Which coilovers to get??

Initial M · 01-09-2012, 02:26 PM

I have decided to lower my 318d LCI. I was initially thinking to go for a set of Eibach springs as i am planning on running 19s and dont need to lower the car much. I am now considering to buy coilovers instead, I have heard KW is one of the best set ups, i have had a quote on Weitec coilovers for just under £600. I am unsure on which set up to go for.

Mr Singh · 01-09-2012, 04:11 PM

There are few versions made by KW themselfs out there which is more less the same. ST1 (for the US Market) and AP Coilovers.

Rumour has it the inserts are exactly the same.. they have the same markings and body too. DTS is also another company who has KW make there coilovers which is also rumoured to be the exact same as the AP.

I tend to read German E90 forums (through translator) as there's a wealth of knowledge there.

AP Coilovers do seem to be the best value for money which will give you the same performance as the KW1. I can't say this is true for other make models though specifically to the E90 it seems to be true.

BGM · 01-09-2012, 04:27 PM

not actually ever had coilovers myself... but if i did it would probs be KW variant 1 or 2

Initial M · 01-09-2012, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr Singh

There are few versions made by KW themselfs out there which is more less the same. ST1 (for the US Market) and AP Coilovers.

Rumour has it the inserts are exactly the same.. they have the same markings and body too. DTS is also another company who has KW make there coilovers which is also rumoured to be the exact same as the AP.

I tend to read German E90 forums (through translator) as there's a wealth of knowledge there.

AP Coilovers do seem to be the best value for money which will give you the same performance as the KW1. I can't say this is true for other make models though specifically to the E90 it seems to be true.

I'll have a look at APs, the other issue i am having is that people state that the kits fit my car even when i state that it is a 2011 model. I ordered FKs and they did not fit, i know i need a kit that specifically states 09-current as anything before 09 will not fit as i have found out the hard way.

Mr Singh · 01-09-2012, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eccentrik bm

I'll have a look at APs, the other issue i am having is that people state that the kits fit my car even when i state that it is a 2011 model. I ordered FKs and they did not fit, i know i need a kit that pecificly states 09-current as anything before 09 will not fit as i have found out the hard way.

Guessing the LCI late model E90s are little different then? What model is your BMW?

Initial M · 01-09-2012, 04:50 PM

It's an 2011 E90 LCI 318d Performance Edition.

Mr Singh · 01-09-2012, 05:04 PM

OK I wondered if it was an AWD. Might be worth sending KW UK and e-mail or calling them.. should be able to clear up any doubts.

Initial M · 01-09-2012, 05:18 PM

I'll give it a go, cheers for the advice.

Cozy · 01-10-2012, 06:25 AM

I have experience using Weitec, AP & KW V1 (Non-Inox). I couldn't tell the difference between any of them while driving to be honest and I was lead to believe that the difference comes in the form of corrosion resistance (further enhanced on Inox-Line V1) and the quality of some internal components (AP lowest, Weitec mid-range, KW top). That being said, all performed well over a 12mth period with ride 'comfort' all the same, no leaking or corrosion even though going through a nasty Winter. As far as I am aware, all cars are still going on these kits with no issues at all which is reason enough for me to say that in future, I'd probably go with the cheaper AP's.

Both the AP's & Weitec offer a 'V2' option which again seems to match the KW V2 and for anyone wanting to track their car on a tighter budget, these would be more than ample I feel but maybe outperformed by the KW, marginally. AP & Weitec are more of a thinking man's coilover in my opinion, for the street and odd track day at least but if you're a serious track head then KW V3 (no experience with) I've heard are in a different league.

It's worth noting that with coilovers, the ride will become harder the lower you go since you end up putting more stress on the shock rather than the spring. If you've heard the term 'riding on bump stops' you'll know what I mean. This said, a sensible drop will actually provide a good level of comfort on coilovers, if you were to set them at stock height you'd get a near on OE feeling but with the added tightness. It's all a compromise really, I tend to go for something in the middle which gives a good look but is not (too) detrimental to handling but, as a street driver it's ok to have the car set up for show rather than 100mph corners...on a track, other way around.

