Bilstein PSS10 vs KW V2 - - BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum

revlimit · 11-28-2011, 02:03 PM

Does anyone know which of these have the most comfortable ride?

lpphreakx06 · 11-28-2011, 04:42 PM

I would stay away from KWv2's. I've had them for 40k miles and they offer a comfortable ride since the stiffness is adjustable but they wont last the long haul. Pay a little bit more and go for the blisteins.

revlimit · 11-28-2011, 04:56 PM

Thanks for the info.

CalBear_335i · 11-29-2011, 05:45 PM

I had the Bilstein PSS9 on my E46 M3 and they rode way better than stock, even being fairly dumped..

studie · 11-29-2011, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lpphreakx06

I would stay away from KWv2's. I've had them for 40k miles and they offer a comfortable ride since the stiffness is adjustable but they wont last the long haul. Pay a little bit more and go for the blisteins.

+1 Bilstein PSS9's are even better than KWv2.
Just make sure your shock covers don't get stuck and let sand into the shock, the Bilstiens will last you a LONG time.

revlimit · 11-29-2011, 09:50 PM

So I should consider the PSS9 instead of the PSS10?

flip4335 · 11-29-2011, 11:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by revlimit

So I should consider the PSS9 instead of the PSS10?

Try looking on HP Autowerks web site for some really good struts/coilover systems:

http://hpashop.com/Coilovers_c174.htm

If you can pull it, TCKline, Moton, or AST would be better for you than Bilsteins...Swift springs will also make a big diff on ride comfort. Creaminz says it all in this thread:

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...=swift+springs

studie · 11-30-2011, 04:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flip4335

Try looking on HP Autowerks web site for some really good struts/coilover systems:

http://hpashop.com/Coilovers_c174.htm

If you can pull it, TCKline, Moton, or AST would be better for you than Bilsteins...Swift springs will also make a big diff on ride comfort. Creaminz says it all in this thread:

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...=swift+springs

Price difference...

Quote:

Originally Posted by revlimit

So I should consider the PSS9 instead of the PSS10?

Yes considering they were on sale

tscdennab · 11-30-2011, 06:08 AM

Bilsteins are monotube gas pressure dampers and KW V3 are twin-tube. From what I read, the twin-tube dampers ride more confortably compared to monotubes, while monotubes are better for racing.

Also, Bilsteins (at least PSS10) lower the car quite a bit even on the highest settings, you may want to consider this also. Monotubes have generally less shock travel room compared to twin-tubes, because there is a gas reservoir at the base of the shock. This prevents larger ranges of height adjustability.

One other thing is that KW has a 7-post shock absorber testing dyno on which they test and tune all their coilovers. There are very few such dynos in the world, most of which are at F1 teams.

Also, KW equips Mercedes AMG Black series, so they must be quite good.

I would go with KW. I have not read a single review of someone who did not like them (at least at the beginning). But I did read some stories about spring coils binding, etc. But these were old enough to not be an issue with their current stuff.

Autobahn335i · 11-30-2011, 06:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tscdennab

Bilsteins are monotube gas pressure dampers and KW V3 are twin-tube. From what I read, the twin-tube dampers ride more confortably compared to monotubes, while monotubes are better for racing.

Also, Bilsteins (at least PSS10) lower the car quite a bit even on the highest settings, you may want to consider this also. Monotubes have generally less shock travel room compared to twin-tubes, because there is a gas reservoir at the base of the shock. This prevents larger ranges of height adjustability.

One other thing is that KW has a 7-post shock absorber testing dyno on which they test and tune all their coilovers. There are very few such dynos in the world, most of which are at F1 teams.

Also, KW equips Mercedes AMG Black series, so they must be quite good.

I would go with KW. I have not read a single review of someone who did not like them (at least at the beginning). But I did read some stories about spring coils binding, etc. But these were old enough to not be an issue with their current stuff.

