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



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      06-06-2011, 02:15 PM   #1
328skidpad
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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..
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      06-06-2011, 02:36 PM   #2
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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.
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      06-06-2011, 03:14 PM   #3
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thank you for explanation, I have been doing a lot of searches and mixed up the name.
any one else?
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      06-06-2011, 03:39 PM   #4
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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.
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      06-06-2011, 03:49 PM   #5
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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.
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      06-06-2011, 04:05 PM   #6
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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
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      06-07-2011, 01:54 PM   #7
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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...
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      06-07-2011, 02:31 PM   #8
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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.
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      06-07-2011, 05:08 PM   #9
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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..
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      06-07-2011, 05:48 PM   #10
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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.
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      06-07-2011, 06:30 PM   #11
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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!
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      06-07-2011, 06:35 PM   #12
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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!!
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      06-07-2011, 06:38 PM   #13
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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.
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      06-07-2011, 10:07 PM   #14
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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.
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      06-07-2011, 11:25 PM   #15
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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.
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