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2010 2011 BMW 5 Series Forum F10 F10 Technical Topics Wheels / Tires / Suspension / Brakes M5 Sway bar to 550i?
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      07-22-2014, 10:45 PM   #287
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Much appreciate the informatin!
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      07-24-2014, 03:23 PM   #288
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i hear the 650 sway bar works also for the rears!
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      07-25-2014, 07:57 AM   #289
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Quote:
Originally Posted by badblack550xi View Post
i hear the 650 sway bar works also for the rears!
I believe that the M550d and 650i sway bars are exactly the same (as in same part number)
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      07-25-2014, 08:20 AM   #290
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Let me make a conclusion of the earlier investigations and discussions (the other members' pics are reused for speed and simplicity).

1. Front: 24mm (stock MSport) --> 26mm (M5)
M5 front sway bar: 31 35 2 284 460
Name:  caliper.jpg
Views: 3230
Size:  125.6 KB Name:  M vs MSport.jpg
Views: 5163
Size:  79.5 KB

2. Rear: 14mm (stock MSport) --> 16mm (M550d/F13)
M550dx/650ix rear sway bar: 33 55 6 791 932
Bushings, two: 33 55 6 788 630
Name:  M5 & 550d-F13.jpg
Views: 4827
Size:  109.7 KB

3. Competition option for the front seems to be too stiff
M5 Competition front sway bar: 31 35 7 850 119
M5 and M5CP are both 26mm on center area, side area is 30mm, competition front center area is much shorter than standard M5. Seems to be too stiff. Still standard M5 seems to be better balance to the rear M550d/F13.
Name:  CP vs M.jpg
Views: 3919
Size:  76.4 KB

4. No more upgrade options except 550d/F13 known for the rear
M5 rear sway bar doesn't fit the MSport.

Last edited by valbmw; 07-25-2014 at 08:45 AM..
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      07-25-2014, 10:20 AM   #291
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Valeriy it says on here that its 29mm
http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-F10-550...ion/ES2578125/
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      07-25-2014, 03:21 PM   #292
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Quote:
Originally Posted by badblack550xi View Post
Valeriy it says on here that its 29mm
http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-F10-550...ion/ES2578125/
They on ecstuning.com measured the M5 FSB side wings, they are 29-30mm. Center is thinner, it is 26 mm. I have the set of M5 and 550d/F13 in my garage, so I can fully confirm the measurements. Haven't install it so far, neither the Eibach Pro Kit, postponed probably till next season, you know why.

Please remember when doing a front or rear upgrade alone, you will rather get oversteering or understeering (hope it less on xDrive). Means, it is logically recommended to upgrade both front and rear.

BTW the H&R blue monster bar is 30 mm all around, no center narrowing. It does look like a crow-bar Rear is also stiffer, 20 mm (FedM got it from here: http://www.orange-tuning.de/shop/5se...-p-171822.html).

Last edited by valbmw; 08-19-2015 at 03:49 PM..
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      07-25-2014, 04:21 PM   #293
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Valery.BMW
Let me make a conclusion of the earlier investigations and discussions (the other members' pics are reused for speed and simplicity).

1. Front: 24mm (stock MSport) --> 26mm (M5)
M5 front sway bar: 31 35 2 284 460
Attachment 1065654 Attachment 1065656

2. Rear: 14mm (stock MSport) --> 16mm (M550d/F13)
M550dx/650ix rear sway bar: 33 55 6 791 932
Bushings, two: 33 55 6 788 630
Attachment 1065655

3. Competition option for the front seems to be too stiff
M5 Competition front sway bar: 31 35 7 850 119
M5 and M5CP are both 26mm on center area, side area is 30mm, competition front center area is much shorter than standard M5. Seems to be too stiff. Still standard M5 seems to be better balance to the rear M550d/F13.
Attachment 1065657

4. No more upgrade options except 550d/F13 known for the rear
M5 rear sway bar doesn't fit the MSport.
Who said the M5 CP sway bar is to stiff??? I haven't read anybody posting that in this thread?

I have it on my car and it transformed the handling!!! I have M550d rear sway bars and have not found any problems with this combination. It's not impacted the everyday comfort very much either.

I also know owners of M5's that have changed to the CP sway bar and says that it's the best handling mod they have done!
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      07-26-2014, 03:07 AM   #294
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Did mine last week; well got the car back last week. Have the M5 front and the 550d/650i rear sway bar on my 550i. Fits well; no issues and with Dinan shocks and software and a few other mods car really feels planted! Great upgrade that doesn't break the bank.
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      07-26-2014, 09:12 AM   #295
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Boss330 View Post
Who said the M5 CP sway bar is to stiff??? I haven't read anybody posting that in this thread?

I have it on my car and it transformed the handling!!! I have M550d rear sway bars and have not found any problems with this combination. It's not impacted the everyday comfort very much either.

I also know owners of M5's that have changed to the CP sway bar and says that it's the best handling mod they have done!
Please read first what I said: "Let me make a conclusion". Therefore if you ask who said, at least I did it. The post was made to put things together, for other members convenience.

Now let me explain why I think CP is too stiff. Assume BMW folks design things some smart way. Means, the stiffness of the front and rear sway bars have certain balance. M5 standard FSB is 25% heavier than the 550d one (31 35 6 798 565). M5 CP FSB goes further and it is 25% heavier than M5 standard one.

You put 550d RSB vs. M5 CP, therefore the assumption is: FSB upgraded two steps ahead, while the RSB is upgraded only one step, due to limitations of mechanical fit on rear. Right? I never meant you cannot have fun with your setup, this is up to you. Even more, I explained the H&R bar seems to be even stronger than the CP one.

Also I suggest to avoid direct comparisons with M5, in particular if we talk M5 parts put on 5-series at our own risk. Hope it helps

Quote:
Originally Posted by mdrobc13 View Post
Did mine last week; well got the car back last week. Have the M5 front and the 550d/650i rear sway bar on my 550i. Fits well; no issues and with Dinan shocks and software and a few other mods car really feels planted! Great upgrade that doesn't break the bank.
This upgrade is great, my only concern was the slightly different FSB wing angles of M5 compared to M Sport at the link bolt point. However the other members checked it with experienced BMW techs and assured it will never create any problem. Also the link bolt is actually a joint. Will do the upgrade myself at the earliest convenience.

Last edited by valbmw; 07-26-2014 at 09:25 AM..
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      07-26-2014, 12:56 PM   #296
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Valery.BMW
Quote:
Originally Posted by Boss330 View Post
Who said the M5 CP sway bar is to stiff??? I haven't read anybody posting that in this thread?

I have it on my car and it transformed the handling!!! I have M550d rear sway bars and have not found any problems with this combination. It's not impacted the everyday comfort very much either.

I also know owners of M5's that have changed to the CP sway bar and says that it's the best handling mod they have done!
Please read first what I said: "Let me make a conclusion". Therefore if you ask who said, at least I did it. The post was made to put things together, for other members convenience.

Now let me explain why I think CP is too stiff. Assume BMW folks design things some smart way. Means, the stiffness of the front and rear sway bars have certain balance. M5 standard FSB is 25% heavier than the 550d one (31 35 6 798 565). M5 CP FSB goes further and it is 25% heavier than M5 standard one.

You put 550d RSB vs. M5 CP, therefore the assumption is: FSB upgraded two steps ahead, while the RSB is upgraded only one step, due to limitations of mechanical fit on rear. Right? I never meant you cannot have fun with your setup, this is up to you. Even more, I explained the H&R bar seems to be even stronger than the CP one.

Also I suggest to avoid direct comparisons with M5, in particular if we talk M5 parts put on 5-series at our own risk. Hope it helps

Quote:
Originally Posted by mdrobc13 View Post
Did mine last week; well got the car back last week. Have the M5 front and the 550d/650i rear sway bar on my 550i. Fits well; no issues and with Dinan shocks and software and a few other mods car really feels planted! Great upgrade that doesn't break the bank.
This upgrade is great, my only concern was the slightly different FSB wing angles of M5 compared to M Sport at the link bolt point. However the other members checked it with experienced BMW techs and assured it will never create any problem. Also the link bolt is actually a joint. Will do the upgrade myself at the earliest convenience.
Problem is that with the M550d rswb you are below the stiffness of the M5 rswb anyway... What is it that makes the difference between the M5 fswb and M550d rswb acceptable, but not the difference between M5 CP fswb and M550d rswb?

