PSS9 vs KW V2/3

hov333 · 10-04-2007, 10:02 PM

hey guys i just spent about an hour looking through threads where people speak about both Pss9 and KW. I know i'm probably not the first to ask but I didnt see any straight up comparisons. It seems like people equally like both. I'm coming from an e46 m3 on HR sports and I honestly hated the ride.
For a daily driver, which is the most comfortable ride that yet yields a nice low setting? I know V2's go lower than the Pss9's but what about ride comfort? It seems like either way the handling is going to improve so i didnt even bother addressing that, is there much difference between the either? I'd love to hear any thoughts because I'm really stuck here and I definately dont want to hate driving the car after putting the suspension in like i did with my M3, so I'm trying to do my best with researching a setup that fits my needs. Any thoughts anyone?

doba_s · 10-04-2007, 11:14 PM

I had PSS9 on my ZHP and I loved it ... it was also my daily driver ... I know here guys love KW V2 but I think PSS9 a little bit better ... this is my personal opinion ... I would got either with PSS9 or TC Kline

kenntona · 10-05-2007, 09:05 AM

Just to share. I am running on PSS9, and my fellow E92 friends in Singapore are running KW2s. KW2 is harder and firmer around the corners. PSS9 appears more comfortable (springy), but (some) will have creaks after a few years. It happened to few of our previous rides.

Bimmer325 · 10-05-2007, 10:05 AM

some says the PSS9 is comparable to KW V3. but why the creaks?

flukey · 10-05-2007, 11:57 AM

KW V3 ftw! I have KW V3 all I can say is unbelievable. The faster you go, the better you feel. They are really stiff and firm. At slow speeds you feel every bump, but highway driving and faster the cars feels unbelievably smooth and stable.

hov333 · 10-05-2007, 12:16 PM

well i bet on the highway its good since its such a stiff ride, but i live in boston where the roads suck so i'm more interested in comfort, i dont want to feel every goddamn bump in the road esp since i'm looking at getting bigger wheels and lowering the car a bit more. I'm thinkin of disregarding V3s as an option since i'll prob never use all the adjustment. So for an every day driver...on bumpy roads lol, which is the better choice for be able to get that low look yet comfort ride, yet still somewhat feel like the car can handle the road.

stressdoc · 10-05-2007, 01:57 PM

V3 > PSS9 = V2

If performance and tunability are important.
Koni fsds are great if ride is most important.

OC Guy · 10-05-2007, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bimmer325

some says the PSS9 is comparable to KW V3. but why the creaks?

PSS9s are more comparable to KWV2s.

KWV2s offer adjustable dampening and KWV3s offer adj dampening + rebound. Both offer relatively comfortable rides.

hov333 · 10-05-2007, 02:02 PM

so let me get this straight V2 is better for performance tuning, but which is better for a comfortable ride?

jimlai322 · 10-05-2007, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bimmer325

some says the PSS9 is comparable to KW V3. but why the creaks?

creaks?

OC Guy · 10-05-2007, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hov333

so let me get this straight V2 is better for performance tuning, but which is better for a comfortable ride?

Both are comfortable and offer adjustable dampening. I think both will be comfortable enough for the vast majority of the people. Comfort is relative.

hov333 · 10-05-2007, 02:21 PM

the reason i ask is because i remember hearing that the spring rates were more aggressive on the pss9's thank on the v2, hence the harsher ride, i'm just trying to see if that arguement holds true. anyone have any info in regard to spring rates? thanks for all the help so far btw guys. I'm just trying to compare actual numbers instead of strictly oppinions that are relative

hov333 · 10-05-2007, 02:22 PM

btw OC i love the ride man, been a fan of it since day 1 of being on this forum thumbs up!

EastCoast335i · 10-05-2007, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hov333

the reason i ask is because i remember hearing that the spring rates were more aggressive on the pss9's thank on the v2, hence the harsher ride, i'm just trying to see if that arguement holds true. anyone have any info in regard to spring rates? thanks for all the help so far btw guys. I'm just trying to compare actual numbers instead of strictly oppinions that are relative

+1

Anyone know the spring rates for both?

OC Guy · 10-05-2007, 02:32 PM

I emailed KW for spring rates and they never replied. I emailed them twice.

dawgdog · 10-05-2007, 03:14 PM

I am leaning toward KWV1 because I assume the setting is optimized, and I doubt I will go through all the hassle to change dampening etc. I am just waiting for a local to test drive first.

