[Bimmer325]

Originally Posted by OC 335i

PSS9s are more comparable to KWV2s.

KWV2s offer adjustable dampening and KWV3s offer adj dampening + rebound. Both offer relatively comfortable rides.

yeah far comfortable than stock! i did it with KW V2, no regret!

[stressdoc]

fyi
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=87807

Track record set with Bilsteins.

Originally Posted by shyestsparks
"Yeah everytime I go to Brecht service/parts dept. I always talk to the mechanic that works on their racecars; I've actually seen, "snooped around" the car, and even sat in them (they wouldn't let me dive the car though lol); the cars have limited slip diff. they purchased from Autotech; they were running bilstein shocks w/ stock ZSP springs, but they recently changed to Bilstein coilovers. ... Their race cars are awesome; very good service dept. also."

[stressdoc]

Originally Posted by Ray

You must excuse me, for I left out on vital word in my post. 'This will make the comparison difficult.'

Bilstein offers their rates in pounds for their springs:

Front: 400 lbs
Rear: 630 lbs

A direct conversion will not justify the performance comparison when either one is progressive.

Interesting that TC Kline seems to recommend a 400/500 set up.

[doba_s]

Originally Posted by hov333

you guys are great! thanks for all the feedback! i'm leaning more towards the V2's since i guess u can go lower with the settings and i think they're a little cheaper than the bilsteins too.

Go with PSS9 ... You'll not regret ... I live in SF and let me tell you ... They need to fix roads ASAP
I think quality of PSS9 is better than V2 ...
When I was installing mine PSS9 this guy brought his M3 with V2 and cracked rear spring. It took him forever to contat KW to get a new spring ...
+ cheaper is not always good !!!

[hov333]

sounds good guys! yea i kno comfort is all relative, i should have said as comfortable as stock haha. so its my understanding that both of these can get as comfortable as stock ride with the benefit of lowering the car and having better handling right?

[stressdoc]

Provided you get a quality install, and alignment.

[ntgxtreme]

Even though there are already quite a few useful opinions here, I figured I'd chime in on my experience with both. I agree with both opinions, that Bilstein is more comfortable yet KW offers a more economical option as well as a stiffer and lower ride.

Ultimately, it's up to you whether you want comfort or ride height, but as most people don't track, I'd opt for comfort unless the ride height difference is really that profound.

Also, I've had or seen issues with KW V2s, both old and new versions. Blown shock cylinders within months of installation, rattling housings out of the box, etc. KW support is also very poor and unhelpful.

The Bilsteins will put you as close to OEM ride quality as almost any coilover setup, especially the stiffer, harsher KWs.

[Ray]

Originally Posted by stressdoc

Interesting that TC Kline seems to recommend a 400/500 set up.

That's true. I really wonder what was Mr. Kline's explination for the 500lbs rear springs.

[Don Nguyen]

Unless you are hardcore, go with the V2s, it is the best bang for the buck.

I sell both PSS9 and KW, but if you had to ask for my personal preference, I would go with KW over PSS9s any day.

-Don

[sg335]

Originally Posted by Ray

That's true. I really wonder what was Mr. Kline's explination for the 500lbs rear springs.

Sometimes a softer rear spring rate provides better overall handling that going stiffer. The E90 chassis is very sensitive to rear spring rate adjustments. 400 front and 400 rear is a more compliant ride. Also remember that the shape of the spring determines to some point the ride characteristics as well. The Stock spring, TCK's and the KW is consistantly wound at the same interval. The Bilstein is wound like a progressive and/or tender spring in that the top 1/3rd or more portion is basically coil bound and takes up the slack at full droop and only the bottom section is working with more space between each active coil than the others. Also TCK's front springs are linear and each coil is equally spaced vs. the standard pigtailed spring that the other kits use, which also affects handling behavior.

[hov333]

wow thanks for all your thoughts guys. Yea the comfort is what matters the most to me so i'm leaning towards the pss9's. i had heard originally that the kw's were softer but seems like thats not the case. Price wise it seems like a few hundred bucks difference so thats not such a biggie since I dont want to compromise the quality and comfort of my 335. Thanks again!

[stressdoc]

My 2¢ -- it's a mistake to go lower. Especially with lower profile tires. You are very likely to have big suspension geometry problems. If you want KWs for spring rates or whatever, fine, but lowering more than the max possible on the PSS9s is unwise.

[Fraggy]

I think I will go with PSS9s. My car rides so smooth now, I just want it a bit lower (eibach height), and better handling and I will be a happy camper. If I can get stock ride comfort, I will be happy.

[stressdoc]

Don't forget to write up your experiences after the installs. We need more data from members on how their suspension mods are working out.

[hov333]

no problemo, I will definately keep you guys posted. There's a group buy here somewhere (sorry i dont have the link) but its for KWv2's so i'll see how that goes, because it seems like pss9's and V2's are basically the same price.

[stressdoc]

Lowest price for PSS9s that I've seen is 1425

[Ndna Jnz]

Do you remember where you saw this price?

Thanks,
Jeff

[Fraggy]

Ok, PSS9s are going on tomorrow and I cant wait. Im a bit scared, but pretty excited too!!

This is my first time with Coilovers, so i dont know what to expect.

[OC Guy]

Fraggy, I'm sure you'll like them Good luck! Make sure you get a good alignment.

[Ndna Jnz]

What price did you find and where?

Thanks!

[jahwerx]

these are the types of threads that keep me coming back
On my old ride I had Mugen CO's, shock dyno'd, corner balanced, etc.. and this stuff gets complex FAST!

+1 on the thanks.

[stressdoc]

eshocks.com

06-07 325i / 330i / 335i (E90 Chassis) Bilstein PSS9 GM5-C051-H1 $1,426.75