KW V3 or H&R coilovers

adr1974 · 12-12-2008, 09:06 AM

Hi Guys,

I'd really like to lower my 335xi coupe (sports package, but with the 17 inch wheels). It doesn't need to be ridiculously low, I'm just not digging the 4x4 look that I have going on right now. Also, I don't plan on tracking it. Looking around it seems like my best options are:

1. KW V3 coilovers
2. H&R street coilovers

Given my objectives, anyone think that one of those options is much better than another (or if there are other choices that people recommend, that would be great, too)?

Don't know if this matters, but I'll keep the 17s on through the winter and then next spring I'll look to put on some 18s.

Thanks,

Adam

lcrain · 12-12-2008, 09:27 AM

Generally anything KW gets a lot of praise, and is an industry leader, above H&R. The KW V3 offers 3 way adjustability, while the H&R only offers two (height and stiffness). Correct me if I'm wrong but the H&Rs are probably cheaper (V3s are crazy expensive), and like you said you aren't going to be tracking the car so I would think that for a street car, the H&Rs would be plenty. If you have the means and just want the best for the hell of it, go with the KW V3s.

adr1974 · 12-12-2008, 09:34 AM

Appreciate the feedback. I have the means and can afford the KW V3s, but I don't want to get it just to get it, if something else is more affordable and will do the trick. Chances are I won't be changing the settings (unless there some reason to that I'm unaware of) -- I'd rather just set it and forget it. Some one here had written that they thought the H&Rs were ridiculously firm, which is something I'd want to avoid (I have no idea what the rest of their setup was like, though). Looks like the H&Rs are probably the better call for my needs.

lcrain · 12-12-2008, 09:41 AM

Some people that have experienced both setups will have to chime in, but as far as I know the H&Rs are adjustable with both height and stiffness, so when you get it installed ask the shop to set them right in the middle on the stiffness, then go from there and figure out what's best for you. I would agree that if you are not going to be tracking the car, you will not be able to take full advantage of the V3s. Hopefully some people with a little more experience will find their way over here.

F85_RN · 12-12-2008, 10:11 AM

You know what? I would highly recommend that save your money and get the KW V3. I am not saying H&Rs are bad. From my experience H&R's are kinda rough and pretty stiff. Just remember you get what's you paid for.....

adr1974 · 12-12-2008, 10:14 AM

hmmm. crap!! this gets harder and harder...so even for every-day street driving, you recommend the KW?

mike-y · 12-12-2008, 10:57 AM

I think the KW v1's or v2's would be a better fit for you. You really won't be able to take advantage of the additional compression adjustments of the v3 (especially if you are not experienced in chassis tuning). the v2s are already adjustable in height and rebound (the v1s are height adjustable only). Both cost less than the v3s, yet still give you what you are looking for.

SV Concepts III · 12-12-2008, 11:44 AM

Adam,

Both are fantastic choices in terms of quality, construction and performance. I would go with a set of KW V2s for your as the V3s, while offering more shock adjustment, is a bit over the top for most applications. V2s allow you to adjust the height and stiffness of the shock so you get all the benefits of a coilover system but without paying the premium for the V3 system which offers additional Compression adjustment.

adr1974 · 12-12-2008, 11:53 AM

Guys -- I really appreciate your help. Once again the forum has stepped up! I don't know why, but I thought for some reason that the V1 and V2 didn't work with the XIs, so I appreciate your clearing this up.

SV Concepts III · 12-12-2008, 12:12 PM

Shoot I wish I had read your post more carefully, I didn't realize you had an Xi. In that case, your only option for KW would be the V3s.

adr1974 · 12-12-2008, 12:17 PM

No worries...so given the XI factor, would you go with V3 (which is probably overkill) or H&R coilovers (which might be too harsh a ride)?

jerrybajwa · 12-12-2008, 12:55 PM

h&r have an awesome rep for springs but KWs all day long for coilovers

BMW F22 · 12-12-2008, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adr1974

No worries...so given the XI factor, would you go with V3 (which is probably overkill) or H&R coilovers (which might be too harsh a ride)?

