[rg87]

Current OEM is done, so I'm looking to go with coilovers to replace the suspension.

Looking for opinions and thoughts on what set to get. I've narrowed it down to KW Variant 1 or Bilstein PSS9. The car is going to be a daily driver and going through the bay area potholes. What I'm going for is a drop, improved suspension feel from OEM sport suspension and something that won't be too harsh for a daily driver.

19x8.5/19x9.5 avant garde m310 wheels will eventually be put onto the car along with 225/35-19 (front) & 265/30-19 (rear) hankook ventus v12 evos. I'm assuming I'll have to roll the fenders to avoid rubbing.

Any input would help!

[ModBargains.com]

A coilover suspension basically gives you a matched lowering spring and shock absorber combination with the added benefit of adjustable ride height and spring rates through a moveable spring perch or perches. Coilovers are to your car's advantage by reducing unsprung mass, increasing suspension travel, and allowing the car to be corner balanced. What are your goals for the car? Are you looking for something that's simply height adjustable with pre-set damping or are you looking for something that's going to allow you to adjust the damping as well? I'll go ahead and shoot you over a PM and we can discuss the details further!

[xxxjecxxx]

I am also in the market for coilovers. I have tein springs with OEM shocks and the ride is way too bumpy for florida roads. with 19s and low profile tires.

I want to get a the lowered look but ride comfort is a lot more important. Daily driver. no track use or autocross. Feel free to PM me if you don't want to post here.

[RON1X]

dont know if Nivedh will chime in here or not, but he has an e90 with Hankook v12 tires and I'm pretty sure he runs 245(f)s and 275(r)s without rolling his fenders on Bilstein PSS9s. Here is the thread: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...14#post8452514
I don't think he went near as low as they go for practicality, when driving in Atlanta....

The PSS9s are a huge improvement both in comfort and performance compared to the OEM sport suspension. (as I am sure the KW v1s are too), but I went with the PSS9s (about to be installed next week) because I read a few threads about KWs failing. I do know the KWs have a lifetime warranty, but still. I really don't think you can go wrong with either, but have heard the PSS9s are a bit "softer" than other coilover systems. So if you are going for really stiff, don't go with the PSS9s

Don't know if that helps, but maybe Nivedh's thread will

[jfisher160]

I have the KW Coilover suspension and I love my suspension. The car handles great and I was able to lower the car the way I like it.

[Gavin@MMW]

+1 Jfishers car rides great, and looks sick.

Let me know if I can help you out on your suspension, or a setup of the M310's - I have them on special.

[jfisher160]

Here is a pic with of my car with the KW Suspension.

[MassBimmer]

If they're in your budget, Bilstein > KW hands-down

[Blk07335i]

^^
+1

[remmib]

I'd say that KW v2 is more comparabel to the PSS9.

[rg87]

Originally Posted by RON1X

dont know if Nivedh will chime in here or not, but he has an e90 with Hankook v12 tires and I'm pretty sure he runs 245(f)s and 275(r)s without rolling his fenders on Bilstein PSS9s. Here is the thread: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...14#post8452514
I don't think he went near as low as they go for practicality, when driving in Atlanta....

The PSS9s are a huge improvement both in comfort and performance compared to the OEM sport suspension. (as I am sure the KW v1s are too), but I went with the PSS9s (about to be installed next week) because I read a few threads about KWs failing. I do know the KWs have a lifetime warranty, but still. I really don't think you can go wrong with either, but have heard the PSS9s are a bit "softer" than other coilover systems. So if you are going for really stiff, don't go with the PSS9s

Don't know if that helps, but maybe Nivedh's thread will

thanks dude! this def helped!

looks like tire rack has a special pricing going on for the KW's, looks like i'll be settling for the kw v1 or v2.

[NiVeDh]

Someone asked me this the other day and here's my response:

I got the PSS9 because they're great for street driving. My car will probably never see a track and I just wanted a ride that was lower, with better handling while retaining a stock feel. The PSS9 gives me exactly that. I have it set to 4F/6R (lower is stiffer). I have tried it at 2F/3R and you could feel every bump and it would resonate throughout the car. At 4F/6R it is a happy medium. It is no doubt stiffer than stock but it's smooth when the roads are smooth and the handling has improved significantly. On bumpy roads, there is of course some thudding as a result of the increased stiffness. The car doesn't bounce around as much though, compared to ZSP.

I don't have much experience with any other brand but I've heard many horror stories of failures with the KW. If I ever thought about tracking the car, I've heard nothing but good things about the AST 4100.

I'm very satisfied with the Bilsteins though. The damping adjusters in the rear are a little weird but if you're a set it and forget it kind of guy, then nothing to worry about. The height adjustment is super easy and they can go very, very low. I think even at the highest setting for the fronts, they'll be a little lower than ZSP. I have mine at 2/3 up (almost all the way up). I have the rears about in the middle and they're very low.