower is all aluminum and is fastened with numerous rivets and panel bond.

[aerobod]

Originally Posted by Rahul718

Correct, this is the part number I was referencing. Do you happen to know if this entire piece is aluminum? Part 41007329933

Yes, here is a photo of one, it is a single cast aluminium piece:

[Rahul718]

Thanks guys. This should be a good move from the perspective of avoiding rust on the strut towers. In case the paint gets scratched/removed, while doing suspension work, there should be minimal worry about leaving the bare metal exposed

[Tag]

Originally Posted by Rahul718

Thanks guys. This should be a good move from the perspective of avoiding rust on the strut towers. In case the paint gets scratched/removed, while doing suspension work, there should be minimal worry about leaving the bare metal exposed

The front struts have a locating pin in the strut tower while the lower part sits inside the spindle and is clamped in so there's nothing that'll get scratched. You can see the full install instructions here and also search for install videos on YouTube.