AST 4100 via HPAutowerks or KW V2?

rodi · 08-20-2010, 02:20 PM

Oh, good, another "which suspension" thread. Bare with me, here.

It's been a while since I've done my research as I'm finally able to drop some cash on suspension, so I'm asking this question as a novice.

Foreword: This is for a daily-driver and weekend canyon-run car with the potential of taking it to a track.

I'm really impressed with the AST 4100/Swift setup that Harold, et al, @ HP Autowerks have tested and formulated. And this is what I'm comfortable with purchasing.
An expert tech at the place that will be doing the installs recommends the KW system. And while I value his opinion and respect all of those who are happy with their KW V2 setup, I'm looking for more opinions and foresight.

I know there's not a better setup than the other, and each may have its pros/cons. Just looking for experienced/unbiased opinions.

Thank you for reading/contributing.
Cheers,

Eyeman · 08-20-2010, 07:02 PM

Tough choice but I bet both will be great choices. I'd bet the progressive KWs would be better in the city, not as consistent when driven super aggressively. If the price were the similar I'd probably go with the custom AST setup.

kevin@bavarianx · 08-22-2010, 07:51 PM

It will all come down to price and your preference over monotube design(AST) or twin tube(KW). With the AST fully loaded with Camber Plates and prings it will be about $2800.

cpt97m3 · 08-27-2010, 08:13 PM

For my car, I'd take the AST's for sure.

I'm co-driving an AutoX M3 with AST 5200's, and they are great shocks.

135gofast · 09-10-2010, 08:13 AM

which option did you opt for?

what do you think of them?

rodi · 09-13-2010, 05:55 PM

still deciding! arghhh.

Groundpilot · 09-14-2010, 11:42 AM

I would suggest KW3 with worslag camber plates. I am very happy with this set up. Also if you call Eddy from **********s and tell him that you are 1 addict, he will give you a really good deal. I was thinking about TC KLINE DA, but couldnt ignore the price difference.

competition · 09-14-2010, 12:08 PM

I'm riding on KW V2's. I believe it's perfect for both worlds: street and track. I don't know how hardcore you want to track your car, but if you're more worried about street then I'd definitely get the V2's. I'm at medium settings right now and they ride MUCH nicer than the stock M-sport suspension. I've taken my car to the canyons and the car took it like a champ. Of course, AST would be nice to have lol. Whatever coilover you get, be sure to get camber plates (Vorshlag) and a front sway bar. And +1 for **********s.com
Bavarian Exclusive is also another great vendor to buy from.

135gofast · 09-15-2010, 07:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by goeslikeschnell

I'm riding on KW V2's. I believe it's perfect for both worlds: street and track. I don't know how hardcore you want to track your car, but if you're more worried about street then I'd definitely get the V2's. I'm at medium settings right now and they ride MUCH nicer than the stock M-sport suspension. I've taken my car to the canyons and the car took it like a champ. Of course, AST would be nice to have lol. Whatever coilover you get, be sure to get camber plates (Vorshlag) and a front sway bar. And +1 for **********s.com
Bavarian Exclusive is also another great vendor to buy from.

hey goeslikeschnell, sounds like the set up i am trying to build. with your V2s and vorshlag camber plates, are you running the vorshlag coilover upper spring perch (it's much smaller in diameter than the oem upper spring perch?)

and why would you need a thicker front sway bar if you are installing adjustable coilovers, seems redundant to me.

rodi · 09-15-2010, 03:20 PM

based on forum feedback and, ultimately, my shop tech - going with the KW V3's.
and the ARC8 wheels.
just in time for Fall mountain runs.

zsapphire7 · 09-15-2010, 04:56 PM

ive had the kw v2 for quite a while. Dont make the same mistake i did. Im running AST 5100s now and couldnt be happier. The KW is nice if you dont track period. I dont think ill buy coilovers packages ever again without being able to choose spring rates unless magically the rates that they provide are what I would have choosen.

ModBargains.com · 09-15-2010, 06:37 PM

The answer is simple, you get what you pay for when it comes to vehicle suspension. As such a crucial component of your vehicle, suspension is definitely something you do not want to cheap out on. A coilover suspension basically gives you a matched lowering spring and shock absorber combination with the added benefit of adjustable ride height and spring rates through a moveable spring perch or perches. Coilovers are to your car's advantage by reducing unsprung mass, increasing suspension travel, and allowing the car to be corner balanced.

KW is known for their reinforced and durable suspension components. KW's coilovers have been carefully crafted and designed by studying the flaws of competitors and improving on them. In addition KW coilovers can go lower than just about any other brand and allow you to set your car to a "slammed look", "sporty look", or anywhere in between. In the unfortunate event that anything should happen to your coilovers, KW's warranty backs all their products from manufacturer's defect.

