Will coilovers (KW) save me from bailing on my 335i xDrive?

pinemind · 06-25-2013, 11:41 AM

All,

One thing I can't stand about the 335i xDrive after about 14 months of ownership is the suspension (height/float/etc). While contemplating, and pretty much set on, KW V1's, I've also started looking into the possibility of jumping ship completely for a 135is or a used e9x M3.

I'm curious if anyone else was in the same boat of dumping money into upgrading suspension vs just going for a RWD BMW with better suspension from the factory. Was the suspension upgrade enough to kill those thoughts of switching cars? I look at it this way, I could take that ~$2000 for coilovers/install/alignment and put it towards a down payment for one of those two cars I've been eyeing. Plus, I'm sure that would lead to a rabbit hole of bushings, sway bars, etc meaning even more cash (especially with bushing install costs).

Strange question, and I know the two cars I'm contemplating are vastly different, but thoughts appreciated.

JayP · 06-25-2013, 12:27 PM

I do have V1's on my e90 335 xdrive. Sure is alot better than stock suspension.

How much snow are you getting in Boston? I'd keep an AWD

pinemind · 06-25-2013, 12:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JayP

I do have V1's on my e90 335 xdrive. Sure is alot better than stock suspension.

How much snow are you getting in Boston? I'd keep an AWD

Honestly, the roads are clear before you can think about driving, for the most part. Plus, I can work from home if it snows hard, so that points to switching to RWD. Also, I've never had a RWD car and it's on the bucket list to enjoy before it's time to settle down.

zipstic · 06-25-2013, 01:13 PM

I haven't had a ton of experience driving a non xi/xdrive e9x, but I prefer my xi with KW V1's over the factory i suspension. The car is going to handle differently being AWD versus RWD, but I really like having the piece of mind during the Minnesota winters having AWD. So to answer you question, no, I never considered selling my xi for an i model.

Eugeinus · 06-25-2013, 02:49 PM

I've also been running the KW V1's - much better ride in the summer, and if it gets really bad, just raise them in the winter with your winter setup. The way I look at it, yes it's a little expensive, but if you ever sell the car, keep the original springs/shocks and replace them, and sell the V1's. There will always be a market for them here, and you'll be able to recoup a good amount of the cost back.

Besides the better handling, it looks a hell of a lot better too.

RElias21 · 06-25-2013, 06:14 PM

Hey man, I really don't think the question is about handling. I think it's really about do you want/need AWD or not? If not, then of course those two other choices would be a blast. If you do, however, your car will be entirely different with V1s. I just put them on last week after two years of stock. I can't believe how much more comfortable they are and how much better they take bumps, besides the improved handling and appearance. You will def not be upset with getting V1s. But again, if you don't need AWD all together, I'm sure the other two options will handle great.

As between 135 and m3, I would think about how much you like torque and the ability to easily add power.

Jeffman · 06-25-2013, 11:59 PM

Huge difference for me. I've had my kwv1s in for almost four years now. I also drive other stock 3-series when I travel, all rwd, and there really is a huge difference there too. Xi + coilovers handles MUCH BETTER than stock OEM RWD, non-M. And as far as snow, the most important thing is to get dedicated snow tires/wheels...thus you'll be able to get dedicated summer tires/wheels too! THROW OUT THE ALL-SEASON TIRES. Yes, I purchased eight new tires and four new wheels. I put the max summer tires on new, lightweight, Apex ARC-8 18" (8.5 F / 9.5 R) and winter tires on the OEM wheels. There is a huge ~8 lb weight savings at each corner for my summer set-up which greatly improves handling, braking and acceleration. Oh, and with the Cobb AP tune and other mods I am able to snack on M3s!

Evochuck · 06-26-2013, 12:47 AM

My H&R coils were the best buy I could do, much better looks, and no more floating above 150 kmh.