Ron@Modbargains · 10-05-2007, 03:15 PM

The spring rates are progressive-oc335i

We carry both and have both on our car. Bilstein builds a great product so I am surprised to hear about the creaks. We've switched our own cars to the KW's cause the adjustability and the lower height was better for us. Plus the ride just feels more taut. Both are great, you want tons of adjustability go V3. V2 and Pss9 are equal in terms of adjustments - as to which one is more comfortable, its all about how you want to set them they'll be equal in getting you the comfort. Really depends on your settings, how low you are, what wheels /tires are on the car, whats your psi etc. Everyone has their own prefrences hence adjustments allow to pick the best setup for you.

Let us know on either one that you may want, we have them in-stock.

Ray · 10-05-2007, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OC 335i

I emailed KW for spring rates and they never replied. I emailed them twice.

Since the springs are progressive the rate will not be determined in lbs or k, but newtons per section in this case. This will make the comparison difficult.

Front: 34.6 Neutons per Millimeter
Rear: 81.6 Neutons per Milimeter

An interesting bit of info from KW is that the spring rate between the V1, V2, and V3 are all the same.

OC Guy · 10-05-2007, 03:40 PM

That makes sense, thanks for the education guys.

Hov, thx btw!

stressdoc · 10-05-2007, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray

Since the springs are progressive the rate will not be determined in lbs or k, but newtons per section in this case. This will make the comparisson.

Front: 34.6 Neutons per Millimeter
Rear: 81.6 Neutons per Milimeter

An interesting bit of info from KW is that the spring rate between the V1, V2, and V3 are all the same.

Ka-ching!

Comparable data on PSS9s?

Ray · 10-05-2007, 04:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stressdoc

Ka-ching!

Comparable data on PSS9s?

You must excuse me, for I left out on vital word in my post. 'This will make the comparison difficult.'

Bilstein offers their rates in pounds for their springs:

Front: 400 lbs
Rear: 630 lbs

A direct conversion will not justify the performance comparison when either one is progressive.

hov333 · 10-05-2007, 05:15 PM

you guys are great! thanks for all the feedback! i'm leaning more towards the V2's since i guess u can go lower with the settings and i think they're a little cheaper than the bilsteins too.

