KW Variant 1 Coil-Over Review on 2011 E90x

Lowlife_e90x · 05-08-2013, 02:21 PM

The goal was simple. Stance. Get rid of the XDrive gap. Make it look OEM and clean. What I got has completely changed the cars handling and ride. No more bouncing around.The best thing I could have done for the money. The ride quality and level of handling is perfect. The ride is not bouncy, or too harsh in any way running 19s. Turn-in is unbelievably quick with this setup. No rubbing when set properly. Quality and time taken to design this kit is more then noticeable. Their built quality is great. Not my first time around the block. Compared to other brand suspension kits I've experienced, APex, NEX, from years ago, it's day and night. You can tell a good German quality product. Installation was pretty simple and straightforward. With the right tools and experience, ~ 2.5hrs. Instructions were clear and all parts were in the box. Adjusting the kit is a little tricky in the rear because the spring sits tight against the perch. Your best bet is dropping the lower control arm. I did it from the middle. Wheel alignment is highly recommended. So if anyone's looking at upgrading suspension, I suggest KW V1 kit.

Here are some pics. Sorry for the shtty iPhone quality, more to come.

Amini77 · 05-08-2013, 02:40 PM

Nice write up! I'm loving mine a lot too since I got them. Only thing is the car still sways a little which is unavoidable unless I upgrade sway bar, bushing, and get a strut bar. Over all these coilovers are great..I'm pretty low and I have plenty of thread left

Only good pic where you can see the stance:

eforty6_m3 · 05-08-2013, 02:41 PM

MUCH better!!! Just dropped my car on BC coilovers (couldn't afford KWs), myself, and I'm hooked. Lowered the fronts a bit the other day and still think the fronts need to come down a bit more. Loving the BCs so far, so I can only imagine how sick the KWs are.

How's the ride quality and what not?!

bimmergrl86 · 05-08-2013, 03:30 PM

looks 10x better!

got my coils installed few weeks ago and i'm loving it! totally changes the look of the car

GTKrockeTT · 05-08-2013, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amini77

Nice write up! I'm loving mine a lot too since I got them. Only thing is the car still sways a little which is unavoidable unless I upgrade sway bar, bushing, and get a strut bar. Over all these coilovers are great..I'm pretty low and I have plenty of thread left

Only good pic where you can see the stance:

more importantly, did you beat the minivan?

Amini77 · 05-08-2013, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTKrockeTT

more importantly, did you beat the minivan?

it was just parked there.

radicaldavid · 07-12-2013, 02:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTKrockeTT

more importantly, did you beat the minivan?

HAHAHA! I was just about to ask the same thing!

RElias21 · 07-12-2013, 06:59 AM

I got my KWs installed about three weeks ago. New car! The stance speaks for itself. The handling improvements are expected. I think what surprised me the most was how much better the ride is now. I'm shocked at how much better the KWs absorb bumps over stock Xdrive. I feel my rims are 10x safer now.

1 questions though. My car still goes straight down the road. Should I still get an alignment?

330xtrai · 07-12-2013, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ragi Elias

I got my KWs installed about three weeks ago. New car! The stance speaks for itself. The handling improvements are expected. I think what surprised me the most was how much better the ride is now. I'm shocked at how much better the KWs absorb bumps over stock Xdrive. I feel my rims are 10x safer now.

1 questions though. My car still goes straight down the road. Should I still get an alignment?

I think you should cuz you could possibly get uneven tire wear and you know how much tires cost but I'm not 100 percent sure let someone else chime in before you listen to me

Kid Red · 07-12-2013, 12:28 PM

If you we're to install with factory per-set, what is the drop like?

Lowlife_e90x · 08-28-2013, 12:40 PM

Sorry for the delay. Here are better pictures. For those asking, the wheels are OEM Style 225m. Stock and clean. Thanks.

