E90Post
 


 
BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Technical Forums > Suspension | Brakes | Chassis > B&G Springs vs ST Coilovers vs Ohlins vs TC Kline



Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      02-23-2015, 03:28 PM   #1
SeanS54
Captain
SeanS54's Avatar
172
Rep
857
Posts

Drives: M4 ZCP, E46 M3, '21 Tacoma
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Bay Area, CA

iTrader: (20)

B&G Springs vs ST Coilovers vs Ohlins vs TC Kline

Over the years I've gone through quite a few different suspension setups.

My first was just B&G Springs (~$200). They rode nice for just springs (firm) but I wanted more adjustability so I went with ST Coilovers (KW V1 equivalent).

ST Coilovers rode smooth and can be dumped. This pic was almost max height. Cost roughly $900. I highly recommed these coils for those that don't track.

I got into tracking so I wanted linear springs and dampening adjustability so my next setup was Ohlins. Ohlins rode amazing but I felt it needed a stiffer rear spring so I picked up Swift 672 rear springs. They do not go low which makes sense for handling. Cost roughly $2200 + $200 (Swift rear).

Regrettably I started parting out my 335i and thought I was ready to move on into a different platform. Anyway, I changed my mind and in the process of rebuilding my 335i.

My current coilovers are TC Kline SA with 350 front springs and 600 rear springs. I haven't got a chance to test these on the track yet but I have a track day in late March booked. They ride a little firmer than the Ohlins but that's to be expected since the strut/shocks are totally different in design. Cost roughly $1700

Ohlins have roughly 30 clicks and you have to pay attention to the number and feel of the clicks. The Koni strut/shocks on the TC Kline just has a knob that you turn (no clicks). I kinda like the knobs because it's "simpler" to setup.

On to the pics:

B&G Springs:


ST Coilovers:


Ohlins:


TC Kline SA (I've adjusted it since the pic so don't pay attention to the collar height; love the white on white):





Stay tuned for my post track review.

Updated: 4/1/15

Came back from the track a couple of weeks ago. Video here.

Coilovers performed great! Handles just as nice as the Ohlins. The main difference I notice is that it rides slightly harsher on the streets than the Ohlins.

In sum: TC Kline SA coilovers are great "affordable" coilovers for the track. If you require a more cushy ride for DD then I recommend Ohlins w/ upgraded rear Swift spring (672 lbs). But prepare to spend about $1k more.

Last edited by SeanS54; 04-01-2015 at 05:02 PM..
Appreciate 0
      02-24-2015, 01:05 PM   #2
TROSEKREW
Private First Class
TROSEKREW's Avatar
35
Rep
198
Posts

Drives: e90
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: WHORELANDO

iTrader: (1)

So your saying the ST pic is at max height? DAMN lol i am bout to install mine and im worried about what height to put them to
Appreciate 0
      02-24-2015, 01:16 PM   #3
Cloud9blue
Brigadier General
Cloud9blue's Avatar
United_States
716
Rep
3,251
Posts

Drives: around the potholes
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: NY/NJ/MA

iTrader: (13)

Nice. I moved from BMW performance to TC Kline DA just a month ago. The car is noticably former due to the much stiffer spring rates (f 400, r 700) but the shocks are actually less harsh over potholes and sharp road imperfections than the performance shocks, even at sub zero temp, which is pretty impressive. Curious to how they will feel on the track once the weather starts to warm up. Also noticed that These coilovers can go pretty low. I have the front struts at max height right now, and it is just barely acceptable for a DD.
__________________
09 BMW E92 335i: Top Mount EFR 7670 / Dinan / AP Racing / Wavetrac / TC Kline [Full Mod List]
07 BMW R1200S: Shine Yellow / Akrapovic / Ohlins
19 Volvo V90 T6: R-Design / Bowers & Wilkins / Polestar Optimization
Appreciate 0
      02-24-2015, 07:25 PM   #4
chris82
Brigadier General
chris82's Avatar
United_States
837
Rep
3,855
Posts

Drives: 128i
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: NY NY

iTrader: (8)

Garage List
2009 BMW 128i  [9.80]
Nice ride and comparisons. Very interesting that the TCKs have no clicks
Appreciate 0
      02-25-2015, 12:45 AM   #5
Cloud9blue
Brigadier General
Cloud9blue's Avatar
United_States
716
Rep
3,251
Posts

Drives: around the potholes
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: NY/NJ/MA

iTrader: (13)

Quote:
Originally Posted by chris82 View Post
Nice ride and comparisons. Very interesting that the TCKs have no clicks
TCK do have clicks for compression adjustment on the double adjustable shocks, FYI, since they are less accessible (near the bottom of the struts and shock) than the rebound adjustment.

