From Bilstein/Eibach to KW

Peter Morrin · 06-23-2022, 10:52 AM

As per above, one of the rear shocks on my St-X/KV-1 is completely blown. The car still rides all right but the right rear shock is completely covered in hydraulic oil/grease.

Given my situation and that of earlier comments, I plan to replace the rear shocks with Koni Yellow (Sport Rear Shocks: 8240-1236 Sport). They are currently at 20% off at many places (Tirerack; $143.84 USD ea.). This compares to $130 approx. plus shipping costs to have the St-X shocks re-built.

I plan to use the Munroe bushings at the top and OEM at the bottom. Anybody have any wisdom to add to this plan?

whyzee125 · 06-23-2022, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter Morrin

As per above, one of the rear shocks on my St-X/KV-1 is completely blown. The car still rides all right but the right rear shock is completely covered in hydraulic oil/grease.

Given my situation and that of earlier comments, I plan to replace the rear shocks with Koni Yellow (Sport Rear Shocks: 8240-1236 Sport). They are currently at 20% off at many places (Tirerack; $143.84 USD ea.). This compares to $130 approx. plus shipping costs to have the St-X shocks re-built.

I plan to use the Munroe bushings at the top and OEM at the bottom. Anybody have any wisdom to add to this plan?

Sounds like a good plan! Depending on how low you ride, you could use the Dinan rear shock mounts instead but probably not necessary. Keep us posted on how it rides in comparison!

4 Doors · 06-23-2022, 02:38 PM

Interesting idea…I wonder how it will ride once all together. Does ST/KW sell just the front coilovers? Would be nice to have adjustability for winters here in the front, and not worry about the rear.

Peter Morrin · 06-25-2022, 03:34 PM

ST/KV would rebuild individual shocks, but whether they would sell just the front kit or not I don't know. They were very responsive to my enquiries so one could check with them.

I was under the car and found that I now have 2 blown rear shocks, one worse than the other based on the amount of oil/dirt on the shock body. This is prompting me to move more quickly with the change out. I am happy to report that the aluminum height adjuster does not appear to be corroded, but I don't know how much height I can gain. My targed it M Sport height with control arms approximately parallel to the ground. I am not sure this will be possible with the ST-X springs which may have sagged a bit.

I will keep people posted.

Peter

AWD Addict · 08-22-2022, 01:18 PM

I've driven all season on the setup I noted previously, and it's fine. It didn't continue to "degrade" was was likely just further settling in. They're also not blown.

I'm happy with this setup and will keep going until it fails. After that, I'm considering custom, or maybe another set of these.

Alpine11xi · 09-30-2022, 03:59 PM

Afternoon, lurker Here. I have a 2011 335xi coupe and have just purchased the kw v1's (here next week). We currently have bilstein b6's on her as well S h&r springs. But can't handle the crashing from the front end. Nearly brings me to tears each time. The car has 100k on it. Does the kw come with all required bump stops etc..? What else do you recommend be replaced while doing this work? Also, best place to find parts/ kits. I've been leaning towards fcp euro. And really like coloradon5x (good customer service experiences).

AWD Addict · 10-23-2022, 07:34 PM

The m3 rear end components were definitely a sporty upgrade. They all bolt right on.

Should come with everything.

AWD Addict · 04-16-2023, 07:10 PM

Update of the kw with my new summer wheels.

Peter Morrin · 07-15-2024, 01:56 PM

I was going back through this post and thought I would update my current situation. My ST-X rear shocks both failed. I found a used set of KV3 rear springs/struts and swapped them into my car. The adjustability was helpful in removing some sharpness in the rear suspension. If I was buying new, I would stick with the non-adjustable shocks. When/if the rear shocks fail, I will likely try the Koni Yellows as has been suggested here.

AWD Addict · 09-05-2024, 01:09 PM

My KW V1s have held up well. I'll definitely replace these with the same units when they eventually fail.

