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BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Technical Forums > Suspension | Brakes | Chassis > which coilovers to go with?



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      06-20-2008, 09:20 PM   #1
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which coilovers to go with?

I am looking to buy coilovers for e92 335i. I read KW are among the best. I dont want to spend more than $1500. and which are easiest to install and adjust.
Are V3 worth the money over V2?
what about PSS9 or 10s?
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      06-20-2008, 09:38 PM   #2
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I just ordered a set of KWv2's from James************... great guy, so if you're looking for some, PM him.

KWv1: If you want something simple that will deliver a great suspension with no hassle
KWv2: If you want to be able to adjust not only the height, but also the damper setting... good if you're picky or if you track from time to time
KWv3: Mostly for experienced drivers who track frequently... if you're not going to get on a track once a month, it's probably not worth the hassle...

Really, the only coilover in your price range is the KWv1's, which are awesome in themselves. BUT, for a couple hundred more you can get the KWv2's and guarantee you won't be stuck with a ride you're not completely comfortable/satisfied with.

I don't know much about the PSS9's or PSS10's, but I've heard only good things as well.
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      06-20-2008, 11:39 PM   #3
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I have the PSS9s..as do many on E90post.com, If I were to do it again..I probably would have tried the PSS10s.
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      06-21-2008, 12:24 AM   #4
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skim has it covered. KW V2s will be more than adequate for your needs as they offer both height and dampening adjustments. They are also more flexible in terms of height adjustment and give you a wide range of options in terms of how to setup the suspension.

Bilstein also makes a great setup but I would personally stick to the KW's just based on personal experience.
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      06-21-2008, 01:14 AM   #5
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2008 E92 335i  [10.00]
ST coilovers.

Same as KW V1 but cheaper. I mean EXACTLY THE SAME.
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      06-21-2008, 09:52 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Amir87 View Post
ST coilovers.

Same as KW V1 but cheaper. I mean EXACTLY THE SAME.
+1 got a set on my car. Love'um!
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      06-21-2008, 12:34 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by S4to335 View Post
I have the PSS9s..as do many on E90post.com, If I were to do it again..I probably would have tried the PSS10s.
what is the major difference? and cost?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Nick@Jlevi SW View Post
skim has it covered. KW V2s will be more than adequate for your needs as they offer both height and dampening adjustments. They are also more flexible in terms of height adjustment and give you a wide range of options in terms of how to setup the suspension.

Bilstein also makes a great setup but I would personally stick to the KW's just based on personal experience.
arent the bilstein easier to adjust? no need to remove trunk liner?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Amir87 View Post
ST coilovers.

Same as KW V1 but cheaper. I mean EXACTLY THE SAME.
lol...when you say same...do you mean exactly? are they repackaged? whats the cost difference?
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      06-21-2008, 12:44 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Amir87 View Post
ST coilovers.

Same as KW V1 but cheaper. I mean EXACTLY THE SAME.
Not quite "EXACTLY THE SAME", major difference is KW uses Stainless Steel for their shock housing, ST uses Galvanized Steel. Basically if you live where you see snow regularly, you need to choose the KWs. If you don't see snow regularly, either ST or KW will work:

All the info you need to know about ST and KW coilovers summarized nicely here:
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...light=coilover
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      06-22-2008, 11:19 PM   #9
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Thanks akack79 for a great reference for tomtom to check out. Definitely does help a bit.

Tomtom, the choice of coilover really depends on what sort of driving you plan on doing. KW V1s/ST V1s are mainly for street driving. KW V2s are for occasional tracking/street driving (is height and rebound adjustable), and the KW V3s are coilovers that you'd want if you're a serious enthusiast on the track, and you need the full functionality of each coilover. I have the ST V1s on my E92, and I use my E92 mainly for show.

Here's a picture, a little outdated, but it's got the coilovers
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      06-23-2008, 12:14 PM   #10
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You can't go wrong with the PSS9 or KW V2. If you must stick to the budget then the KW V1 is perfectly fine.
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      06-23-2008, 12:39 PM   #11
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+1 for KW V1. Great for street driving.
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      06-23-2008, 01:08 PM   #12
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As everyone has recommended, KW coilovers are the way to go. PM us if you have any questions or need a quote. We have kits in stock and ready to ship!!!

Last edited by Gary@RENN-Spec; 10-17-2008 at 06:25 PM..
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      06-24-2008, 02:42 PM   #13
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sure PM me a price
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      06-24-2008, 03:49 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tomtom View Post
sure PM me a price
PM Sent!

-Danny
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      06-24-2008, 04:05 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tomtom View Post
what is the major difference? and cost?



arent the bilstein easier to adjust? no need to remove trunk liner?



lol...when you say same...do you mean exactly? are they repackaged? whats the cost difference?
You are right, the Bilsteins are easier to adjust as they have knobs on the bottom of each shock. With that said, once you have the height and dampening set, you usually don't change it very often.
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      06-24-2008, 05:05 PM   #16
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I am late on jumping on here but ah, yeah as everyone has said - for price range your looking at go KW V2 for the adjustability (we've got it in stock).

We've has the Bilsteins on our cars - they were great but we wanted a bit more and a lot of us switched to the KW/ST's here. Both are top notch brands. But the nod in my personal opinion seems to go to KW.

What they did at the Nurbegring record settings - the only difference was the switch from the Bilsteins to the KW's and it made a 32 second difference in time.

If I was allowed to, I would but go pickup this months sports compact magazine. They did a coilover shootout from like 8-9 different top brands, and the KW stood above them all for as the only mod done to a stock suspension car, in both in times, ride comfort, bump steer dampening and so forth.

So either way whatever you go with, let us know we'll be happy to help with the KW's or Bilsteins or something else you might be interested in.
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      07-03-2008, 09:38 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Nick@Jlevi SW View Post
You are right, the Bilsteins are easier to adjust as they have knobs on the bottom of each shock. With that said, once you have the height and dampening set, you usually don't change it very often.
how many settings do the V2 and Bilsteins have?
I suppose I really only need a street and track setting. Or can I just use one for both?
I plan to go 5-7 times per year to start.
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      07-04-2008, 08:56 PM   #18
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I am tracking at road courses such as Carolinas Motorsport Park, Roebling Road, Road Atlanta, Lowe's, etc....

I was planning on TCKlines plus camber plates for next year as my suspension upgrades....spring rates around 500-600.

someone please tell me this is not overkill for a street/track car?? KW's are very attractive in particular the V3. how would KW compare to a more "track" oriented coilover setup like TCK? all opinions welcome since I still have time to decide...
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      07-04-2008, 10:20 PM   #19
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id the KW V1 because its quite tolerable for DD use
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      07-05-2008, 11:00 PM   #20
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Just to give you another option, I have the HKS HiperMax III coilovers and they are fantastic! The car handles great and roll, squats, and dives a lot less.
They have 30 way adjustable damping and the adjustment is on the bottom of the dampers (so you can just reach underneath the car to adjust them). For my commute, I soften the dampers up and it rides as good as stock, but a little stiffer and more controlled. For canyon carving, I stiffen the dampers and the car handles even better.
They also have the ability to adjust the shock body length to adjust the ride height in addition to an adjustable spring perch. If you want, I can give a more in depth review, just let me know. For more info, see http://www.hksusa.com/info/?id=3409
Here are some pictures of my car (I purposely did not slam my car, but you can if you want) and the front shock assembly.


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      07-06-2008, 08:31 PM   #21
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hey usc how much and where u get them from?
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      07-06-2008, 10:30 PM   #22
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you don't want KW's anymore, oct1285? ;-)
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