KW V1 Vs V2

My135 · 08-31-2009, 10:01 AM

I am interested in upgrading my 1's suspension and undecided on KW V1 or V2. If V1 and V2 are the same in terms of build quality and suspension improvement, I would like to stay with V1 in order to save some $. My car won't see tracks often and even it does, I won't borther to tweak the settings so getting V2 for the adjustability would be a waste for me. Any feedback or comment would be appreciate. Thanks.

AchtungF80 · 08-31-2009, 10:15 AM

Honestly...there's almost no point point to getting coilovers if you don't plan on raising and lowering constantly. Most people just set their ride height and never touch them again.

The difference between the V1 and V2 is rebound adjustment at the top of the shock body. I find myself adjusting this a lot for the right compromise of ride stiffness vs handling feedback.

For a few more hundred dollars savings, I'd recommend a matched coil spring/shock combo. That is, if you are more like the users I described above (set it and forget it).

fmxomar · 08-31-2009, 11:28 AM

dont bother with a spring / shock combo ..
youll end up spending close to as much as the v1 and have no control of making the car sit to your liking

akak1997 · 08-31-2009, 11:38 AM

IMO, coilovers are for people who wants a specific ride height and not only to allow the owner to change the ride height all the time. With just a strut/spring combo, you might not get the desire ride height you want.
Being able to adjust your rebound setting is a big plus, especially for a DD, if your spring rate isn't too high, you can tweak your ride comfort to a certain degree using the rebound setting. Since it's only a few hundred bucks difference, I'd opt for the V2.

SV Concepts III · 08-31-2009, 12:27 PM

I agree, I think height adjustment is worth it if you are after a specific height. For many, a spring and shock combo will work but for a bit more, you can get the added adjustability of coils. The V1s would work well if you are not going to be serious about changing suspension settings for track setups. They are more than capable for daily and spirited driving and you will still be able to adjust the height.

With that said, if you have the budget, the V2s are an excellent setup as you can really dial in comfort and handling with the rebound settings. I have this on my car and would not hesitate to do it again.

My135 · 08-31-2009, 12:39 PM

Are you saying I can adjust V2's rebound setting to achieve a higher performance setting (like much stiffer) than V1's factory pre-set setting? If this is the case, I would go with V2.

AchtungF80 · 08-31-2009, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fmxomar

dont bother with a spring / shock combo ..
youll end up spending close to as much as the v1 and have no control of making the car sit to your liking

I don't think so...BMWs are soo aggressively suspended stock that even a minor spring/shock combo will be pretty low for most people.

Tire Rack has a closeout on the H&R Sport Cup kit.

http://www.tirerack.com/suspension/s...4.6&perfCode=S

$586 < $1200 for KW V1

The advantage to thw KWs will be that you can keep close to stock ride height and get the suspension improvement you want without all the drawbacks of a lowered car.

SV Concepts III · 08-31-2009, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by My135

Are you saying I can adjust V2's rebound setting to achieve a higher performance setting (like much stiffer) than V1's factory pre-set setting? If this is the case, I would go with V2.

Yes, the V2s have the capability of running stiffer than the V1s. Now remember, stiffer does not always mean better performance. There is a certain limit to stiffness where the car will start to bounce off road imperfections and become unstable. You want a medium between a stiff strut and one that still has the ability to absorb bumps.

My135 · 08-31-2009, 01:04 PM

If I want a medium setting, would it be equal to V1's optimal setting?

SV Concepts III · 08-31-2009, 01:09 PM

I don't know the exact numbers on the V1 but I have heard that the V1 is about the mid range setting on the V2s.

FORCED AIR · 10-15-2009, 03:34 AM

Sorry to bring this thread back but I am curious about some of the advice in here.

V2s only offer rebound adjustment. Increasing rebound dampening slows the rate at which the spring extends after being compressed. It doesn't slow compression. So when you hit a bump or dive around a turn...you are still compressing the springs at the same rate. So no "stiffer" feel. The spring is just being slowed in it's recoil. Is there something I am missing here?

Eja135i · 10-15-2009, 12:35 PM

does ne one have pics of the two suspension setups? im mostly interested in the ride height, so if the kw v1's r low enuf then thats plenty for me...i currently have the dinan springs on n i would like it to be a little bit lower

