I've had my Alta 19mm sway bar sitting in the box in my garage for 6 months and finally had my local mechanic install it for me.
WOW! what a difference. I can't believe i didn't do this sooner. The mini handles better than any car i have ever owned, including every generation 3 series, porsche 928's, etc.. hands down. For anyone on the fence about spending the $160 or so, I say do it. You won't regret it. Now to remember to keep the old bar around to reinstall when my lease is up.
Enjoy!

 

question -- did you have to re-align after install? push much on the rear frame?

 

I had one put in a few months ago. It is not necessary to do an alignment after doing only the rear sway bar.

If you are doing shocks/springs/coilovers you take it for a ride to determine if the car needs to be re-aligned. Usually you do get it aligned after.

 

no realignment required. I'm not sure if it's pushing that much on the rear frame.

 

not sure what generation 3 series you drove, but if you ever drove an e30 M3, I can assure you that the MINI does not handle better. With both cars modified, the e30 M3 still handles better. Then again, it's RWD vs FWD so there are some dynamics involved and what you like. Good to hear you are happy though....I have done the Hotchkis rear bar and it made a little bit of a difference.