Coilover preference

rsjean · 01-24-2010, 12:26 PM

I've always been partial to Bilstein coilovers to the exclusion of other brands. That means I may be missing out on a better option. So what do you prefer and why? My PSS setup on the E46 really worked out well for me. I lean toward having a suspension optimized for the track (not full race) and don't mind the compromised around town ride quality. In fact I like a stiffer 'round town...

SV Concepts III · 01-24-2010, 03:57 PM

Bilstein makes a solid setup, I had their PSS9 system on my E46 and was overall happy with the performance and comfort. My only gripe was that it was rather limited in height adjustment, I wanted to go lower but it did not have a large range of adjustment.

I went with the KW V2s for my 135 and have been extremely happy with the setup. It has a larger range of height adjustment and offers better performance over the PSS9s. I also find the KWs to ride smoother at higher speeds. The only advantage to the PSS10 system for the 1-Series are the adjustment knobs on the base of the shock for rebound. The KWs can be adjusted from within the engine bay at the front and either by removing the shock or by taking off the rear carpeting and adjusting it from the top of the shock. That makes the rears a tad more difficult to adjust but I have found with both coilover setups that once I dialed in the perfect height/rebound combo, I didn't touch it.

rsjean · 01-24-2010, 04:43 PM

KW's seem to consistently rank high no matter who I talk to. How about Ground Control?

bradford · 01-25-2010, 01:13 PM

Bilstein uses high pressure monotubes. In my experience, this results in a harsher ride compared to other designs.

Moton and Ohlins are awesome setups, but will run you twice as much or more than a custom Koni (IE TC Kline) or KW Clubsport option.

SLO · 01-26-2010, 05:39 PM

The Bilstein setup on the E46 was a solid choice. However, KW put a lot of R&D into their setup for the 135i. I have heard that many of the other manufacturers simply modified their E46 parts to fit the 1er where KW redesigned specifically for our cars. Not sure how much truth there is in this but KW consistently gets solid reviews from everyone i have heard from.

01-24-2010, 12:26 PM	#1
rsjean satch 39 Rep 1,040 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Sonoran Desert, Tucson AZ iTrader: (3)	Coilover preference I've always been partial to Bilstein coilovers to the exclusion of other brands. That means I may be missing out on a better option. So what do you prefer and why? My PSS setup on the E46 really worked out well for me. I lean toward having a suspension optimized for the track (not full race) and don't mind the compromised around town ride quality. In fact I like a stiffer 'round town...
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01-24-2010, 03:57 PM	#2
SV Concepts III Lieutenant General 375 Rep 17,017 Posts Drives: BMW Duh Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Santa Clara iTrader: (13)	Bilstein makes a solid setup, I had their PSS9 system on my E46 and was overall happy with the performance and comfort. My only gripe was that it was rather limited in height adjustment, I wanted to go lower but it did not have a large range of adjustment. I went with the KW V2s for my 135 and have been extremely happy with the setup. It has a larger range of height adjustment and offers better performance over the PSS9s. I also find the KWs to ride smoother at higher speeds. The only advantage to the PSS10 system for the 1-Series are the adjustment knobs on the base of the shock for rebound. The KWs can be adjusted from within the engine bay at the front and either by removing the shock or by taking off the rear carpeting and adjusting it from the top of the shock. That makes the rears a tad more difficult to adjust but I have found with both coilover setups that once I dialed in the perfect height/rebound combo, I didn't touch it.
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01-24-2010, 04:43 PM	#3
rsjean satch 39 Rep 1,040 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Sonoran Desert, Tucson AZ iTrader: (3)	KW's seem to consistently rank high no matter who I talk to. How about Ground Control?
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01-25-2010, 01:13 PM	#4
bradford Major 28 Rep 1,035 Posts Drives: 2008 SGM 135i Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Chicago > * iTrader: (4)	Bilstein uses high pressure monotubes. In my experience, this results in a harsher ride compared to other designs. Moton and Ohlins are awesome setups, but will run you twice as much or more than a custom Koni (IE TC Kline) or KW Clubsport option.
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01-26-2010, 05:39 PM	#5
SLO Shane 41 Rep 363 Posts Drives: M3, RRS, LR4 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Portland, OR iTrader: (0)	The Bilstein setup on the E46 was a solid choice. However, KW put a lot of R&D into their setup for the 135i. I have heard that many of the other manufacturers simply modified their E46 parts to fit the 1er where KW redesigned specifically for our cars. Not sure how much truth there is in this but KW consistently gets solid reviews from everyone i have heard from.
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