2010 2011 BMW 5 Series Forum F10
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
 

2010 2011 BMW 5 Series Forum F10 F10 Technical Topics Wheels / Tires / Suspension / Brakes REVIEW: H&R Front & Rear Sway bars for BMW F10 535i 2016
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      11-06-2016, 02:18 AM   #1
Takumi587
///M3 Enthusiast
Takumi587's Avatar
United_States
397
Rep
993
Posts

Drives: 05' M3 and 21' Tesla Model 3
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Pasadena

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
Cool REVIEW: H&R Front & Rear Sway bars for BMW F10 535i 2016

Vehicle: 2016 BMW 535i F10 (M-Suspension)
Parts: H&R Sway Bars for F10 (HR 71470 & HR 70470)
Installation Time:1hr & 30 Minutes (Performed by European Auto Source)
Overall Satisfaction:10/10

Overall Review

Handling
The handling, feel and overall feedback of the car is 100 times better now. The sway bars have added such a significant difference in the stability and handling that I can't recommend enough to get it done. On the highway the car feels much more planted when switching lanes and you just feel much more control on curved ramps. Making turns on side streets even feel better too. The car feels like it is on rails and I am on the stock good years and M-sport suspension. I can't stress enough how much of a joy this has added to the driving experience.

Ride Quailty
Ride Quality feels smoother to me especially going over any bumps. The car manages bumps or defects on the road much better. There is a bump on the highway I always pass and after going over it with the new sway bars there was no jarring like before. I was worried at first it would make the car more stiff and become a harsh ride but not at all. My wife even noticed the difference and said she felt it was smoother than before (sigh of relief I tell you).

Product Quality
Lifetime warranty and the installer said it was not difficult at all to remove and replace the stock bars. The only issue he had was that he had to make a small cut on one of the plastic cover panels at the front near the curved part of the sway bar. The fitment definitely looks more flush than the M5 sway bar.

Final Thoughts
I highly recommend getting it done if you have an F10 whether it be a 528i, 535i or 550i. Car feels much better in every way and I can't stress enough that this has brought a bigger smile on my face while driving. The pictures show the size of the stock sway bars to the H&Rs. European Auto Source had their own photographer take pictures as well so they should be posting up a thread here or on their website sometime soon.

If you have any questions then feel free to ask away!

PICTURES

Stock Rear Sway Bar


H&R Rear Sway Bar Installed





Stock Front Sway Bar


H&R Front Sway Bar Installed




H&R Front Sway Bar Installed (CUT PLASTIC PART SEEN HERE)


My 535i up on the lift ^_^
__________________
2022 Tesla Model S Plaid OR M3 6-MT
2021 Tesla Model 3 Wife's
2005 BMW M3 Kept Safely Away

Last edited by Takumi587; 11-06-2016 at 03:04 AM..
Appreciate 3
gabypr150.00
EV8634.00
      11-06-2016, 12:07 PM   #2
Jayphil
Private First Class
Jayphil's Avatar
63
Rep
176
Posts

Drives: 535I xdrive 2011 (M-SPORT)
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Canada

iTrader: (0)

Thanks for the great review! Can't wait to have mine installed now.
__________________
BMW 535I xdrive 2011 M-Sport with H&R Springs, Niche Form Wheels 8.5 ET35 / 10.5 ET35, Continental DSW06 245/35 & 285/30, JB4 Map 5, ER Downpipe, Megan Racing Quad Exhaust with Vibrant resonators, M5 Diffuser, Orange reflector shaved and removed xdrive badge.
Appreciate 0
      11-06-2016, 01:10 PM   #3
gabypr
First Lieutenant
gabypr's Avatar
Puerto Rico
150
Rep
398
Posts

Drives: Jet Black 2015 F10 535i
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Puerto Rico

iTrader: (4)

Garage List
Thanks for the information! Its good to know about mods that can improve stability and handling which always is important.

