If you’re an E36 enthusiast, you’re likely aware of how much potential this iconic BMW has for performance upgrades e36 sway bars. One of the most effective modifications you can make to enhance handling and overall driving dynamics is upgrading your sway bars. Whether you’re carving through tight corners on the street or pushing your limits on the track, sway bars (also known as anti-roll bars) can drastically improve your vehicle’s responsiveness and stability. In this guide, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about sway bars for the BMW E36, including their function, benefits, and how to choose the right ones for your setup.
What Are Sway Bars and Why Are They Important?
Sway bars are an integral part of your car’s suspension system. Their primary purpose is to reduce body roll during cornering by connecting opposite sides of the suspension (left and right). This helps distribute the load more evenly across the tires, improving grip and allowing for sharper, more controlled turns. In essence, sway bars enhance the balance of your vehicle, preventing excessive lean and keeping your car more planted on the road.
For the E36, a car that’s known for its sharp handling, upgrading the sway bars can make a noticeable difference, especially if you’re pushing the car to its limits on twisty roads or at the track.
Why Upgrade Your E36’s Sway Bars?
- Improved Handling: Upgrading to a stiffer sway bar can reduce body roll and improve cornering precision. This is crucial for a car like the E36, where balance and response are key to a thrilling driving experience.
- Enhanced Stability: A properly tuned sway bar setup will make your E36 feel more planted at higher speeds, especially through tight turns. The added stability gives you more confidence behind the wheel.
- Better Tire Contact: With reduced body roll, your tires stay more evenly planted on the ground during cornering. This improves tire contact, which leads to better grip and handling.
- Customization: Sway bars come in various sizes and stiffness levels, meaning you can tailor your car’s suspension to fit your driving style and needs. Whether you’re looking for a more aggressive street setup or a track-focused build, there’s a sway bar to suit your requirements.
- Reduced Understeer and Oversteer: By adjusting the front and rear sway bars, you can dial in the handling balance of your E36. A stiffer rear sway bar can reduce understeer, while a stiffer front sway bar can help eliminate oversteer.
Choosing the Right Sway Bar for Your E36
When upgrading your sway bars, there are several factors to consider, such as the thickness of the bar, material, and adjustability. Here’s how to choose the best sway bars for your E36:
1. Material
Sway bars are typically made from steel or other alloys, with some premium options offering hollow designs for reduced weight. The material and construction determine the sway bar’s durability, weight, and performance.
- Solid Steel Bars: These are the most common and provide excellent performance for most applications. They are stiffer and heavier, but offer great durability.
- Hollow Bars: These are lighter than solid bars and can be a good option for racing or performance builds. However, they tend to be a bit more expensive.
2. Thickness of the Bar
The thickness of the sway bar directly influences the stiffness. A thicker sway bar will be stiffer and reduce more body roll. However, it will also alter the balance of the car, so you must choose carefully based on your driving needs.
- Front Sway Bars: For the E36, upgrading the front sway bar is often the first step. A thicker front sway bar reduces understeer and sharpens turn-in. A 22-24mm bar is a good starting point for street and moderate track use.
- Rear Sway Bars: The rear sway bar affects the car’s oversteer characteristics. A stiffer rear sway bar can help reduce understeer by encouraging more rear-end rotation. Many E36 owners opt for a 19-22mm rear sway bar for track applications.
3. Adjustability
Some sway bars come with adjustable settings that allow you to fine-tune the stiffness. This is a great feature if you’re looking to experiment with different handling characteristics or want to switch between street and track setups.
4. Brand and Quality
Not all sway bars are created equal. Renowned brands like H&R, Eibach, and UUC Motorwerks offer high-quality sway bars for the E36. These brands provide sway bars that are specifically designed for improved handling and have been tested for performance and durability.
Installation: DIY or Professional?
While installing sway bars on an E36 is something that can be done at home with the right tools, it can be a bit challenging for those who aren’t familiar with suspension work. If you have basic mechanical skills and access to a lift or jack stands, the process can typically be done in a few hours.
Steps for Installation:
- Lift the car and secure it on jack stands.
- Remove the old sway bars by loosening the end links and mounting brackets.
- Install the new sway bar and reattach the end links and brackets securely.
- Adjust the sway bar settings (if adjustable) and double-check all connections.
If you’re unsure about the process or don’t have the proper tools, it’s best to have the sway bars installed by a professional mechanic or suspension specialist.
Tuning Your Sway Bars for Performance
Once your sway bars are installed, it’s important to fine-tune the suspension to suit your driving style. Start by testing your car on different types of roads or tracks, paying attention to how it behaves in corners. You may need to adjust the stiffness of the sway bars or make further suspension adjustments, like upgrading shocks or springs, to get the perfect balance.
Conclusion
Upgrading the sway bars on your E36 is one of the best modifications you can make to improve handling and overall performance. By reducing body roll, enhancing stability, and allowing for more precise control, a quality sway bar upgrade transforms the driving experience. Whether you’re looking for a daily driver setup, a weekend track warrior, or something in between, there’s a sway bar solution that fits your needs. Don’t forget to consider factors like material, thickness, and adjustability when choosing your sway bars, and always ensure proper installation for the best results.
