Just wanted to re-iterate for a lot of the new guys coming on here the value of this modification.

I've had my 2003 R53 for 3 years, have had the sway bar sitting in the garage for 6 months and finally this Saturday found 3 hours of time to tackle this mod.

Pretty straight forward install if you follow the pelican parts DIY: http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarti...eplacement.htm

Their estimate on time is pretty spot on -- might go slower if you have never dropped your rear suspension before.

Overall as they state -- the only really tricky part is figuring out the correct way to angle the old bar to get it out -- after that its just a few bolts, and making sure you properly torque it.

I definitely understand why this mod is popular (particularly for track cars). On the street I can say unless you are taking some dramatic curves or on-ramps constantly I'm not sure you are going to feel it too much...but when you do hit those sweepers -- its quite the game changer. Make sure you play around at low speed and learn the new handling capabilities of your car before you try anything at high speed.

Watch the classifieds -- lots of people moving on from their R53s at this point -- could score a good deal like I did...although Im not sure I would invest the 3 hours to get it out if I sold the car...just let it go to the new owner.

 

I made the mistake of not installing an RSB sooner and would advise any R53 owner that this suspension mod is the best thing since bottled beer. I too tackled the installation and despite the time involved it was quite straight forward. There are numerous videos and tutorials that make it more than doable. Might want to have someone there to help remove the old and insert the new RSB. The 22mm swaybar positively and dramatically changed the handling pesonality of our R53. Along with the many attributes you may read about this mod, one that we experienced was the incredible steering response that IMO saved us from a head on collision. The RSB will more than further enhance the accident avoidance trait for which the MINI is renown. Again I regret not installing this mod on day one.

 

Yep. the rear swaybar is a 'no compromise' modification in terms of ride quality. You get the handling benefits without any comfort drawbacks. Actually, there is one slight compromise: you need to lube the bushings about one per year. That's it.

 

Wow I need to get one.
Edit how does it affect snow driving?

 

30% increase in crash rate :-)

Have no idea - I would think once you get used to the car you would learn to moderate your steering inputs.

It's not gonna change grip - but in the snow I wouldn't be out trying to carve lines like a snowboard