06-23-2022, 10:52 AM	#45
Peter Morrin Private First Class 59 Rep 196 Posts Drives: 2007 E90(sedan) 328xi Join Date: Dec 2021 Location: Kingston, Ontario, Canada iTrader: (0)	Koni yellows paired with KV1 springs As per above, one of the rear shocks on my St-X/KV-1 is completely blown. The car still rides all right but the right rear shock is completely covered in hydraulic oil/grease. Given my situation and that of earlier comments, I plan to replace the rear shocks with Koni Yellow (Sport Rear Shocks: 8240-1236 Sport). They are currently at 20% off at many places (Tirerack; $143.84 USD ea.). This compares to $130 approx. plus shipping costs to have the St-X shocks re-built. I plan to use the Munroe bushings at the top and OEM at the bottom. Anybody have any wisdom to add to this plan?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-23-2022, 02:38 PM	#47
4 Doors Major 1181 Rep 1,505 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW 328i (E91) Touring Join Date: Mar 2018 Location: Michigan iTrader: (4) Garage List 2008 BMW 335xi [10.00]	Interesting idea…I wonder how it will ride once all together. Does ST/KW sell just the front coilovers? Would be nice to have adjustability for winters here in the front, and not worry about the rear. __________________ Instagram: @4doors Current: 2011 E91 328i M-Sport Touring Past: 2008 E90 335xi 1996 E36 328i Sport
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06-25-2022, 03:34 PM	#48
Peter Morrin Private First Class 59 Rep 196 Posts Drives: 2007 E90(sedan) 328xi Join Date: Dec 2021 Location: Kingston, Ontario, Canada iTrader: (0)	ST-X/Koni combo ST/KV would rebuild individual shocks, but whether they would sell just the front kit or not I don't know. They were very responsive to my enquiries so one could check with them. I was under the car and found that I now have 2 blown rear shocks, one worse than the other based on the amount of oil/dirt on the shock body. This is prompting me to move more quickly with the change out. I am happy to report that the aluminum height adjuster does not appear to be corroded, but I don't know how much height I can gain. My targed it M Sport height with control arms approximately parallel to the ground. I am not sure this will be possible with the ST-X springs which may have sagged a bit. I will keep people posted. Peter
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-22-2022, 01:18 PM	#49
AWD Addict Chief Executive 387 Rep 2,919 Posts Drives: 2008 335xi 6spd Coupe Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Boston iTrader: (1) Garage List 2008 335xi [0.00]	I've driven all season on the setup I noted previously, and it's fine. It didn't continue to "degrade" was was likely just further settling in. They're also not blown. I'm happy with this setup and will keep going until it fails. After that, I'm considering custom, or maybe another set of these.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-30-2022, 03:59 PM	#50
Alpine11xi Registered 0 Rep 1 Posts Drives: 2011 bmw 335xi , 2017 lincoln Join Date: Sep 2022 Location: Lathrop, mo iTrader: (0)	Afternoon, lurker Here. I have a 2011 335xi coupe and have just purchased the kw v1's (here next week). We currently have bilstein b6's on her as well S h&r springs. But can't handle the crashing from the front end. Nearly brings me to tears each time. The car has 100k on it. Does the kw come with all required bump stops etc..? What else do you recommend be replaced while doing this work? Also, best place to find parts/ kits. I've been leaning towards fcp euro. And really like coloradon5x (good customer service experiences).
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-23-2022, 07:34 PM	#51
AWD Addict Chief Executive 387 Rep 2,919 Posts Drives: 2008 335xi 6spd Coupe Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Boston iTrader: (1) Garage List 2008 335xi [0.00]	The m3 rear end components were definitely a sporty upgrade. They all bolt right on. Should come with everything.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-16-2023, 07:10 PM	#52
AWD Addict Chief Executive 387 Rep 2,919 Posts Drives: 2008 335xi 6spd Coupe Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Boston iTrader: (1) Garage List 2008 335xi [0.00]	Update of the kw with my new summer wheels.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-15-2024, 01:56 PM	#53
Peter Morrin Private First Class 59 Rep 196 Posts Drives: 2007 E90(sedan) 328xi Join Date: Dec 2021 Location: Kingston, Ontario, Canada iTrader: (0)	I was going back through this post and thought I would update my current situation. My ST-X rear shocks both failed. I found a used set of KV3 rear springs/struts and swapped them into my car. The adjustability was helpful in removing some sharpness in the rear suspension. If I was buying new, I would stick with the non-adjustable shocks. When/if the rear shocks fail, I will likely try the Koni Yellows as has been suggested here.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-05-2024, 01:09 PM	#54
AWD Addict Chief Executive 387 Rep 2,919 Posts Drives: 2008 335xi 6spd Coupe Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Boston iTrader: (1) Garage List 2008 335xi [0.00]	My KW V1s have held up well. I'll definitely replace these with the same units when they eventually fail.
	Appreciate 0 Quote