Since you have an XI, I would highly recommend the KW V3.

jimmy330xi · 12-12-2008, 01:51 PM

I was in the same boat as you. I don't usually track my car much, and was time to decide between KW V3's or H&R. After countless hours of reading and research about both coilover sets I finally decided that KW V3's were the best option. Specially since everyones review that I read said that H&R's are too stiff, I decided to go with the V3's, that way I can adjust them to my liking and once I get it to that point I can forget about them. Some people think that if you have 3 way adjustable coilovers you should be adjusting them every weekend to drive different sections of the road, I think that's dumb. I believe that all that adjustability is to give you the flexibility to find the settings that suit you, and then you can forget about it and be happy with your set-up, no reason to complain, if there's something you don't like, go ahead and adjust it. That's why I got my V3's. I am not driving my car during the winter, I will be installing those around March. I will post a review later.
Here's a thread that might help.
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=167598

BMW F22 · 12-12-2008, 01:58 PM

I agree with Jimmy. People usually don't adjust their coilovers every day, every week or even every month. Usually they fine a good setting and just keep it that way. Remember that every time you play with it you should get an alignment.

Ron@Modbargains · 12-12-2008, 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimmy330xi

I was in the same boat as you. I don't usually track my car much, and was time to decide between KW V3's or H&R. After countless hours of reading and research about both coilover sets I finally decided that KW V3's were the best option. Specially since everyones review that I read said that H&R's are too stiff, I decided to go with the V3's, that way I can adjust them to my liking and once I get it to that point I can forget about them. Some people think that if you have 3 way adjustable coilovers you should be adjusting them every weekend to drive different sections of the road, I think that's dumb. I believe that all that adjustability is to give you the flexibility to find the settings that suit you, and then you can forget about it and be happy with your set-up, no reason to complain, if there's something you don't like, go ahead and adjust it. That's why I got my V3's. I am not driving my car during the winter, I will be installing those around March. I will post a review later.
Here's a thread that might help.
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=167598

Great assessment there - KW V3xi's would be my personal choice as well in terms of setting it up. But they are pricey.

I've been talking to KW for awhile now and pressuring them to produce a V1, I don't have anything yet in that regards unfortunately. But I know that it would be ideal in the price point.

Just from a stock check info for you guys - the H&R xi's are out of stock currently. V3xi's are in-stock however. Let me know if I can help with any questions guys.

MTV · 12-15-2008, 05:03 PM

KW V3s

pdjafari · 12-15-2008, 05:07 PM

wait for bilstein shocks to be released in 2-3 months then pair them up with a set of springs and call it a day. CO'rs are a waste unless you track your car....

Plus install is a PITA, where as replacing shocks/springs is plug/play

adr1974 · 12-17-2008, 12:24 PM

I think that's what I'm going to do. I have a buddy in London -- I'll probably just ask him to order me the Bilstein B8, and pair them with some H&R sports springs. I'm hoping this will do the trick...

Thanks again, everyone -- appreciate all of the input.

adr1974 · 12-19-2008, 10:51 AM

Another question: a buddy of mine just scared me a little about lowering my car. Said I'd have to be careful about how I drive, scraping might be an issue, etc. My intention isn't really to 'slam' the car, and I think with the Billstein B6 and H&R springs the drop wouldn't be overly aggressive. Any thoughts on this? I definitely don't mind a firmer ride, but I don't want to really have to change my driving style or be overly cautious.

As always, everyone's feedback really is appreciated.

reggiecmah · 12-19-2008, 11:07 AM

you just have to be cautious when you are coming to speed bumps and steep driveways.

YvesD · 12-19-2008, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adr1974

Hi Guys,

I'd really like to lower my 335xi coupe (sports package, but with the 17 inch wheels). It doesn't need to be ridiculously low, I'm just not digging the 4x4 look that I have going on right now. Also, I don't plan on tracking it. Looking around it seems like my best options are:

1. KW V3 coilovers
2. H&R street coilovers

Given my objectives, anyone think that one of those options is much better than another (or if there are other choices that people recommend, that would be great, too)?

Don't know if this matters, but I'll keep the 17s on through the winter and then next spring I'll look to put on some 18s.

Thanks,

Adam

How about KW 'Street Comfort' ?

