BMW 1 Series F20 F21 05/2013-06/2019 Right Engine Bay Strut Brace 51617377778
BMW 1 Series F20 F21 05/2013-06/2019 Right Engine Bay Strut Brace 51617377778
BMW Right-Hand Engine Bay Strut Tower Brace / Cross Brace
BMW catalogue reference 51 61 7 377 778 — used front-body reinforcement bar, supplied exactly as shown.
Important identification and fitment notice
Date boundary: 51617377778 is catalogued from 05/2013. BMW also lists it as the replacement for earlier right-hand brace 51617232818, used from 01/2013. For vehicles built 01/2013–04/2013, order only after the VIN catalogue confirms the supersession.
Do not confuse with: left-hand brace 51617377777 or earlier left-hand brace 51617232817. Left and right are not interchangeable.
Actual item photographs
These are eBay-hosted photographs from this listing, not generic catalogue photographs. Compare the complete shape, bends, mounting-eye orientation, finish and all marks before purchase.
ACTUAL ITEM — FULL LENGTH VIEW
ACTUAL ITEM — MOUNTING GEOMETRY
ACTUAL ITEM — CONDITION REFERENCE
ACTUAL ITEM — END AND HOLE DETAILWhere it fits and what it does
Location
Installed in the front engine-bay/body-reinforcement area on the vehicle's right-hand side. On a UK right-hand-drive car this is normally the driver's side. When standing in front of the car looking rearward, vehicle right appears on your left.
Function
This is a passive structural brace. It links front body reinforcement points to help control relative movement and maintain designed front-end stiffness. It does not operate an electrical or hydraulic system.
BRACE LOCATION
UK driver side
diagram is positional only
different brace number
Catalogue compatibility — build date and VIN still required
The table below lists chassis and derivatives returned by the BMW parts catalogue for 51617377778. Dates are production/build dates, not registration dates. Model availability varies by market and exact vehicle specification.
| BMW platform | Body | Catalogue production scope | Catalogue-listed derivatives | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Series F20 | 5-door hatch | 05/2013–02/2015; 01/2013–04/2013 only when VIN confirms supersession | 114d, 114i, 116d, 116d EfficientDynamics, 116i, 118d, 118d xDrive, 118i, 120d, 120d xDrive, 125d, 125i | VIN confirm |
| 1 Series F20 LCI | 5-door hatch | 05/2014–06/2019 | 114d, 116d, 116d EfficientDynamics, 116i, 118d, 118d xDrive, 118i, 120d, 120d xDrive, 120i, 125d, 125i | VIN confirm |
| 1 Series F21 | 3-door hatch | 05/2013–02/2015; 01/2013–04/2013 only when VIN confirms supersession | 114d, 114i, 116d, 116d EfficientDynamics, 116i, 118d, 118d xDrive, 118i, 120d, 120d xDrive, 125d, 125i | VIN confirm |
| 1 Series F21 LCI | 3-door hatch | 05/2014–06/2019 | 114d, 116d, 116d EfficientDynamics, 116i, 118d, 118d xDrive, 118i, 120d, 120d xDrive, 120i, 125d, 125i | VIN confirm |
| 2 Series F22 | 2-door Coupé | 05/2013–06/2017; 01/2013–04/2013 only when VIN confirms supersession | 218d, 220d, 220d xDrive, 220i, 225d, 228i, 228i xDrive, M235i, M235i xDrive | VIN confirm |
| 3 Series F30 | 4-door Saloon | 05/2013–pre-LCI production; earlier 01/2013–04/2013 VIN-only; market endpoint varies | 316d, 316i, 318d, 318d xDrive, 320d, 320d EfficientDynamics, 320d xDrive, 320i, 320i EfficientDynamics, 320i xDrive, 325d, 328d, 328d xDrive, 328i, 328i xDrive, 330d, 330d xDrive, 335d xDrive, 335i, 335i xDrive, ActiveHybrid 3 | VIN essential |