10-04-2007, 10:02 PM	#1
hov333 Major 63 Rep 1,003 Posts Drives: 2016 M5 Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Boston, MA iTrader: (1)	PSS9 vs KW V2/3 hey guys i just spent about an hour looking through threads where people speak about both Pss9 and KW. I know i'm probably not the first to ask but I didnt see any straight up comparisons. It seems like people equally like both. I'm coming from an e46 m3 on HR sports and I honestly hated the ride. For a daily driver, which is the most comfortable ride that yet yields a nice low setting? I know V2's go lower than the Pss9's but what about ride comfort? It seems like either way the handling is going to improve so i didnt even bother addressing that, is there much difference between the either? I'd love to hear any thoughts because I'm really stuck here and I definately dont want to hate driving the car after putting the suspension in like i did with my M3, so I'm trying to do my best with researching a setup that fits my needs. Any thoughts anyone?
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10-04-2007, 11:14 PM	#2
doba_s Major General 405 Rep 6,107 Posts Drives: X7 l Cayenne l 997.2RS Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Danville iTrader: (26)	I had PSS9 on my ZHP and I loved it ... it was also my daily driver ... I know here guys love KW V2 but I think PSS9 a little bit better ... this is my personal opinion ... I would got either with PSS9 or TC Kline
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10-05-2007, 09:05 AM	#3
kenntona Captain 18 Rep 658 Posts Drives: E92 335 Coupe Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Singapore iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 335 Coupe [0.00]	Just to share. I am running on PSS9, and my fellow E92 friends in Singapore are running KW2s. KW2 is harder and firmer around the corners. PSS9 appears more comfortable (springy), but (some) will have creaks after a few years. It happened to few of our previous rides. __________________
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10-05-2007, 10:05 AM	#4
Bimmer325 Major 86 Rep 1,166 Posts Drives: 2006 E90 325i Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: MY iTrader: (1)	some says the PSS9 is comparable to KW V3. but why the creaks? __________________ 325i Arctics M-Sport, Gray Leather with Alu Trim, ///M DCT Paddleshift, ///M Gear Knob, BBS LM-R 19", Michelin PS2, KW V2, H&R Anti Roll Bars, BMW Performance Air Intake System, 3D Front Lip, ACS Roof Spoiler, OEM Boot Spoiler, Osram 6000K, Brex White Ring, PIAA 6200K HID Fog, PIAA License Plate LED, BMS Powerbox
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10-05-2007, 11:57 AM	#5
flukey Go big or go home! 53 Rep 948 Posts Drives: E90 335xi Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Iowa iTrader: (9)	KW V3 ftw! I have KW V3 all I can say is unbelievable. The faster you go, the better you feel. They are really stiff and firm. At slow speeds you feel every bump, but highway driving and faster the cars feels unbelievably smooth and stable.
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10-05-2007, 12:16 PM	#6
hov333 Major 63 Rep 1,003 Posts Drives: 2016 M5 Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Boston, MA iTrader: (1)	well i bet on the highway its good since its such a stiff ride, but i live in boston where the roads suck so i'm more interested in comfort, i dont want to feel every goddamn bump in the road esp since i'm looking at getting bigger wheels and lowering the car a bit more. I'm thinkin of disregarding V3s as an option since i'll prob never use all the adjustment. So for an every day driver...on bumpy roads lol, which is the better choice for be able to get that low look yet comfort ride, yet still somewhat feel like the car can handle the road.
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10-05-2007, 01:57 PM	#7
stressdoc Moderator 618 Rep 10,855 Posts Drives: BMW i8; Toy 4runner TRD pro Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Waco TX iTrader: (0)	V3 > PSS9 = V2 If performance and tunability are important. Koni fsds are great if ride is most important. __________________ My recent ED photos: http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1026808 my not-so-recent ED: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=31829 Please join BMWCCA http://bmwcca.org/index.php?pageid=c...&ref_by=300279
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10-05-2007, 02:02 PM	#9
hov333 Major 63 Rep 1,003 Posts Drives: 2016 M5 Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Boston, MA iTrader: (1)	so let me get this straight V2 is better for performance tuning, but which is better for a comfortable ride?
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10-05-2007, 02:21 PM	#12
hov333 Major 63 Rep 1,003 Posts Drives: 2016 M5 Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Boston, MA iTrader: (1)	the reason i ask is because i remember hearing that the spring rates were more aggressive on the pss9's thank on the v2, hence the harsher ride, i'm just trying to see if that arguement holds true. anyone have any info in regard to spring rates? thanks for all the help so far btw guys. I'm just trying to compare actual numbers instead of strictly oppinions that are relative
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10-05-2007, 02:22 PM	#13
hov333 Major 63 Rep 1,003 Posts Drives: 2016 M5 Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Boston, MA iTrader: (1)	btw OC i love the ride man, been a fan of it since day 1 of being on this forum thumbs up!
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10-05-2007, 02:32 PM	#15
OC Guy General 539 Rep 18,123 Posts Drives: AW 335D E90 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Irvine/Aliso Viejo, CA iTrader: (9) Garage List 2007 335i [0.00]	I emailed KW for spring rates and they never replied. I emailed them twice. __________________ Current: 2010 Alpine White 335D LCI l 19" BBS LMs l KW V2 Coilovers l BMW Performance Grilles l MSport Front/Rear l Karbonwerke Trunk l F1 Pinnacle Tint 35% Former: E92 Space Grey 335i Latest pics
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10-05-2007, 03:14 PM	#16
dawgdog Colonel 148 Rep 2,278 Posts Drives: 2015 M3, 2016 GT3 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Seattle, Wa. iTrader: (0)	I am leaning toward KWV1 because I assume the setting is optimized, and I doubt I will go through all the hassle to change dampening etc. I am just waiting for a local to test drive first. __________________ 2015 f80 M3, 2016 GT3
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10-05-2007, 03:15 PM	#17
Ron@Modbargains 58 Rep 2,201 Posts Drives: 996TT/ae86 Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: 1721 E. Lambert Rd #C, La Habra, CA 90631 iTrader: (3)	The spring rates are progressive-oc335i We carry both and have both on our car. Bilstein builds a great product so I am surprised to hear about the creaks. We've switched our own cars to the KW's cause the adjustability and the lower height was better for us. Plus the ride just feels more taut. Both are great, you want tons of adjustability go V3. V2 and Pss9 are equal in terms of adjustments - as to which one is more comfortable, its all about how you want to set them they'll be equal in getting you the comfort. Really depends on your settings, how low you are, what wheels /tires are on the car, whats your psi etc. Everyone has their own prefrences hence adjustments allow to pick the best setup for you. Let us know on either one that you may want, we have them in-stock.
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10-05-2007, 03:40 PM	#19
OC Guy General 539 Rep 18,123 Posts Drives: AW 335D E90 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Irvine/Aliso Viejo, CA iTrader: (9) Garage List 2007 335i [0.00]	That makes sense, thanks for the education guys. Hov, thx btw! __________________ Current: 2010 Alpine White 335D LCI l 19" BBS LMs l KW V2 Coilovers l BMW Performance Grilles l MSport Front/Rear l Karbonwerke Trunk l F1 Pinnacle Tint 35% Former: E92 Space Grey 335i Latest pics
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10-05-2007, 05:15 PM	#22
hov333 Major 63 Rep 1,003 Posts Drives: 2016 M5 Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Boston, MA iTrader: (1)	you guys are great! thanks for all the feedback! i'm leaning more towards the V2's since i guess u can go lower with the settings and i think they're a little cheaper than the bilsteins too.
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