M3 suspension on a non-M car

hawgripper · 02-29-2012, 07:33 AM

Ok, so I have a deal on some Bilstein sports front and rear M3 setup.

Would it make sense to swap out my stock swaybar links for the M3's seeing as I have the sport susp with the largest swaybar already and the front M3 struts already have the mount.

Any disavantages or disadvantages to this?

bmwm5lover · 02-29-2012, 02:35 PM

As long as you can confirm that the front sway bar is thicker then do it. From what i've read and from personal experience with running a thicker sway bar on the rear of a Subaru, the difference is noticeable.

EDIT: Are we talking about the sway bars or the links? Im a bit :S.

In any case, they seem to be different part #'s.
31351091764 Non M
31352227203 M3

The Non M3 one seems to be 24mm vs the 23mm for the M3.
http://realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?...67&hg=31&fg=10

http://realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?...67&hg=31&fg=10

hawgripper · 02-29-2012, 02:43 PM

[

EDIT: Are we talking about the sway bars or the links? Im a bit :S.

In any case, they seem to be different part #'s.
31351091764 Non M
31352227203 M3

The Non M3 one seems to be 24mm vs the 23mm for the M3.
http://realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?...67&hg=31&fg=10

http://realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?...67&hg=31&fg=10[/quote]

We are talking about the links, The sway bar on the M3 is 23mm but the sway bar on the 328is with the sport package is 25mm from everything I have read. I am just not sure whether the thicker bar might create problems with the M3 attachment to the strut rather than the control arm.

**T.Dot_E30** · 02-29-2012, 05:17 PM

Won't be a problem you can run the M3 link with the non-m bar.

hawgripper · 02-29-2012, 08:35 PM

thanks, I figured you could but it doesn't hurt to check.

bmwm5lover · 03-01-2012, 06:54 PM

Well there you go.

kenmar · 03-01-2012, 08:41 PM

If you do this, you should downsize your front bar to the OE M3 front bar, otherwise you will get understeer. 23mm for the OE M3 front bar vs your 25mm. I think BMW went with the different end links to save on front bar weight (it's pretty heavy). You probably won't notice the added understeer if you don't track your car.

Alternatively, you can up your rear bar size. I think the largest rear OE bar is 20mm from the M3. If you get an aftermarket rear bar, you get the benefit of adjustability so that you can tune your handling. I have an H&R rear bar which I highly recommend because their bushings are teflon impregnated for squeak free operation. Otherwise, you end up lubing poly bushings once a year.

hawgripper · 03-22-2012, 04:56 PM

Change of plans. I just ordered a vogtland junior cup kit that I have been looking at. Can't beat the price of $487 shipped. I haven't found a lot of reviews on them but they look decent and any reviews have been positive.

The drop is 1.6" F and 1.0" rear. probably close to the sport susp I already have but atleast not shot...

We keep everyone updated on the ride if anyone is in the market.