| 3 Series F35 | 4-door long-wheelbase Saloon | 05/2013–08/2015; earlier 01/2013–04/2013 VIN-only | Market-specific F35 variants returned by the parts catalogue; derivative-level fitment must be checked against the full 17-character VIN and build data. | VIN essential |
| 3 Series F31 | 5-door Touring | 05/2013–07/2015; earlier 01/2013–04/2013 VIN-only | 316d, 316i, 318d, 318d xDrive, 320d, 320d EfficientDynamics, 320d xDrive, 320i, 320i xDrive, 325d, 328d xDrive, 328i, 328i xDrive, 330d, 330d xDrive, 335d xDrive, 335i, 335i xDrive | VIN essential |
| 4 Series F32 | 2-door Coupé | 05/2013–02/2017; earlier 01/2013–04/2013 VIN-only | 418d, 420d, 420d xDrive, 420i, 420i xDrive, 425d, 428i, 428i xDrive, 430d, 430d xDrive, 435d xDrive, 435i, 435i xDrive | VIN essential |
| 4 Series F33 | 2-door Convertible | 05/2013–02/2017; 03/2013–04/2013 only when VIN confirms supersession | 420d, 420i, 425d, 428i, 428i xDrive, 430d, 435d xDrive, 435i, 435i xDrive | VIN essential |
| 4 Series F36 | 5-door Gran Coupé | 07/2013–02/2017 pre-LCI catalogue family | 418d, 420d, 420d xDrive, 420i, 420i xDrive, 428i, 428i xDrive, 430d, 430d xDrive, 435d xDrive, 435i, 435i xDrive | VIN essential |
The catalogue also shows regional engine and type-code variations. A row in this table is not a substitute for a VIN lookup against the vehicle's current BMW part number.
Will not fit / do not assume compatibility
- F20/F21 vehicles built before 01/2013. For 01/2013–04/2013 vehicles, order only when the VIN catalogue explicitly supersedes 51617232818 to 51617377778.
- The left-hand side: 51617377777 / 51617232817 are different parts.
- F23 Convertible, F40, F44, F45, F46, G20, G21, G22, G26, G42 or any chassis not listed above.
- F22 LCI, F30 LCI, F31 LCI, F32 LCI, F33 LCI or F36 LCI unless a VIN lookup explicitly returns this exact number.
- M2 F87, M3 F80, M4 F82/F83 or other M chassis unless confirmed by VIN.
- Any vehicle with crash-distorted, repaired or modified mounting points.
Part condition, material and buying advantage
Condition
Used component with age-related marks, handling wear and cosmetic imperfections visible in the actual photographs. Inspect every image. Mounting bolts are included only when specifically photographed with the item.
Construction
Formed black-coated metal structural bar with pressed mounting eyes. Catalogue weight is approximately 0.560 kg. The exact alloy grade is not published in the source used for this listing.
Why use a catalogue-matched production part?
Correct hole spacing, length, bends, mounting-eye orientation and structural geometry reduce the risk associated with poorly matched low-cost copies. Used production parts can also provide substantial savings compared with buying new, while retaining the intended mounting design.
Used-part value
Buying a tested or inspected used component extends the service life of an existing part and may reduce cost and manufacturing demand. Savings depend on current dealer pricing and are not guaranteed at a fixed percentage.
Possible symptoms or reasons for replacement
- Visible bend, twist, crack, impact mark, elongated mounting hole or corrosion thinning.
- Brace does not sit flat against both mounting faces without being forced.
- Loose or missing mounting hardware.
- Creaking or knocking from the front body area over uneven roads.
- Changed steering feel or reduced front-end rigidity after impact repair.
- Misalignment discovered during body or suspension inspection.
Fitting guidance, required tools and repair time
Typical tools
General installation sequence
- Park on firm level ground, switch off the ignition, secure the vehicle and open the bonnet.
