anti roll bar??

[CMJ motors]

Hi, I've been speaking to a few people about this and I seem to be getting different answers so a few more opinions would be much appreciated,
front and rear roll bars on or off for the woods??????, running coil overs ! Bmw e36 compact

Thanks

[rally_rich]

I have run my compact with just a standard 316 front anti roll bar in the forest. I personally don't think a rear anti roll bar will help on the loose. I have not tried without the front roll bar to compare but the car feels quite balanced and turns in very well so I think it is a good starting point.

Rich

[CMJ motors]

Well my 318 ti has rear roll bar already fitted and debating weather to take them off or leave them on!

[Garry.M]

Z3 had the smallest front arb @22.5mm and they work up from there,,, think you'll find 23mm and 24mm on some of the saloon/coupes. Compact had 25.5 and 26mm iirc. I'd think removing the rear for gravel would be required to aid traction

[CMJ motors]

Thanks Gary. So you think running small z3 bar on the front would be a good start then! Going to remove the rear altogether !

[red325]

Really will depend upon your spring and damper set up.

Several years ago Geoff Jones (ex works driver and rather handy behind the wheel - see below clip) did a back to back gravel test in my E30 on Challenge spec suspension his view was that turn in was loads better with the front arb completely disconnected. It was all about allowing weight transfer onto the outside wheel. He is a far better driver that I will ever be so his advice was duly followed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7i1nuU6zCEc

[donald]

I run my 130i on gravel with the front anti roll bar removed, have also done this on all my previous bmw's, e30 m3, e30 325i and 2002tii. Turn in is much better without it.
Have always left the standard rear in place, if you remove it you will need stiffer springs which won't help traction.