135 sway bars. Need recommendations

MZWIE · 11-18-2010, 01:02 PM

Looking for feedback on this topic.

moveswiftly · 11-18-2010, 01:10 PM

m3 front / rear...

tcd223 · 11-18-2010, 01:10 PM

I put in an e93 M3 front sway and couldn't be happier. I'm not ready to drop the subframe to do the rear bar.

MZWIE · 11-18-2010, 02:31 PM

What are the differences between the OEM bar and the M3 bar. Is there an aftermarket bar that is comparable to the M3. BMW stuff is sooooo expensive.

tcd223 · 11-18-2010, 02:59 PM

I think I paid like 250ish shipped from Dan@United during one of his sales.

I'm sure there are aftermarket bars, but the only one I know about is the UUC bar which people had problems with.

Kcc · 11-18-2010, 03:31 PM

H&R, UUC, Eibach, Hotchik, M3 Sway, that's about all I could think of so far...

About the rear sway, you might wanna do some search on it. I have read many about doing the LSD together with the rear sway. Hope it helps.

edit: I will be doing the H&R 2moro, let you know if I remember.

Kcc

Kcc · 11-19-2010, 05:39 PM

H

Edit: plz read below, bimmerpost application don't let me type...

Mr. Clarkson · 11-19-2010, 06:50 PM

UUC doesn't fit my N55 135i, and H&R has yet to confirm whether or not theirs fits either. N55 people might have to go with E93 M3 bars for now.

MZWIE · 11-21-2010, 01:24 PM

UUC had some great stuff when I first used them back in 2001 on my E46. Since then quality has suffered greatly.

I will price the M3 bar.

Kcc · 11-22-2010, 05:08 PM

Don't know why there is only the letter H on my previous last post. Was writing it through the bimmerpost application from iPhone. Anyhow...

H&R sway bar will fit N55, which I just had it installed two days ago. The handle'n are greatly improved at turns or avoiding pot holes. Under steering gone, over steering came. It might be my driving skill or my skinny 225 pilot PA3 snow tires at the rear. But I definitely will say go ahead with 27mm H&R or 26.5 / 28mm M3 sway. If u ask me will I go thicker than 28mm, I don't think I will, Coz I am happy with the 27mm on my stock suspension.

Kcc

MarkR171 · 11-22-2010, 05:09 PM

Hotchkis also fits N55 fine, also with the included adjustable endlinks. Did the install yesterday and loving the results. The Hotchkis bar is 32mm, and is not "too stiff" by any means.

Kcc · 11-22-2010, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarkR171

Hotchkis also fits N55 fine, also with the included adjustable endlinks. Did the install yesterday and loving the results. The Hotchkis bar is 32mm, and is not "too stiff" by any means.

Not too stiff? Good to know! But I am happy with what I got, mine are second handed, so no other choice. Which still great.

Kcc

nordique14 · 11-22-2010, 05:40 PM

I put together a list of available bars when I was figuring out which ones to get. Here is what I found. All come with new bushings. Some reuse the stock brackets while others come with new brackets. Some also come with adjustable end links while will reuse the stock end links.

Fixed:
Stock 1-series: 26mm front (with 19mm middle), 12mm rear
Euro 1-series M-sport: 15mm rear
E92 M3 coupe: 26.5mm front, 20mm rear
E93 M3 vert: 28mm front (with 26mm? middle), 23mm rear
Dinan 135i/335i: 26.5mm front, 15.8mm rear
Dinan E9x M3: 28.5mm front only
Hotchkis: 32mm front, 16mm rear

Adjustable:
Racing Dynamics: 30.2mm front, 25.5mm rear
H&R: 27mm front, 20mm rear
Eibach: 28mm front, 15mm rear
UUC: 27mm front, 19mm rear

Note that UUC and RD bars are definitely adjustable front and rear. The H&R and Eibach look adjustable in photos but those may be stock photos of generic bars so I cannot not say with 100% certainty if those two are adjustable. If anyone has those installed, let me know and I can update the list.

nordique14 · 11-22-2010, 05:45 PM

I had the UUC bars but just replaced them with the E93 M3 bars. The UUC bushings were already getting beat up and showed signs of splitting and general degradation. I decided to put the $70 they would have charged for new bushings toward a new set of bars instead.

I decided on the M3 bars mostly because of the bushings and brackets. They are fantastic. Much better then the stock 135i bushings and brackets and likely better than any aftermarket versions.

ErvGotti · 11-22-2010, 05:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by e34m5

What are the differences between the OEM bar and the M3 bar. Is there an aftermarket bar that is comparable to the M3. BMW stuff is sooooo expensive.

Our sway bar has a kink in the middle that goes to 19mm diameter while the M3 sway has the same thickness throughout. I'd get the M3 bar they're about $250 which is priced about the same as the others.

onefastman · 11-24-2010, 09:14 PM

I heard that it is too stiff with a rear bar with out a lsd

I thought I saw berk ran their car with out a rear bar at all

vitig · 11-26-2010, 09:56 AM

First change the suspension and next according to height choose the bars.

mke135i · 11-26-2010, 10:41 PM

Do you need an alignment when you replace the sway bar?