- Confirm that the replacement bar matches the removed bar in length, bends, hole positions and right-hand orientation.
- Photograph the original installation and check that adjacent wiring, hoses and trim will not be trapped.
- Remove the existing mounting fasteners while supporting the brace. The catalogue shows two M10 × 25 fasteners for this brace assembly, but confirm the actual vehicle hardware.
- Clean and inspect both mounting faces. Stop if there is cracking, corrosion, elongation or collision distortion.
- Position the replacement without forcing it and start both fasteners by hand to prevent cross-threading.
- Tighten in the sequence and to the torque specified by BMW repair data for the exact VIN. Do not reuse a fastener where the repair instruction requires replacement.
- Check clearance to the bonnet, trim, hoses and wiring. Reinspect fastener seating before returning the vehicle to service.
Estimated workshop booking allowance: approximately 0.5–1.0 hour for a straightforward replacement. This is a planning estimate, not an official flat-rate time. Corrosion, damaged fasteners, trim removal or structural alignment work can increase the time.
Static garage labour-cost estimator
eBay descriptions cannot use JavaScript, so this policy-safe table replaces an interactive calculator. Formula: garage hourly rate × booked hours = estimated labour. Parts, diagnostics, VAT, consumables and minimum charges may be additional.
| Garage rate | 0.5 hour | 0.75 hour | 1.0 hour |
|---|---|---|---|
| £50/hour | £25.00 | £37.50 | £50.00 |
| £60/hour | £30.00 | £45.00 | £60.00 |
| £70/hour | £35.00 | £52.50 | £70.00 |
| £80/hour | £40.00 | £60.00 | £80.00 |
| £90/hour | £45.00 | £67.50 | £90.00 |
| £100/hour | £50.00 | £75.00 | £100.00 |
| £120/hour | £60.00 | £90.00 | £120.00 |
| £150/hour | £75.00 | £112.50 | £150.00 |
Ordering correctly and reducing returns
- Send the complete 17-character VIN through eBay Messages before purchase when any doubt exists.
- Compare the actual photographs with the original part, including every bend and mounting hole.
- Check vehicle production month/year, chassis code, engine, body style and left/right position.
- Do not rely only on eBay item specifics, registration year or a visual similarity search.
- Ensure the delivery address shown at eBay checkout is correct. We dispatch only to the checkout address and cannot change it after purchase.
Delivery, collection and dispatch
International delivery: This listing currently uses eBay's Global Shipping Programme. eBay is also migrating eligible UK sellers to eBay International Shipping in phases. Country and item eligibility, import charges and delivery price are controlled by eBay and shown at checkout.
Current published GSP destinations — subject to eBay eligibility and change
EU: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden.
Non-EU: Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Australia, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Bermuda, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Canada, Cayman Islands, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, French Guiana, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Guernsey, Honduras, Hong Kong, Iceland, Indonesia, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, Jersey, Jordan, Kuwait, Liechtenstein, Macau, Malaysia, Maldives, Martinique, Mexico, Monaco, Montserrat, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Réunion, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos Islands, United Arab Emirates, Ukraine, Uruguay, United States and Vietnam.
How to find us / WhatsApp
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Returns and VAT wording
Returns
Returns are handled under the return settings shown on this eBay listing and eBay's applicable policies. A deduction of up to 50% is not an automatic restocking fee: where the seller is eligible, eBay may allow a deduction only for actual loss in value when an item is returned in a different condition from dispatch.
Global accounting
Global accounting invoice. Where this item is eligible for the Global Accounting VAT Margin Scheme, VAT is accounted for under that scheme and is not shown separately. The statement “no VAT is charged” is not used.
Why buy from THEPARTPILOT?
Every reused serviceable component keeps useful material in circulation for longer. Supporting an independent local business also supports local jobs, specialist knowledge and a more resource-efficient automotive supply chain. Thank you for choosing to repair, reuse and recycle. 🌍♻️