330xtrai · 08-28-2013, 05:29 PM

Yah I went with kw v1 and they're great perfect ride firm but not stiff they ride how they should've from the factory. Like a luxury sports car and I lowered my car alittle too much at first the fender in the rear covered about half the top part of the tire and front about 1/2 or 1/4 of an inch covering the tire it was beautiful but not functional. Small speed bumps were impossible to go over without scraping the crap out of my under body. Getting a m3 bumper ordered it today will get some photos once I get it installed

zybar · 09-06-2013, 04:46 PM

Below is a picture of mine after the KW v1's were installed. As others have stated, it really improves the driving experience in every way and looks soooo much better!

George

330xtrai · 09-06-2013, 07:24 PM

Looking good. Lowering the car makes me want new wheels. My car won't be done till tomorrow but I'm gonna be out to a convention for the weekend so I won't see my car till Sunday night. I can't want to see it been 2 weeks since I drove her.

#Tee · 09-06-2013, 07:39 PM

nice write up!

Lowlife_e90x · 09-08-2013, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zybar

Below is a picture of mine after the KW v1's were installed. As others have stated, it really improves the driving experience in every way and looks soooo much better!

George

Nice job. Clean, simple, elegant but stanced.

tukaniray · 09-10-2013, 06:00 AM

Man, I like that.

I thinking of a new personal Christmas gift now.

Ray

RaidersFan · 09-11-2013, 01:58 PM

Maybe I missed in somewhere in the thread, but how much drop did you use, front and rear? I am doing the same upgrade for my 2011 e90 xdrive. As I see it, I have 2 options: lower it for summer driving, raise it for winter, or just keep it at a lower but acceptable height year round. Stock, the front bumper measures out at 7.5 inches of height, and I could probably get away with 6.5 inches for wintertime use, but might just raise it up to full height (which still is likely lower than stock).

How easy is it to adjust ride height 1/2 to 1 inch either way?

The other option is just going w/Koni Yellows and standard Eibach 335i sport springs. But, I like the adjustability of ride height option for winter.

zybar · 09-11-2013, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dawgcatching

Maybe I missed in somewhere in the thread, but how much drop did you use, front and rear? I am doing the same upgrade for my 2011 e90 xdrive. As I see it, I have 2 options: lower it for summer driving, raise it for winter, or just keep it at a lower but acceptable height year round. Stock, the front bumper measures out at 7.5 inches of height, and I could probably get away with 6.5 inches for wintertime use, but might just raise it up to full height (which still is likely lower than stock).

How easy is it to adjust ride height 1/2 to 1 inch either way?

The other option is just going w/Koni Yellows and standard Eibach 335i sport springs. But, I like the adjustability of ride height option for winter.

I have about 1 finger gap all around.

My plan is to keep it at that height for the winter.

Since I didn't install or adjust my coilovers, I can't comment on how hard or easy it is. That being said, I was told that it was pretty easy and straightforward to adjust the height.

George

Zero_09 · 04-17-2015, 04:35 PM

I just placed my order for the coilovers and planning to install it myself. Just wondering how are the rears adjusted. I never installed coilovers and the rear where the shock is separate from the spring. Also what would you guys recommend for the rear adjustment. Like how many threads should I adjust. I don't want to take out the lower control arm just to adjust the coilovers if I can get it right the first time

