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BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > BMW E90/E92/E93 3-series General Forums > General E90 Sedan / E91 Wagon / E92 Coupe / E93 Cabrio > best coilover choice



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      05-28-2017, 06:55 AM   #45
mweisdorfer
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I'd look at the Bilstein b14 kit.

Sort of hard to go wrong with a Bilstein to be honest.

http://www.bilsteinus.com/products/p...stein-b14-pss/
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      05-30-2017, 12:07 PM   #46
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NiNeTyOne View Post
This alone should tell you that the rear KW's would need re-valving, I don't care what they say. With a rate change in the springs you'd need to re-valve them to make them as good as a kit that was properly matched.
I'm not going to disagree regarding KW. Unfortunately, Ohlins doesn't offer a setup for a non-M E93. The Ohlins offering for the M E93 is the same setup for E92 and there is a ~400lb difference between those two cars
I wouldn't know which is worse for the convertible, but both options are likely much better than the stock setup.
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      05-30-2017, 12:21 PM   #47
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Quote:
Originally Posted by unrealii View Post
I'm not going to disagree regarding KW. Unfortunately, Ohlins doesn't offer a setup for a non-M E93. The Ohlins offering for the M E93 is the same setup for E92 and there is a ~400lb difference between those two cars
I wouldn't know which is worse for the convertible, but both options are likely much better than the stock setup.
That's simply a valving issue. Call PSI in Sonoma. For $200 they will re-valve them for the different rates for the e93. They absolutely fit. If you had a xDrive car it would be a different issue.

I suspect they will up the rates on the ERS springs in the rear by 50# and make a subtle damper valving adjustment on the rears.

We do this ALL THE TIME for race cars. It's one of the advantages of dealing with a vendor like PSI vs 'Joe's online web store for BMW ricer rats.' PSI will toss them on the shock dyno and make sure it's right before it leaves the shop too.

Call them up. 800-965-5664.
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      05-30-2017, 05:52 PM   #48
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^^ Good info. I am already in the KW system and am satisfied with it. If I had to do it again, I would consider this option. ^^
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      05-30-2017, 06:46 PM   #49
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NiNeTyOne View Post
That's simply a valving issue. Call PSI in Sonoma. For $200 they will re-valve them for the different rates for the e93. They absolutely fit. If you had a xDrive car it would be a different issue.

I suspect they will up the rates on the ERS springs in the rear by 50# and make a subtle damper valving adjustment on the rears.

We do this ALL THE TIME for race cars. It's one of the advantages of dealing with a vendor like PSI vs 'Joe's online web store for BMW ricer rats.' PSI will toss them on the shock dyno and make sure it's right before it leaves the shop too.

Call them up. 800-965-5664.
Spoke with them today. Very knowledgeable group!
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      05-31-2017, 05:21 PM   #50
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Originally Posted by tlow98 View Post
Spoke with them today. Very knowledgeable group!
They do this, and only this, every day. They don't sell body kits, or tuner parts, or tunes, or tires, or anything else. They just do top tier suspension.

There's a reason they are at Sonoma Raceway and not some strip mall in Van Nuys. They are the very best in the business.
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      10-19-2017, 01:44 PM   #51
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Question

So this Ohlins coilover setup is appropriate for dual-purpose DD/track usage? I'm commuting 600 miles/week - would I possibly be prematurely wearing the shocks by so many non-track miles? Just looking for any reason this would not make sense for me. Thanks!
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      10-19-2017, 07:12 PM   #52
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Originally Posted by AZBimmer View Post
Thx for the link. I have an e90 with sport package. Do you know how it will sit with this package compared to the OEM sport height? Thanks.
Dude, they are fully adjustable coilovers.
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      10-19-2017, 07:16 PM   #53
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bendy22 View Post
So this Ohlins coilover setup is appropriate for dual-purpose DD/track usage? I'm commuting 600 miles/week - would I possibly be prematurely wearing the shocks by so many non-track miles? Just looking for any reason this would not make sense for me. Thanks!
Exactly what they are designed for. Valve them for whatever rate you want them sprung at.

If I was on track 80% I'd up the rates, for street I think they come from Ohlins almost perfect for spirited daily driving.

Remember, these are dual circuit dampers, not traditional monotube dampers, so they feel more compliant, but the bottom line is they just do a much better job of keeping the tire on the pavement. Most dampers have to do what they can with one damping circuit. Once you drive on these you won't go back to 1970's damper tech.
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      10-20-2017, 10:33 AM   #54
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Can anyone comment as to how much lowz one could attain with these Ohlins coils? The link said 1,5 cm lower than OE specs, which isn't much at all... It's kind of confusing though, so I'm not sure if that's the max height or min.
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      10-21-2017, 07:43 PM   #55
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Quote:
Originally Posted by atmosphericM View Post
Can anyone comment as to how much lowz one could attain with these Ohlins coils? The link said 1,5 cm lower than OE specs, which isn't much at all... It's kind of confusing though, so I'm not sure if that's the max height or min.
Is "lowz" important? Or performance?

