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B&G Springs vs ST Coilovers vs Ohlins vs TC Kline
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02-23-2015, 03:28 PM | #1 |
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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.
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Last edited by SeanS54; 04-01-2015 at 05:02 PM.. |
02-24-2015, 01:16 PM | #3 |
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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.
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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 |
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02-24-2015, 07:25 PM | #4 |
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Nice ride and comparisons. Very interesting that the TCKs have no clicks
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02-25-2015, 12:45 AM | #5 | |
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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.
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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 |
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02-25-2015, 02:11 PM | #6 |
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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...
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04-01-2015, 05:02 PM | #10 |
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Updated.
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04-02-2015, 07:56 AM | #11 |
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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.
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04-02-2015, 04:09 PM | #12 | |
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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.
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10-16-2016, 12:36 AM | #14 |
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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.
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10-17-2016, 03:47 PM | #15 |
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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.
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02-04-2018, 12:26 PM | #16 | |
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02-28-2018, 11:33 AM | #19 | |
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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.).
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02-28-2018, 11:36 AM | #20 | ||
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