The KW V2 and KW V3 have been extremely popular among the community and is more than enough for your average end user. With the KW V2 you'll have the ability to adjust the height and rebound damping of the vehicle. With the KW V3 you'll be able to adjust the height of your vehicle and both rebound and compression damping. Feel Free to contact me if you have any questions at all or need to know any details about any coilover systems.

- Alan

HP Autosport · 09-17-2010, 02:22 AM

It really depends on your budget and what you will be doing with your car.

KW V-series are okay for daily use, sport lowering and if you are looking for firm up the suspension a bit. Track duty? Not really, progressive springs and are too soft. Convert the V2 or 3 with Swift springs and proper rates, then you have a good HPDE/Track day system.

Have a look here for KW V-series with Swift spring conversion:

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showpo...80&postcount=1

AST 4100s is a much higher end coilover system and fine for a double duty car. You get to choose spring rates and heights, rebuildable, revalve, you name it.

08-20-2010, 02:20 PM	#1
rodi . . . 181 Rep 2,391 Posts Drives: your FACE! Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Atlanta proper iTrader: (-1)	AST 4100 via HPAutowerks or KW V2? Oh, good, another "which suspension" thread. Bare with me, here. It's been a while since I've done my research as I'm finally able to drop some cash on suspension, so I'm asking this question as a novice. Foreword: This is for a daily-driver and weekend canyon-run car with the potential of taking it to a track. I'm really impressed with the AST 4100/Swift setup that Harold, et al, @ HP Autowerks have tested and formulated. And this is what I'm comfortable with purchasing. An expert tech at the place that will be doing the installs recommends the KW system. And while I value his opinion and respect all of those who are happy with their KW V2 setup, I'm looking for more opinions and foresight. I know there's not a better setup than the other, and each may have its pros/cons. Just looking for experienced/unbiased opinions. Thank you for reading/contributing. Cheers, __________________ 2009 135i \| space grey \| sport \| navi \| hifi \| heated dinan stage 2 software \| bmw performance exhaust kw v2 \| hotchkis front sway \| vmr v710 Last edited by rodi; 08-20-2010 at 05:01 PM..
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08-20-2010, 07:02 PM	#2
Eyeman Colonel 119 Rep 2,036 Posts Drives: 2008 135 blk, blk, step Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Atlanta, GA iTrader: (0) Garage List 1994 Porsche 968 Cab [0.00] 2017 AMG GTS [0.00] 1994 Porsche 968 Coupe [0.00] 1977 Mercedes 450SE ... [0.00] 2008 135 [8.00]	Tough choice but I bet both will be great choices. I'd bet the progressive KWs would be better in the city, not as consistent when driven super aggressively. If the price were the similar I'd probably go with the custom AST setup. __________________ Injen, RR OCC, MadDad Whisper, donut spare, 19x8.5et43fr 19x9.5et45r Volk LE37's, rear fenders rolled/pulled, PSS4S 225/35fr 255/30r, KW V1's, AR coated catless dps, Cross strutbar, CF grills and license plate holder, iCarbon diffuser, ETS black anodized FMIC, M3 control arms, Quaife, ER chargepipe, ForgeDV's, Topspeed Custom Tune, V3sims, Braille, Andrey_GTA rear hub mod, Ebay Mstyle front bumper and performance style side skirts.
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08-22-2010, 07:51 PM	#3
kevin@bavarianx Banned 33 Rep 812 Posts Drives: E36 M3 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Brea, CA iTrader: (3)	It will all come down to price and your preference over monotube design(AST) or twin tube(KW). With the AST fully loaded with Camber Plates and prings it will be about $2800.
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08-27-2010, 08:13 PM	#4
cpt97m3 AutoXer 34 Rep 683 Posts Drives: 2009 135i Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: So Cal iTrader: (2)	For my car, I'd take the AST's for sure. I'm co-driving an AutoX M3 with AST 5200's, and they are great shocks. __________________ 2009 135i, Alpine White, 6MT, M-Sport, iDrive, iPod/USB, Heated Seats, Premium Sound, BMW Assist
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09-10-2010, 08:13 AM	#5
135gofast First Lieutenant 20 Rep 336 Posts Drives: 340ix Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Boston, MA iTrader: (1)	which option did you opt for? what do you think of them? __________________ 2017 340ix \| White
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09-13-2010, 05:55 PM	#6
rodi . . . 181 Rep 2,391 Posts Drives: your FACE! Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Atlanta proper iTrader: (-1)	still deciding! arghhh. __________________ 2009 135i \| space grey \| sport \| navi \| hifi \| heated dinan stage 2 software \| bmw performance exhaust kw v2 \| hotchkis front sway \| vmr v710
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09-14-2010, 11:42 AM	#7