I found it a bit weird at first, since I am so used to the nice clicking feedback from the Ohlins on my bike. But honestly, there is not much of a reason to have clicks on the rebound anyway on these shocks, since they are so accessible, and it is a good habit to zero out the adjustment valve by turning it to full soft or hard setting before dialing in your new settings.
__________________
09 BMW E92 335i: Top Mount EFR 7670 / Dinan / AP Racing / Wavetrac / TC Kline [Full Mod List]
07 BMW R1200S: Shine Yellow / Akrapovic / Ohlins
19 Volvo V90 T6: R-Design / Bowers & Wilkins / Polestar Optimization
Appreciate 0
      02-25-2015, 02:11 PM   #6
SeanS54
Captain
SeanS54's Avatar
172
Rep
857
Posts

Drives: M4 ZCP, E46 M3, '21 Tacoma
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Bay Area, CA

iTrader: (20)

Quote:
Originally Posted by TROSEKREW View Post
So your saying the ST pic is at max height? DAMN lol i am bout to install mine and im worried about what height to put them to
you'll be adjusting your coilovers several times before you find what you like... I suggest setting it up at max height or midway and see where it sits.. adjust from there...
Appreciate 1
      02-26-2015, 09:48 AM   #7
happytaco
Private First Class
39
Rep
150
Posts

Drives: e90 335i, 15 M3
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Norcal

iTrader: (1)

Nice review, good to hear from someone with actual experience.
Appreciate 0
      03-17-2015, 07:59 PM   #8
quansai07
New Member
0
Rep
7
Posts

Drives: BMW 320i e90
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Vietnam

iTrader: (0)

Dropping ride height is very nice
Appreciate 0
      03-17-2015, 08:12 PM   #9
Denny347
Major
Denny347's Avatar
360
Rep
1,080
Posts

Drives: 2008 M3 E90
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Indianapolis, IN

iTrader: (0)

ST's about set about mid height. I love the ride, firm but not uncomfortable.




Last edited by Denny347; 02-11-2018 at 11:01 AM..
Appreciate 0
      04-01-2015, 05:02 PM   #10
SeanS54
Captain
SeanS54's Avatar
172
Rep
857
Posts

Drives: M4 ZCP, E46 M3, '21 Tacoma
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Bay Area, CA

iTrader: (20)

Updated.
Appreciate 0
      04-02-2015, 07:56 AM   #11
vasillalov
Mad Linux Guru On The Loose
vasillalov's Avatar
1181
Rep
5,454
Posts

Drives: 2008 335i Sedan, 2023 M3
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Chicago, IL

iTrader: (5)

Garage List
2023 BMW M3  [0.00]
2008 335i E90  [8.00]
I run TCKLine SA as well. I however opted for the 450 front and 700 rear. I also have full driveline and powertrain mods and I track the car regularly.

I find the TCKLine's great. They actually ride better and more comfortable than the BMW Sport suspension.

My only complaint about them is that the rear feels a bit under-dampened when going over roads that change elevation. Think situations where road meets bridge and the bridge is higher or lower than the road.
__________________
Appreciate 0
      04-02-2015, 04:09 PM   #12
SeanS54
Captain
SeanS54's Avatar
172
Rep
857
Posts

Drives: M4 ZCP, E46 M3, '21 Tacoma
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Bay Area, CA

iTrader: (20)

Quote:
Originally Posted by vasillalov View Post
I run TCKLine SA as well. I however opted for the 450 front and 700 rear. I also have full driveline and powertrain mods and I track the car regularly.

I find the TCKLine's great. They actually ride better and more comfortable than the BMW Sport suspension.

My only complaint about them is that the rear feels a bit under-dampened when going over roads that change elevation. Think situations where road meets bridge and the bridge is higher or lower than the road.
I concur... I bought the kit with 350 front springs and 600 rear springs. I just replaced the 600 rear springs with 672 swift springs. That should help with the understeer a bit.

I think this is the best "budget" coilovers if you track the car since you can pick the spring rates (linear).

If money's not an issue then I would recommend bossing up and spend the extra $800-$1000 for Ohlins with rear swift spring.
Appreciate 0
      10-15-2016, 05:37 AM   #13
Theador
Lieutenant
85
Rep
369
Posts

Drives: BMW E91 M Sport 335i
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Henley on Thames

iTrader: (0)

How much lower than stock M Sport were the Ohlins on their lowest and highest settings?
Appreciate 0
      10-16-2016, 12:36 AM   #14
asquared
E39
asquared's Avatar
No_Country
134
Rep
286
Posts

Drives: 2000 540i
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Las Vegas, NV

iTrader: (0)

Love how each suspension had different wheel setups I've had ST coils on my 1er. Comfortable for daily driving and stiff enough for spirited driving. But I wouldn't say they'd handle track duty other than maybe once here and there. ST has some dual adjustable now, I'm assuming a galvanized version of the KW v2.
Appreciate 0
      10-17-2016, 03:47 PM   #15
HP Autosport
Supreme Allied Commander
United_States
4089
Rep
55,795
Posts

Drives: F80 M3
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Santa Barbara, AP, Brembo, GIAC, Koni, Ohlins, Performance Friction, www.hpautosport.com

iTrader: (36)

TCKR SA is one of the best values in entry level coilovers that often outperforms more expensive kits out there. You can choose from street to track rates on springs so that is an excellent option others don't offer.
Appreciate 0
      02-04-2018, 12:26 PM   #16
Omahastylee
New Member
Omahastylee's Avatar
10
Rep
26
Posts

Drives: 2011 AW 335i Sedan M Sport
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: Omaha

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by SeanS54 View Post
Over the years I've gone through quite a few different suspension setups.