Yves

12-12-2008, 09:06 AM	#1
adr1974 Lieutenant 128 Rep 415 Posts Drives: 2021 X5 xDrive 40i Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Maryland iTrader: (0)	KW V3 or H&R coilovers Hi Guys, I'd really like to lower my 335xi coupe (sports package, but with the 17 inch wheels). It doesn't need to be ridiculously low, I'm just not digging the 4x4 look that I have going on right now. Also, I don't plan on tracking it. Looking around it seems like my best options are: 1. KW V3 coilovers 2. H&R street coilovers Given my objectives, anyone think that one of those options is much better than another (or if there are other choices that people recommend, that would be great, too)? Don't know if this matters, but I'll keep the 17s on through the winter and then next spring I'll look to put on some 18s. Thanks, Adam
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12-12-2008, 09:27 AM	#2
lcrain Captain 56 Rep 865 Posts Drives: e36 m3, TT-RS Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Dallas, TX iTrader: (1)	Generally anything KW gets a lot of praise, and is an industry leader, above H&R. The KW V3 offers 3 way adjustability, while the H&R only offers two (height and stiffness). Correct me if I'm wrong but the H&Rs are probably cheaper (V3s are crazy expensive), and like you said you aren't going to be tracking the car so I would think that for a street car, the H&Rs would be plenty. If you have the means and just want the best for the hell of it, go with the KW V3s.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-12-2008, 09:34 AM	#3
adr1974 Lieutenant 128 Rep 415 Posts Drives: 2021 X5 xDrive 40i Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Maryland iTrader: (0)	Appreciate the feedback. I have the means and can afford the KW V3s, but I don't want to get it just to get it, if something else is more affordable and will do the trick. Chances are I won't be changing the settings (unless there some reason to that I'm unaware of) -- I'd rather just set it and forget it. Some one here had written that they thought the H&Rs were ridiculously firm, which is something I'd want to avoid (I have no idea what the rest of their setup was like, though). Looks like the H&Rs are probably the better call for my needs.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-12-2008, 09:41 AM	#4
lcrain Captain 56 Rep 865 Posts Drives: e36 m3, TT-RS Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Dallas, TX iTrader: (1)	Some people that have experienced both setups will have to chime in, but as far as I know the H&Rs are adjustable with both height and stiffness, so when you get it installed ask the shop to set them right in the middle on the stiffness, then go from there and figure out what's best for you. I would agree that if you are not going to be tracking the car, you will not be able to take full advantage of the V3s. Hopefully some people with a little more experience will find their way over here.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-12-2008, 10:11 AM	#5
F85_RN Private First Class 57 Rep 199 Posts Drives: 2015 BMW X5M Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (0)	You know what? I would highly recommend that save your money and get the KW V3. I am not saying H&Rs are bad. From my experience H&R's are kinda rough and pretty stiff. Just remember you get what's you paid for.....
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12-12-2008, 10:14 AM	#6
adr1974 Lieutenant 128 Rep 415 Posts Drives: 2021 X5 xDrive 40i Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Maryland iTrader: (0)	hmmm. crap!! this gets harder and harder...so even for every-day street driving, you recommend the KW?
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12-12-2008, 10:57 AM	#7
mike-y just another bmw douche bag 195 Rep 3,640 Posts Drives: 1.9L of fury Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (4)	I think the KW v1's or v2's would be a better fit for you. You really won't be able to take advantage of the additional compression adjustments of the v3 (especially if you are not experienced in chassis tuning). the v2s are already adjustable in height and rebound (the v1s are height adjustable only). Both cost less than the v3s, yet still give you what you are looking for.
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12-12-2008, 11:44 AM	#8
SV Concepts III Lieutenant General 375 Rep 17,017 Posts Drives: BMW Duh Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Santa Clara iTrader: (13)	Adam, Both are fantastic choices in terms of quality, construction and performance. I would go with a set of KW V2s for your as the V3s, while offering more shock adjustment, is a bit over the top for most applications. V2s allow you to adjust the height and stiffness of the shock so you get all the benefits of a coilover system but without paying the premium for the V3 system which offers additional Compression adjustment.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-12-2008, 11:53 AM	#9
adr1974 Lieutenant 128 Rep 415 Posts Drives: 2021 X5 xDrive 40i Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Maryland iTrader: (0)	Guys -- I really appreciate your help. Once again the forum has stepped up! I don't know why, but I thought for some reason that the V1 and V2 didn't work with the XIs, so I appreciate your clearing this up.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-12-2008, 12:12 PM	#10
