After installing bc coilovers onto my 2004 530i I drove approximately one block and the drivers side sway bar end link had given out. So I figured it's an 11 year old car. The part was probably worn and the extra stress caused it to fail. So I replaced it. I then proceeded to drive another approximate block only to break the passenger side end link. Could this one just be old and worn as well? Could the dynamic drive be the culprit? Should I have dynamic drive turned off? I plan to install the new end link jack the car up and put a load on the wheels to see if the sway bar is parallel to the ground to see if I possibly need adjustable end links. Any input would be great as I've searched and couldn't find anyone with the same problems.


Thanks, Michael

 

It can't be the dynamic drive. Pics of the broken link as it is on the car. Did it break as you were going straight or did you make any turns & it broke afterwards. Also has your car been in a front end accident before? In this pic where your front bumper meets your fender. It looks dis-placed.

 

It's had a low speed minor fender bender that was only cosmetic. It was backed into in front of my house by my dad. The car was being driven in a straight line, but on an unlevel street. This is the best picture I have on my phone at the moment.

 

It seems that it's just possible wear n tear on that part...

A few things, did you remove that part while installing the coilovers?If you did, did you tighten that with a ratchet or a power tool? Possible that tightening with a ratchet, it was never tighten down all the way causing stress on the joints making it snap.

Example, the top nut on your shock. If you use a ratchet to tighten it, wha twill happen is the shock turns as you torque it down. Causing you to not get that nut bolted down all the way. Had you use an impact tool, the speed the tool turns will allow it to lock into place before the shock can turn. Understand what I am referring to?

2nd thing. Is it just my eyes playing tricks on me or is that bar above the sway bar link not straight? Seems like it's at an angle and those slots on that bar. Is it out too far? I don't recall mines being like that.

 

They were not removed when installing the coilovers. I installed the new drivers side end link following this tutorial BMW E60 5-Series Sway Bar Link Replacement (2003-2010) - Pelican Parts Technical Article. I plan to do the passenger the same way. As far as the crooked bar, I will have to check that out tomorrow after work. I'm hoping it was just wear and tear and I can just slap the new passenger side end link on and everything will be fine.
Thanks, Michael

 

Replace those sway bar linkages and call it a day. I replaced them when my car was on the lowering springs. Just replaced all of my control arms too.