Most cost effective way to eliminate body roll?

[alekseyz]

I have a 325i premium (without sport) package and coming out of a 528i I notice that my handling is much different because 325i is much lighter and suspension is different. I now get much more body roll. I also know that 16” wheels contribute to this body roll.

I know that to get better handling I have to replace my suspension system (including springs and shocks) like the one by Eibach Pro-System Plus Kit on www.tirerack.com site (BTW excellent site)

But instead of spending almost $2k for such a major upgrade can I eliminate some body roll by at least installing the strud bar?

 

[Big Daddy]

Whats a "strud" bar? Are you thinking of a stress bar? A srtress bar stiffens the flex in the body which has a minor effect on body roll, but what you really need is an anti-roll bar kit.

 

[alekseyz]

Something like the "Eibach Anti-Roll Kit Sway Bars BMW E46 3-Series" thats being sold on ebay for $350.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Eiba...ryZ33592QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Is this something I can install my self? Thanks for your advise andy other comments?

 

[Big Daddy]

Yes like that, and that is a good price!

 

[alekseyz]

What about a front/rear strut brace?
like the one: http://www.electrodyne.cc/Merchant2...PROD&Store_Code=ED&Product_Code=196.99.46.012

 

[Kirby]

No, that will not eliminate the body roll you are experiencing. Strut tower braces only stiffen the strut/wheel angle. They affect steering response and accuracy, not body roll.

 

[dpnguyen]

I just spent $350 at UUC for a sway kit (front and rears). They are installed under the car, unlike the struts that are installed in the engine bay and trunk. I have the sport package and 18" wheels on my car, but with the addition of these stiffer bars, I can tell the handling is unbelievable (if not a little harsh). Nevertheless the UUC sways are adjustable.

Good Luck!

 

[Section_8]

The UUC 'barbarian' sway bar kit is nice (It's on my shopping list for this year) - however sway bar upgrades are generally applied after upgrading the suspension (Shocks/dampers) to 'fine tune' the handling of the car depending on what it's running on (especially so for 'track' cars). Upgrading the sway bars before touching the suspension is sorta like having your dessert before dinner(But hey, it still tastes good!). It will still have the intended effects.