Swaybars: Decisions, decisions

arrutled · 10-20-2009, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sbefar01

I read that if you go much lower with KW's your not supposed to throw a much larger sway bar on the front or you will understeer more but if you have a stock suspension a larger sway is more acceptable bc you are cleaning up excessive body roll. The KW's already clean up the body roll so i read that only a modest front sway bar is needed for this setup. Correct me if Im wrong

I dont think its the ride height that determines which bar to get. spring stiffness should be the determining factor.

Fireflyer239 · 10-20-2009, 06:19 PM

sbefar01 and arrutled are correct - what applies as a fix to stock suspension no longer applies once the suspension has been modified! When you switch to coilovers, you are stiffening the spring rate, and also changing to a more favorable front/rear spring rate ratio. Now, too much front sway will increase understeer. Every vehicle, every setup...must be treated individually - across-the-board "blanket" statements about vehicle/suspension behavior and modification lead to costly and time-consuming mistakes.

sbefar01 · 10-21-2009, 11:05 PM

Im getting the 28mm sway, and if I alter my springs/struts I will do so conservatively with the spring rates basically. I am just hoping that my endlinks dont get busted like what happened in my CTS Sport (w CTS-V sways), but thats an American car, ha.

BMW86 · 10-22-2009, 03:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fireflyer239

sbefar01 and arrutled are correct - what applies as a fix to stock suspension no longer applies once the suspension has been modified! When you switch to coilovers, you are stiffening the spring rate, and also changing to a more favorable front/rear spring rate ratio. Now, too much front sway will increase understeer. Every vehicle, every setup...must be treated individually - across-the-board "blanket" statements about vehicle/suspension behavior and modification lead to costly and time-consuming mistakes.

I was looking at the M3 sway 28mm and the M3 full control arm kit. What route do you think i should go down if I just want to lower my car for the looks? I don't really track my car, this is just for spirited street driving. Your helps appreciated.

adrean8j · 10-22-2009, 04:28 AM

^^^ KW V1....

3val · 10-22-2009, 06:42 AM

Does anyone know what size the front sway is on the BMW performance suspension? Thanks.

BMW86 · 10-22-2009, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adrean8j

^^^ KW V1....

Thanks, I'll look into it.

Fireflyer239 · 10-23-2009, 12:09 AM

Yup, I'd say the coilovers are the #1 choice since you can fine tune the ride height. For less $$$ you can do a set of springs like H&R etc, but if the lowering is too much, too little, not what you like front-to-rear etc, then you're stuck with it. Spend the time in the photo secton and see who has what, and how you like the look etc. Have fun choosing!! Gotta' love mods...

BMW86 · 10-23-2009, 04:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fireflyer239

Yup, I'd say the coilovers are the #1 choice since you can fine tune the ride height. For less $$$ you can do a set of springs like H&R etc, but if the lowering is too much, too little, not what you like front-to-rear etc, then you're stuck with it. Spend the time in the photo secton and see who has what, and how you like the look etc. Have fun choosing!! Gotta' love mods...

Yepp that's my concern if it's not the right height but springs are so much cheaper!! I know I will never end up adjusting my ride height though so if I can find the right springs with the right height it might be the best option for me.

woodman650 · 10-26-2009, 01:54 PM

I was about to order the Hotchkis sway but I'm worried about all the fitment issues I've been reading about. What is pricing like for the M3 sway and H&R sway? Where can I order?

adrean8j · 10-26-2009, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by woodman650

I was about to order the Hotchkis sway but I'm worried about all the fitment issues I've been reading about. What is pricing like for the M3 sway and H&R sway? Where can I order?

Fitment issues?...the issues came from improper installation, ie: incorrect lengths of end-links, end-links installed on the wrong side. If you use the stock endlinks then fitments are not an issue.

woodman650 · 10-26-2009, 02:18 PM

Great, thanks for clarifying

adrean8j · 10-26-2009, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by woodman650

Great, thanks for clarifying

Oh and not using enough lube!

rodi · 10-27-2009, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adrean8j

Oh and not using enough lube!

you can never use enough lube.

Fireflyer239 · 10-28-2009, 10:27 PM

Lube it up, Woodman! Read my reviews of the Hotchkis sway - it is THE bang-for-the-buck mod for these cars. 1200 miles on mine with nothing but smooth sailin'. Fit was perfect, install was 2 hours.

woodman650 · 10-28-2009, 10:49 PM

Sounds great, mine is in the mail on it's way here!

Is there a DIY?

Fireflyer239 · 10-28-2009, 11:56 PM

There are instructions with it. Be sure to install it with the wheels on ramps, but not with the car jacked and the wheels dangling. At static height, the bar will slip right in. Use your stock end links, you'll save time and potential problems.

adrean8j · 10-29-2009, 04:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by woodman650

Sounds great, mine is in the mail on it's way here!

Is there a DIY?

There is not one that is Hotchkis specific...that is because this one is good enough:
UUC Front Swaybar Install - BMW 1 Series Coupe Forum / 1 Series Convertible Forum (M1 / tii / 135i / 128i / Coupe / Cabrio / Hatchback) (BMW E82 E88 128i 130i 135i)

Just ignore the adjustments and use the stock endlinks, since they cannot be adjusted you shouldn't have any problems....one suggestion to remember that gave me trouble...insert the new swaybar from the drivers side first and then rotate it the rest of the way in...

woodman650 · 11-04-2009, 07:26 PM

Just got the hotchkis front sway... I don't really have any equipment here at home to install (although that sounds like a pretty easy install), but BMW Dealer quoted me $110 if they did it. Does that sound reasonable? I guess I could go out and buy ramps, but I don't have a torque wrench or anything.

