Rear Sway bar install

wolfson.tyler · 11-09-2009, 03:23 PM

Ive been looking to get a rear bar on my car for a while but im wondering what I should expect in terms of install cost. I understand this may be more than the actual cost of the bar because it is necessary to drop the rear subframe. Any experts out there have an idea of a the cost or anyone who has had it done, you input would be greatly appreciated

nordique14 · 11-09-2009, 03:51 PM

seems a typical install will run 3-4 hours labor. Around here that would be around $300-400.

twenzel · 11-09-2009, 04:02 PM

If you know a reputable performance shop that would be better. BMW dealer will charge you way too much.

If you've got the tools, you can do it pretty easily in your garage. There are 4 torx bolts to the rear subframe and use a line crimper after the hard lines on the rear brakes. Then the rear lower shock mounts need to be disconnected.

Just put a floor jack on the rear differential housing and lower about 6 inches. That gave me enough room to remove and install the rear bar.

With the right tools it can be done on a Sunday afternoon and a 6-pack taking your time.

cpt97m3 · 11-10-2009, 08:29 PM

So you just have to disconnect the brake lines and lower shock mount, but you can keep the driveshaft and axles bolted up? If so, that doesn't sound so bad.

twenzel · 11-12-2009, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cpt97m3

So you just have to disconnect the brake lines and lower shock mount, but you can keep the driveshaft and axles bolted up? If so, that doesn't sound so bad.

Correct. Everything is connected to the subframe including all the suspension arms. If you use the correct line crimpers, you don't even have to bleed the brakes when your done. Also, if I remember correctly, there is a cross brace for the drive shaft that has to be let down so the drive shaft doesnt it it when you lower the subframe. All in all, pretty straight forward though.

vitig · 11-13-2009, 10:01 AM

what are crimpers?.

twenzel · 11-13-2009, 10:06 AM

here are the ones I have.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000RH4I5O

11-09-2009, 03:23 PM	#1
wolfson.tyler Private First Class 12 Rep 108 Posts Drives: Join Date: May 2008 iTrader: (0)	Rear Sway bar install Ive been looking to get a rear bar on my car for a while but im wondering what I should expect in terms of install cost. I understand this may be more than the actual cost of the bar because it is necessary to drop the rear subframe. Any experts out there have an idea of a the cost or anyone who has had it done, you input would be greatly appreciated
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

11-09-2009, 03:51 PM	#2
nordique14 Major 53 Rep 1,477 Posts Drives: SGM 135i 'vert Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Sharks Territory iTrader: (5)	seems a typical install will run 3-4 hours labor. Around here that would be around $300-400.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-09-2009, 04:02 PM	#3
twenzel Captain 53 Rep 754 Posts Drives: 15 Audi S3 Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Austin TX iTrader: (2)	If you know a reputable performance shop that would be better. BMW dealer will charge you way too much. If you've got the tools, you can do it pretty easily in your garage. There are 4 torx bolts to the rear subframe and use a line crimper after the hard lines on the rear brakes. Then the rear lower shock mounts need to be disconnected. Just put a floor jack on the rear differential housing and lower about 6 inches. That gave me enough room to remove and install the rear bar. With the right tools it can be done on a Sunday afternoon and a 6-pack taking your time.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-10-2009, 08:29 PM	#4
cpt97m3 AutoXer 34 Rep 683 Posts Drives: 2009 135i Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: So Cal iTrader: (2)	So you just have to disconnect the brake lines and lower shock mount, but you can keep the driveshaft and axles bolted up? If so, that doesn't sound so bad. __________________ 2009 135i, Alpine White, 6MT, M-Sport, iDrive, iPod/USB, Heated Seats, Premium Sound, BMW Assist
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-13-2009, 10:01 AM	#6
vitig Private First Class 4 Rep 189 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: España iTrader: (0)	what are crimpers?.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-13-2009, 10:06 AM	#7
twenzel Captain 53 Rep 754 Posts Drives: 15 Audi S3 Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Austin TX iTrader: (2)	here are the ones I have. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000RH4I5O
	Appreciate 0 Quote