Posted by Jim Race on January 08, 2002 at 17:35:24:
In Reply to: Re: What were they thinking? Total kludge hack... posted by Don Daynes on January 08, 2002 at 17:07:18:
Thanks Don. I'd love a new strut brace. My old one sorta gave up the ghost, as you can see below.
I sent BMP a loving note today, perhaps looking for some sympathy...
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Subject: Testimonial: e12 strut brace
Date: Tue, 08 Jan 2002 10:39:37 -0800
From: Jim Race
To: bmpdsales@bmpdesign.net
Howdy,
I just wanted to drop you folks a note. Some time back, I purchased a
strut brace from you folks for my '79 528i. Upon installing it, I
noticed an immediate improvement in handling that accented the Dinan Stage 1
suspension that the car was already blessed with.
But, we all know how well strut braces work. That really isn't the
story.
This last November, I unfortunately had a rather horrific accident
with the same car, resulting in some half dozen broken ribs, a broken
collarbone and lots of cuts, stiches and staples. That being said, in
most other cars I would likely have died from 7 rollovers and 2 flips.
The primary reason I'm writing is that I'm firmly convinced that one
of the things that saved my life was that the strut brace provided enough
structural integrity to the engine compartment to keep all of the
heavy bits from coming back into the passenger area. The brace itself
deflected nearly a foot out of straight, but all the mounting points stayed
intact and the welds held true and strong.
I've just purchased another 1979 e12 (I love e12's...) and will be
picking up a new brace as soon as finances permit. I'm pretty sure your
warranty wouldn't cover this kind of abuse. :)
I've posted links below to pictures of the car, both before and after
if you are curious.
Thank you very much for a wonderful product....
Jim Race
http://jimrace.com/images/BMW_e12/Engine_Bay/strut_brace_e12.jpg
http://jimrace.com/crash/left_front.jpg