Where you get these sway bars?
__________________

CQuartz UK 3 Ceramic Coating | GeoShield Pronano 50% Ceramic Window Film | M5 M Perf Steering Wheel | M6 Comp Pkg Mufflers | M Perf Floor Mats | CF Spoiler | RW CF Quad Setup Diffuser | RW CF Front Lip | CF Trim | BMW Interior Leds | M5 343 Wheels | Pure Stg 2 Turbo
Appreciate 0
      11-07-2016, 03:57 PM   #4
AMT92
Lieutenant Colonel
AMT92's Avatar
Iran
390
Rep
1,890
Posts

Drives: F85 X5M
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Los Angeles

iTrader: (4)

Did you happen to get it from here?

http://www.tunershop.com/H_R_Sway_Ba...086489_h4.html
Appreciate 0
      11-07-2016, 04:18 PM   #5
Takumi587
///M3 Enthusiast
Takumi587's Avatar
United_States
397
Rep
993
Posts

Drives: 05' M3 and 21' Tesla Model 3
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Pasadena

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by gabypr View Post
Thanks for the information! Its good to know about mods that can improve stability and handling which always is important.

Where you get these sway bars?
Quote:
Originally Posted by AMTF10 View Post
Did you happen to get it from here?

http://www.tunershop.com/H_R_Sway_Ba...086489_h4.html
I did not purchase them from Tunershop.com. I purchased them from European Auto Source which is located here in Southern California. It is not listed on their website so you have to call them directly. I purchase the parts and had them installed by EAS.

I believe there is another thread regarding the purchase of the sway bars from Tunershop. I would request from OP to post pictures of the ones he received and compare them. Should be hyper blue like the way mine came.

In any event, here is EAS website: https://europeanautosource.com

I paid $299 for Rear Sway bar & $395 for Front Sway bar. Installation (labor) was $250.
__________________
2022 Tesla Model S Plaid OR M3 6-MT
2021 Tesla Model 3 Wife's
2005 BMW M3 Kept Safely Away
Appreciate 0
      11-11-2016, 06:35 AM   #6
lsturbointeg
Lieutenant General
lsturbointeg's Avatar
United_States
9149
Rep
14,522
Posts

Drives: 2011 535i Jet Black
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Asian lost in OH

iTrader: (0)

Thanks for the review!
__________________
~F90Conversion~21"3Piece Forged AvantGardeWheels~KWV1Coilovers~CQUENCE slotted/drilled rotors~GoodridgeStainlesslines~MeisterschaftQuadEx haust~Akrapovic 4"tips~VRSF DP~VRSF CP~TurboSmart BOV~K&N filter~CarbonFiberExteriorComponents~GladenAlphaCo mponents~MatchUp7BMW~Punch P300-12T~
Follow me on Instagram: lsturbointeg
Appreciate 0
      11-13-2016, 01:12 AM   #7
initialM
Private First Class
initialM's Avatar
United_States
26
Rep
150
Posts

Drives: F10 535i M-sport
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: SoCal

iTrader: (0)

Fantastic review! Thanks for sharing.
Appreciate 0
      11-13-2016, 10:42 AM   #8
initialM
Private First Class
initialM's Avatar
United_States
26
Rep
150
Posts

Drives: F10 535i M-sport
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: SoCal

iTrader: (0)

By the way, what were the OEM torque specs?
Appreciate 0
      11-18-2016, 07:08 PM   #9
paul223
Major
United_States
410
Rep
1,124
Posts

Drives: F10
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: arkansas

iTrader: (0)

So I just installed the front today, pretty easy. I did not have to cut outer edge plastic, because it fitted perfectly. I tighten the bolts at around 100lbs torque. I will do rear tomorrow.
Appreciate 0
      11-19-2016, 11:00 PM   #10
paul223
Major
United_States
410
Rep
1,124
Posts

Drives: F10
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: arkansas

iTrader: (0)

I hope it is okay to post rear diy here. You don't have to drop anything. Remove 3 rubber hangers from exhaust on each side. This will give enough room to slide out OEM sway bar.
Attached Images
      
Appreciate 2
      11-20-2016, 12:28 AM   #11
Takumi587
///M3 Enthusiast
Takumi587's Avatar
United_States
397
Rep
993
Posts

Drives: 05' M3 and 21' Tesla Model 3
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Pasadena

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by paul223 View Post
I hope it is okay to post rear diy here. You don't have to drop anything. Remove 3 rubber hangers from exhaust on each side. This will give enough room to slide out OEM sway bar.
Awesome! Yea no problem posting the DIY because I am sure people want that info as well in here.