SV Concepts III Lieutenant General 375 Rep 17,017 Posts Drives: BMW Duh Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Santa Clara iTrader: (13)	Shoot I wish I had read your post more carefully, I didn't realize you had an Xi. In that case, your only option for KW would be the V3s.
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12-12-2008, 12:17 PM	#11
adr1974 Lieutenant 128 Rep 415 Posts Drives: 2021 X5 xDrive 40i Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Maryland iTrader: (0)	No worries...so given the XI factor, would you go with V3 (which is probably overkill) or H&R coilovers (which might be too harsh a ride)?
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12-12-2008, 12:55 PM	#12
jerrybajwa Lieutenant 34 Rep 458 Posts Drives: AW/FR '11 e92 M3 ZCP Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Socal iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 335i coupe [0.00]	h&r have an awesome rep for springs but KWs all day long for coilovers __________________ [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC] 335i-SL55-M3!!!!!!!!
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12-12-2008, 01:51 PM	#14
jimmy330xi Captain 57 Rep 615 Posts Drives: '06 330xI, '04 YZF R1 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Germany iTrader: (1)	I was in the same boat as you. I don't usually track my car much, and was time to decide between KW V3's or H&R. After countless hours of reading and research about both coilover sets I finally decided that KW V3's were the best option. Specially since everyones review that I read said that H&R's are too stiff, I decided to go with the V3's, that way I can adjust them to my liking and once I get it to that point I can forget about them. Some people think that if you have 3 way adjustable coilovers you should be adjusting them every weekend to drive different sections of the road, I think that's dumb. I believe that all that adjustability is to give you the flexibility to find the settings that suit you, and then you can forget about it and be happy with your set-up, no reason to complain, if there's something you don't like, go ahead and adjust it. That's why I got my V3's. I am not driving my car during the winter, I will be installing those around March. I will post a review later. Here's a thread that might help. http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=167598 __________________ '06 330Xi, '04 CBR600RR, '04 YZF-R1, '06CBR600RR, '10 S1000RR M-tech, Injen, Hamann, Remus, KW, Breyton
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12-12-2008, 01:58 PM	#15
BMW F22 Major General 3566 Rep 9,788 Posts Drives: ///M235i Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (8)	I agree with Jimmy. People usually don't adjust their coilovers every day, every week or even every month. Usually they fine a good setting and just keep it that way. Remember that every time you play with it you should get an alignment.
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12-15-2008, 05:03 PM	#17
MTV Banned 241 Rep 1,906 Posts Drives: E60 M5, Volvo S60R Join Date: May 2007 Location: Montreal iTrader: (1)	KW V3s
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12-15-2008, 05:07 PM	#18
pdjafari Colonel 152 Rep 2,461 Posts Drives: G80 M3C Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Earth iTrader: (5)	wait for bilstein shocks to be released in 2-3 months then pair them up with a set of springs and call it a day. CO'rs are a waste unless you track your car.... Plus install is a PITA, where as replacing shocks/springs is plug/play
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12-17-2008, 12:24 PM	#19
adr1974 Lieutenant 128 Rep 415 Posts Drives: 2021 X5 xDrive 40i Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Maryland iTrader: (0)	I think that's what I'm going to do. I have a buddy in London -- I'll probably just ask him to order me the Bilstein B8, and pair them with some H&R sports springs. I'm hoping this will do the trick... Thanks again, everyone -- appreciate all of the input.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-19-2008, 10:51 AM	#20
adr1974 Lieutenant 128 Rep 415 Posts Drives: 2021 X5 xDrive 40i Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Maryland iTrader: (0)	Another question: a buddy of mine just scared me a little about lowering my car. Said I'd have to be careful about how I drive, scraping might be an issue, etc. My intention isn't really to 'slam' the car, and I think with the Billstein B6 and H&R springs the drop wouldn't be overly aggressive. Any thoughts on this? I definitely don't mind a firmer ride, but I don't want to really have to change my driving style or be overly cautious. As always, everyone's feedback really is appreciated.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-19-2008, 11:07 AM	#21
reggiecmah the.tsukinousagi 118 Rep 1,538 Posts Drives: 2015 F82 M4 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Vancouver, BC iTrader: (13) Garage List 2007 E92 328xi [0.00]	you just have to be cautious when you are coming to speed bumps and steep driveways.
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