BMW

What are adjustable drop links?

What are adjustable drop links?

Adjustable drop links - the key to perfecting suspension and handling precision.

Ok, so let’s rewind things a bit and start right at the beginning. What are drop links (or end links as they are sometimes referred to) and what do they do?

In a nutshell the job of front and rear drop links is to connect the anti-roll bar(s) to the suspension. In the case of the OEM drop links for BMW G8x M-Car models they are non-adjustable, which is the case for many OEM versions as they’re set at a standard length to work with the OEM suspension, OEM roll bars, OEM ride height and OEM geometry.

Why even consider replacing OEM drop links for aftermarket alternatives then?
Well, for a number of reasons, actually. Firstly, in the case of the BMW G8x M-Models, the OEM drop links are made using soft rubberised bushings and plastic bodies, which could be prone to failure under increased load. The softer bushings are there to aid with ride comfort and road compliance, but in a scenario where you want optimum performance the soft OEM bushes are far from ideal.

Secondly, adjustable drop links (and more specifically the reason we manufacture our MMX billet adjustable drop links) is to offer absolute and complete suspension performance and geometric accuracy - the end result being to optimise the effectiveness of your roll bars and therefore help in reaching the pinnacle of handling performance. Plus, they are designed as full OEM replacements and can be used with EITHER OEM or aftermarket anti-roll bars.

Available for the front and rear!

We have offered our front adjustable drop links for a while, but our ALL-NEW rear drop links are designed to allow you to bring that same level of adjustability to the rear of your pride and joy now, too. The front drop links purposely differ in design to the rears as you’ll see from the images.

What makes our drop links so damn good then?

Well to start with they’re made from aircraft grade T6-6061 aluminium billet. This not only makes them exceptionally strong, but also very hard wearing. Being stiff they greatly reduce flex, leading to a much more direct-feeling car. The reduction in flex (compared to OEM drop links) allows for sharper, uncompromised weight/load transfer through the anti-roll bars - something you’ll notice right from the very first drive once fitted. Our adjustable drop links also feature motorsport-spec heavy duty ball joints, not only to help with performance, but also longevity.

It's all in the set-up

When set-up correctly - in conjunction with corner weighting and professional suspension geometry - our billet MMX drop links will allow you to achieve the ultimate in geometric precision. This means that under load, especially cornering load, you can be confident that you’ll be optimising the purpose and effectiveness of both your front and rear anti roll bars. The job of the roll bar itself (sometimes referred to as a sway bar) is to help control the roll of the car under cornering. To allow this to work to its optimum level, adjustable drop links (which connect to the roll bar) are essential to help maintain the correct and proper suspension set up in order to neutralise the handling of the vehicle.

Lowered your BMW? Then you NEED these!

It’s also especially important to add adjustable drop links if you have lowered the car, or if you’ve fitted aftermarket suspension. This is because when you set up and corner weight a car there will be differences in the way the car can perform in right versus left hand turns. This can be caused because of a difference in weight/load between the right and left hand sides of the car depending on driver weight and driver position. 

This is why, for outright performance and car neutrality, corner weighting and professional suspension set up is so crucial. Our adjustable drop links allow the suspension system to be set to neutralise any bias towards the right or left hand side, resulting in outright and optimum chassis stability and positioning. Our drop links can be adjusted in situ, thanks to their clever design, meaning that you’ll now be able to zero the geometric preload on your anti-roll bars. Without the adjustability of the drop links, this simply couldn’t be achieved.

Perfect fit with OEM or aftermarket roll bars

In the case of upgrading your rear and/or front roll bars for a thicker, more performance-oriented version, again, our adjustable drop links will further improve their effectiveness due to the adjustability. An uprated roll bar is a key ingredient if you’re gearing your G8x M-Car for performance road or track driving as a stiffer roll bar will lead to less body roll, which our adjustable drop links will help you to perfect during the suspension set-up phase.

In the case of the BMW G8x M-Models, which our new drop links are specifically made for, these cars certainly wouldn’t be considered lightweight in factory trim. Therefore, in order for your anti roll bars (whether OEM or aftermarket) to perform at their optimum level, correctly adjusted and positioned drop links are an absolute 'must-have'.

MMX defines precision and fitment

They’re precision engineered to our ultra-high standards and impeccable tolerances and have been designed specifically for 2020+ models of the BMW G80, G81, G82, G83 and G87 M-Cars. The kit includes absolutely everything you need for fitment and they come anodised in MMX signature gloss black.

Where can you purchase them from?

We have a superb network of talented dealers who are on hand to advise you. Check out our global dealer network HERE, some of which also offer fitting services in-house. To get the very best from your adjustable drop links make sure you have a full corner weight/geometry set-up following the instalment of your new MMX drop links. You’ll love the difference they make, trust us!

Main features:

// Front Drop Links with 325-365mm adjustment range.
// Rear Drop Links with full adjustment range.
// Manufactured from Aircraft grade T6-6061 aluminium billet.
// Complete OE replacements.
// Easy length adjustment in-situ without having to detach and re-attach (rears only).
// Motorsport spec ball joints.
// Anodised in signature MMX Gloss black.
// Heavy-duty ball joints to ensure a long life span.
// Kit complete with everything you need.
// Can be used with factory or aftermarket anti-roll bars.
// Return to standard at any time.
// Rubber boots for longevity and durability.

Interested in more MMX products for your BMW or MINI? Check out our other blog on our incredible, all-new magnetic aluminium billet paddle shifters HERE. Vastly improve your cockpit and driving experience over the OEM paddles - designed specifically for G & F-Series models.

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