[cvc 22349a]

I've been interested in the KW Street Comfort suspension for a few years but haven't seen many reviews, so I thought I'd post one. I chose the Street Comfort suspension over the V series because of the linear rate springs 286 F/572 R and because I was more interested in ride quality than 'slamming' my car.
My past suspensions have been OE Sport, Koni FSD, Koni Sport and most recently Koni Sport with BMW Performance Suspension springs and bumpstops. In addition to the PS springs and Koni's, I've installed M3 front control arms, the PS front anti roll bar, M3 rear subframe bushings, M3 rear upper links and guide rods, Meyle toe arms and the E91 14mm rear anti roll bar. I was satisfied with the handling of my car but not the ride quality. Every small bump or undulation in the road was transmitted to the chassis and caused the car to move around too much for my liking and to the liking of my favorite passenger.
'DefactoM6' has the KW SC suspension and was very patient in answering the many questions I had. At his recommendation I also had the Ground Control street camber plates installed along with the suspension about 3-4 weeks ago. Last week, I went back to my installer to adjust the ride height and get an alignment. The ride height is approx. 1/4" lower in the front than the BMW PS springs and set at 25.5" from the ground to fender at all four corners. The car could sit a lot lower or could be raised up a little bit. Since the install, I've taken two road trips on Hwy 1, a curvy road on the Ocean with lot's of hairpins, and I've got say I'm very pleased The additional neg camber up front vastly improves grip and reduces understeer. The car is much flatter in turns and just grips! Handling has been dramatically improved as has ride quality. The suspension absorbs most of what was previously transmitted to the chassis. Ride quality is better than oe sport springs with Koni FSD. I don't understand shock valving technology, but I'd say KW does a better job of it than Koni.
The only downside to the KW's is they do make an occasional odd sound when turning the wheel towards lock or going over a speed bump. I think the springs turn or move on the adjustable perch causing a light clunk or grinding sound. I'm guessing this is why HPA includes thrust sheets with their coilover suspensions.
I know there are a lot of options out there; I've been researching suspensions for this chassis for several years. I like that the shocks are valved for the springs and don't need stiffer springs for a car driven on public roads. The suspension may be soft at the track, but it's perfect for spirited driving on public highways!

[rbtamms]

I'm also leaning towards this KW Street Comfort.

[jjellyneck]

The KW Street Comfort seem that they would be a top choice of quite a few people, but I haven't heard of many being installed.
The linear springs, nice overall spring rate and flexible adjustability sound excellent.
Sooooo....the handling has to be a nice improvement, and you're saying that the ride is definitely better than even the stock sport suspension springs with the Koni FSD? Any other nuances I should be aware of?
Thanks!

[cvc 22349a]

Originally Posted by jjellyneck

The KW Street Comfort seem that they would be a top choice of quite a few people, but I haven't heard of many being installed.
The linear springs, nice overall spring rate and flexible adjustability sound excellent.
Sooooo....the handling has to be a nice improvement, and you're saying that the ride is definitely better than even the stock sport suspension springs with the Koni FSD? Any other nuances I should be aware of?
Thanks!

Yes

[droptop335]

What about ride height compared to Sport Suspension? I know these are adjustable for height, but does the range cover the Sport height? (I actually like the Sport ride height. Any lower and I won't be able to get up my driveway!)

[cvc 22349a]

Originally Posted by droptop335

What about ride height compared to Sport Suspension? I know these are adjustable for height, but does the range cover the Sport height? (I actually like the Sport ride height. Any lower and I won't be able to get up my driveway!)

Yes. You can set it at sport susp ride height.
Adding- the higher the car sits the more susp travel you have which benefits ride quality; as you lower the car's center of gravity, you reduce roll, dive and squat ie. improve handling
Edit: No, you can't set the front at sport suspension height; it'll be lower at least a half inch at its highest setting.

[reddemon73]

cvc22349a,

Thank you for your detailed reviews. I am currently on the fence between the KW street comfort and the V2. My main reason for getting the V2 is the ability to change the dampers for a more comfortable ride. I do not plan to track my car. I am getting conflicting information from the KW website and a vendor on the board I need your help clarifying. Is there an option to adjust dampers on the KW street comfort? According too KW site, the option is available (see below):

KW street comfort –
•Maximum driving comfort for a perfect performance and more driving pleasure
•Guarantees more comfort, flexibility and sportive as regular OE sport suspensions
•Comfortable adjustment
•Better handling due to less body roll
•With TÜV tested adjustment range for a individual lowering of 10 to 40 mm
•Trapezoid thread for a easy height adjustability
•High quality damper components for a long durability
•Adjustable rebound damping
•Complete delivery content inclusive detailed documentation for a easy use


Thanks.

[cvc 22349a]

Originally Posted by reddemon73

cvc22349a,

Thank you for your detailed reviews. I am currently on the fence between the KW street comfort and the V2. My main reason for getting the V2 is the ability to change the dampers for a more comfortable ride. I do not plan to track my car. I am getting conflicting information from the KW website and a vendor on the board I need your help clarifying. Is there an option to adjust dampers on the KW street comfort? According too KW site, the option is available (see below):

KW street comfort –
•Maximum driving comfort for a perfect performance and more driving pleasure
•Guarantees more comfort, flexibility and sportive as regular OE sport suspensions
•Comfortable adjustment
•Better handling due to less body roll
•With TV tested adjustment range for a individual lowering of 10 to 40 mm
•Trapezoid thread for a easy height adjustability
•High quality damper components for a long durability
•Adjustable rebound damping
•Complete delivery content inclusive detailed documentation for a easy use


Thanks.

Definately. The street comfort is rebound adjustable just like the V2. I don't know if KW valves compression damping differently between the two. My guess is yes as the SC has linear rate springs v. the V2 progressive rate springs. I think you can set the car lower with V2 which I don't want. Other than that there's no handling advantage with the V2
Adding-I left the rear shocks set half way at 9 clicks per KW and turned the front struts one click harder than half way. Turning the rebound higher in front caused the car to move around too much.

[thecadman99]

Nice review- thanks for sharing. My next suspension purchase will definately be geared towards comfort.
I think everyone is caught up in the mindset that they just might track their car one day and NEED something race-worthy when 99.99% of our driving should be based about safety and comfort.

[cvc 22349a]

^ agreed

[reddemon73]

kw sc is the same price as kw v2???

[cvc 22349a]

Originally Posted by reddemon73

kw sc is the same price as kw v2???

idk. I bought it for $1500 shipped from a private party. I'd spend an extra couple hundred to buy this susp instead of v2. I've wasted a lot of money changing suspensions and wish I had just bought this a few years ago.

[phat8186]

Good info

[jjellyneck]

Originally Posted by cvc 22349a

idk. I bought it for $1500 shipped from a private party. I'd spend an extra couple hundred to buy this susp instead of v2. I've wasted a lot of money changing suspensions and wish I had just bought this a few years ago.

I remember seeing one of the sponsors here selling them in the range of $1800.

[CJ421]

Very nice review cvc!

[reddemon73]

Got quote from a vendor on the board....V2 $1580 vs. $1400 for SC....

Originally Posted by cvc 22349a

idk. I bought it for $1500 shipped from a private party. I'd spend an extra couple hundred to buy this susp instead of v2. I've wasted a lot of money changing suspensions and wish I had just bought this a few years ago.

cvc22349a,

Sorry for more questions. I am new to the suspension world and is learning. What is the differences between sc linear rate springs v. the V2 progressive rate springs?
How much more lower can you lower your car?

Thanks

[mlifxs]

Nice review, was wondering what you were trading-up to

[cvc 22349a]

Originally Posted by reddemon73

Got quote from a vendor on the board....V2 $1580 vs. $1400 for SC....



cvc22349a,

Sorry for more questions. I am new to the suspension world and is learning. What is the differences between sc linear rate springs v. the V2 progressive rate springs?
How much more lower can you lower your car?

Thanks

$1400 for SC? Get it.
Progressive rate springs (in theory) are more comfortable in that the initial compression stroke is softer and then becomes firmer the further the suspension compresses. Linear rate springs maintain their spring rate throughout compression travel and (in theory) provide less roll, dive and squat during initial compression (depending on spring rate and how low the car sits). IMO, linear rate springs provide a consistent compression stroke. Harold at HPA or someone else could explain the pros/cons of progressive v. linear rate springs better than that. I 'think' KW uses progressive rate springs in their non-m v-series suspensions to maintain ride comfort in conjunction with lowering the car quite a bit. The car can sit lower with V-series v. the SC. The spring rates of the V-series are softer, even at full compression, than the SC.
I think I could lower the car to have the fender be even with the top of the tire in front, not as much in the rear, but I wouldn't want to as this adversely affects ride quality. I may have the front raised a bit the next time I get an alignment for a little more ride comfort. If you are more interested in lowering your car for appearances rather than obtaining a nice balance between handling and ride comfort, I'd suggest the v2 or v3.

[cvc 22349a]

Originally Posted by CJ421

Very nice review cvc!

Thank you. I really like this suspension!
Can you help with the question about linear v. progressive rate springs?

[cvc 22349a]

Originally Posted by mlifxs

Nice review, was wondering what you were trading-up to

I think I'm finally done dicking around with my suspension after all these years. Well, there are those differential bushings that still need to be addressed..

[Eagle1oh7]

Good info! Thanks for your review! I want to do my suspension next year if it all works out, but at the same time I plan on tracking my car once my family doesn't rely on it so I might get the harsher setup.

[jjellyneck]

I was almost set on purchasing the BMW Performance Suspension with matching springs and dampers plus the front anti roll bar...until reading this. Hmmmm.
Excellent review!