Just had my wheels replaced on my F55, asked to have a look at the rear sway bar mounts while the wheels where off. Was going ot replace the bar with a new 22mil solid bar that I just got.

After looking and talking to the shop guys, they said that the rear sub frame would have to be dropped to gain access to the forward mount bolts of the bar. I took a look and saw the issue, but I can't see that being right.

Is this the care for the rear away bar, or is there some sort of trick for getting at the forward bolt? Of, does the mount swing out to allow the bar to be removed without loosing that bolt?

And last, what is the special tool/socket that's needed for the links? Probably need to order; looks like something my old GTI used.

 

Here is the DIY with the NM engineering F56 ( same as F55) rear sway bar.

http://www.nm-eng.com/media/attachme..._NM.258846.pdf

 

Ug, looks like the subframe will have to be dropped. Debating if its worth it for a 24 month leased car, especially since i'm going to have to do this again at the end :-(

Shop also said once the subframe is unbolted, and alignment is in order. Thoughts?

 

You might just need to have it put on the rack to ensure the alignment, I say have them put it on the rack and see if its in alignment already. Then install, then check again. It might not be off. Its one of the best upgrades for handling in a MINI. Its a lease so you would have to take it back to stock. Or if you buy it in the end it might be worth it.

 

Just installed the NM rear bar. Instructions are excellent. Everything fit like OEM ... mechanic was really impressed. No need for alignment because nothing disturbs the existing settings. It was a very straightforward installation ... took about two hours.

 

I did one on my F56 not too long ago. I left some notes over here: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...pgrade.html#21

It was pretty much as the documentation suggests otherwise.

--Matt

 

Do you think the NM Endlink kit is worth it in terms of improved handling?

I understand that its engineered WAY better than the stock end links; just that this is a 24 month low millage lease; so I don't think wear will be the issue.

Just want to make it more stable for Autocross days. Didn't really handle as well as expected; felts like it was all over the place, even with the Continental Extreme Contact summer tires. Turbo lag was also a big issue; gotta learn how to play with that one.

 

Just do the thing and you'll be happy. And then don't tell anyone about it when you turn in the car, whoever they sell it to will like it too. Right?

 

Not so sure about that. While I'm very pleased with the improved handling, I did learn that the car is far more sensitive to tire pressure changes and the factory fun-flats are not up to the job.

With the 25mm bar and end link kit, I was surprised by a bit of oversteer on an on-ramp recently. When I checked tire pressures, I noted that the factory run-flats had dropped more than I would expect and were very unforgiving when the pressure was low.

Not sure I would mod a lease car too much ... they may well notice and expect it to be returned to the "as delivered" condition.

 

Yea, I'm figuring that I'll have to replace the sway bar to stock upon return, unless I buy the car at the end.

BTW: I ordered a VPN 23mm solid sway bar and have Continental Extreme Contact summer tires on the car. Did go up one slight size (from 205 to 215) to help with city potholes a bit.

 

Yeah a 23mm solid bar is real thick, you could oversteer with that and get into trouble with that if you aren't careful I had a 19mm on my 2007 MCS and there was still a bit of understeer but I could tell the difference right away. Didn't need any end links or alignment. Way Motorworks did it in about an hour.

 

I can't speak for the reliability of these endlinks, but I've seen better not fare well with big bars on past cars I've owned. I imagine the plastic is built to take the stress. The ball joints are usually what I have seen fail. These links have been quiet as a church mouse for a few thousand miles now. Having had noise be my biggest complaint with many aftermarket links in the past, it seems like a no brainier to me.

--Matt

 

I installed NM end links at the same time as my NM sway bar. No complaints after a year. If they make any noise I can't hear it over the exhaust.