05-08-2013, 02:21 PM	#1
Lowlife_e90x New Member 2 Rep 17 Posts Drives: e90 Spacegrau Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: YUL iTrader: (0)	KW Variant 1 Coil-Over Review on 2011 E90x The goal was simple. Stance. Get rid of the XDrive gap. Make it look OEM and clean. What I got has completely changed the cars handling and ride. No more bouncing around.The best thing I could have done for the money. The ride quality and level of handling is perfect. The ride is not bouncy, or too harsh in any way running 19s. Turn-in is unbelievably quick with this setup. No rubbing when set properly. Quality and time taken to design this kit is more then noticeable. Their built quality is great. Not my first time around the block. Compared to other brand suspension kits I've experienced, APex, NEX, from years ago, it's day and night. You can tell a good German quality product. Installation was pretty simple and straightforward. With the right tools and experience, ~ 2.5hrs. Instructions were clear and all parts were in the box. Adjusting the kit is a little tricky in the rear because the spring sits tight against the perch. Your best bet is dropping the lower control arm. I did it from the middle. Wheel alignment is highly recommended. So if anyone's looking at upgrading suspension, I suggest KW V1 kit. Here are some pics. Sorry for the shtty iPhone quality, more to come. Last edited by Lowlife_e90x; 08-28-2013 at 12:38 PM..
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05-08-2013, 02:40 PM	#2
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]	Nice write up! I'm loving mine a lot too since I got them. Only thing is the car still sways a little which is unavoidable unless I upgrade sway bar, bushing, and get a strut bar. Over all these coilovers are great..I'm pretty low and I have plenty of thread left Only good pic where you can see the stance:
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05-08-2013, 02:41 PM	#3
eforty6_m3 Colonel 698 Rep 2,012 Posts Drives: '05 M3 6MT Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Swansea,MA iTrader: (6) Garage List 2005 BMW M3 [0.00]	MUCH better!!! Just dropped my car on BC coilovers (couldn't afford KWs), myself, and I'm hooked. Lowered the fronts a bit the other day and still think the fronts need to come down a bit more. Loving the BCs so far, so I can only imagine how sick the KWs are. How's the ride quality and what not?! __________________ '05 BMW M3 6MT (Weekend car) Need to stock up on some detailing products or spiff up your garage, then use my Obsessed Garage link!
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05-08-2013, 03:30 PM	#4
bimmergrl86 First Lieutenant 28 Rep 333 Posts Drives: 2012 E92 328i Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0) Garage List 2012 BMW 328i xDrive [8.50]	looks 10x better! got my coils installed few weeks ago and i'm loving it! totally changes the look of the car __________________ 2012 E92 328xi \| KW V1 \| AG M359 \| BMW Performance Exhaust \| M-Sport
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07-12-2013, 06:59 AM	#8
RElias21 Captain 563 Rep 884 Posts Drives: 2017 30 Jahre M3 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Central NJ iTrader: (1)	I got my KWs installed about three weeks ago. New car! The stance speaks for itself. The handling improvements are expected. I think what surprised me the most was how much better the ride is now. I'm shocked at how much better the KWs absorb bumps over stock Xdrive. I feel my rims are 10x safer now. 1 questions though. My car still goes straight down the road. Should I still get an alignment? __________________ Previously: 2010 E92 335 (6MT) 2011 E92 M3 ZCP (6MT)
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07-12-2013, 12:28 PM	#10
Kid Red Captain 107 Rep 884 Posts Drives: 2021 X5 40i Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Coral Springs, Fl iTrader: (6)	If you we're to install with factory per-set, what is the drop like? __________________ Current: 2021 Carbon Black w/Cognac X5 M Sport Sold: 2018 Dark Graphite 540i M Sport Sold: 2013 Mineral Grey 335i M-Sport Sold: 2010 Sapphire Black E90 335i
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08-28-2013, 12:40 PM	#11
Lowlife_e90x New Member 2 Rep 17 Posts Drives: e90 Spacegrau Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: YUL iTrader: (0)	Sorry for the delay. Here are better pictures. For those asking, the wheels are OEM Style 225m. Stock and clean. Thanks.
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08-28-2013, 05:29 PM	#12