My first was just B&G Springs (~$200). They rode nice for just springs (firm) but I wanted more adjustability so I went with ST Coilovers (KW V1 equivalent).

ST Coilovers rode smooth and can be dumped. This pic was almost max height. Cost roughly $900. I highly recommed these coils for those that don't track.

I got into tracking so I wanted linear springs and dampening adjustability so my next setup was Ohlins. Ohlins rode amazing but I felt it needed a stiffer rear spring so I picked up Swift 672 rear springs. They do not go low which makes sense for handling. Cost roughly $2200 + $200 (Swift rear).

Regrettably I started parting out my 335i and thought I was ready to move on into a different platform. Anyway, I changed my mind and in the process of rebuilding my 335i.

My current coilovers are TC Kline SA with 350 front springs and 600 rear springs. I haven't got a chance to test these on the track yet but I have a track day in late March booked. They ride a little firmer than the Ohlins but that's to be expected since the strut/shocks are totally different in design. Cost roughly $1700

Ohlins have roughly 30 clicks and you have to pay attention to the number and feel of the clicks. The Koni strut/shocks on the TC Kline just has a knob that you turn (no clicks). I kinda like the knobs because it's "simpler" to setup.

On to the pics:

B&G Springs:


ST Coilovers:


Ohlins:


TC Kline SA (I've adjusted it since the pic so don't pay attention to the collar height; love the white on white):





Stay tuned for my post track review.

Updated: 4/1/15

Came back from the track a couple of weeks ago. Video here.

Coilovers performed great! Handles just as nice as the Ohlins. The main difference I notice is that it rides slightly harsher on the streets than the Ohlins.

In sum: TC Kline SA coilovers are great "affordable" coilovers for the track. If you require a more cushy ride for DD then I recommend Ohlins w/ upgraded rear Swift spring (672 lbs). But prepare to spend about $1k more.
What wheel size did you have on the rear withthe ST's? I have 18x9.5 and stock M sport suspension, and I'm mostly concerned if it will fit due to the wider track on an lci e90. I'm a 2011, so lci m sport.
Appreciate 0
      02-07-2018, 04:20 PM   #17
SeanS54
Captain
SeanS54's Avatar
172
Rep
857
Posts

Drives: M4 ZCP, E46 M3, '21 Tacoma
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Bay Area, CA

iTrader: (20)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Omahastylee View Post
What wheel size did you have on the rear withthe ST's? I have 18x9.5 and stock M sport suspension, and I'm mostly concerned if it will fit due to the wider track on an lci e90. I'm a 2011, so lci m sport.
18x9.5 ET 35 with 265/35/18 Michelin PSS. It will clear with neg 2.0 camber and some fender rolling. If you're stock height you should be fine.
Appreciate 1
joeinsd288.00
      02-27-2018, 08:21 PM   #18
boostvibes
Private First Class
boostvibes's Avatar
16
Rep
151
Posts

Drives: 2009 e90 335i
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: MD

iTrader: (0)

Got any more pics of the ohlins set up? Just picked up a set, I hear they don’t go that low.
Appreciate 0
      02-28-2018, 11:33 AM   #19
SeanS54
Captain
SeanS54's Avatar
172
Rep
857
Posts

Drives: M4 ZCP, E46 M3, '21 Tacoma
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Bay Area, CA

iTrader: (20)

Quote:
Originally Posted by boostvibes View Post
Got any more pics of the ohlins set up? Just picked up a set, I hear they don’t go that low.
I don't have any more pics as I don't own the car anymore. Ohlins don't go that low, but are definitely low enough for looks and performance.

On my current E46 M3 track car I'm running Ohlins coilovers with upgraded Swift springs (linear springs with higher rates).

You can always change your springs if you want it lower. Keep in mind, dump cars don't handle well and will kill the struts/shocks sooner and will cause other issues (bottoming out = bending wheels, destroying top hats, rear shock mounts, etc.).
Appreciate 0
      02-28-2018, 11:36 AM   #20
boostvibes
Private First Class
boostvibes's Avatar
16
Rep
151
Posts

Drives: 2009 e90 335i
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: MD

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by SeanS54 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by boostvibes View Post
Got any more pics of the ohlins set up? Just picked up a set, I hear they donÂ’t go that low.
I don't have any more pics as I don't own the car anymore. Ohlins don't go that low, but are definitely low enough for looks and performance.

On my current E46 M3 track car I'm running Ohlins coilovers with upgraded Swift springs (linear springs with higher rates).

You can always change your springs if you want it lower. Keep in mind, dump cars don't handle well and will kill the struts/shocks sooner and will cause other issues (bottoming out = bending wheels, destroying top hats, rear shock mounts, etc.).
Your one picture was actually exactly the height I was looking for. When people said they didn't go low I thought they meant like stock ride height.
__________________
__________________________________________________
e90 N54 DPs - 7" FMIC - CP W/ Turbosmart DVs - MHD stg 2+
Appreciate 1
joeinsd288.00
Reply

Bookmarks


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 03:03 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