I having a hard deciding which sway bar to buy for my CM. I like the VIP 23mm for $249 w/free shipping, but they are about 4 weeks out. I like the price of the WMW 22mm for $235 w/shipping. The other choice is NM 22mm for $350 w/shipping.
Is the VIP Chromoly bar worth the wait? Is the NM bar the extra money $100? Or should I just go from WMW bar and saving a few bucks for another upgrade?

 

Yes I want to know as well!

How does the 23mm compare to 22mm? Are there adjustable stiffness holes on the vip ones?

 

Yes, the VIP bar has 3 holes.

 

NM 22 mm 2 hole adjustable.

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/NM.258860/

 

Don't overthink it too much. No matter what, it's a piece of metal with some holes drilled into the ends and regardless of size or stiffness, it'll be an improvement on the handling. I've got a 19mm Hotchkiss from Way set in the middle and it's fantastic; totally neutralizes the steering and handles super-flat.

 

NM bar here set to stiff.

Definitely flattens the car, well worth it.

 

Went with the VIP set to their recommended setting and the handling change was very noticable. Wish I had done this upgrade a while ago.

 

Way bar set to stiff...handles totally different

 

We made our WMW 22mm bar to be ideal. The reason we don't have 3 adjustments is because you couldn't use the stiffest setting with 3, the bar will hit the trailing arm.
Both our bar and the NM bar are solid 22mm bars. The difference comes in our mounting brackets as they use a large aluminum machined bracket which is harder to install and expensive to make. We use a smaller steal bracket just like we've used on all the 19mm and 22mm bars we sell for all the other MINIs. This makes the bracket stronger and smaller so it's easier to install. No need to spend the extra $100.

FYI we have a couple scratched bars that came back from MOTD we will be discounting $20. Just the powder coat got some scratches from traveling to and from the MOTD event.

 

Have the WMW bar on the stiffest setting on my All4 S. No understeer, much flatter in cornering, and more fun in general.

No regrets--I'm totally happy with it.

 

Just picked up my car with the NM 22mm installed. TOTALLY different. Very happy

 

After learning the difference between Chromoly and steel I have decided to wait for the VIP Chromoly RWB. Thanks for all the input every one.

 

Can I ask what a sway bar is? What happens when I upgrade. Does it make the stearung more stiff and sporty.

 

Just flatter in the rear end/ stiffer .

 

Sway bars are also called anti roll bars. It helps keep the body of your car flat when going around corners. Gravity makes the body of your car roll to the outside of corners. Anti roll/sway bars help to counter act this.

 

While on the subject, does anyone know what the stock front and rear bar sizes are? What about with sport suspension?

 

Humble question:
So a cooler sway bar let's me take a corner faster in theory?

Are we driving our countryman's like the smaller minis? Are our countryman's capable of driving like the smaller minis?

 

I thought...It goes without saying that, Cooler is always better and faster.

Only the All4 CM has all wheel drive. So the real question is, are the small minis capable of driving like the All4 CM?

 

You'll only find out when you can catch up to me!

 

We had some Countryman models out on multiple track days and they did pretty well, they do tend to have more rotation in the corners , but sway bars and PF bushings fixed that. On top of suspension upgrades.

 

Damm it...now I have to chase down every Silver R56 I see. Until I catch you.

 

What suspension upgrades are we talking? Shocks? Struts? Coilovers?

Mine still rolls a bit in the corners but the All4 is amazing under pressure...

 

what are pf bushings and what do they do?

 

Tighten up the suspension in the rear, better feedback , and replace once and your done.

If you have the stock Sway bars , you can do the bushings.

http://www.ecstuning.com/Mini-2011-Cooper_Countryman-R60-S_ALL4-Hatchback-L4_1.6L_N18B16A/Search/SiteSearch/Powerflex/

 

I just put in the NM sway bar and have to say it was a awesome upgrade. Much less body roll in the corners and it makes the handling more neutral (less under steer) so the car REALLY feels like it wants to carve though the corners. So yes, I'm taking corners faster