M5 sway bar installation problem

ppatel223 · 10-10-2013, 05:19 PM

I am trying to install M5 sway bar purchased from getbmwparts.com on 2013 m sport 535. Problem is the end holes are smaller than the bolt at link arm. I thought this was direct fit according to forum as well as getbmwparts.com. Do I need to buy set of link arms as well? Is it good idea to drill m5 sway bar end holes bigger to fit on current link arms? See pics.

ppatel223 · 10-11-2013, 12:53 PM

Anyone?

Alan l. · 10-11-2013, 01:02 PM

Strange....did you actually try to do the install?

I watched my shop install it on my 2013 535xi and it was direct bolt on.

Alan

ppatel223 · 10-20-2013, 09:14 PM

I tried installing it, but it just does not fit right. For example, when tie the end links on tie rod, it facing in upward of 45 degrees, opposite of M Sport bar. I don't know if that is normal. Also, on M Sport bar, ends are bit angled inside vs straight up on M Bar. Can some post of pics on end links with tie rods.

remmib · 10-21-2013, 10:17 AM

This is very weird, since the M5 front sway bar seems to fit all F10's, from my 520d to 550i.

Super6 · 02-24-2014, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ppatel223

Anyone?

So what did you end up doing? I just ordered this same item today, and I am under the impression it is a direct fit.

yogi · 02-26-2014, 02:01 AM

perhaps he got the wrong part?

EZDozzit · 02-26-2014, 02:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yogi

perhaps he got the wrong part?

Is this the right part number 31352284460?

remmib · 02-26-2014, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EZDozzit

Is this the right part number 31352284460?

Yes, that's the front M5 sway bar.

omer · 02-27-2014, 09:37 PM

What would the sway bar do. Will it make big difference on handling?

remmib · 02-28-2014, 07:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by omer

What would the sway bar do. Will it make big difference on handling?

Less body roll in curves.

RKtect · 02-28-2014, 02:30 PM

For those of you who have DIY installed both the front and rear sway bars, is it possible to do without lifting the car? Is putting the car on jack stands a must?

mp411 · 03-10-2014, 12:34 PM

bump

paul223 · 03-31-2014, 08:26 PM

UPDATE: It does fit msport 2013. BUT here is some things to notice. When you are looking at OEM Msport bar, links on each end point downward. When you install M5 bar, links point up. I don't know if it bad a thing. Only time will tell.

If you install on your own as I did, takes about 30-45min. Used ramps on front end only to raise up car.

Alan l. · 04-01-2014, 09:34 AM

So were the mounting holes different size like you originally said?

paul223 · 04-01-2014, 01:19 PM

Holes are the same. Problem was I could not get the link bolt to loosen up, and just visually checking, oem sway bar holes looked bigger. But when I was installed m5 sway bar, links joint point upward. So if you take oem Msport sway bar and straighten up the ends, I think you can get stiffer joints & steering.

remmib · 04-02-2014, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paul223

UPDATE: It does fit msport 2013. BUT here is some things to notice. When you are looking at OEM Msport bar, links on each end point downward. When you install M5 bar, links point up. I don't know if it bad a thing. Only time will tell.

If you install on your own as I did, takes about 30-45min. Used ramps on front end only to raise up car.

Sounds weird. Here's a pic I found of M5 vs m-sport sway bar, end links looks the same.

M5 top
M-sport bottom

paul223 · 04-03-2014, 02:34 PM

Pic of installed m5 sway, notice link bolt pointing up.

Msport saw in hand, notice how much angle ends have, so when installed link bolt points down.

remmib · 04-04-2014, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paul223

Pic of installed m5 sway, notice link bolt pointing up.

Msport saw in hand, notice how much angle ends have, so when installed link bolt points down.

OK, I see what you mean now.

HDEddie1 · 04-16-2014, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paul223

Pic of installed m5 sway, notice link bolt pointing up.

Msport saw in hand, notice how much angle ends have, so when installed link bolt points down.

Been a couple weeks now...How has the M5 install holding up? Everything OK? No binding/clunking noises? Did you torque the nuts to a specific value or just hand tight as possible?
Thanks

paul223 · 04-17-2014, 07:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HDEddie1

Quote:

Originally Posted by paul223

Pic of installed m5 sway, notice link bolt pointing up.

Msport saw in hand, notice how much angle ends have, so when installed link bolt points down.

Been a couple weeks now...How has the M5 install holding up? Everything OK? No binding/clunking noises? Did you torque the nuts to a specific value or just hand tight as possible?
Thanks

M5 sway has been installed since oct 2013. Everything is good, or it seems. Just hand tightened every thing based on feel. When I make sharp turn (full steering to left or right) at low speed it feels slightly funny. I think because m5 sway allows smaller turning circle so one the front tire may have drag.

HDEddie1 · 04-26-2014, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paul223

M5 sway has been installed since oct 2013. Everything is good, or it seems. Just hand tightened every thing based on feel. When I make sharp turn (full steering to left or right) at low speed it feels slightly funny. I think because m5 sway allows smaller turning circle so one the front tire may have drag.