If lowz, then simply remove the coil springs and ride on the bump stop. There's no 'lowzer' than that.

Otherwise, F the drop and enjoy the improved handling.
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      10-21-2017, 08:04 PM   #56
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I'm liking YCW so far. Digressive valving, linear Swift springs. Good bang for the buck. Never been a fan of progressive suspension even in my years of MX and Sportbikes.

With the YCW you need to like to feel everything on the road. The trade off is daily driven comfort for outright performance. Still, they feel pretty good even with 6k/18k Swift springs for DD. I prefer the feel over progressive springs and valving.
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      10-21-2017, 09:15 PM   #57
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What is the fixation on coil overs? Bring on the flames.
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      10-23-2017, 12:30 PM   #58
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dmatre View Post
Is "lowz" important? Or performance?

If lowz, then simply remove the coil springs and ride on the bump stop. There's no 'lowzer' than that.

Otherwise, F the drop and enjoy the improved handling.
They're both important to me, which is why I'm asking.
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      10-23-2017, 12:40 PM   #59
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Originally Posted by Ozzie335i View Post
What is the fixation on coil overs? Bring on the flames.
I personally prefer coil-overs because of the ability to fine tune ride height as well as ride harshness (on some models). Everyone has their own ideals of where they'd like the front and rear wheels to sit in relation to the fender/ground (or some couldn't care less, apparently ), and personally I want to get my stance just how I like it. I'm willing to sacrifice a fraction of "race car handling" in order to have her look just like I want, as well.

My car isn't a race car, so performance isn't the ONLY thing (gasp) I consider when modding.

I hear that air suspensions have come a long way regarding performance, but air is still a little out there for me personally in terms of not only cost but perhaps performance as well, plus it's a much more complex system with a much greater possibility of failure (not ideal to me for a DD).

IMO cup-kits (matched springs and dampers in a fixed height and (usually) stiffness configuration) are great and maybe the best for those who aren't super picky about their ride height because they're relatively inexpensive, the performance is typically top-notch, and they're simplest and reliable just like OE stuff.
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      10-23-2017, 01:19 PM   #60
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Well put Atmospheric. I agree with everything you said. I'd love to have a set of KWs, but can't see spending so much on a 10 to 20 k car.

I went with the B12s. They do everythig I wanted them to. Like you, I don't need race car handling. Just better handling, less floaty. You can easily tweak these cars so tight thar they no longer feel like a luxury car. The B12 kept that firm but nice BMW ride. My mechanic has an M3 and I can tell you my lil 335i could keep up with it on a track, but feels oh so much more refined.
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      01-19-2018, 10:10 AM   #61
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Anyone try the Godspeed monomax coilovers? Just wanted to see how they are
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      01-19-2018, 11:11 AM   #62
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KW coilovers come with a lifetime warranty, full replacement free of charge.
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      01-29-2018, 03:49 PM   #63
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Coilovers

Hi Guys I have installed the K-Sport street coilovers. Good clean install and really great ride. No bouncy stuff and no harsh trashy ride. I think they are available for around $850 now.
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      01-31-2018, 01:04 PM   #64
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Quote:
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KW coilovers come with a lifetime warranty, full replacement free of charge.
They are complete trash compared to the Ohlins.
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      01-31-2018, 10:46 PM   #65
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bendy22 View Post
So this Ohlins coilover setup is appropriate for dual-purpose DD/track usage? I'm commuting 600 miles/week - would I possibly be prematurely wearing the shocks by so many non-track miles? Just looking for any reason this would not make sense for me. Thanks!
With that kind of mileage make sure you’re ready for a rebuild at about ~ 30k wih the Ohlins. Spoke at length with their reps and that’s the biggest downside imo. Their performance per dollar can’t be touched tho.

Also, I think if you wanted top performance from any coilover for any length of time they would need somewhat regular rebuilds. Possibly excluding Koni based set ups as they’re (more) robust (and tolerances much lower), but certainly behind in damper performance...

It’s all trade offs

Last edited by tlow98; 01-31-2018 at 11:01 PM..
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      02-04-2018, 10:51 AM   #66
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Just throwing out another option is the ISC N1 with sport valving. I purchased a set brand new for ~$900. This kit offers adjustable ride-height and adjustable damping as well as camber plates. They are a fully threaded design. They are based in New Jersey and customer service is extremely good. I had an issue where my alignment shop set my ride height by essentially unloading the spring altogether resulting in me riding on struts only. Over the phone, out in my driveway, the service tech, Jorel, was able to diagnose and help me remedy the issue. A+ customer service in my opinion.

Although I've not had experience with any other coilover, I have had experience with cup kits and various combinations of Springs/struts on my E46. I definitely felt the performance of the cup kit was more ham enough for the street, the lack of ride height adjustability left me feeling a little stuck. Especially after a DIY.

After riding on the coilover setup for a month or so now, I am extremely happy with it and have adjusted both ride height and damping to my liking. I would highly recommend this setup.
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