You may be right, but he was asking about the KW V2, not the V3 which would be on par/maybe better then the PSS10

studie · 11-30-2011, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Autobahn335i

You may be right, but he was asking about the KW V2, not the V3 which would be on par/maybe better then the PSS10

Even the KWv3's aren't as good as the PSS10s. When you have the PSS10s dialed in, they are a much better performer on the track.

Had this debate in this thread: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=518314

Don't get me wrong, KW's are great, but I was turned off when I heard about the chirping noise and cracked/warped parts.

ModBargains III · 11-30-2011, 01:32 PM

I'm pretty set on KW's, especially V2's since I have them on my personal car. When they're set at a more comfortable setting, they ride very well. That's my personal preference though

tscdennab · 11-30-2011, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by studie

Even the KWv3's aren't as good as the PSS10s. When you have the PSS10s dialed in, they are a much better performer on the track.

Had this debate in this thread: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=518314

Don't get me wrong, KW's are great, but I was turned off when I heard about the chirping noise and cracked/warped parts.

In that thread you are trying to sell a set of PSS9 for five months and it seems you still haven't sold them...and someone in that thread had both and likes KW V2 more.

revlimit · 12-03-2011, 07:15 PM

So back to the original question. Which one has a better ride?

studie · 12-04-2011, 12:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tscdennab

In that thread you are trying to sell a set of PSS9 for five months and it seems you still haven't sold them...and someone in that thread had both and likes KW V2 more.

decided to keep them

Stucks · 12-04-2011, 02:29 AM

All i can say is i highly regret getting kw coilovers. after 5 months, the struts were leaking and the plastic peices on them had began to crack. Wish i had saved up a little more for a pss9/pss10 set of coilovers.

GaryS · 12-04-2011, 06:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by revlimit

So back to the original question. Which one has a better ride?

KW has a more comfortable ride. Bilstein is precise, balanced, but hard.

gizmo335i · 12-04-2011, 06:33 AM

Wouldn't KW's be warrantied after months for something like that?

Stucks · 12-04-2011, 01:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gizmo335i

Wouldn't KW's be warrantied after months for something like that?

Yes they are warrantied, but i do not have stock suspension. So i have to buy something in the mean time to put on the car while i send my kw's back. Major inconvenience factor and an unnecessary hassle.

revlimit · 12-04-2011, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stucks

Yes they are warrantied, but i do not have stock suspension. So i have to buy something in the mean time to put on the car while i send my kw's back. Major inconvenience factor and an unnecessary hassle.

Besides the defect product, how was the ride?

Stucks · 12-04-2011, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by revlimit

Besides the defect product, how was the ride?

It was compliant when they first went on the car, but then got worse over time. started hearing new unsettling noises and became very jolting every time i hit an expansion joint/bump in the road.

gizmo335i · 12-04-2011, 02:19 PM

Damn, why didn't you keep your stock suspension? That's exactly why I would never sell mine....you never know...plus I'm on my 3rd suspension.....and plan on doing something different eventually....

11-28-2011, 02:03 PM	#1
revlimit Second Lieutenant Drives: E92 335i Le Mans Blue Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 235 iTrader: (3)	Bilstein PSS10 vs KW V2 - Does anyone know which of these have the most comfortable ride?
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11-28-2011, 04:42 PM	#2
lpphreakx06 Professional Moose Racer Drives: SG 335i E92 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Bellevue, Wa Posts: 7,241 iTrader: (25)	I would stay away from KWv2's. I've had them for 40k miles and they offer a comfortable ride since the stiffness is adjustable but they wont last the long haul. Pay a little bit more and go for the blisteins. __________________ BMW Dream Team PNW Chapter, member #1 \|HP Autowerks \| AR DESIGN \| BMW PERFORMANCE \| STOP TECH \| Volk Racing\| AMS \| ARKYM

11-29-2011, 05:45 PM	#4
CalBear_335i Lieutenant Drives: LCI 335i M-Sport Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 440 iTrader: (15)	I had the Bilstein PSS9 on my E46 M3 and they rode way better than stock, even being fairly dumped.. __________________