Agree...the turning feels a little different now that I have the bars installed. It feels a bit quicker at slower speeds and the tip-in I use to feel before the sway bars is now minimized. For me it feels better anyway.
Regarding the angle of the connection...my indie mechanic (former BMW master tech) noticed the angled and tight fit and agreed the set up is prestressed. But, he also said that I shouldn't expect any surprises, unless I go hard core racing, and even then, broken links are "cheap" to replace. Only time will tell. Thanks.

10-10-2013, 05:19 PM	#1
ppatel223 Banned 31 Rep 372 Posts Drives: F10 I3.0 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: AR iTrader: (0)	M5 sway bar installation problem I am trying to install M5 sway bar purchased from getbmwparts.com on 2013 m sport 535. Problem is the end holes are smaller than the bolt at link arm. I thought this was direct fit according to forum as well as getbmwparts.com. Do I need to buy set of link arms as well? Is it good idea to drill m5 sway bar end holes bigger to fit on current link arms? See pics. Attached Images
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10-11-2013, 12:53 PM	#2
ppatel223 Banned 31 Rep 372 Posts Drives: F10 I3.0 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: AR iTrader: (0)	Anyone?
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10-11-2013, 01:02 PM	#3
Alan l. Major General 5429 Rep 8,801 Posts Drives: 2020 F95 X5M Competition Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: United States iTrader: (9)	Strange....did you actually try to do the install? I watched my shop install it on my 2013 535xi and it was direct bolt on. Alan __________________
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10-20-2013, 09:14 PM	#4
ppatel223 Banned 31 Rep 372 Posts Drives: F10 I3.0 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: AR iTrader: (0)	I tried installing it, but it just does not fit right. For example, when tie the end links on tie rod, it facing in upward of 45 degrees, opposite of M Sport bar. I don't know if that is normal. Also, on M Sport bar, ends are bit angled inside vs straight up on M Bar. Can some post of pics on end links with tie rods.
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10-21-2013, 10:17 AM	#5
remmib General 1566 Rep 29,202 Posts Drives: 2013 F10 520d M-Sport Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Norway iTrader: (0)	This is very weird, since the M5 front sway bar seems to fit all F10's, from my 520d to 550i. __________________ F10 520d M-Sport Alpine White \| HRE P43SC 20x9+20x11 \| Michelin PSS 255/35+295/30 \| KW V3 Coilover \| M5 Front Sway Bar + M550d Rear Sway Bar \| 3DDesign Front Lip \| BMW M Performance CF Spoiler \| BMW M Performance Diffuser \| BMW M Performance Black Grills \| BMW M Performance Pedals \|
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02-26-2014, 02:01 AM	#7
yogi Ninjapotamus 26 Rep 320 Posts Drives: F10 & E90 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Bellevue iTrader: (9)	perhaps he got the wrong part?
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02-27-2014, 09:37 PM	#10
omer Captain 80 Rep 654 Posts Drives: M8 GC Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: United States iTrader: (1)	What would the sway bar do. Will it make big difference on handling?
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02-28-2014, 02:30 PM	#12
RKtect New Member 0 Rep 29 Posts Drives: 2014 BMW 550i M Sport Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	For those of you who have DIY installed both the front and rear sway bars, is it possible to do without lifting the car? Is putting the car on jack stands a must?
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03-10-2014, 12:34 PM	#13
mp411 Enlisted Member 5 Rep 39 Posts Drives: f10 Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: hawaii iTrader: (0)	bump
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03-31-2014, 08:26 PM	#14
paul223 Major 411 Rep 1,126 Posts Drives: F10 Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: arkansas iTrader: (0)	UPDATE: It does fit msport 2013. BUT here is some things to notice. When you are looking at OEM Msport bar, links on each end point downward. When you install M5 bar, links point up. I don't know if it bad a thing. Only time will tell. If you install on your own as I did, takes about 30-45min. Used ramps on front end only to raise up car.
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04-01-2014, 09:34 AM	#15
Alan l. Major General 5429 Rep 8,801 Posts Drives: 2020 F95 X5M Competition Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: United States iTrader: (9)	So were the mounting holes different size like you originally said? __________________
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04-01-2014, 01:19 PM	#16
paul223 Major 411 Rep 1,126 Posts Drives: F10 Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: arkansas iTrader: (0)	Holes are the same. Problem was I could not get the link bolt to loosen up, and just visually checking, oem sway bar holes looked bigger. But when I was installed m5 sway bar, links joint point upward. So if you take oem Msport sway bar and straighten up the ends, I think you can get stiffer joints & steering.
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04-03-2014, 02:34 PM	#18
paul223 Major 411 Rep 1,126 Posts Drives: F10 Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: arkansas iTrader: (0)	Pic of installed m5 sway, notice link bolt pointing up. Msport saw in hand, notice how much angle ends have, so when installed link bolt points down. Attached Images
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