Bonus e90 xdrive pic

pinemind · 06-26-2013, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeffman

Huge difference for me. I've had my kwv1s in for almost four years now. I also drive other stock 3-series when I travel, all rwd, and there really is a huge difference there too. Xi + coilovers handles MUCH BETTER than stock OEM RWD, non-M. And as far as snow, the most important thing is to get dedicated snow tires/wheels...thus you'll be able to get dedicated summer tires/wheels too! THROW OUT THE ALL-SEASON TIRES. Yes, I purchased eight new tires and four new wheels. I put the max summer tires on new, lightweight, Apex ARC-8 18" (8.5 F / 9.5 R) and winter tires on the OEM wheels. There is a huge ~8 lb weight savings at each corner for my summer set-up which greatly improves handling, braking and acceleration. Oh, and with the Cobb AP tune and other mods I am able to snack on M3s!

Thanks. I'm already a dedicated summer/winter tire/wheel person, so I've got that covered. I appreciate the response especially from someone who's had them on for a such a long time. Plus the comparison to RWD 3-series is a good viewpoint.

akotten · 06-27-2013, 08:43 AM

I did all of my suspension changes at once, but it really transformed the car. It's a pretty decent performer at the track as well...

CWysong · 06-27-2013, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eugeinus

Besides the better handling, it looks a hell of a lot better too.

Yup, KWv1s get you where you want to be... get the 135 and you will find yourself wanting to drop it just the same (at least I would). So stick with the AWD and the nicely lowered car

Amini77 · 06-28-2013, 01:49 AM

KWV1 is the best mod I've done on my car. If you throw some supporting suspension mods like end links, strut bar, sway bars, etc. any of those it's a huge improvement. Especially since xi's don't come with sport suspension, it's like jumping 2 levels up. But if I had a chance to get a E90 m3..i'd jump on it.

virtualbong · 06-28-2013, 06:39 AM

Drop it and you'll have the best of both worlds.

2Times · 07-02-2013, 02:21 PM

Funny... I just read this as I was (am) in the same boat. I actually took off all my mods (S2+) because I was thinking of selling the car. After taking everything off, my car felt like a rental car where you say, "why the F is this thing so slow?" lol. I decided to stick it out a little longer though and just purchased KW V1s (From Tiago VRSF) and ordered some rims. We'll see how much time this buys

F30Husker · 07-10-2013, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JayP

I do have V1's on my e90 335 xdrive. Sure is alot better than stock suspension.

How much snow are you getting in Boston? I'd keep an AWD

Did you need camber plates? Im getting the V1's for my 335xi as well, and was wondering if i will need camber plates.

JC335xi · 07-10-2013, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E90husker

Did you need camber plates? Im getting the V1's for my 335xi as well, and was wondering if i will need camber plates.

If the car is just a daily driver then you will be fine without camber plates.

F30Husker · 07-10-2013, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JC335xi

If the car is just a daily driver then you will be fine without camber plates.

Yes, just a daily driver. The only thing I would be worried about is uneven tire wear. Have you noticed any?

divisionbell77 · 07-10-2013, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by virtualbong

Drop it and you'll have the best of both worlds.

She-males pop out when you drop it?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

2Times · 07-10-2013, 05:09 PM

Update:: Saved my xi for at least a year

Just taken 10 min ago:

JayP · 07-10-2013, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E90husker

Did you need camber plates? Im getting the V1's for my 335xi as well, and was wondering if i will need camber plates.

Nop, i dont have any camber plates and i am using 15mm spacer in the rear.

But it rubs on highway/bridge bump only.

RElias21 · 07-11-2013, 01:15 PM

I just put KWs on my car about 3 weeks ago. I also have 10mm spacers in front and 12mm in the back. The car still drives straight. Must I still get an alignment? I only drive it on weekends, so I haven't driven on the tires that much since.

The guy who installed them told me I don't have to get it aligned if it still drives straight. That's why I'm asking.

2Times · 07-11-2013, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ragi Elias

I just put KWs on my car about 3 weeks ago. I also have 10mm spacers in front and 12mm in the back. The car still drives straight. Must I still get an alignment? I only drive it on weekends, so I haven't driven on the tires that much since.

The guy who installed them told me I don't have to get it aligned if it still drives straight. That's why I'm asking.

Better safe than sorry... I'd get it done.