My135 · 11-04-2009, 08:04 PM

It is a one hour job and the price quote sounds reasonable given BMW's high labor cost, but if you shop around, you may find a better deal like $50-$75.

larryn · 11-04-2009, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adrean8j

There is not one that is Hotchkis specific...that is because this one is good enough:
UUC Front Swaybar Install - BMW 1 Series Coupe Forum / 1 Series Convertible Forum (M1 / tii / 135i / 128i / Coupe / Cabrio / Hatchback) (BMW E82 E88 128i 130i 135i)

Most excellent DIY!

Anybody with those tools and the ability to change a lightbulb should be able to do the front bar themselves. Heck, I never graduated preschool, and I figured it out.

adrean8j · 11-05-2009, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by woodman650

Just got the hotchkis front sway... I don't really have any equipment here at home to install (although that sounds like a pretty easy install), but BMW Dealer quoted me $110 if they did it. Does that sound reasonable? I guess I could go out and buy ramps, but I don't have a torque wrench or anything.

Man a neighbor probably has a torque wrench...and they are not really that expensive. It is good to have one on hand anyway for wheels and things of that nature...trust me it really is a job you should DIY. You will get a great feeling of satisfaction once it is done and be $100 richer....

10-20-2009, 06:19 PM	#46
Fireflyer239 First Lieutenant 19 Rep 349 Posts Drives: BMW, Jeep, Ducati & Harley Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: New Haven, CT iTrader: (0)	sbefar01 and arrutled are correct - what applies as a fix to stock suspension no longer applies once the suspension has been modified! When you switch to coilovers, you are stiffening the spring rate, and also changing to a more favorable front/rear spring rate ratio. Now, too much front sway will increase understeer. Every vehicle, every setup...must be treated individually - across-the-board "blanket" statements about vehicle/suspension behavior and modification lead to costly and time-consuming mistakes.
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10-21-2009, 11:05 PM	#47
sbefar01 First Lieutenant 16 Rep 331 Posts Drives: 1er Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	Im getting the 28mm sway, and if I alter my springs/struts I will do so conservatively with the spring rates basically. I am just hoping that my endlinks dont get busted like what happened in my CTS Sport (w CTS-V sways), but thats an American car, ha.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-22-2009, 06:42 AM	#50
3val Private 0 Rep 89 Posts Drives: 2008 SMG 135i, 2013 X1 2.8 Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Geneva, NY iTrader: (1)	Does anyone know what size the front sway is on the BMW performance suspension? Thanks.
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10-23-2009, 12:09 AM	#52
Fireflyer239 First Lieutenant 19 Rep 349 Posts Drives: BMW, Jeep, Ducati & Harley Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: New Haven, CT iTrader: (0)	Yup, I'd say the coilovers are the #1 choice since you can fine tune the ride height. For less $$$ you can do a set of springs like H&R etc, but if the lowering is too much, too little, not what you like front-to-rear etc, then you're stuck with it. Spend the time in the photo secton and see who has what, and how you like the look etc. Have fun choosing!! Gotta' love mods...
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-26-2009, 01:54 PM	#54
woodman650 Super Couper 67 Rep 577 Posts Drives: TBD Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Mountain View, CA iTrader: (2)	I was about to order the Hotchkis sway but I'm worried about all the fitment issues I've been reading about. What is pricing like for the M3 sway and H&R sway? Where can I order?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-26-2009, 02:18 PM	#56
woodman650 Super Couper 67 Rep 577 Posts Drives: TBD Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Mountain View, CA iTrader: (2)	Great, thanks for clarifying
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10-28-2009, 10:27 PM	#59
Fireflyer239 First Lieutenant 19 Rep 349 Posts Drives: BMW, Jeep, Ducati & Harley Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: New Haven, CT iTrader: (0)	Lube it up, Woodman! Read my reviews of the Hotchkis sway - it is THE bang-for-the-buck mod for these cars. 1200 miles on mine with nothing but smooth sailin'. Fit was perfect, install was 2 hours.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-28-2009, 10:49 PM	#60
woodman650 Super Couper 67 Rep 577 Posts Drives: TBD Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Mountain View, CA iTrader: (2)	Sounds great, mine is in the mail on it's way here! Is there a DIY?
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10-28-2009, 11:56 PM	#61
Fireflyer239 First Lieutenant 19 Rep 349 Posts Drives: BMW, Jeep, Ducati & Harley Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: New Haven, CT iTrader: (0)	There are instructions with it. Be sure to install it with the wheels on ramps, but not with the car jacked and the wheels dangling. At static height, the bar will slip right in. Use your stock end links, you'll save time and potential problems.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-04-2009, 07:26 PM	#63
woodman650 Super Couper 67 Rep 577 Posts Drives: TBD Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Mountain View, CA iTrader: (2)	Just got the hotchkis front sway... I don't really have any equipment here at home to install (although that sounds like a pretty easy install), but BMW Dealer quoted me $110 if they did it. Does that sound reasonable? I guess I could go out and buy ramps, but I don't have a torque wrench or anything.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-04-2009, 08:04 PM	#64
My135 Lieutenant Colonel 85 Rep 1,609 Posts Drives: Join Date: Mar 2008 iTrader: (0)	It is a one hour job and the price quote sounds reasonable given BMW's high labor cost, but if you shop around, you may find a better deal like $50-$75. __________________ 7/08 135 Coupe, Crimson Red, 6 SP, Sport, Taupe Lette/Aluminum. Performance Mods: JB4 on Map 5, BMS DP Fix V3, Injen polished intake, AR Catless DP, Maddad resonated mid-pipes, aFe exhaust polished tips, ST Suspension Coil Over and Hotchkis front sway bar. Others: BMS OCC, BT Scanner, Mud Flap. Next Mods: AA Front Strut Brace.
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