08-31-2009, 10:01 AM	#1
My135 Lieutenant Colonel 85 Rep 1,609 Posts Drives: Join Date: Mar 2008 iTrader: (0)	KW V1 Vs V2 I am interested in upgrading my 1's suspension and undecided on KW V1 or V2. If V1 and V2 are the same in terms of build quality and suspension improvement, I would like to stay with V1 in order to save some $. My car won't see tracks often and even it does, I won't borther to tweak the settings so getting V2 for the adjustability would be a waste for me. Any feedback or comment would be appreciate. Thanks. __________________ 7/08 135 Coupe, Crimson Red, 6 SP, Sport, Taupe Lette/Aluminum. Performance Mods: JB4 on Map 5, BMS DP Fix V3, Injen polished intake, AR Catless DP, Maddad resonated mid-pipes, aFe exhaust polished tips, ST Suspension Coil Over and Hotchkis front sway bar. Others: BMS OCC, BT Scanner, Mud Flap. Next Mods: AA Front Strut Brace.
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08-31-2009, 10:15 AM	#2
AchtungF80 Brigadier General 276 Rep 3,465 Posts Drives: 997.2 GT3, '17 G30 Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: NJ iTrader: (2) Garage List 2008 135is [9.50] 2010 Cooper S [10.00] 1991 318is [10.00]	Honestly...there's almost no point point to getting coilovers if you don't plan on raising and lowering constantly. Most people just set their ride height and never touch them again. The difference between the V1 and V2 is rebound adjustment at the top of the shock body. I find myself adjusting this a lot for the right compromise of ride stiffness vs handling feedback. For a few more hundred dollars savings, I'd recommend a matched coil spring/shock combo. That is, if you are more like the users I described above (set it and forget it). __________________ ig: 0verrev
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08-31-2009, 11:28 AM	#3
fmxomar Major 94 Rep 1,245 Posts Drives: bmw 135i Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: san diego, ca iTrader: (15)	dont bother with a spring / shock combo .. youll end up spending close to as much as the v1 and have no control of making the car sit to your liking
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08-31-2009, 11:38 AM	#4
akak1997 Major 62 Rep 1,159 Posts Drives: BMW 135 @ 135mph Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (2) Garage List 2008 135i [0.00]	IMO, coilovers are for people who wants a specific ride height and not only to allow the owner to change the ride height all the time. With just a strut/spring combo, you might not get the desire ride height you want. Being able to adjust your rebound setting is a big plus, especially for a DD, if your spring rate isn't too high, you can tweak your ride comfort to a certain degree using the rebound setting. Since it's only a few hundred bucks difference, I'd opt for the V2.
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08-31-2009, 12:27 PM	#5
SV Concepts III Lieutenant General 375 Rep 17,017 Posts Drives: BMW Duh Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Santa Clara iTrader: (13)	I agree, I think height adjustment is worth it if you are after a specific height. For many, a spring and shock combo will work but for a bit more, you can get the added adjustability of coils. The V1s would work well if you are not going to be serious about changing suspension settings for track setups. They are more than capable for daily and spirited driving and you will still be able to adjust the height. With that said, if you have the budget, the V2s are an excellent setup as you can really dial in comfort and handling with the rebound settings. I have this on my car and would not hesitate to do it again.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-31-2009, 12:39 PM	#6
My135 Lieutenant Colonel 85 Rep 1,609 Posts Drives: Join Date: Mar 2008 iTrader: (0)	Are you saying I can adjust V2's rebound setting to achieve a higher performance setting (like much stiffer) than V1's factory pre-set setting? If this is the case, I would go with V2. __________________ 7/08 135 Coupe, Crimson Red, 6 SP, Sport, Taupe Lette/Aluminum. Performance Mods: JB4 on Map 5, BMS DP Fix V3, Injen polished intake, AR Catless DP, Maddad resonated mid-pipes, aFe exhaust polished tips, ST Suspension Coil Over and Hotchkis front sway bar. Others: BMS OCC, BT Scanner, Mud Flap. Next Mods: AA Front Strut Brace.
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08-31-2009, 01:04 PM	#9
My135 Lieutenant Colonel 85 Rep 1,609 Posts Drives: Join Date: Mar 2008 iTrader: (0)	If I want a medium setting, would it be equal to V1's optimal setting? __________________ 7/08 135 Coupe, Crimson Red, 6 SP, Sport, Taupe Lette/Aluminum. Performance Mods: JB4 on Map 5, BMS DP Fix V3, Injen polished intake, AR Catless DP, Maddad resonated mid-pipes, aFe exhaust polished tips, ST Suspension Coil Over and Hotchkis front sway bar. Others: BMS OCC, BT Scanner, Mud Flap. Next Mods: AA Front Strut Brace.
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08-31-2009, 01:09 PM	#10
SV Concepts III Lieutenant General 375 Rep 17,017 Posts Drives: BMW Duh Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Santa Clara iTrader: (13)	I don't know the exact numbers on the V1 but I have heard that the V1 is about the mid range setting on the V2s.
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10-15-2009, 03:34 AM	#11
FORCED AIR Got Boost? 7 Rep 234 Posts Drives: 2010 135i, Msport Join Date: May 2009 Location: The Desert iTrader: (1)	Sorry to bring this thread back but I am curious about some of the advice in here. V2s only offer rebound adjustment. Increasing rebound dampening slows the rate at which the spring extends after being compressed. It doesn't slow compression. So when you hit a bump or dive around a turn...you are still compressing the springs at the same rate. So no "stiffer" feel. The spring is just being slowed in it's recoil. Is there something I am missing here? __________________ - - My Car Domain - - 2010 BMW 135i AT, AW, ///M Sport JB4\|BMS DCI\|MS 3" cattless DPs\|Golf Tee\|33% Tint\|///M Pedals
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10-15-2009, 12:35 PM	#12
Eja135i Enlisted Member 4 Rep 31 Posts Drives: red bmw 135i Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Broward County, Florida iTrader: (0)	does ne one have pics of the two suspension setups? im mostly interested in the ride height, so if the kw v1's r low enuf then thats plenty for me...i currently have the dinan springs on n i would like it to be a little bit lower
	Appreciate 0 Quote