SLS replacement, 19mm ARB & KDS - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

Dan Kelly · 5th July 2008, 09:30

I decided to do a complete rear suspension overhaul after discovering a leaking SLS shock a while ago.
I've had both SLS shocks replaced, along with everything else from the top mount down, apart from the springs, which I reused as they were only about 3k miles old.

I also decided to change from the 18mm to the the 19mm ARB, as I'm running 9J rears and I wanted to reduce some of the cars under steer.
I wanted to have the car KDS aligned as well as I had this done at BMW around 2k miles ago but the car looked very high at the back to me

. My suspicions were confirmed when it was measured this time

. Everything needed to be adjusted.

The car now feels fantastic, Its much lower, feels firmer at the back, doesn't wallow and feels a lot more controllable, the under steer has all but gone. The difference is night and day.

The work was done by Farrell and as many others have found I'm very happy with what he has done, I can't recommend him highly enough.

nebpor · 5th July 2008, 10:33

Good stuff Dan!

I might investigate buying the larger ARB myself, as I also have those rear wheels.

Is it just the ARB, droplinks and mounting bushes you need to buy? If so, how much approximately?

Thanks,
Stephen

Baddie · 5th July 2008, 11:01

This has only heightened my anticipation. I'm picking my car up from Farrell on Monday having taken a slightly different option from Dan and deleted SLS and EDC with a kit put together by the master himself. It is a pleasure having work done by Farrell, he's very patient (!) and spares so much time explaining what he's doing and why. I've no doubt the car will come back in much better fettle.

I think it's roughly £200 in total for bar, bushes and links fitted, which I will be fitting at some point. ARB itself is about £90.

Dan Kelly · 5th July 2008, 12:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by nebpor

Good stuff Dan!

I might investigate buying the larger ARB myself, as I also have those rear wheels.

Is it just the ARB, droplinks and mounting bushes you need to buy? If so, how much approximately?

Thanks,
Stephen

Hi Stephen, I bought the droplinks and bushes as well, I think the parts come in at around £100.
The car stays much flatter through a bend now, holds a much tighter line and it feels more neutral. Of course much of this may be down the new shocks/KDS as well as the ARB but I'd definitely recommend it.

nebpor · 5th July 2008, 12:48

To be honest Dan you've had so much work done on the suspension I'd hazard that the ARB is just contributing to the "sum of the whole"!

However, as my car is about to get a major refresh I too should hopefully benefit

Impressed that it's only around £100 for the ARB, droplinks and bushes - almost a bargain for BMW stuff