11-30-2011, 06:08 AM	#9
tscdennab Banned Drives: BMW 335i Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Europe Posts: 1,811 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 BMW [3.12]	Bilsteins are monotube gas pressure dampers and KW V3 are twin-tube. From what I read, the twin-tube dampers ride more confortably compared to monotubes, while monotubes are better for racing. Also, Bilsteins (at least PSS10) lower the car quite a bit even on the highest settings, you may want to consider this also. Monotubes have generally less shock travel room compared to twin-tubes, because there is a gas reservoir at the base of the shock. This prevents larger ranges of height adjustability. One other thing is that KW has a 7-post shock absorber testing dyno on which they test and tune all their coilovers. There are very few such dynos in the world, most of which are at F1 teams. Also, KW equips Mercedes AMG Black series, so they must be quite good. I would go with KW. I have not read a single review of someone who did not like them (at least at the beginning). But I did read some stories about spring coils binding, etc. But these were old enough to not be an issue with their current stuff. Last edited by tscdennab; 11-30-2011 at 06:14 AM.

11-30-2011, 01:32 PM	#12
ModBargains III Lieutenant Drives: E92 335i, 135i, E46 M3, 540i Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: 1721 E. Lambert Rd. Unit C, 90631 La Habra, CA Posts: 423 iTrader: (0)	I'm pretty set on KW's, especially V2's since I have them on my personal car. When they're set at a more comfortable setting, they ride very well. That's my personal preference though __________________ Jurrian************.com

11-28-2011, 04:56 PM	#3
revlimit Second Lieutenant Drives: E92 335i Le Mans Blue Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 235 iTrader: (3)	Thanks for the info.

11-29-2011, 09:50 PM	#6
revlimit Second Lieutenant Drives: E92 335i Le Mans Blue Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 235 iTrader: (3)	So I should consider the PSS9 instead of the PSS10?

12-03-2011, 07:15 PM	#14
revlimit Second Lieutenant Drives: E92 335i Le Mans Blue Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 235 iTrader: (3)	So back to the original question. Which one has a better ride?

12-04-2011, 02:29 AM	#16
Stucks Captain Drives: 2008 E92 335i Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Montgomery County, MD Posts: 993 iTrader: (6)	All i can say is i highly regret getting kw coilovers. after 5 months, the struts were leaking and the plastic peices on them had began to crack. Wish i had saved up a little more for a pss9/pss10 set of coilovers. __________________ Current: 2008 e92 335i coupe. FBO+e85. Stock exhaust, no meth. 421whp/457wtq Previous: 2003 Honda Accord V6 coupe: AEM V2, zex 75 wet shot (sold)

12-04-2011, 06:33 AM	#18
gizmo335i Colonel Drives: 08 JB E92 335i 6MT Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: San Antonio Posts: 2,889 iTrader: (50) Garage List 2008 E92 335i [4.71]	Wouldn't KW's be warrantied after months for something like that? __________________ JB4 \| Vanguard/Quad burnt tips \| Linea Corse \| Mtech Front/rear \| AFE DCI \| H&R Sport + Koni yellow \| Umnitza Full LED Angels \| Akyrm lip/quad diffuser \| Alpine CSL CF Trunklid See Garage for more

12-04-2011, 02:19 PM	#22
gizmo335i Colonel Drives: 08 JB E92 335i 6MT Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: San Antonio Posts: 2,889 iTrader: (50) Garage List 2008 E92 335i [4.71]	Damn, why didn't you keep your stock suspension? That's exactly why I would never sell mine....you never know...plus I'm on my 3rd suspension.....and plan on doing something different eventually.... __________________ JB4 \| Vanguard/Quad burnt tips \| Linea Corse \| Mtech Front/rear \| AFE DCI \| H&R Sport + Koni yellow \| Umnitza Full LED Angels \| Akyrm lip/quad diffuser \| Alpine CSL CF Trunklid See Garage for more

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