Let me first start out by saying this site has been extremely helpful when it comes to researching my future MCS modifications. I have been doing tons of searches on the subject of strut brace installs with regards to hood bulges, oil change removal, cracked JCW strut tower nuts...

My 06' is completely stock with the exception of a Pilo CAI, 205/50/16 F1's on x-lites, and 19mm stiff setting H&R rear bar. I plan to add adjustable F&R links, H-sport springs-then likely a 22mm rear bar (19mm to 22mm is just a walk before run protocol). The car will see 2-4 track events per year and only be daily driven summer months. I desire to add a front strut brace. It appears that I can add the JCW strut brace with no problems less potential cracked nuts.

I definately do not want to alter by cutting/wetting the underhood insulation/padding nor will I tolerate any hood bulge of any kind. I would prefer to have a full M7ish design to prevent possible mushrooming which I believe Dinan and Helix braces exhibit. Looks/welds/finish are not an issue, but I would prefer to change my own oil w/o having to remove the entire brace qtime. I see many of you have the M7, but again I just cannot take the chance bulging the Bonnet. I do not have a problem altering the ecu cover or the top ends of the CAI for a bar to pass thru. Any >05' owners with a BMP, Dinan, Helix, JCW, et brace opinions would be greatly appreciated.

TIA
-John

 

I put an M7 on my MCS. At first I removed the under-hood insulation & there was no bulge. Then I soaked the insulation reinstalled it & slammed the hood. Let it sit closed for a day & almost no bulge. Very slight one that doesn't bother me. I remove the cross bar of the brace to make getting at the oil filter a bit easier. That only takes a minute, if a minutes wrench turning is too much you probably shouldn't be changing your own oil.

 

Thanks for the reply and pm's. The backordered M7 USS should be here in less than 2 weeks

 

I stoppped By Peter house and picked up a M7 strut brace. Theres no bulging of any kind. The car is so planted and Stiff. It makes a little indent on the hood pad which is nothing. This Bar is the best I* have seen. You can get to the oil filtre no problem.
John if your not going to drive the Car that much. I suggest keeping the stock suspension arms in the Rear. I just installed a set of M7 coils man what a difference. It sits so perfect. the ride is incredible.

And the great thing is for 06's they have adjustable camber arms in the rears. See the ealier yrs. Didn't they were all fixxed. So you had to get adjustables arms so you were not replacing tyres.

After lowering my car. It was way too negative over 2.5 degrees. I adjusted to specs. not 0 degrees but more 1.5 to 2.0 degree's the Mini's love this set up. Just a suggestion. I am Factory Mercedes Tech for 19 yrs,so I kinda have a good idea when it comes tunning and suspension work. good luck on what ver you decide