Sway/Anti-Roll Bars for the Z4MC?

[sixspeed]

Hi guys,

Was looking at upgrading the ARBs on the Coupe. I had a quick look through H&R's catalogue but couldn't find a specific fitment for the Z4M? There is one listed for all Z4s from 2003-on, but nothing specific to the M? Is this likely correct?

Anyone fitted uprated ARBs to an M and know the fitment or someone that makes a kit specific to the Z4M? Can we even use E46/CSL fitments?

Ta!

[Dammmittt]

Did you check part numbers on realoem? I think palantirion was looking at swapping out stock ARBs for E46 M3 aftermarket, but I'm not sure if they needed some extra modifications.

[sixspeed]

Good thinking...

Just checked - the part numbers are different on realoem, however the exploded images look identical (only just checked fronts so far) I don't know how much the drawings can be relied upon?

I think the difference in part may just be down to the size of the bars - on the E46 M3, they're 26mm for the front for example, and 27mm on the Z4MC. The link and mounting fixings are the same parts on both...

M3

Z4MC

Maybe I'll see if I can get an M3 kit ordered up from somewhere on the condition they can be returned if they don't fit up...

[Dammmittt]

Originally Posted by sixspeed

Good thinking...

Just checked - the part numbers are different on realoem, however the exploded images look identical (only just checked fronts so far) I don't know how much the drawings can be relied upon?

I think the difference in part may just be down to the size of the bars - on the E46 M3, they're 26mm for the front for example, and 27mm on the Z4MC. The link and mounting fixings are the same parts on both...

M3

Z4MC

Maybe I'll see if I can get an M3 kit ordered up from somewhere on the condition they can be returned if they don't fit up...

Yeah I dunno either...try sending Palantirion a PM on b'fest. If he doesn't know chris at BMS might.

[pbdm4k]

Have you tried Hotchkis? I believe they have the thickest bars on the market.

At least for the non M.

[mPlasticDesign]

Originally Posted by sixspeed

Hi guys,

Was looking at upgrading the ARBs on the Coupe. I had a quick look through H&R's catalogue but couldn't find a specific fitment for the Z4M? There is one listed for all Z4s from 2003-on, but nothing specific to the M? Is this likely correct?

Anyone fitted uprated ARBs to an M and know the fitment or someone that makes a kit specific to the Z4M? Can we even use E46/CSL fitments?

Ta!

I went on to BMP. Searched for Mcoupe...nothing. Then searched Mroadster and found this.

http://www.bmpdesign.com/category-exec/category_id/55

I dunno, but seems that they should be the same?

[mPlasticDesign]

Originally Posted by ///Metak

I went on to BMP. Searched for Mcoupe...nothing. Then searched Mroadster and found this.

http://www.bmpdesign.com/category-exec/category_id/55

I dunno, but seems that they should be the same?

Sorry my link no worky!

[mPlasticDesign]

.....any luck on that part???

[sixspeed]

Not tried BMP, but it doesn't look right to me. The widths/thicknesses they quote are the same as our standard. Also, H&R's website in Germany doesn't quote any bars for the Z4MR/C...

[mPlasticDesign]

Originally Posted by sixspeed

Not tried BMP, but it doesn't look right to me. The widths/thicknesses they quote are the same as our standard. Also, H&R's website in Germany doesn't quote any bars for the Z4MR/C...

Give us an update when you find out.

[Mikli]

I'm interested in this upgrade too!!

[Zeddy4Me]

any luck anyone??

[pbdm4k]

H&R sways are for non M's and their thickness is the same as the M bars.
The only thicker bars on the market are Hotchkis, but again, for non M cars. (However these bars are thicker than M bars).

Good chance these will fit in the front, but the rear is a toss up with the M diff out back.

http://www.hotchkis.net/c-808-z4-2003.aspx

Sport Sway Bars
The BMW Z4 is a unique vehicle and loads of fun to drive. Hotchkis Sport developed a Sport Sway Bar Set which enhances the enjoyment of an already great handler. We concentrated specifically on dialing-out under steer, especially through the mid-corner point of slow to medium speed corners. After testing many different wall thicknesses of our tubular sway bars, we decided on a set that is perfectly matched to offer a more aggressive feel through the corners with much improved front and rear bite. Our three position, 29mm tubular front bar along with the two position, 24mm rear offer a wide adjustability range to yield everything from slight under steer to a mild rotation without snap over steer. The set includes the front and rear tubular bars, polyurethane bushings, and front and rear bushing brackets with 90-degree zerk fittings.
Specifications
Front 28.5mm Tubular 3 Position Adjustable
Stiffness: +19%,+38%+61% (Compared to stock Z4 Sport)
Rear 24mm Tubular 2 Position Adjustable
Stiffness +59%, +86% (Compared to stock Z4 Sport with 24mm front and 19mm rear)

Item usually ships in 7-10 days.

SKU : 22817
Price: $448.95

[vachss]

For non-M drivers:

I've done a fair bit of looking into sways for the Z4 over the past month and found that up front the M and non-M bars are pretty much interchangeable (Chris at BMS claims that some slight modding might be required). In back, however, things are totally different. The non-M rear bars have (and require) a bend in the middle to clear the differential while the center section of the M rear bar is straight or nearly so. In other words, while the end links will fit it looks like M rear bars will not fit on a non-M Z4 due to the diff clearance issue. I don't know if the reverse is true, but I'd be fairly dubious as the center section shape is quite different.

Initially I was going to try to adapt a set of M bars to my non-M coupe, but after realizing the fitment problems opted to just go the easy route with aftermarket H&R bars. Since this is a daily driver (with the non-Sport suspension) I opted not to use the more aggressive Hotchkis bars.

My main question now is whether the rear sway bar mount tabs need to be reinforced in the Z4 as they apparently do in the Z3 to avoid fatigue and eventual failure. I have a few weeks to find out. I've chosen to install the bars one at a time and will throw the front bar on this weekend. After driving around like this for a little while and seeing how objectionable the understeer is I'll likely put on the H&R rear (or perhaps the 19mm rear from a Sport pack Z4) next month.

[toymerc]

I have got Ground Control front and rear bars on my Z4M, bought them from Chris at BMS. I think he had to modify the front end links so they are shorter, other then that they are the same bars from an E46 M3 I think.

There is a small modification needed on the front chasis rails to get the fronts installed. The rears just bolt right in, there is five adjustment holes in the rear bar but you can only really use the middle three adjustment holes.

The hemisperical joints make a tiny bit of noise but once lubed it goes away but that it to be expected because it is a solid joint unlike the factory ones. I had the rears in the middle at my last track day last year and I find the inside wheel lifting a little to much for my liking, now it is adjusted one softer, have to wait and see if this is any better.

[Palantirion]

Dinan has ARBs for the Non-M Z4s. Probably a very good choice.

toymerc, what did you lube your joints with?