Thaddy · 11-26-2010, 11:28 PM

If you're only doing the front sway bar, no.

HP Autosport · 12-02-2010, 01:02 AM

The M3 bars gives you oem fit, long service life and noise free operation. If you are planning to do a quality coilover system with proper spring rates later, you may find the aftermarket bars to be a little on the big side(too much roll stiffness).

aisthetes · 12-02-2010, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HP Autowerks

The M3 bars gives you oem fit, long service life and noise free operation. If you are planning to do a quality coilover system with proper spring rates later, you may find the aftermarket bars to be a little on the big side(too much roll stiffness).

Couldn't agree more. OEM fit and finish is tough to beat. I've used aftermarket sway bars in the past, and the bushing noise and need to lube the bushings as part of a maintenance plan wasn't worth it for me.

I opted for the biggest factory (E93 M3) front bar from Harold (retained stock rear bar), and it really helped improve turn-in and reduced front end roll in an autocross environment. I didn't go larger in diameter in anticipation of coilovers down the road as well, as per his advice.

BMW86 · 12-02-2010, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aisthetes

Couldn't agree more. OEM fit and finish is tough to beat. I've used aftermarket sway bars in the past, and the bushing noise and need to lube the bushings as part of a maintenance plan wasn't worth it for me.

I opted for the biggest factory (E93 M3) front bar from Harold (retained stock rear bar), and it really helped improve turn-in and reduced front end roll in an autocross environment. I didn't go larger in diameter in anticipation of coilovers down the road as well, as per his advice.

I'm running the E93 front sway and KW V2's here. Works great

I was going to add the m3 bits later down the track but I really don't see the need.

11-18-2010, 01:02 PM	#1
MZWIE Lieutenant Colonel 388 Rep 1,660 Posts Drives: M2 Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: GEORGIA iTrader: (0)	135 sway bars. Need recommendations Looking for feedback on this topic.
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