330xtrai Do you even post BRO? 218 Rep 2,937 Posts Drives: 330xi Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: New Jersey iTrader: (1) Garage List 2006 BMW 330xi [0.00]	Yah I went with kw v1 and they're great perfect ride firm but not stiff they ride how they should've from the factory. Like a luxury sports car and I lowered my car alittle too much at first the fender in the rear covered about half the top part of the tire and front about 1/2 or 1/4 of an inch covering the tire it was beautiful but not functional. Small speed bumps were impossible to go over without scraping the crap out of my under body. Getting a m3 bumper ordered it today will get some photos once I get it installed __________________ E90\|330xi\|SGM\|Terra Cotta interior\|Forged1 Wheels(one side red the other city lights)\|M3 Rep Front Bumper\|Msport Rear Bumper\|KW V1 Coilovers\|K&N Air Filter\|OEM Black Grille\|Red Cyba Air scoops\|DIY Gloss Black Side Splitters\|Tee rear splitters\|Monkey Air Freshener\| DSC_0395-2
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09-06-2013, 04:46 PM	#13
zybar Second Lieutenant 29 Rep 278 Posts Drives: 2009 E90 M3 Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Southern New Hampshire iTrader: (1) Garage List 2009 e90 M3 [6.00] 2011 335i with Xdrive [9.00]	Below is a picture of mine after the KW v1's were installed. As others have stated, it really improves the driving experience in every way and looks soooo much better! George __________________ 2009 E90 M3 in Space Gray with Fox Red Extended Leather and Carbon Leather Trim DCT/Evolve Tune (DCT, Servo, Engine) Cold Weather/ Premium/Technology Packages 18" Apex ARC-8 wheels + Michelin Pilot Super Sports 18" Apex ARC-7 wheels + Michelin Alpin PA4
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09-06-2013, 07:24 PM	#14
330xtrai Do you even post BRO? 218 Rep 2,937 Posts Drives: 330xi Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: New Jersey iTrader: (1) Garage List 2006 BMW 330xi [0.00]	Looking good. Lowering the car makes me want new wheels. My car won't be done till tomorrow but I'm gonna be out to a convention for the weekend so I won't see my car till Sunday night. I can't want to see it been 2 weeks since I drove her. __________________ E90\|330xi\|SGM\|Terra Cotta interior\|Forged1 Wheels(one side red the other city lights)\|M3 Rep Front Bumper\|Msport Rear Bumper\|KW V1 Coilovers\|K&N Air Filter\|OEM Black Grille\|Red Cyba Air scoops\|DIY Gloss Black Side Splitters\|Tee rear splitters\|Monkey Air Freshener\| DSC_0395-2
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09-06-2013, 07:39 PM	#15
#Tee Major General 557 Rep 5,367 Posts Drives: yes Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Socal iTrader: (2)	nice write up! __________________ You can follow my builds on IG: Tee212
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09-10-2013, 06:00 AM	#17
tukaniray Enlisted Member 0 Rep 34 Posts Drives: 09 335i Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Houston, TX iTrader: (0)	Man, I like that. I thinking of a new personal Christmas gift now. Ray
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09-11-2013, 01:58 PM	#18
RaidersFan First Lieutenant 94 Rep 356 Posts Drives: 2013 M3 Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Pac NW iTrader: (0)	Maybe I missed in somewhere in the thread, but how much drop did you use, front and rear? I am doing the same upgrade for my 2011 e90 xdrive. As I see it, I have 2 options: lower it for summer driving, raise it for winter, or just keep it at a lower but acceptable height year round. Stock, the front bumper measures out at 7.5 inches of height, and I could probably get away with 6.5 inches for wintertime use, but might just raise it up to full height (which still is likely lower than stock). How easy is it to adjust ride height 1/2 to 1 inch either way? The other option is just going w/Koni Yellows and standard Eibach 335i sport springs. But, I like the adjustability of ride height option for winter.
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04-17-2015, 04:35 PM	#20
Zero_09 Captain 38 Rep 627 Posts Drives: 07 E90, 2011 E90 Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: = iTrader: (1)	I just placed my order for the coilovers and planning to install it myself. Just wondering how are the rears adjusted. I never installed coilovers and the rear where the shock is separate from the spring. Also what would you guys recommend for the rear adjustment. Like how many threads should I adjust. I don't want to take out the lower control arm just to adjust the coilovers if I can get it right the first time
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