Initial M · 01-11-2012, 11:06 AM

Thanks Jamjay.

01-09-2012, 02:26 PM	#1
Initial M Private First Class 8 Rep 188 Posts Drives: 3 series Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: east london iTrader: (4)	Which coilovers to get?? I have decided to lower my 318d LCI. I was initially thinking to go for a set of Eibach springs as i am planning on running 19s and dont need to lower the car much. I am now considering to buy coilovers instead, I have heard KW is one of the best set ups, i have had a quote on Weitec coilovers for just under £600. I am unsure on which set up to go for.
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01-09-2012, 04:11 PM	#2
Mr Singh Banned 63 Rep 773 Posts Drives: E91 330D M Sport Auto Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Milton Keynes iTrader: (3)	There are few versions made by KW themselfs out there which is more less the same. ST1 (for the US Market) and AP Coilovers. Rumour has it the inserts are exactly the same.. they have the same markings and body too. DTS is also another company who has KW make there coilovers which is also rumoured to be the exact same as the AP. I tend to read German E90 forums (through translator) as there's a wealth of knowledge there. AP Coilovers do seem to be the best value for money which will give you the same performance as the KW1. I can't say this is true for other make models though specifically to the E90 it seems to be true.
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01-09-2012, 04:27 PM	#3
BGM Colonel 58 Rep 2,398 Posts Drives: F20 M140i Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Farnborough, UK iTrader: (0)	not actually ever had coilovers myself... but if i did it would probs be KW variant 1 or 2
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01-09-2012, 04:50 PM	#6
Initial M Private First Class 8 Rep 188 Posts Drives: 3 series Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: east london iTrader: (4)	It's an 2011 E90 LCI 318d Performance Edition.
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01-09-2012, 05:04 PM	#7
Mr Singh Banned 63 Rep 773 Posts Drives: E91 330D M Sport Auto Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Milton Keynes iTrader: (3)	OK I wondered if it was an AWD. Might be worth sending KW UK and e-mail or calling them.. should be able to clear up any doubts.
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01-09-2012, 05:18 PM	#8
Initial M Private First Class 8 Rep 188 Posts Drives: 3 series Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: east london iTrader: (4)	I'll give it a go, cheers for the advice.
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01-10-2012, 06:25 AM	#9
Cozy Major 111 Rep 1,487 Posts Drives: E82 135i Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Surrey, England iTrader: (0)	I have experience using Weitec, AP & KW V1 (Non-Inox). I couldn't tell the difference between any of them while driving to be honest and I was lead to believe that the difference comes in the form of corrosion resistance (further enhanced on Inox-Line V1) and the quality of some internal components (AP lowest, Weitec mid-range, KW top). That being said, all performed well over a 12mth period with ride 'comfort' all the same, no leaking or corrosion even though going through a nasty Winter. As far as I am aware, all cars are still going on these kits with no issues at all which is reason enough for me to say that in future, I'd probably go with the cheaper AP's. Both the AP's & Weitec offer a 'V2' option which again seems to match the KW V2 and for anyone wanting to track their car on a tighter budget, these would be more than ample I feel but maybe outperformed by the KW, marginally. AP & Weitec are more of a thinking man's coilover in my opinion, for the street and odd track day at least but if you're a serious track head then KW V3 (no experience with) I've heard are in a different league. It's worth noting that with coilovers, the ride will become harder the lower you go since you end up putting more stress on the shock rather than the spring. If you've heard the term 'riding on bump stops' you'll know what I mean. This said, a sensible drop will actually provide a good level of comfort on coilovers, if you were to set them at stock height you'd get a near on OE feeling but with the added tightness. It's all a compromise really, I tend to go for something in the middle which gives a good look but is not (too) detrimental to handling but, as a street driver it's ok to have the car set up for show rather than 100mph corners...on a track, other way around.
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01-11-2012, 11:06 AM	#10
Initial M Private First Class 8 Rep 188 Posts Drives: 3 series Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: east london iTrader: (4)	Thanks Jamjay.
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