11-18-2010, 01:10 PM	#2
moveswiftly Colonel 381 Rep 2,926 Posts Drives: Cayman GT4, 135i Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: NJ iTrader: (12) Garage List 2012 335iS [0.00]	m3 front / rear... __________________ Current: M2CS Gone but not forgotten: Cayman GT4, M2C, 2011 135i, E83 X3 6MT, 2016 SO M3, 2012 335iS, 2010 135i and 2006 e90 325xi
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-18-2010, 01:10 PM	#3
tcd223 Captain 47 Rep 940 Posts Drives: '10 LeMans 135i Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: NYC iTrader: (1) Garage List 2010 135i [7.00]	I put in an e93 M3 front sway and couldn't be happier. I'm not ready to drop the subframe to do the rear bar.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-18-2010, 02:31 PM	#4
MZWIE Lieutenant Colonel 388 Rep 1,660 Posts Drives: M2 Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: GEORGIA iTrader: (0)	What are the differences between the OEM bar and the M3 bar. Is there an aftermarket bar that is comparable to the M3. BMW stuff is sooooo expensive.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-18-2010, 02:59 PM	#5
tcd223 Captain 47 Rep 940 Posts Drives: '10 LeMans 135i Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: NYC iTrader: (1) Garage List 2010 135i [7.00]	I think I paid like 250ish shipped from Dan@United during one of his sales. I'm sure there are aftermarket bars, but the only one I know about is the UUC bar which people had problems with.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-18-2010, 03:31 PM	#6
Kcc First Lieutenant 9 Rep 373 Posts Drives: 4 Wheels with a turbo Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Markham, Toronto iTrader: (0)	H&R, UUC, Eibach, Hotchik, M3 Sway, that's about all I could think of so far... About the rear sway, you might wanna do some search on it. I have read many about doing the LSD together with the rear sway. Hope it helps. edit: I will be doing the H&R 2moro, let you know if I remember. Kcc __________________ 135i - AW Last edited by Kcc; 11-18-2010 at 04:03 PM..
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-19-2010, 05:39 PM	#7
Kcc First Lieutenant 9 Rep 373 Posts Drives: 4 Wheels with a turbo Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Markham, Toronto iTrader: (0)	H Edit: plz read below, bimmerpost application don't let me type... __________________ 135i - AW Last edited by Kcc; 11-22-2010 at 05:09 PM..
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-19-2010, 06:50 PM	#8
Mr. Clarkson Lieutenant 41 Rep 541 Posts Drives: 2011 135i Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: San Diego iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 135i [0.00]	UUC doesn't fit my N55 135i, and H&R has yet to confirm whether or not theirs fits either. N55 people might have to go with E93 M3 bars for now. __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-21-2010, 01:24 PM	#9
MZWIE Lieutenant Colonel 388 Rep 1,660 Posts Drives: M2 Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: GEORGIA iTrader: (0)	UUC had some great stuff when I first used them back in 2001 on my E46. Since then quality has suffered greatly. I will price the M3 bar.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-22-2010, 05:08 PM	#10
Kcc First Lieutenant 9 Rep 373 Posts Drives: 4 Wheels with a turbo Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Markham, Toronto iTrader: (0)	Don't know why there is only the letter H on my previous last post. Was writing it through the bimmerpost application from iPhone. Anyhow... H&R sway bar will fit N55, which I just had it installed two days ago. The handle'n are greatly improved at turns or avoiding pot holes. Under steering gone, over steering came. It might be my driving skill or my skinny 225 pilot PA3 snow tires at the rear. But I definitely will say go ahead with 27mm H&R or 26.5 / 28mm M3 sway. If u ask me will I go thicker than 28mm, I don't think I will, Coz I am happy with the 27mm on my stock suspension. Kcc __________________ 135i - AW
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-22-2010, 05:09 PM	#11
MarkR171 Lieutenant Colonel 102 Rep 1,552 Posts Drives: '19 M2C \| '20 100AE ND2 Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Phx, AZ iTrader: (0) Garage List 2019 BMW M2C [0.00]	Hotchkis also fits N55 fine, also with the included adjustable endlinks. Did the install yesterday and loving the results. The Hotchkis bar is 32mm, and is not "too stiff" by any means. __________________ 2019 M2C - Alpine White - 6MT 2023 Supra 6MT - Deposit and Wait
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-22-2010, 05:40 PM	#13
nordique14 Major 53 Rep 1,477 Posts Drives: SGM 135i 'vert Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Sharks Territory iTrader: (5)	I put together a list of available bars when I was figuring out which ones to get. Here is what I found. All come with new bushings. Some reuse the stock brackets while others come with new brackets. Some also come with adjustable end links while will reuse the stock end links. Fixed: Stock 1-series: 26mm front (with 19mm middle), 12mm rear Euro 1-series M-sport: 15mm rear E92 M3 coupe: 26.5mm front, 20mm rear E93 M3 vert: 28mm front (with 26mm? middle), 23mm rear Dinan 135i/335i: 26.5mm front, 15.8mm rear Dinan E9x M3: 28.5mm front only Hotchkis: 32mm front, 16mm rear Adjustable: Racing Dynamics: 30.2mm front, 25.5mm rear H&R: 27mm front, 20mm rear Eibach: 28mm front, 15mm rear UUC: 27mm front, 19mm rear Note that UUC and RD bars are definitely adjustable front and rear. The H&R and Eibach look adjustable in photos but those may be stock photos of generic bars so I cannot not say with 100% certainty if those two are adjustable. If anyone has those installed, let me know and I can update the list.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-22-2010, 05:45 PM	#14
nordique14 Major 53 Rep 1,477 Posts Drives: SGM 135i 'vert Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Sharks Territory iTrader: (5)	I had the UUC bars but just replaced them with the E93 M3 bars. The UUC bushings were already getting beat up and showed signs of splitting and general degradation. I decided to put the $70 they would have charged for new bushings toward a new set of bars instead. I decided on the M3 bars mostly because of the bushings and brackets. They are fantastic. Much better then the stock 135i bushings and brackets and likely better than any aftermarket versions.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-24-2010, 09:14 PM	#16
onefastman Major General 159 Rep 5,689 Posts Drives: 2009 135i 2011 e92m dct Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Earth iTrader: (15)	I heard that it is too stiff with a rear bar with out a lsd I thought I saw berk ran their car with out a rear bar at all __________________ Legal Disclaimer: Anything I or anyone else says about my vehicle on this website(1addicts.com or any affiliated or nonaffiliated sites), pertaining to modifications, is only to gain acceptance from my/our peers, and does not actually represent anything actually existing on my car, and thus, cannot be held against me in any issues, i.e. warranty claims, that may arise.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-26-2010, 09:56 AM	#17
vitig Private First Class 4 Rep 189 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: España iTrader: (0)	First change the suspension and next according to height choose the bars. __________________ 135ijb3, h & r filter, SSK, CDV,clutch stop, klracing fmic,seccond catted ,225-255 michelin ps3, E93F-E92R swaybars.M3 parts front.M3 tension rear.Plates mod(F-2,0º R-1,5º).Bilstein + stock springs.Ps rotors.Subframe bushings.Weichers fstruut.Finally mods sdiff and raceland dp.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-26-2010, 10:41 PM	#18
mke135i Lieutenant 19 Rep 436 Posts Drives: 2008 BMW 135i Cabrio Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Midwest iTrader: (3) Garage List 2008 135i [0.00]	Do you need an alignment when you replace the sway bar?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-26-2010, 11:28 PM	#19
Thaddy Second Lieutenant 7 Rep 285 Posts Drives: 2011 135i Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Pittsburgh iTrader: (1)	If you're only doing the front sway bar, no.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-02-2010, 01:02 AM	#20
HP Autosport Supreme Allied Commander 3842 Rep 54,352 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Santa Barbara, AP, Brembo, GIAC, Koni, Ohlins, Performance Friction, www.hpautosport.com iTrader: (36)	The M3 bars gives you oem fit, long service life and noise free operation. If you are planning to do a quality coilover system with proper spring rates later, you may find the aftermarket bars to be a little on the big side(too much roll stiffness).
	Appreciate 0 Quote