Groundpilot Banned 476 Rep 1,711 Posts Drives: 135I DCT , e92 M3 DCT, Audi A6 Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: long island,ny iTrader: (0)	I would suggest KW3 with worslag camber plates. I am very happy with this set up. Also if you call Eddy from **********s and tell him that you are 1 addict, he will give you a really good deal. I was thinking about TC KLINE DA, but couldnt ignore the price difference.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-14-2010, 12:08 PM	#8
competition Major 297 Rep 1,328 Posts Drives: '21 F87 M2C Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: ETH 2.0 iTrader: (10)	I'm riding on KW V2's. I believe it's perfect for both worlds: street and track. I don't know how hardcore you want to track your car, but if you're more worried about street then I'd definitely get the V2's. I'm at medium settings right now and they ride MUCH nicer than the stock M-sport suspension. I've taken my car to the canyons and the car took it like a champ. Of course, AST would be nice to have lol. Whatever coilover you get, be sure to get camber plates (Vorshlag) and a front sway bar. And +1 for **********s.com Bavarian Exclusive is also another great vendor to buy from.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-15-2010, 03:20 PM	#10
rodi . . . 181 Rep 2,391 Posts Drives: your FACE! Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Atlanta proper iTrader: (-1)	based on forum feedback and, ultimately, my shop tech - going with the KW V3's. and the ARC8 wheels. just in time for Fall mountain runs. __________________ 2009 135i \| space grey \| sport \| navi \| hifi \| heated dinan stage 2 software \| bmw performance exhaust kw v2 \| hotchkis front sway \| vmr v710
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-15-2010, 04:56 PM	#11
zsapphire7 Colonel 104 Rep 2,368 Posts Drives: 08 e92 M3 Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: SF Bay Area iTrader: (21)	ive had the kw v2 for quite a while. Dont make the same mistake i did. Im running AST 5100s now and couldnt be happier. The KW is nice if you dont track period. I dont think ill buy coilovers packages ever again without being able to choose spring rates unless magically the rates that they provide are what I would have choosen.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-15-2010, 06:37 PM	#12
ModBargains.com Banned 475 Rep 13,583 Posts Drives: JB E92 335i Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: 1721 E. Lambert Rd #C, La Habra, CA 90631 iTrader: (51)	The answer is simple, you get what you pay for when it comes to vehicle suspension. As such a crucial component of your vehicle, suspension is definitely something you do not want to cheap out on. A coilover suspension basically gives you a matched lowering spring and shock absorber combination with the added benefit of adjustable ride height and spring rates through a moveable spring perch or perches. Coilovers are to your car's advantage by reducing unsprung mass, increasing suspension travel, and allowing the car to be corner balanced. KW is known for their reinforced and durable suspension components. KW's coilovers have been carefully crafted and designed by studying the flaws of competitors and improving on them. In addition KW coilovers can go lower than just about any other brand and allow you to set your car to a "slammed look", "sporty look", or anywhere in between. In the unfortunate event that anything should happen to your coilovers, KW's warranty backs all their products from manufacturer's defect. The KW V2 and KW V3 have been extremely popular among the community and is more than enough for your average end user. With the KW V2 you'll have the ability to adjust the height and rebound damping of the vehicle. With the KW V3 you'll be able to adjust the height of your vehicle and both rebound and compression damping. Feel Free to contact me if you have any questions at all or need to know any details about any coilover systems. - Alan Last edited by ModBargains.com; 09-15-2010 at 06:43 PM..
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09-17-2010, 02:22 AM	#13
HP Autosport Supreme Allied Commander 3816 Rep 54,319 Posts Drives: F80 M3 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Santa Barbara, AP, Brembo, GIAC, Koni, Ohlins, Performance Friction, www.hpautosport.com iTrader: (36)	It really depends on your budget and what you will be doing with your car. KW V-series are okay for daily use, sport lowering and if you are looking for firm up the suspension a bit. Track duty? Not really, progressive springs and are too soft. Convert the V2 or 3 with Swift springs and proper rates, then you have a good HPDE/Track day system. Have a look here for KW V-series with Swift spring conversion: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showpo...80&postcount=1 AST 4100s is a much higher end coilover system and fine for a double duty car. You get to choose spring rates and heights, rebuildable, revalve, you name it.
	Appreciate 0 Quote