06-25-2013, 11:41 AM	#1
pinemind Private First Class 20 Rep 173 Posts Drives: 2012 135i M-sport 6 sp manual Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Boston, MA iTrader: (3)	Will coilovers (KW) save me from bailing on my 335i xDrive? All, One thing I can't stand about the 335i xDrive after about 14 months of ownership is the suspension (height/float/etc). While contemplating, and pretty much set on, KW V1's, I've also started looking into the possibility of jumping ship completely for a 135is or a used e9x M3. I'm curious if anyone else was in the same boat of dumping money into upgrading suspension vs just going for a RWD BMW with better suspension from the factory. Was the suspension upgrade enough to kill those thoughts of switching cars? I look at it this way, I could take that ~$2000 for coilovers/install/alignment and put it towards a down payment for one of those two cars I've been eyeing. Plus, I'm sure that would lead to a rabbit hole of bushings, sway bars, etc meaning even more cash (especially with bushing install costs). Strange question, and I know the two cars I'm contemplating are vastly different, but thoughts appreciated.
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06-25-2013, 12:27 PM	#2
JayP Private First Class 8 Rep 183 Posts Drives: 335 LCI Xdrive Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Quebec, Canada iTrader: (0)	I do have V1's on my e90 335 xdrive. Sure is alot better than stock suspension. How much snow are you getting in Boston? I'd keep an AWD
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06-25-2013, 01:13 PM	#4
zipstic Major 484 Rep 1,188 Posts Drives: 2008 e92 335xi Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Minneapolis iTrader: (1) Garage List 2008 335xi Coupe [10.00]	I haven't had a ton of experience driving a non xi/xdrive e9x, but I prefer my xi with KW V1's over the factory i suspension. The car is going to handle differently being AWD versus RWD, but I really like having the piece of mind during the Minnesota winters having AWD. So to answer you question, no, I never considered selling my xi for an i model. __________________ http://www.ishopwheels.com
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06-25-2013, 02:49 PM	#5
Eugeinus Major 43 Rep 1,158 Posts Drives: 13' Audi A6 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: DC/NOVA iTrader: (9)	I've also been running the KW V1's - much better ride in the summer, and if it gets really bad, just raise them in the winter with your winter setup. The way I look at it, yes it's a little expensive, but if you ever sell the car, keep the original springs/shocks and replace them, and sell the V1's. There will always be a market for them here, and you'll be able to recoup a good amount of the cost back. Besides the better handling, it looks a hell of a lot better too. __________________ 2010 335i xdrive M sport - Sold
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06-25-2013, 06:14 PM	#6
RElias21 Captain 563 Rep 884 Posts Drives: 2017 30 Jahre M3 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Central NJ iTrader: (1)	Hey man, I really don't think the question is about handling. I think it's really about do you want/need AWD or not? If not, then of course those two other choices would be a blast. If you do, however, your car will be entirely different with V1s. I just put them on last week after two years of stock. I can't believe how much more comfortable they are and how much better they take bumps, besides the improved handling and appearance. You will def not be upset with getting V1s. But again, if you don't need AWD all together, I'm sure the other two options will handle great. As between 135 and m3, I would think about how much you like torque and the ability to easily add power. __________________ Previously: 2010 E92 335 (6MT) 2011 E92 M3 ZCP (6MT)
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06-25-2013, 11:59 PM	#7