What are your impressions so far of the sway bars? I am about 1K miles so far with them and love it still. I definitely feel more confident on curves and turn ins.
__________________
2022 Tesla Model S Plaid OR M3 6-MT
2021 Tesla Model 3 Wife's
2005 BMW M3 Kept Safely Away
Appreciate 0
      11-20-2016, 09:15 AM   #12
paul223
Major
United_States
410
Rep
1,124
Posts

Drives: F10
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: arkansas

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Takumi587 View Post
Awesome! Yea no problem posting the DIY because I am sure people want that info as well in here.

What are your impressions so far of the sway bars? I am about 1K miles so far with them and love it still. I definitely feel more confident on curves and turn ins.
5 series without M Sport is worthless in suspension department. My car has standard suspension. I was always scared doing sudden lane change at 80mph. With new sways installed, it has made an amazing difference in body roll. It is virtually flat in cornering and during lane change. Steering response is improved like 50%, turning circle is quicker and shorter, feel more through steering wheel, you can feel more road surface through car. If you are spirited driver, do the upgrade.
Appreciate 2
      11-21-2016, 12:47 AM   #13
lsturbointeg
Lieutenant General
lsturbointeg's Avatar
United_States
9149
Rep
14,522
Posts

Drives: 2011 535i Jet Black
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Asian lost in OH

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by paul223 View Post
I hope it is okay to post rear diy here. You don't have to drop anything. Remove 3 rubber hangers from exhaust on each side. This will give enough room to slide out OEM sway bar.
SAVED! thanks for this!
__________________
~F90Conversion~21"3Piece Forged AvantGardeWheels~KWV1Coilovers~CQUENCE slotted/drilled rotors~GoodridgeStainlesslines~MeisterschaftQuadEx haust~Akrapovic 4"tips~VRSF DP~VRSF CP~TurboSmart BOV~K&N filter~CarbonFiberExteriorComponents~GladenAlphaCo mponents~MatchUp7BMW~Punch P300-12T~
Follow me on Instagram: lsturbointeg
Appreciate 0
      11-21-2016, 03:43 PM   #14
paul223
Major
United_States
410
Rep
1,124
Posts

Drives: F10
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: arkansas

iTrader: (0)

Update on H&R sways - I took four hour trip with these new sway installed. The ride comfort is little uncomfortable at high speed. Car bounces lot more from road surface imperfections. Below 50 mph ride comfort is close to stock. On my older 535i M sport I had done M5 and 650 sway bars upgrade which I drove about 15k miles. That upgrade was much more comfortable. M5 & 650 sways cost little more than H&R. Personally I like M5 & 659 sways upgrade better.
Appreciate 2
      11-21-2016, 03:58 PM   #15
AMT92
Lieutenant Colonel
AMT92's Avatar
Iran
390
Rep
1,890
Posts

Drives: F85 X5M
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Los Angeles

iTrader: (4)

Quote:
Originally Posted by paul223 View Post
Update on H&R sways - I took four hour trip with these new sway installed. The ride comfort is little uncomfortable at high speed. Car bounces lot more from road surface imperfections. Below 50 mph ride comfort is close to stock. On my older 535i M sport I had done M5 and 650 sway bars upgrade which I drove about 15k miles. That upgrade was much more comfortable. M5 & 650 sways cost little more than H&R. Personally I like M5 & 659 sways upgrade better.
Are you lowered? Any altered suspension? Different rims/tires?
Appreciate 0
      11-21-2016, 06:18 PM   #16
paul223
Major
United_States
410
Rep
1,124
Posts

