Coilovers and winter

BDMBimmer · 09-25-2008, 02:22 PM

I'm looking to drop the car a bit, I have XI and was looking at coilovers(KWV3s). Talking to a mechanic here he said that the winter can be quite harsh on them and I could end up with problems, should I be worried.
Also if I adjust the height do need another alignment?
Thanks

BMW F22 · 09-25-2008, 05:23 PM

You shouldn't have any problems unless you're driving in very, very deep snow which will require more clearance (but in that case you shouldn't be driving the 3 series at all). I think he was just worried about the coilovers rusting due to the salt but the KW coilovers have a coating that will protect them from that so no worries there. Let us know if you need a quote on the coilovers.

stressdoc · 09-25-2008, 06:48 PM

I had Bilsteins that lasted forever in Michigan winters / salty slush. The only issues are stiffer ride when cold (adjust!), and lower ride height (adjust!).

Ron@Modbargains · 09-25-2008, 08:04 PM

You will be fine, you can adjust you're coilover height. You will be fine with the KW V3 they are made of stainless steel, they can resist the elements of the snow. Let us know if you need some KW v3 Xis

BDMBimmer · 09-26-2008, 08:51 AM

Thanks for the replies, good to know, but when playing with the height do you need to do a new alignment. The only reason I'm even looking at coilovers is to be able to lower in the summer and raise in the winter, if this is the case than I might look at just a spring and shock setup.

Prissy · 09-26-2008, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BDMBimmer

Thanks for the replies, good to know, but when playing with the height do you need to do a new alignment. The only reason I'm even looking at coilovers is to be able to lower in the summer and raise in the winter, if this is the case than I might look at just a spring and shock setup.

yes you do need an alignment

SV Concepts III · 09-26-2008, 11:06 AM

The shock bodies on the KW system are all weather resistant stainless steel so you will not have any issues. That is one downside, you will need to get the car aligned whenever you change the ride height but at least you have the flexibility to survive in winter.

09-25-2008, 02:22 PM	#1
BDMBimmer First Lieutenant 18 Rep 319 Posts Drives: 2008 3 series Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Ontario, Canada iTrader: (1)	Coilovers and winter I'm looking to drop the car a bit, I have XI and was looking at coilovers(KWV3s). Talking to a mechanic here he said that the winter can be quite harsh on them and I could end up with problems, should I be worried. Also if I adjust the height do need another alignment? Thanks
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09-25-2008, 05:23 PM	#2
BMW F22 Major General 3566 Rep 9,788 Posts Drives: ///M235i Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (8)	You shouldn't have any problems unless you're driving in very, very deep snow which will require more clearance (but in that case you shouldn't be driving the 3 series at all). I think he was just worried about the coilovers rusting due to the salt but the KW coilovers have a coating that will protect them from that so no worries there. Let us know if you need a quote on the coilovers.
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09-25-2008, 06:48 PM	#3
stressdoc Moderator 618 Rep 10,855 Posts Drives: BMW i8; Toy 4runner TRD pro Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Waco TX iTrader: (0)	I had Bilsteins that lasted forever in Michigan winters / salty slush. The only issues are stiffer ride when cold (adjust!), and lower ride height (adjust!). __________________ My recent ED photos: http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1026808 my not-so-recent ED: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=31829 Please join BMWCCA http://bmwcca.org/index.php?pageid=c...&ref_by=300279
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09-25-2008, 08:04 PM	#4
Ron@Modbargains 58 Rep 2,201 Posts Drives: 996TT/ae86 Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: 1721 E. Lambert Rd #C, La Habra, CA 90631 iTrader: (3)	You will be fine, you can adjust you're coilover height. You will be fine with the KW V3 they are made of stainless steel, they can resist the elements of the snow. Let us know if you need some KW v3 Xis
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09-26-2008, 08:51 AM	#5
BDMBimmer First Lieutenant 18 Rep 319 Posts Drives: 2008 3 series Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Ontario, Canada iTrader: (1)	Thanks for the replies, good to know, but when playing with the height do you need to do a new alignment. The only reason I'm even looking at coilovers is to be able to lower in the summer and raise in the winter, if this is the case than I might look at just a spring and shock setup.
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09-26-2008, 11:06 AM	#7
SV Concepts III Lieutenant General 375 Rep 17,017 Posts Drives: BMW Duh Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Santa Clara iTrader: (13)	The shock bodies on the KW system are all weather resistant stainless steel so you will not have any issues. That is one downside, you will need to get the car aligned whenever you change the ride height but at least you have the flexibility to survive in winter.
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