Suspension VIP 23mm Rear Sway Bar installed.

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  #1  
Old 08-27-2017, 11:39 AM
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VIP 23mm Rear Sway Bar installed.

Arrived in 1 day!! $199 Shipped to my door!! Worth trying out. Will include review after some driving this week.
As I stated in another post, absolutely no twist at all, thus no preload, adjustable links not required on this one.

Just installed it this morning. 2 Hours start to finish, floor jack, 2 jack stands various hand tools.
Torque wrench absolutely necessary. You will never get the subframe bolts tight enough without one.
You will think its tight, but the torque wrench says otherwise.
You also need these for the F56, Harbor Freight does not carry the large sizes. Well worth the $19.99 at Amazon. You can get same day delivery in metro areas.
DO NOT attempt with basic 12 or 6 point metric.






Amazon Amazon




Ill drive it for a while, then install the H&R springs, after that, will see if I want to go the front bar route.
Some pics:










 

Last edited by TVPostSound; 08-27-2017 at 11:55 AM.
  #2  
Old 08-27-2017, 02:34 PM
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Looks like you have the mod bug. What is next on the list????
 
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Old 08-27-2017, 03:11 PM
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Originally Posted by r53coop
Looks like you have the mod bug. What is next on the list????
Of Course, trying to catch up on my old R56 mods!!

Already installed Euro tail lights, upper glove box, coded to include Sirius XM, and Rear fogs to work. Tinted windows.

Future? H&R Springs, possibly a VIP axle back, need to lose the weight this sway bar added. Finish stripes to go down bumpers. More to come.
 
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Old 08-27-2017, 03:38 PM
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nice! you saved $180 over the NM25mm I just bought.
 
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Old 08-27-2017, 04:02 PM
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Originally Posted by djtomy
nice! you saved $180 over the NM25mm I just bought.
Also doing it myself: Priceless!!
Yes, of course, the price helped.

Ive never been one to follow the pack, they tell me the bar was heat treated and shot peened. It came perfectly formed. Any machine shop worth their salt can properly make a sway bar as well as a mass manufacturer.
I called and left a message about the instructions for the D Clamps included. Got a call back within 5 minutes, he was very willing, and eager to go over everything he learned about the F56. That was at 6 PM last night!

I set it to soft to learn how it would perform. So its like a 22mm at firm.
 
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Old 08-29-2017, 11:23 AM
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VIP makes good stuff. I had a bunch of their parts on my 2013 Countryman S including their sway bar which still looked brand new after 2 harsh Buffalo NY winters.

They are more popular with the R56/etc folk but not so much around here. Everyone gravitates to NM, which isn't a bad thing, but there are other really good options out there. VIP is definitely one of them.
 
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Old 11-05-2017, 12:54 PM
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what year is your mini?
 
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Old 11-05-2017, 02:57 PM
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Originally Posted by dougvarney1
what year is your mini?
See my sig.
2017
 
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Old 12-11-2017, 01:36 PM
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I was going to buy one, figured I'd check out installers first. Most everyone wants to charge book hours (alldata) for this. Crazy $525 labor quotes.

I'm not taking my old body onto a cold garage floor for this type of stuff anymore.

Anyone have a recommendation in Portland OR area for an install?
 
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Old 12-11-2017, 02:17 PM
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It took me 2 hours with hand tools on my back, and take pictures.
What do they charge, $200 an hour??
 
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Old 12-11-2017, 02:48 PM
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Thanks for info

Appreciate the info! Thanks a bunch for the tech help and etc.
 
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Old 12-11-2017, 03:05 PM
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Originally Posted by TVPostSound
It took me 2 hours with hand tools on my back, and take pictures.
What do they charge, $200 an hour??
Several shops told me they go by Alldata and 4 hours is what they will charge. Nothing you can say will "sway" them from that position. I did get a quote from one shop that was iffy at $150 but I don't like them so I won't go. The guy I was using in the past blew me off on this job so he has dropped from my recommended list.
 
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Old 12-11-2017, 03:39 PM
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Ask the guy what his hourly charge is. When I have my Independent Mini Tech do work for me I'll ask what he wants for the job. If I think it's too much I'll make a counteroffer or offer to pay the hourly rate for the work. All depends on the shop. I just happened to luck out and find a good one.
I had him install rear sway bar, end links, BBK, springs, stainless brake lines, adjustable lower control arms, and he had to update the software for the BBK. Took ten hours and we worked it out so I paid him his hourly rate for it. He knows I will be a repeat customer, since he been doing all non warranty work on my R56 and F56 for the last few years.
 
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Old 12-11-2017, 04:11 PM
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It would only take 1 hour with a hoist and air tools.

Someone should chime in from m your area.
 
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Old 03-01-2018, 11:29 AM
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Verdict?

I’m watching a similar item on EBay right now, I wanted to find some reviews before pulling the trigger. What do you think so far? I’m itching to fix the “float” this Mini has and tighten up the cornering, but am on a restricted budget.
 
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Old 03-01-2018, 12:01 PM
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Originally Posted by state0222
I’m watching a similar item on EBay right now, I wanted to find some reviews before pulling the trigger. What do you think so far? I’m itching to fix the “float” this Mini has and tighten up the cornering, but am on a restricted budget.
Similar? What brand??
 
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Old 03-01-2018, 11:29 PM
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Originally Posted by TVPostSound
Similar? What brand??
VIP 23mm
 




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