Jeffman Lieutenant 28 Rep 488 Posts Drives: 2008 335xi E90 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Somewhere in America iTrader: (1) Garage List 2008 335xi Sedan [0.00]	Huge difference for me. I've had my kwv1s in for almost four years now. I also drive other stock 3-series when I travel, all rwd, and there really is a huge difference there too. Xi + coilovers handles MUCH BETTER than stock OEM RWD, non-M. And as far as snow, the most important thing is to get dedicated snow tires/wheels...thus you'll be able to get dedicated summer tires/wheels too! THROW OUT THE ALL-SEASON TIRES. Yes, I purchased eight new tires and four new wheels. I put the max summer tires on new, lightweight, Apex ARC-8 18" (8.5 F / 9.5 R) and winter tires on the OEM wheels. There is a huge ~8 lb weight savings at each corner for my summer set-up which greatly improves handling, braking and acceleration. Oh, and with the Cobb AP tune and other mods I am able to snack on M3s! __________________ MHD Self-Tuned Scaled FlexFuel Map \| M-Boost \| N20 Tmap \| Helix IC \| Fuel-It Stage 2 LPFP \| BMS DCI \| BMS Thermostat Delete \| CP-E Charge Pipe \| Tial-Q BOV \| Apex Arc-8 Hyper Silver \| Michelin PSS \| Cool Carbon Brake Pads R/T \| SS Brakelines \| ECS 2-Piece Rotors F/R \| xHP Stage 3 \| xDelete Sport \| KW-V1 Coilovers \| Turner Strut Brace \| Lux Angel Eyes \| CF Kidneys \| Scoops
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06-26-2013, 12:47 AM	#8
Evochuck Lieutenant 69 Rep 404 Posts Drives: 335xi 09 Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Montreal iTrader: (2)	My H&R coils were the best buy I could do, much better looks, and no more floating above 150 kmh. Bonus e90 xdrive pic
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06-27-2013, 08:43 AM	#10
akotten Major 38 Rep 1,079 Posts Drives: 2004 M3 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Wichita, KS iTrader: (2)	I did all of my suspension changes at once, but it really transformed the car. It's a pretty decent performer at the track as well... __________________ 2004 E46 M3 \| Imola Red on Cinnamon \| Slicktop \| Manual Seats \| 6spd MT \|
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06-28-2013, 01:49 AM	#12
Amini77 Brigadier General 186 Rep 4,732 Posts Drives: Alpine White '13 550i Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Tarzana, CA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2013 BMW 550i [0.00]	KWV1 is the best mod I've done on my car. If you throw some supporting suspension mods like end links, strut bar, sway bars, etc. any of those it's a huge improvement. Especially since xi's don't come with sport suspension, it's like jumping 2 levels up. But if I had a chance to get a E90 m3..i'd jump on it.
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06-28-2013, 06:39 AM	#13
virtualbong Lieutenant Colonel 103 Rep 1,760 Posts Drives: 2015 BMW X5 MSport Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Boston, MA iTrader: (2)	Drop it and you'll have the best of both worlds. __________________ 2015 BMW X5 35i M-Sport (White/Brown) - 4/16/18 (Current) 2011 BMW 550i M-Sport (Jet Black/Cinnamon Brown) - 4/30/14 \| 2007 BMW 328xi e92 (Jet Black/Coral Red) - PAST \| 2005 Infiniti G35 Coupe (Ivory White/Stone) - PAST \| 2005 Acura TSX (Obsidian Black/Black) - PAST \| 1998 Acura Integra (Black/Black) - PAST
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07-02-2013, 02:21 PM	#14
2Times I'd hit it 1065 Rep 1,106 Posts Drives: G82 Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Austin iTrader: (3) Garage List 2023 BMW M4 xd [10.00]	Funny... I just read this as I was (am) in the same boat. I actually took off all my mods (S2+) because I was thinking of selling the car. After taking everything off, my car felt like a rental car where you say, "why the F is this thing so slow?" lol. I decided to stick it out a little longer though and just purchased KW V1s (From Tiago VRSF) and ordered some rims. We'll see how much time this buys
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07-10-2013, 05:09 PM	#19
2Times I'd hit it 1065 Rep 1,106 Posts Drives: G82 Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Austin iTrader: (3) Garage List 2023 BMW M4 xd [10.00]	Update:: Saved my xi for at least a year Just taken 10 min ago: Attached Images
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07-11-2013, 01:15 PM	#21
RElias21 Captain 563 Rep 884 Posts Drives: 2017 30 Jahre M3 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Central NJ iTrader: (1)	I just put KWs on my car about 3 weeks ago. I also have 10mm spacers in front and 12mm in the back. The car still drives straight. Must I still get an alignment? I only drive it on weekends, so I haven't driven on the tires that much since. The guy who installed them told me I don't have to get it aligned if it still drives straight. That's why I'm asking. __________________ Previously: 2010 E92 335 (6MT) 2011 E92 M3 ZCP (6MT)
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