E90Post
 


 
BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Technical Forums > Suspension | Brakes | Chassis > comparing ST KW and Sonic Tuning Coilover



Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      06-06-2011, 02:15 PM   #1
328skidpad
Lieutenant
328skidpad's Avatar
55
Rep
495
Posts

Drives: 328xi e350 Z4M X3 M40
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Princeton NJ

iTrader: (0)

comparing ST KW and Sonic Tuning Coilover

I have gone through many threads and the general consensus is the same for
Sonic Tuning V1 coilovers and ST V1 by koni

any have any input rgd why one might be better than the other .

Prices are generally within $100 of each other.
thanks for looking

Last edited by 328skidpad; 06-06-2011 at 03:13 PM..
Appreciate 0
      06-06-2011, 02:36 PM   #2
mike-y
just another bmw douche bag
United_States
195
Rep
3,640
Posts

Drives: 1.9L of fury
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Los Angeles, CA

iTrader: (4)

first of all, koni does not make the ST V1 coilover. ST= Suspension techniques, and is a lower line that is made by KW. They are pretty much the same as teh KW v1, but I believe the main difference is the ST's = aluminzed steel, and the KWv1 are made from stainless steel

Koni does not make a specific coilover for the E9x, but HPAutowerks sells a customized threaded koni coilover kit that is more expensive than the V1s.

but I think you are only interested in the ST v1 vs Sonic. I'd say take a look at the warranties on both, and see which one is better for you.
Appreciate 0
      06-06-2011, 03:14 PM   #3
328skidpad
Lieutenant
328skidpad's Avatar
55
Rep
495
Posts

Drives: 328xi e350 Z4M X3 M40
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Princeton NJ

iTrader: (0)

thank you for explanation, I have been doing a lot of searches and mixed up the name.
any one else?
Appreciate 0
      06-06-2011, 03:39 PM   #4
whip_lash
Lieutenant
whip_lash's Avatar
16
Rep
446
Posts

Drives: '15 M3
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Toronto

iTrader: (3)

If you are in an area where it snows alot and salt gets thrown on the roads esspecially... do not get the ST v1's since they will probably rust, even the vendor mentioned it somewhere. I guess rust proofing them might help but who knows.
Appreciate 0
      06-06-2011, 03:49 PM   #5
bimmertt
Lieutenant Colonel
bimmertt's Avatar
98
Rep
1,799
Posts

Drives: 2007 e92 335i
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Earth

iTrader: (7)

They are pretty different.

ST v1s are only height adjustable whereas you can adjust the dampening and height with the Sonic Tuning coils. Also, sonic tuning coils come with pillowball upper mounts so don't have to reuse the stock mounts.

Value wise, Sonic Tuning looks to be better. Can't really comment performance wise.
Appreciate 0
      06-06-2011, 04:05 PM   #6
aynahko
Private First Class
3
Rep
116
Posts

Drives: 328i
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Burbank/North LV

iTrader: (0)

Get the kw v1. Between those 3 the kw v1 is the best choice I believe. Lifetime warranty and rustproof to protect from the salt and snow
Appreciate 0
      06-07-2011, 01:54 PM   #7
._.
Colonel
77
Rep
2,353
Posts

Drives: BMW
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Miami

iTrader: (15)

Quote:
Originally Posted by aynahko View Post
Get the kw v1. Between those 3 the kw v1 is the best choice I believe. Lifetime warranty and rustproof to protect from the salt and snow
reading comprehension fail...
Appreciate 0
      06-07-2011, 02:31 PM   #8
Hooy
Colonel
Hooy's Avatar
205
Rep
2,770
Posts

Drives: E92 328i, E92 M3
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Houston, TX

iTrader: (12)

Garage List
2008 E92 328  [5.00]
I thought I had posted in this, but the mobile app always fails me.

Another forum member and I got our coilovers installed side by side, me with ST and him with Sonics.

The shop commented on how the quality of the Sonics were very impressive over mine.

One day later, the other forum member texts me how he is regretting getting coils and has a popping sound problem.

I am very happy with my coils. Performance is stellar, but ride is harsh on bad roads - This is the case for any cheaper coil. It's not THAT harsh, really, but refinement isn't on stock levels.

Shop later commented that the valving on Sonic's were low quality.

Hope this helps.
Appreciate 0
      06-07-2011, 05:08 PM   #9
jose_sonictuning
jose_sonictuning's Avatar
United_States
311
Rep
3,572
Posts

Drives: BMW F30
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Gaithersburg, Maryland

iTrader: (16)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Hooy View Post
I thought I had posted in this, but the mobile app always fails me.

Another forum member and I got our coilovers installed side by side, me with ST and him with Sonics.

The shop commented on how the quality of the Sonics were very impressive over mine.

One day later, the other forum member texts me how he is regretting getting coils and has a popping sound problem.

I am very happy with my coils. Performance is stellar, but ride is harsh on bad roads - This is the case for any cheaper coil. It's not THAT harsh, really, but refinement isn't on stock levels.

Shop later commented that the valving on Sonic's were low quality.

Hope this helps.
Thank you for the comments, can you elaborate more about the "Sonic's were low quality"

Did they open up both of your shocks at the same time?

Please tell the other forum member to contact us, we will resolve the issue that he's having.

