E39 Rear Sway Bar Upgrade?

[GTMAN]

Hello All,

I have read a few links already on sway bar mods that people have done on e39 540s but I was wondering if anyone has specifically done just the M5 rear stabilizer bar upgrade only. I know people have done the Eibach 28/18mm f/r and Dinan 27/17(adjustable)mm swaybar upgrades and it seems the car corners much flatter - some claim ~85% flatter. I have a 01'5406MT with M-Technic suspension wish comes with 25/15mm f/r swaybars, so I am considering either spending ~$140 for the rear M5 bar which I can install myself, or spend 1200 with Dinan installed by the dealer. The bulk of the cost is in the install of the front bar. Does anyone know how, or can anyone feel the difference just doing the 16.5mm M5 rear swaybar make - enough to make a 10x difference to justify the price??

Thanks in advance.
GT_MAN

[mholbrook]

I have had a 530 with M5 25mm front and M5 18mm rear which was quite nice. I had M5 wheels with 235/45/17's all around on that car. Handling was much improved and no complaints.

Present car is 535 with M5 25mm front and M5T Nurb 20mm rear bar. The larger rear bar makes my car very neutral. Especially since I am now running staggered wheels 235/45/17 front on 8" style 32 and 255/40/17 rear on 9" style 32 BMW wheels. My suspension is Koni front shocks with Sachs kit otherwise.

The rear bar can be bought at a very reasonable price through BMA (www.bmaparts.com) and they drop ship from Germany to you. Install can be done without loosening the exhaust. Fish the old bar out and new one in without the end links. Spray end links with silicone and rubber hammer them onto the ends after the bar is in place.

Regards,

Mike Holbrook
Spring Valley, CA

[silverlea]

We fitted M5 front and rear bars a couple of weeks ago.It did make a huge difference.You will find your car sits very flat running hard through corners.
Front bar a little tricky to fit,and 5 hours latter had it in.Rear bar is simple to do.
You will find the genuine M5 bars cheaper than those other ones you looked at.

Chers.
Silverlea.

[GTMAN]

I think I'm going to go ahead with the M5 rear bar. If I like the improvement, I'll consider the front. Thanks for your inputs.