Drop links - OEM?

[Newcs]

Just had my MOT done and I had an advisory for a bent drop link. It looks like the OEM one and on checking the other side has been replaced with a non OEM one at some point.

I’ll replace both sides but my question is…..do I stay OEM or is there a better alternative that people have tested and have experience of?

I’m currently running So Low NSL at around 70mm drop on a 2017 T6.

 

[Dav-Tec]

NSL on a T6 standard length drop links are ok

 

[Newcs]

Would you say OEM or any other particular brand?

 

[Pewt]

Meyle are good quality

 

[BikerPa]

These Std length ones work great on my 6.1 T32 from ECP (I believe Steve @CRS Performance uses them)

I'd say they are better made than the OEM ones, just my 2p

Lemforder | Euro Car Parts

Lemforder at the lowest UK prices from Euro Car Parts UK’s No.1 for Car Accessories, Car Styling & Car Care. Buy today Online, In store or by Phone + Branches Nationwide – Next Day UK Free Delivery.

www.eurocarparts.com

 

[Newcs]

Meyle are good quality

Yeah they were the ones I was looking at.

 

[Newcs]

These Std length ones work great on my 6.1 T32 from ECP (I believe Steve @CRS Performance uses them)

I'd say they are better made than the OEM ones, just my 2p

Lemforder | Euro Car Parts

Lemforder at the lowest UK prices from Euro Car Parts UK’s No.1 for Car Accessories, Car Styling & Car Care. Buy today Online, In store or by Phone + Branches Nationwide – Next Day UK Free Delivery.

www.eurocarparts.com

Great, I’ll take a look at them.

 

[Phil_j89]

Personally oem, worth the extra cost.. had cheaper ones in the past and they didn’t last long.
Gone back to oem, with no further issues.

 

[n10n]

I’ve had Lemförders for 1.5 years now without issues. However my van is not lowered.

The OEM drop links are actually U-shaped profile



I did some research back at the time and concluded Lemförder is top aftermarket quality, and they are OEM provider for BMW. Their drop links felt more substantial in hand than OEM ones and look better made.



Take what you will from above, just another 2c

 

[t6blo]

Meyle HD

T5 T5.1 T6 Meyle HD Droplinks Superb Quality 4yr Warranty (pair)

T5 T5.1 T6 Meyle HD Droplinks Superb Quality 4yr Warranty Will fit all models from 2003 onwards Brand new 2X Drop links Better than OE Longer service life Superb quality & design 4YR Warranty Sent via DPD next day delivery to UK mainland only

travelinlite-transporters.co.uk

 

[BikerPa]

Forgot to say mines lowered 70mm on H&R C\O & H&R ARB with the Lemforder ones & been on a year without issues.

The OEM ones I had on I’d got knocking on one side after 2years & they look flimsy compared to the Lemforder ones so hoping they last longer.

 

[Dav-Tec]

Lemforder or SoLow ones

 

[Newcs]

Great info everyone. Very helpful

 

[Randolph]

Hi @BikerPa
If you have a 6.1 and lowered, should you be using a longer drop link ?

 

[BikerPa]

Hi @BikerPa
If you have a 6.1 and lowered, should you be using a longer drop link ?

Not for the drop on my van. Its not lowered much, just more that the Koni Special actives suit with a fixed spring seat.

Adjustable coilovers were used on mine to match the original drop as ADAS calibration took 3 main dealers to achieve, I didn’t want to change the stance & go through another 18months of grief. (a V long story)

Std length are what @CRS Performance advised.

 

[Randolph]

Thanks for the info

 

[T4goneby]

Just out of interest, how hard are the drop links to change? Much else needs to removed to swap? I’ve got a knock one side of mine and it was suggested to try this a cheaper option than top mounts first, with it being a consumable on a lowered van

 

[Randolph]

Quite easy to change but make sure you take the weight off both front wheels before removing.

 

[BikerPa]

Open sided sockets make life a lot easier to torque up with a key in the end of the stud to hold it without spinning.