H&R rear sway bar help

Ok just a small question- didn't want to post in the general section.

I bought a used rear H&R non-m sway bar for the xi. Upon closer inspection, it looks like i got 20mm OEM BMW rear sway bar bushings, instead of the 21mm bushings that come with the H&R bar new.

Can I use the 20mm bushings on a 21mm bar? Or is that a complete no-go? Is it safe to shave 1/2mm from the inside diameter of the bushings?

If not, should I go with the 21.5mm M3 bushings?

Thanks guys- I have no experience with sways and I was hoping to get them on tomorrow because I'll have a nice place to test the new setup on Sunday. Otherwise I guess I'll have to order new bushings from H&R.

Dumb question? Anyone care to speculate?

I don't think going 21.5 on a 21 bar is a good idea. making the 20s fit the 21 should be fine however it all depends on what you're doing with the car. Track, I wouldn't risk it. Street not much that can go wrong.

Originally Posted by nk_zhp

I don't think going 21.5 on a 21 bar is a good idea. making the 20s fit the 21 should be fine however it all depends on what you're doing with the car. Track, I wouldn't risk it. Street not much that can go wrong.

Thanks. I'm either going to tape up the bar and use 21.5mm, or shave the 20mm bushings until I can get my hands on some 21mm bushings.

Originally Posted by Kubica

Thanks. I'm either going to tape up the bar and use 21.5mm, or shave the 20mm bushings until I can get my hands on some 21mm bushings.

The torsional forces on the bar a pretty strong, I bet that tape will fall apart in less than a year.

Cool, I shaved them down a bit- seems to be working ok.