Rear Sway Bar info

[J!m]

FYI:

I have just learmed that the M coupe` rear sway bar is SLIGHTLY larger than the M roadster rear sway bar which is conciderabily larger than the ti 'sport' rear sway bar. (they also carry different part numbers) I have no idea if the 'sport' rear sway bar is any larger than the 'standard' rear sway bar.

The end links for the ti and M roadster carry different part numbers, although I could not find any major differences between them. Slightly beefier, but I do mean slightly.

I mention this because these sway bars bolt directly into a ti with only the bushings and clamps (where it mounts to the body) to be changed.

NOTE: If the car is cornered hard, there is a chance of trailing arm damage from the stiffer sway bars. If you plan to do serious driving, either upgrade the trailing arms or add stiffening/reenforcement to the stock ti trailing arms.

Have fun!

J!m

[96cali]

Thanks for the FYI J!m. :D So what clamps and bushings would you use with an M coupe rear sway on the Ti? Sorry, I didn't catch that prt if it's stated already.

[J!m]

Go to the dealer and ask for a set of rear sway bar clamps and bushings for an M Coupe` or M Roadster. I don't have the part numbers or prices handy. Sorry.

It bolts right in, and you don't need to drop the exhaust to do it, but the spare has to come out of the way. Dropping the exhaust makes it easier, so if you are doing the exhaust, it makes sence to do this at the same time.

I would do a booklet on the job, but it's pretty easy. If you can change oil and have a modest tool selection, it's a no-brainer.

Free tip: silicone spray on the rubber make it come off and go back on easily... I use it all the time.

PS: I have an M Roadster rear sway bar available, if anyone wants it...

[96cali]

Does the M-coupe or M-roadster front sway fit at all??

[J!m]

I doubt it. I think the 'M' cars all use the same set-up: the sway bar attaches to the strut, not the lower control arm like the ti. I have not checked under an M roadster lately, so I may be wrong.

I have the entire M3 front suspension, with the M3 front sway bar now. The M3 bar is actually smaller in diameter, because it's shorter. It mounts to the same point on the body, but the strut is totally different.

[1996 328ti]

:!: Bigger rear sway bars will break the mounts unless you reinforce them.

[96cali]

:lol: Thanks for that info guys. Someone on roadfly had a set of M sways for $80. Seeing as how I have some CS sways waiting I'll pass. ;}

[J!m]

That is true, Steve. That is why I changed the entire rear sub-frame and not just my diff...

[bmw332ti]

about what was said above for the front sway bar, i don't know about yours but my stock one was almost 5mm thicker than the m3 or mroadster front sway bars. They will both work but there is no reason.

[cali-ti]

according to the ETK (www.realoem.com/bmw), the m coupe and m roadster bars are the same size (18.5mm), certainly larger than stock (14mm) and sport (16mm) bars for the ti. bmp design offers h&r anti-sway bars, 28mm front and 18mm rear. anyone used these bars (including reinforcement of the rear trailing arm mount points)? looks like it would be around $400 for the pair.

[KIRASIR]

The earlier models of MCoupe came with 19mm rear sway bar. The reinforcements are only necessary if the car is heavily tracked. One of the best sway bar kits is the one made by Eibach, unfortunately it's been discontinued for about a year.

If you are willing to spend the money, I would highly recommend an aftermarket kit (H&R, Eibach, Racing D.) because being able to adjust the stiffness of the bars comes very handy when setting up the car for the track/autocross.

The M3(MCoupe/Roadster) front sway bar attaches to the struts. Since such attachment increases the level arm, thinner sway bar can be used to apply the same force.

SL



according to the ETK (www.realoem.com/bmw (http://www.realoem.com/bmw)), the m coupe and m roadster bars are the same size (18.5mm), certainly larger than stock (14mm) and sport (16mm) bars for the ti. bmp design offers h&r anti-sway bars, 28mm front and 18mm rear. anyone used these bars (including reinforcement of the rear trailing arm mount points)? looks like it would be around $400 for the pair.