[23109VC]

I am going to pull the trigger on upgrading my sway bars. I know there are least one or two people here who have done it…I’m online looking at used sway bars… tons of them for sale on ebay…

I’m wondering if anyone knows if there is any major difference between the Base M5 bars and the competition bars? Is one thicker or are the mounts actually different? I recall someone on this forum - i thin it was Boosted…. Who said the BASE bars for sure fit but he was unsure about the competition bars.

From reading old posts off the prior generation 550i forums, there have been peopel who put aftermarket or upgraded bars onto their prior gen 5 series and said the handling was transformed…i’’m hoping to kill the body roll…and thinking that bars plus springs will do it.

Thx!!

[buddyboy]

im looking to do this upgrade too for my 540i, i think the fitment between the comp and non comp should be the same, i imagine the comp version is stiffer than the base M5 ones

[23109VC]

Originally Posted by buddyboy

im looking to do this upgrade too for my 540i, i think the fitment between the comp and non comp should be the same, i imagine the comp version is stiffer than the base M5 ones

I agree. Base M5 or Comp M5 bars should be same fitment. The comp bar is likely thicker/stiffer but I don’t know by how much.

I also believe this is supposed to be a pretty’s simple job…bolt right in basically… compared to a spring install that will take hours and hours and require part of your rear interior to be removed…. The sway bars would be cheaper install wise.

[G30 B58]

No alignment needed after install either.

[23109VC]

I read that using M5 bars in an m550… that the vibration dampener from the stock bar on an m550 no longer works - so it will be removed. Does that risk creating vibration issues for the M550?

[Sideways the Seven]

I've been curious about this swap. Other than sway bars, bushings, and endlinks what else do you need?

[Boosted_8]

Originally Posted by 23109VC

I read that using M5 bars in an m550… that the vibration dampener from the stock bar on an m550 no longer works - so it will be removed. Does that risk creating vibration issues for the M550?

This would only be a consideration if you are on the OEM run flats, as this is the frequency it would be tuned for.

[23109VC]

Originally Posted by Boosted_8

This would only be a consideration if you are on the OEM run flats, as this is the frequency it would be tuned for.

I do have OEM runflats….

Bummer

[Boosted_8]

Some real performance tyres should be change number one in my view. Modifying suspension components isn't going to yield the best results if you are still rolling on mid range run flats.

[buddyboy]

I found a m5 front sway bar and m5 comp rear sway bar on ebay. Ill let you know how the car feels after the install. Also some new lightweight wheels and UHP summer tyres on the way too. it will be interesting to see the difference they make

[23109VC]

If possible - do the bars first - see how it drives, then do the wheels / tires next- or vice versa.

Instead of all of it at one time - then you could at least report back on which modification had the biggest impact!

Good luck and looking forward to your next post!

[buddyboy]

Originally Posted by 23109VC

If possible - do the bars first - see how it drives, then do the wheels / tires next- or vice versa.

Instead of all of it at one time - then you could at least report back on which modification had the biggest impact!

Good luck and looking forward to your next post!

I have the front bar already, rear bar arriving soon, so ill do them first, wheels and tyres are delayed it seems, ill fit front one this weekend probably just to see how it affects handling by itself and then add the rear.

Im a fan of incremental updates so you can actually feel(or not) the difference in the changes

[G30M]

Originally Posted by 23109VC

I am going to pull the trigger on upgrading my sway bars. I know there are least one or two people here who have done it…I’m online looking at used sway bars… tons of them for sale on ebay…

I’m wondering if anyone knows if there is any major difference between the Base M5 bars and the competition bars? Is one thicker or are the mounts actually different? I recall someone on this forum - i thin it was Boosted…. Who said the BASE bars for sure fit but he was unsure about the competition bars.

From reading old posts off the prior generation 550i forums, there have been peopel who put aftermarket or upgraded bars onto their prior gen 5 series and said the handling was transformed…i’’m hoping to kill the body roll…and thinking that bars plus springs will do it.

Thx!!

i think you would start with springs first, then sway bars?

[23109VC]

Did you ever put the sway bars on? Anxious to hear how it changed the handling and/or ride!