Is it just your gut feeling? It works great on my car in the real world at least...
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      07-26-2014, 05:35 PM   #297
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I agree about the difference. The two options that are totally technically correct, are either buying a complete H&R set for the 5-series, or buying an M5 for a complete set of M5 CP bars All other options are sort of compromise solutions at owners' decision, each sway bar combination costs the owner $500-700 (depending on location), therefore people start thinking on group buy etc. Hence there are different gut feelings, too, no problems with it.
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      09-12-2014, 01:19 PM   #298
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+1 for the M5 bar/650i rear bar

Just got back from a "BMW driving event" where you get to autocross the new '14 models. What I drove was a 535i M Sport and while it was agile through the lanes, I couldn't wait to get back into my '12 550i with the M5 FSB/650i RSB. The F10 just handles much better (flatter) with the sway bar upgrade. I don't know why BMW just didn't do the right thing and equip all F10s with this bar combo....hmmm?
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      09-12-2014, 03:29 PM   #299
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I agree. Mine is so much better with the upgrade sb's
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      09-13-2014, 10:12 AM   #300
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HDEddie1 View Post
Just got back from a "BMW driving event" where you get to autocross the new '14 models. What I drove was a 535i M Sport and while it was agile through the lanes, I couldn't wait to get back into my '12 550i with the M5 FSB/650i RSB. The F10 just handles much better (flatter) with the sway bar upgrade. I don't know why BMW just didn't do the right thing and equip all F10s with this bar combo....hmmm?
If they do that with all the cars then they will not make money on parts.
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      09-13-2014, 10:17 AM   #301
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if any of you guys have not install the BMW M5 sway bars do not bother, H&R is out and cheaper too. 95% of our HK members have install it and loving it.
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      09-22-2014, 12:47 PM   #302
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Where are you folks buying these sway bars from? I am looking to buy the set (F & R) and definitely appreciate some direction. Thanks!
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      09-22-2014, 03:15 PM   #303
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 528imsport View Post
if any of you guys have not install the BMW M5 sway bars do not bother, H&R is out and cheaper too. 95% of our HK members have install it and loving it.
Did any of the 95% include a 2014 550i with 704 suspension? Any fitment issues?
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      09-22-2014, 08:24 PM   #304
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Where are you folks buying these sway bars from? I am looking to buy the set (F & R) and definitely appreciate some direction. Thanks!
I upgraded my 550i and love it! I have the 704 suspension. Hands down a good decision. I got mine from http://www.ecstuning.com/ES2702862/
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      09-27-2014, 07:59 PM   #305
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Got mine from getbmwparts.com. yes agree is was a great decision on the F10. Really helps tie down the car's suspension.
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      10-22-2014, 05:56 PM   #306
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Hi guys, thanks for the informative discussion and pictures. For those of you who have done the sway bar upgrades, did you have them done at a shop or did you do them yourselves? From the pictures, it seems reasonably straight forward and only removing and replacing a few bolts.

I have ramps, torque wrench, etc. at home and do oil changes, break pad, spark plug, battery etc. type of work myself, so no stranger to a DIY process. Was wondering if I could do this at home myself or better to have it done at a shop?
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      01-23-2015, 10:20 AM   #307
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so do we have an initial outcome on whats a better package yet? is it either...

1. front m5 and rear M550d/650i or.......

2. the h&r set up with 30mm fr and 20mm rear

maybe it boils down to the $$$$

heres a link to h&r and they are kinda high in $$
http://www.hrsprings.com/application...ts/4/1303/2011
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      01-25-2015, 07:21 AM   #308
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 843f10 View Post
so do we have an initial outcome on whats a better package yet? is it either...

1. front m5 and rear M550d/650i or.......

2. the h&r set up with 30mm fr and 20mm rear

maybe it boils down to the $$$$

heres a link to h&r and they are kinda high in $$
http://www.hrsprings.com/application...ts/4/1303/2011
Dont bother getting these, get the H&R much better
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