Last edited by jose_sonictuning; 06-07-2011 at 05:53 PM..
Appreciate 0
      06-07-2011, 05:48 PM   #10
Hooy
Colonel
Hooy's Avatar
205
Rep
2,770
Posts

Drives: E92 328i, E92 M3
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Houston, TX

iTrader: (12)

Garage List
2008 E92 328  [5.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by jose_sonictuning View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hooy View Post
I thought I had posted in this, but the mobile app always fails me.

Another forum member and I got our coilovers installed side by side, me with ST and him with Sonics.

The shop commented on how the quality of the Sonics were very impressive over mine.

One day later, the other forum member texts me how he is regretting getting coils and has a popping sound problem.

I am very happy with my coils. Performance is stellar, but ride is harsh on bad roads - This is the case for any cheaper coil. It's not THAT harsh, really, but refinement isn't on stock levels.

Shop later commented that the valving on Sonic's were low quality.

Hope this helps.
Thank you for the comments, can you elaborate more about the "Sonic's were low quality"

Did they open up both of your shocks at the same time?
I dont have all the information, I'm just relaying what was said to me over a few text messages. Don't take anything personally, I'm just throwing what I've heard into the hat. With that said, I know another member who is happy with his Sonic's, so it seems these issues are relatively random.
__________________
Appreciate 0
      06-07-2011, 06:30 PM   #11
ModBargains.com
Banned
United_States
485
Rep
13,582
Posts

Drives: JB E92 335i
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: 1721 E. Lambert Rd #C, La Habra, CA 90631

iTrader: (51)

The ST V1 (Suspension Technique) are made by KW Suspension and are not the same as the Sonic Tuning kits. Coming from the makers of KW suspension systems the only main difference between the ST Variant 1 and KW Variant 1 is the steel they use. While KW uses Stainless Steel for their shock housing, ST uses Galvanized Steel. However, this does not mean a drop in quality, durability, or appearance. Although coilovers that use galvanized steel are more prone to corrosion due to environmental influences (i.e. mixture of salt water); those in the lower states: California, Texas, Florida, Nevada, etc. don't have to worry about corrosion. Those in the mid to upper States that snow still don't have much to worry about as long as they do not drive in heavy snow conditions upon where salt is used on roads. to further ensure those with doubt about Galvanized Steel, ST has corrosion resistant zinc plating on all of their threaded strut housings for further protection. To the OP, I'll go ahead and shoot you over a PM with more details!
Appreciate 0
      06-07-2011, 06:35 PM   #12
jose_sonictuning
jose_sonictuning's Avatar
United_States
311
Rep
3,572
Posts

Drives: BMW F30
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Gaithersburg, Maryland

iTrader: (16)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Hooy View Post
I dont have all the information, I'm just relaying what was said to me over a few text messages. Don't take anything personally, I'm just throwing what I've heard into the hat. With that said, I know another member who is happy with his Sonic's, so it seems these issues are relatively random.
o LOL, defintely not taking anything personally. we just like knowing customer opinions on products. good and bad, we don't mind hearing about it (even though good is always nice to hear ) we're always down to be better, and you only do that when you listen to customers! our door is always open, hope i didn't scare you. we don't bite....and we didn't put the pacquiao pic up after we read your comment.....it was before!!
Appreciate 0
      06-07-2011, 06:38 PM   #13
jose_sonictuning
jose_sonictuning's Avatar
United_States
311
Rep
3,572
Posts

Drives: BMW F30
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Gaithersburg, Maryland

iTrader: (16)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Hooy View Post
I dont have all the information, I'm just relaying what was said to me over a few text messages. Don't take anything personally, I'm just throwing what I've heard into the hat. With that said, I know another member who is happy with his Sonic's, so it seems these issues are relatively random.
If you can PM the shop's name, and the other members handle that would be great.

Thank you for the info, we would like to get the bottom of it.

We had few shops dyno our shocks compare to other brands and OE struts, they were happy with the results.
Appreciate 0
      06-07-2011, 10:07 PM   #14
Hooy
Colonel
Hooy's Avatar
205
Rep
2,770
Posts

Drives: E92 328i, E92 M3
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Houston, TX

iTrader: (12)

Garage List
2008 E92 328  [5.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by jose_sonictuning View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hooy View Post
I dont have all the information, I'm just relaying what was said to me over a few text messages. Don't take anything personally, I'm just throwing what I've heard into the hat. With that said, I know another member who is happy with his Sonic's, so it seems these issues are relatively random.
If you can PM the shop's name, and the other members handle that would be great.

Thank you for the info, we would like to get the bottom of it.

We had few shops dyno our shocks compare to other brands and OE struts, they were happy with the results.
I've been informed that he's already contacted you guys and it seems to be an install mistake that he's attempting to resolve tomorrow. Although I have full faith in the shop's reputation to back itself, I am leaving this matter between you and the customer. Hope you understand.
__________________
Appreciate 0
      06-07-2011, 11:25 PM   #15
jose_sonictuning
jose_sonictuning's Avatar
United_States
311
Rep
3,572
Posts

Drives: BMW F30
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Gaithersburg, Maryland

iTrader: (16)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Hooy View Post
I've been informed that he's already contacted you guys and it seems to be an install mistake that he's attempting to resolve tomorrow. Although I have full faith in the shop's reputation to back itself, I am leaving this matter between you and the customer. Hope you understand.
I understand, we care about every detail of our product; no matter if it's good or bad.
It's hard to address anything when someone mentions "********" with out any details.

Hope you understand.
Appreciate 0
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:45 AM.




e90post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST