[churchillps]

Daily driver, also goes to track for recreation. They're all within $1k of each other so cost doesn't really matter, but do care about value for amount paid. Just looking for the best for the price.

Thoughts?

[churchillps]

Bump

[kevin@bavarianx]

KW V3 is more oriented for the track and street driving up they suffer from the progressive spring and relatively soft spring rates. Out of the box they are a comfortable coilover for the street and can handle the track days as well.

I haven't heard much about the Ohlins but they oriented for street and track as well.

[ciomas]

Im installing my Ohlins this weekend. I can let you know next week

[churchillps]

Bump

[LOLrance]

If you want bang for buck, i'd hit up Harold@HPAuto and get some AST's. I'd get AST > KW anyday. You can also look into Harolds Koni SA Coilover, or even TCKline/Koni DA pending your budget.

[supremepower]

Ohlins FTW

[NiVeDh]

AST 4100.

[tibra1]

Originally Posted by l4wr3nc3

If you want bang for buck, i'd hit up Harold@HPAuto and get some AST's. I'd get AST > KW anyday. You can also look into Harolds Koni SA Coilover, or even TCKline/Koni DA pending your budget.

+1

[Jeef]

Originally Posted by l4wr3nc3

If you want bang for buck, i'd hit up Harold@HPAuto and get some AST's. I'd get AST > KW anyday. You can also look into Harolds Koni SA Coilover, or even TCKline/Koni DA pending your budget.

So your saying you wouldn't get kw v3 even if you can afford it?

[LOLrance]

Originally Posted by Jeef

So your saying you wouldn't get kw v3 even if you can afford it?

I've had KW v3's before. I'm now on TCKline DA's and am so happy i made the switch.

TCKlines or even higher end AST's are overkill for most street cars so they wouldnt be the best option (specially considering the price). But the AST4100/4200 or the Koni SA kits that Harold offers are amazing "bang for buck". IIRC its around the same price as v3's, maybe cheaper?, but you get rid of those progressive springs, no weird noises or squeaking, and imo adjustment on the Koni and AST shocks are SOOOO much easier then KW.

[ciomas]

I'm picking up my car tomorrow with the new Ohlins setup installed. Will let you know. I spoke to the guys at the workshop today (Birds garage uk) and they said it turned out absolutely fantastic

[supremepower]

cimomas: Congrats! I have been dealing with Ohlins for years now with nothing but outstanding results. Let us know your thoughts. Im sure after more people get them on people will know what to expect from the brand. There is really nothing like Ohlins. Cheers!

[cstmx_ryder]

Just remember, if you do end up going with the ASTs, this is what must be done: (according to HPA's site)


*Due to the ASTs being adjustable (top adjustment knob), they do not fit with the stock strut brace. You have three options to deal with this.

a)Space the strut brace up and use a longer bolt.

b)Remove the strut brace completely.

c)Install the M3 strut tower brace.

[churchillps]

Originally Posted by ciomas

I'm picking up my car tomorrow with the new Ohlins setup installed. Will let you know. I spoke to the guys at the workshop today (Birds garage uk) and they said it turned out absolutely fantastic

Really excited to hear about it. I hope you love them

[Sean@PYSpeed.com]

We recommend KW V3s. They definitely perform well and are well praised among the BMW modding culture. =)

[ciomas]

Originally Posted by churchillps

Really excited to hear about it. I hope you love them

just a quick update:

The Ohlins setup is pure sex! Ive driven an e92 on standard suspension, m sport (my own for 30k km) and a bilstein equipped one. I hated the m-sport from day one - very uncomfortable and extremely unpredictable (bouncy rear, mostly) when attacking country roads. I simply couldnt believe someone has actually approverd this setup for production. There was also this annoying excess of body roll which I always associated with those thin sway bars. Whenever I had a chance to drive the standard suspension e92 it was almost a relief. Then I had a chance to ride in Kevin Birds Bilstein equipped (custom revalved) one as they were installing my Quaife. This felt amazing, I never thought this car could respond so well to changing road surface conditions, and especialy the nasty asphalt and pot holes seen ont he UK B-roads. I took a 4h drive yesterday on what could be described as a perfect example of such. Covered around 300 kms and I have to say the ride is superb. I have it set right in the middle of the scale and in my oppinion it is still a bit on the soft side and can be firmed up for a track day. The amount of grip is spectacular, and whats more important the bouncy back is completely gone. Imagine commiting to a corner, aiming for the apex and suddenly all that is ruined by the bad road surface when you feel your rear end jumping slightly to the side - an extremely disturbing feeling- at least thats what it used to be. It is firmly planted now ! and no unexpected behaviour! Whats more, this setup eliminated a vast amount of body roll, something I wasnt expecting to happen untill I install M3 sway bars. Another thing that took me by surprise is the ride quality - it is luxurious compared to the M-sport!!

Not everythin is fine tuned yet. Although I opted to stay at original ride height (or as close as possible) This suspension seems to have more travel. I had 15mm spacers all round. After the instalation the rear tyres were ocasionally rubbing when going throug some of the nastier bits of asphalt. As I was in a hurry we just took the rear spacers off and left the front ones in place - something I'd normaly never do, Im a strong believer in the same size spacers on all wheels. We will probably roll the rear fenders a little bit next week to be able to run those 15s again (or make some room for the M3 competition wheels). Basicaly as a result of narrowing the rear track and leaving the front as it was the steering was a bit nervous at highway speeds. I do not recomend doing that.

Will write more after I get a chance to test different settings on different roads. But Ill do that after we deal with the spacer issue. Im planning two evening sessions at the Nurburgring end of the month which will be the real test for the new setup. But so far Im far more impressed than I expected to be (ride comfort, body roll are a true bonus)

Michal

[HP Autosport]

Originally Posted by churchillps

Daily driver, also goes to track for recreation. They're all within $1k of each other so cost doesn't really matter, but do care about value for amount paid. Just looking for the best for the price.

Thoughts?

If I had to choose from your list, Ohlins is it. Rebuildable and can be serviced in the US.

KW V series are for the road only, springs are progressie and too soft for track duty, warranty and service is lacking if you ever have a problem.

Of course, there are other good choices as well.

[churchillps]

Originally Posted by HP Autowerks

If I had to choose from your list, Ohlins is it. Rebuildable and can be serviced in the US.

KW V series are for the road only, springs are progressie and too soft for track duty, warranty and service is lacking if you ever have a problem.

Of course, there are other good choices as well.

What are your thoughts on the TC Kline SA True Match?

[HP Autosport]

Originally Posted by churchillps

What are your thoughts on the TC Kline SA True Match?

That is an excellent entry level coilover kit with buyer's choice spring rates.

[cvc 22349a]

Originally Posted by HP Autowerks

That is an excellent entry level coilover kit with buyer's choice spring rates.

How does the TCK true match c/o compare to your Koni/Swift c/o kit? Any differences other than springs?

[churchillps]

Originally Posted by HP Autowerks

That is an excellent entry level coilover kit with buyer's choice spring rates.

Are you calling the Ohlins "entry level" as well?