So if your running coilovers and need adjustable front end links , instead of spending 70-200$ for a set you can spend 45$ shipped from maxspeedingrods. I used a set of adjustable end links from a tesla and they're much beefier than the r53 aftermarket ones and far far beefier than oem. You DO need to slightly enlarge the swaybar and strut mount holes but that's totally OK because it uses a larger end bolt then too.
here's pics..

 

I'm getting ready to mount a set of Bilstein B14's coil overs on my R53.
Are adjustable droplinks really required or recommended?

I will never track the car.
What are the benefits for adjustable droplinks on a performance daily driver?

 

yes , I believe when I tried using the oem ones they caused interference or binding of the swaybars.. BOTH ends needed adjustable links..

 

On a daily driver it probably doesn’t matter much if the amount of lowering is moderate and/or you don’t push the car too hard. One thing to watch for on the front is the ends of many adjustable links are too big and can rub on the axles. The Powergrid/Detroit Tuned/WMW links are quality links that don’t seem to have this issue due to their lower profile heads, but they are also on the expensive side at $160

Ideally the sway bars ends should be horizontal/parallel with the ground. On a 1st gen, the front links should be longer and the rears shorter when the car is lowered. If the Tesla links in the first pic have enough range of adjustment to reach the proper length and don’t rub they could be a great deal if you don’t mind enlarging the mounting holes.

 

Imo really nothing but as you lower the car you it changed the angle of the swaybar and you need to get in the correct spot or it will interfere with things like the rear control arms or bind up and snap an end link or swaybar bushing.

 

Nope, not needed. My Clubman is lowered pretty good, and still running stock end links. No issues at all. Also running B14s.

 

you sure the same goes fir an r53 cooper then ? Because when I tried installing the coilovers and I'd had it set maybe .5 below stock and the rear swaybar was hitting the rear control arm or the top frame ( i fogot which ) when the stock links were on.
i ALSO am running 15x8 rims too so idk if that effect anything or not BUT because I'm running a 225 wide tire they did hit the coils ever so slightly and required atleast a 2mm spacer ( all I had was 5mm on hand )
You could maybe put on the stock endlink if I could they put the bar at far too much of an angle for it to function correctly.. so yea you might be able yo get by without them but your sacrificing handling characteristics to do it.
later today , ille pull out the stock end links and see exactly where they place the strut bar and post pics for you.. i might be wrong but I swear I needed them.
btw im running rev9 hypersteet coilovers with 15x8 rims and 225/50zr15 tires.

 

My R53 is lowered around 1.25” and has been using the stock end links without issue for 14k miles so far. Not sayimg upgraded end links are never needed or are a waste though. I just don’t push my car that hard on the street and it also handled well with no issues the one time I had it on the track. I do have a set of upgraded rear end links waiting for install, and will probably get a set of matching fronts when they are, but that’s mainly because of wanting to mod the car, not due to necessity.

If your front end links are still installed as shown in the first two pics the sway bar is most likely being pulled further out of position than if the stock ones were used. It would be best to check your end links and sway bar positions while the suspension loaded with the car on the ground.

 

+1 , I will make sure to do that with it on all 4x flat..
Yes , I need to do more adjustments yet..but it's fitting close to being dialed in..I have to set the preload tension abit more too..
i wonder why i swear i needed adjustable endlinks maybe the 1st time id did it a few years ago I think I'd had them on hand and may have gotten confused in thinking I NEEDED them again..

 

Although still in debate... but Yeah those Tesla adjustables sure look spiffy!

 

Many miles in , Profesional alignment done too now and the car handles GREAT. no issues what so ever with using these end links..I've put probably 1000miles on them and some hard driving too...I'm loving this suspension overhaul I did..

 

Are you sure these are still "needed"? Between these two pictures, looks like the adjustable link might be extended almost to the same length as the stock link? Do you still have your stock link? You should go compare the lengths now that everything is dialed in.

 

yes you can get by with stock links .. i tried and yes they will work.. though I do have them set different length than stock would be so that the angle of the swaybars stayed correct.
the oem ones though i can flex and bend by hand , these adjustable ones are absolutely solid with no flex.