H&R ARB's won't adjust to the inner (harder) setting (front & rear)

[PeterJ]

1998 pre-facelift 2.8: I have just fitted a new set of Bilstein B6's and they feel much firmer than the B4's and would not want any firmer on the road. I have had a set of front & rear H&R Anti roll bars fitted & they have always been on the outer (softer) of the two settings. Today, I tried to adjust the ARB's to the inner (firmer) of the two settings but could not... We could not force the joints far enough over and seems the joints would touch/rub against the subframe if we managed to ... The pictures below are on their existing softer settings. They are supposed to be the correct ARB's for my Z3 & indeed they seems to be. So why can't I adjust them ...am I doing something wrong? seems the existing ball joint cannot be used for the firm setting because you would need to force bend it too much... has anyone fitted a set of H&R ARB's on the harder setting? would appreciate any tips/photos ...thanks

 

[Aceman]

It would appear you may need modified drop links. I know on the ///M's you can get adjustable drop links which help but they are rose jointed at each end which helps plus they attach to the strut not the swing arm.

Drop H&R an email and see what they say.

 

[PeterJ]

Thanks. I will ask CA Technologies (UK) who supplied them to me and I think they will talk to H&R if needs be

 

[Stormy_be]

Be sure to post the response (as I am also planning to get the H&R ARB's) and would like to put it on the harder setting.

Thanks, Koen

 

[zedonist]

Yes, you will need adjustable ARB links, other wise you will pre load the ARB if forced on

 

[PeterJ]

I am a bit disappointed that H&R did not say you need adjustable links... anyway, I will see if I can find some, so thanks

 

[PeterJ]

Hi Koen, yes, I will post any info I recieve

 

[zedonist]

The soft setting is quite aggressive due to the uprating of the actual bars and material, I certainly see know reason to go to a harder setting with them, as they are phenomenal as is. I note from a lot of Z3 racing forums, they all run them on the soft setting, suck it and see I guess......

 

[Stormy_be]

The soft setting is quite aggressive due to the uprating of the actual bars and material, I certainly see know reason to go to a harder setting with them, as they are phenomenal as is. I note from a lot of Z3 racing forums, they all run them on the soft setting, suck it and see I guess......

Z3 racing forums? do these exist? haven't found any until now.

 

[PeterJ]

I have run on the softer setting for 6 months & felt the car still swayed a little too much on the limit, but I have just fitted the B6's shocks & so far they seem just about right with the H&R ARB's. I guess I would just like to try the ARB's on the harder setting to see what they are like ...

 

[zedonist]

I have run on the softer setting for 6 months & felt the car still swayed a little too much on the limit, but I have just fitted the B6's shocks & so far they seem just about right with the H&R ARB's. I guess I would just like to try the ARB's on the harder setting to see what they are like ...

I'm on B8's so probably why I think soft setting is fine

 

[zedonist]

Z3 racing forums? do these exist? haven't found any until now.

They are mainly from the USA both roadster and coupe, will post links later

 

[PeterJ]

I am on New OEM sports springs with standard ride height ... Don't want the car lowered ...hence will sway more than a lowered Z3

 

[zedonist]

OEM sports springs are 25mm lower than standard?

 

[PeterJ]

same height, but harder

 

[Brian H]

OEM sports springs are 25mm lower than standard?

15mm drop over Standard

 

[PeterJ]

well, you may be right, but with the new OEM sports springs fitted, my Z3 actually rides slightly higher than before, but that maybe more related to the fact the original springs on my car may be soft and compressed more than the new ones... also, I have no idea if the original springs I removed were 'sports' or 'standard'

 

[PeterJ]

for the adjustable links, seems I need one 2 (& 2 rear links) of these of the appropriate length: http://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-2...adjustable-front-sway-bar-end-links-pair.aspx
But as it is additional expense/hassle, I think I will run the B6/Softer H&R ARB setting for a few week first ... having just power slid it round a couple of corners... don't think I need to adjust to the harder setting ...but of coarse, would still be interested to try... I will see how I feel in a few weeks time. Thanks for the tips!

 

[zedonist]

Drift King Peter

 

[PeterJ]

H Koen, I have just received the attached for the adjustable links installation which you will need for both front & rear if you want to use the inner (harder) setting