Drives: F10
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: arkansas

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by AMTF10 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by paul223 View Post
Update on H&R sways - I took four hour trip with these new sway installed. The ride comfort is little uncomfortable at high speed. Car bounces lot more from road surface imperfections. Below 50 mph ride comfort is close to stock. On my older 535i M sport I had done M5 and 650 sway bars upgrade which I drove about 15k miles. That upgrade was much more comfortable. M5 & 650 sways cost little more than H&R. Personally I like M5 & 659 sways upgrade better.
Are you lowered? Any altered suspension? Different rims/tires?
Everything stock except for swaybars. My car has 18" wheels. I have Eiback pro kit I want to install so I am debating if I want to keep current setup or install Eiback pro kit with M5 & 650 sway bars.
Appreciate 0
      11-21-2016, 10:17 PM   #17
lsturbointeg
Lieutenant General
lsturbointeg's Avatar
United_States
9149
Rep
14,522
Posts

Drives: 2011 535i Jet Black
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Asian lost in OH

iTrader: (0)

Well that's not good to hear about the comfort driving being a bit tight?
__________________
~F90Conversion~21"3Piece Forged AvantGardeWheels~KWV1Coilovers~CQUENCE slotted/drilled rotors~GoodridgeStainlesslines~MeisterschaftQuadEx haust~Akrapovic 4"tips~VRSF DP~VRSF CP~TurboSmart BOV~K&N filter~CarbonFiberExteriorComponents~GladenAlphaCo mponents~MatchUp7BMW~Punch P300-12T~
Follow me on Instagram: lsturbointeg
Appreciate 0
      03-22-2017, 06:03 PM   #18
Jayphil
Private First Class
Jayphil's Avatar
63
Rep
176
Posts

Drives: 535I xdrive 2011 (M-SPORT)
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Canada

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by paul223 View Post
Everything stock except for swaybars. My car has 18" wheels. I have Eiback pro kit I want to install so I am debating if I want to keep current setup or install Eiback pro kit with M5 & 650 sway bars.
Paul or the OP, any long term review about the H&R bars? I have my appointment next monday to get mine installed. I hope that the highway ride will not get too much affected like you said...

I am on 20" wheels non runflat with H&R Springs.
__________________
BMW 535I xdrive 2011 M-Sport with H&R Springs, Niche Form Wheels 8.5 ET35 / 10.5 ET35, Continental DSW06 245/35 & 285/30, JB4 Map 5, ER Downpipe, Megan Racing Quad Exhaust with Vibrant resonators, M5 Diffuser, Orange reflector shaved and removed xdrive badge.
Appreciate 0
      03-23-2017, 01:19 PM   #19
paul223
Major
United_States
410
Rep
1,124
Posts

Drives: F10
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: arkansas

iTrader: (0)

I installed 20" dinan wheels, ride is smoother with non run flats. Handle has improved. I am used to H&R sways now, so no negative comments or drawbacks. Stability improves about 10x with thicker sways.
Appreciate 0
      04-10-2017, 09:27 PM   #20
MasterF10
Registered
0
Rep
3
Posts

Drives: 535i 6 Speed
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: New York

iTrader: (0)

Hi paul do you still think the M5 front sway and 650 rear sway combo is better? i just picked up a 2013 535i base model with 6 speed and also agree with you at 80 mph sudden lane change make me feel very uneasy and vague steering. Should i go with H&R sways? other than that all is stock, i just want more flatter steering and control without sacrificing ride comfort.
Appreciate 0
      04-11-2017, 07:04 AM   #21
paul223
Major
United_States
410
Rep
1,124
Posts

Drives: F10
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: arkansas

iTrader: (0)

I recommend H&R bars, better and cheaper than M5
Appreciate 0
      04-12-2017, 09:40 AM   #22
MasterF10
Registered
0
Rep
3
Posts

Drives: 535i 6 Speed
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: New York

iTrader: (0)

Hi Paul thank you for the confirmation I have placed my order for $504 shipped direct from germany front and rear set. will report back once its installed.
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:09 AM.




5post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST