E90Post
 


 
BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Technical Forums > Suspension | Brakes | Chassis > Koni Special Active Dampers Anyone?



Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      04-03-2019, 11:39 AM   #1
MEN54
Lieutenant
MEN54's Avatar
236
Rep
481
Posts

Drives: 2017 BMW 330 xi
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: New York

iTrader: (1)

Koni Special Active Dampers Anyone?

i know this is new product, has anyone tried to install on their E9x and how does it perform?

https://www.tirerack.com/suspension/...num=8245-1221M
Appreciate 0
      04-03-2019, 12:57 PM   #2
biz77
Captain
160
Rep
603
Posts

Drives: 2021 X3 M40i
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Spokane, WA

iTrader: (4)

I'm quite certain these are simply a cosmetically updated Koni FSD. If you search around for reviews of Koni FSD (frequency selective damping) there should be plenty of information out there.
Appreciate 0
      04-03-2019, 02:15 PM   #3
type-dRew
Major
type-dRew's Avatar
640
Rep
1,245
Posts

Drives: 2009 335i xDrive
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Newport MI

iTrader: (0)

These are going in my car before summer, ill be using stock sport pack springs.

Quote:
Originally Posted by biz77 View Post
I'm quite certain these are simply a cosmetically updated Koni FSD. If you search around for reviews of Koni FSD (frequency selective damping) there should be plenty of information out there.
I went back and forth with koni on these a few weeks ago, they say are mechanically superior and thats the main reason for the name change. Also now able to be purchased individually.
Appreciate 0
      04-03-2019, 03:10 PM   #4
biz77
Captain
160
Rep
603
Posts

Drives: 2021 X3 M40i
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Spokane, WA

iTrader: (4)

Quote:
Originally Posted by type-dRew View Post
I went back and forth with koni on these a few weeks ago, they say are mechanically superior and thats the main reason for the name change. Also now able to be purchased individually.
Call me skeptical. The old FSDs sold for around $750/set and the new Special Active are selling for $525/set. They made them better and cut the price by 30%?
You are not the first person that said Koni told them these are better. How are they better?
I'm sure these will be a good solution for those looking for a comfortable ride. Hopefully they are more durable than their predecessors.
Appreciate 0
      04-04-2019, 06:24 AM   #5
type-dRew
Major
type-dRew's Avatar
640
Rep
1,245
Posts

Drives: 2009 335i xDrive
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Newport MI

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by biz77 View Post
Call me skeptical. The old FSDs sold for around $750/set and the new Special Active are selling for $525/set. They made them better and cut the price by 30%?
You are not the first person that said Koni told them these are better. How are they better?
I'm sure these will be a good solution for those looking for a comfortable ride. Hopefully they are more durable than their predecessors.
That was exactly what they said, people had issues with durability or ride worsening after a few thousand miles. These fixed that, also that they price point kept them out of the market that was mainly ruled by $550 Bilstein sets. So they made them more competitive. Hopefully it wasn't bullshit and its a more quality product, we will see.

If its accurate, sounds win win, either way i'll have a set on my car as soon as I can because this thing rides like a brick on wagon wheels with its run flats and blown struts. And after a year ill post another review to see if they are good or got worse.
Appreciate 2
Phyrexia502.50
6ixSpd5996.50
      04-04-2019, 02:34 PM   #6
snedanator
Lieutenant
97
Rep
551
Posts

Drives: e93 335i le mans blue
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Falkirk . Scotland

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by type-dRew View Post
That was exactly what they said, people had issues with durability or ride worsening after a few thousand miles. These fixed that, also that they price point kept them out of the market that was mainly ruled by $550 Bilstein sets. So they made them more competitive. Hopefully it wasn't bullshit and its a more quality product, we will see.

If its accurate, sounds win win, either way i'll have a set on my car as soon as I can because this thing rides like a brick on wagon wheels with its run flats and blown struts. And after a year ill post another review to see if they are good or got worse.
Be good if u can get a review up when u get them installed. Ive been looking at them as well and reading into them. From what I've read they are the "next gen" FSDs.....more reliable, longer lasting, plus the original fsds were good but people had problems with them bottoming out while using them with lowering springs, the fsds work at there best within a small margin as to regards height/compression, and used with lower springs caused them to bottom out....The new special active have been confirmed to be used with standard ride height and also lowering springs to a max 1.5 inch drop. Plus it's a really good price. Lifetime guarantee from Koni as usual.... I'll be getting them in about 2 months but would be great to hear some feedback if u get them before me :-)
Appreciate 2
      04-09-2019, 12:43 PM   #7
drawz
Second Lieutenant
drawz's Avatar
United_States
78
Rep
238
Posts

Drives: 06 330xi 6MT, 08 535xiT 6MT
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Newton, MA

iTrader: (0)

All previous information pointed to them being FSD's in red and also available individually instead of just as a set. Would be great if they improved durability because I have a set waiting to go on!
Appreciate 0
      04-09-2019, 04:37 PM   #8
gunnerxq
Lieutenant Colonel
gunnerxq's Avatar
United_States
212
Rep
1,776
Posts

Drives: e90 "325i"
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: New York

iTrader: (1)

What do you guys think about this kit? Last ones on the page.
http://www.koni-na.com/en-US/NorthAm...=114&mk=6&mt=1
Appreciate 0
      04-10-2019, 09:30 AM   #9
type-dRew
Major
type-dRew's Avatar
640
Rep
1,245
Posts

Drives: 2009 335i xDrive
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Newport MI

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by gunnerxq View Post
What do you guys think about this kit? Last ones on the page.
http://www.koni-na.com/en-US/NorthAm...=114&mk=6&mt=1
Seems like a good deal if you're wanting to lower it.
Appreciate 0
      04-10-2019, 09:52 AM   #10
gunnerxq
Lieutenant Colonel
gunnerxq's Avatar
United_States
212
Rep
1,776
Posts

Drives: e90 "325i"
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: New York

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by type-dRew View Post
Seems like a good deal if you're wanting to lower it.
Well it technically be a little higher for me. I have Bilstein sports with European valving on Eibach pro-kits. The front struts actually compress the springs since they are so short.

I love how it handles but the ride can be so punishing sometimes. The bilsteins aren't good at absorbing small sharp bumps. But hey at least I can come out of parking lots faster and the car almost never bottoms out.
Appreciate 1
type-dRew640.00
      04-10-2019, 10:48 AM   #11
Spitfire007
Captain
Spitfire007's Avatar
189
Rep
682
Posts

Drives: 09 328i Sport 6MT
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Baltimore, MD

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2009 BMW 328i  [0.00]
I'd be interested in knowing how these do on stock sport springs when the car is being driven aggressively.
Appreciate 1
type-dRew640.00
      04-10-2019, 07:29 PM   #12
gunnerxq
Lieutenant Colonel
gunnerxq's Avatar
United_States
212
Rep
1,776
Posts

Drives: e90 "325i"
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: New York

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by type-dRew View Post
Seems like a good deal if you're wanting to lower it.
Pulled the trigger on them. I'll probably put them on within the next two weeks.
Appreciate 1
type-dRew640.00
      04-11-2019, 02:40 AM   #13
snedanator
Lieutenant
97
Rep
551
Posts

Drives: e93 335i le mans blue
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: Falkirk . Scotland

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by gunnerxq View Post
Pulled the trigger on them. I'll probably put them on within the next two weeks.
Let us know how u get on. Maybe a mini review once they settle down :-).
Appreciate 0
      04-12-2019, 06:10 PM   #14
Tambohamilton
Brigadier General
3045
Rep
3,899
Posts

Drives: E91 330d
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Herefordshire

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by biz77 View Post
Call me skeptical. The old FSDs sold for around $750/set and the new Special Active are selling for $525/set. They made them better and cut the price by 30%?
You are not the first person that said Koni told them these are better. How are they better?
I'm sure these will be a good solution for those looking for a comfortable ride. Hopefully they are more durable than their predecessors.
Can you direct me to someone who's had problems with the FSD? Somehow in my research I couldn't find anyone (directly) complaining, though heard mention of it from a couple of others.

Like the other posters, I hope the special active is good because I've got a pair waiting to go on the front of my car (rear to follow, when time and funds allow).

To anyone wondering about roughly how the shocks function, they have a damped compression valve which serves to hold the compression circuit open (soft and comfortable) for small/sudden suspension movements (which are characteristic of hitting bumps). The longer duration movements of chassis roll or pitch allow enough time for the compression valve to close, which firms up the damping and prevents excessive chassis movements. Obviously the valve has no sensors, so can't tell the difference between sudden, harsh braking and a bump (for example), so it doesn't work in every scenario. Same goes for if you have the damper loaded up then hit a bump - the valve can't open without the suspension rebounding at least a little.
Appreciate 0
      04-16-2019, 02:31 PM   #15
Tambohamilton
Brigadier General
3045
Rep
3,899
Posts

Drives: E91 330d
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Herefordshire

iTrader: (0)

Fitted mine over the weekend. Huge improvement over the 120k mile old units I replaced (surprise surprise). Real bonus was that Elephant insurance (UK) didn't classify them as a mod (still using SE springs, so normal ride height), so no change to my insurance!
Appreciate 0
      04-16-2019, 03:22 PM   #16
geko29
Major
1505
Rep
1,388
Posts

Drives: 2023 M3 6MT
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Illinois, USA

iTrader: (2)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tambohamilton View Post
Can you direct me to someone who's had problems with the FSD? Somehow in my research I couldn't find anyone (directly) complaining, though heard mention of it from a couple of others.
I ran FSDs on my E46 from 85k miles until I sold it at 158k, and I was still loving them at that point. I'm actually ordering Special Active shocks/struts for my 335d today.
__________________

Appreciate 2
MEN54236.00
Thorin117.50
      04-16-2019, 09:01 PM   #17
MEN54
Lieutenant
MEN54's Avatar
236
Rep
481
Posts

Drives: 2017 BMW 330 xi
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: New York

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tambohamilton View Post
Fitted mine over the weekend. Huge improvement over the 120k mile old units I replaced (surprise surprise). Real bonus was that Elephant insurance (UK) didn't classify them as a mod (still using SE springs, so normal ride height), so no change to my insurance!
how does the car feels on bumpy and flat surface?
Appreciate 0
      04-17-2019, 08:35 AM   #18
Tambohamilton
Brigadier General
3045
Rep
3,899
Posts

Drives: E91 330d
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Herefordshire

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by MEN54 View Post
how does the car feels on bumpy and flat surface?
It's just generally way more composed. At least as comfortable as the SE parts I replaced, and way better body control. Very happy. Can't wait to get the back end done too!
Appreciate 1
type-dRew640.00
      04-17-2019, 08:40 AM   #19
type-dRew
Major
type-dRew's Avatar
640
Rep
1,245
Posts

Drives: 2009 335i xDrive
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Newport MI

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tambohamilton View Post
Fitted mine over the weekend. Huge improvement over the 120k mile old units I replaced (surprise surprise). Real bonus was that Elephant insurance (UK) didn't classify them as a mod (still using SE springs, so normal ride height), so no change to my insurance!
Why in the fuck would you tell your insurance about new shocks?

Good to hear otherwise.
Appreciate 0
      04-17-2019, 08:57 AM   #20
cranelec
Second Lieutenant
101
Rep
233
Posts

Drives: BMW
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: NEPA

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by Spitfire007 View Post
I'd be interested in knowing how these do on stock sport springs when the car is being driven aggressively.
30K miles max on Northeastern PA roads 2007 328xi & 2011 335i xDrive. Fortunately, I somehow managed to get a lifetime warranty. Replaced the 335 with Bilstein and replaced the rears on the 2007 with the red ones. Thrilled with the Bilsteins, Koni "reds" meh.
Appreciate 0
      04-17-2019, 04:17 PM   #21
Tambohamilton
Brigadier General
3045
Rep
3,899
Posts

Drives: E91 330d
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Herefordshire

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by type-dRew View Post
Why in the fuck would you tell your insurance about new shocks?

Good to hear otherwise.
Because if I wrap my car around something, I'd like to be sure that the insurance folk aren't just going to laugh at me when I try to make a claim...bright red shocks aren't exactly stealthy, or standard-looking! That's why, in the fuck.
Appreciate 0
      04-17-2019, 08:53 PM   #22
type-dRew
Major
type-dRew's Avatar
640
Rep
1,245
Posts

Drives: 2009 335i xDrive
Join Date: Feb 2019
Location: Newport MI

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tambohamilton View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by type-dRew View Post
Why in the fuck would you tell your insurance about new shocks?

Good to hear otherwise.
Because if I wrap my car around something, I'd like to be sure that the insurance folk aren't just going to laugh at me when I try to make a claim...bright red shocks aren't exactly stealthy, or standard-looking! That's why, in the fuck.
You're going to claim maintenance when you wreck your car? They going to reimburse you for half an oil change if you only have a couple thousand miles on it when you wreck? Lmao

Who cares if bright red shocks aren't conspicuous, the only reason suspension parts would matter to an insurance adjuster is if it was a bullshit setup and helped cause the accident. Otherwise you're just picking nits worrying about what insurance is aware of on your car.

Someone totaled my car in January. I told the adjuster the car had a turbo back exhaust, intake, intercooler and meth kit. They said they would pay me half what it cost new except the meth kit and to pull it off if I wanted. Before that they were unaware of any mods. Just not sure why you'd risk having your rates go up for a couple hundred dollars in maintenance parts. Want to insure an outrageous body kit, wheels, stereo, turbo kit? Okay I can somewhat see paying an elevated premium for that. But do you tell them when you switch from regular to synthetic oil or if you just did a coolant flush? 😂
__________________
2009 335i xDrive AT / 177k+ miles
PSP 750ic / Fuel-It! Stage 1 / BMS CP / Sutphin Tuning / RFP E50
11.61 @ 117.5
New setup; Covid 19Ts on RFP 93 + ARM inlets, dp, VTT cp and PSP outlets
Appreciate 0
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:22 AM.




e90post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST