I installed my new UUC sways over Christmas and I must say I am thoroughly pleased. Here are my impressions on installation and performance. Sorry for the length.
Installation:
The sways came with no instructions, so I used the DIY info from http://www.studio2321.com/carstuff/swaybar_install/
(I am told the author is HACK...if so, good job. Your write-up helped me quite a bit). The installation is pretty straightforward, but I wanted to make sure I didn't miss anything. It took me about four hours, but this was mainly because I worked by myself. The hardest part is definately removal of the stock sways. The OEM bushings on my front stocks were fused to the frame and took a great deal of time and energy to remove. Removal of the rear sway was tough because I chose not to lower the exhaust. It was a tight fit, but I was able to maneuver the stock sway out after much experimentation. Once the stock sways were off, installation of the UUCs was a breeze. Everything fit into place perfectly. I made sure to use lithium grease to lube every single part, and so far I have no rattles or squeeks. Anybody should be able to do this installation, regardless of technical skill (although it would help to have a buddy to hold the sways while you bolt them in place).
Impressions:
I initially set both front and rear sways to full stiffness. I wanted to see how dramatic the difference was. The car felt much more stable and responsive. The front stays perfectly flat in corners. I drove some familiar NC back roads...I can definately say the car's handling performance is significantly increased. Corners that used to push the car to its limits now seem to pose only a moderate challenge. After driving on full stiffness for about a week, I dropped the fronts to the soft position. I really didn't like the feel after this change. It created a degree of oversteer that felt unatural in a BMW. I switched the fronts back to full stiff and dropped the rears to medium. I am really happy with this setup. The car seems to maintain its traditional feel, yet feels more confident at the same time. I drove my parents' stock 330i for comparison, and am confident that the enhanced performance is real and not simply perceived. This is one modification everyone should look into. I could not be happier. I'm back in PA now, so I guess I'll see if any rattles or squeeks develop after driving on these craterous roads...hopefully not. |
