KW Coilover V1 install and review

[MikeinAlexandria]

My KW suspension was installed today by Mach V Motorsports in Srerling, VA. They did the height adjustment, and alignment as well. Pics taken in the shop to follow as I update this thread.

Just drove a few miles, and I can already say wow! The suspension is quiet, composed and not too stiff. Take a hard corner, and the car just grips and goes, no fuss. Heading home later tonight on some twisty roads and GW Parkway, so I will have an even better idea of how everything works. The ride height was lowered a little, and the car looks fantastic. Have some pics for that too. In all, the car is now where it should have been from the factory!

1st Update: So, cruising down GW Parkway last night, which is mostly downhill with some sweeping corners. Of course the requisite hodoyotas and SUVs were in the way a bit, but still managed to get a few turns in. The suspension absorbs the bumps nicely yet remains quite composed. I need to get to a more twisty road still without folks in the way. But so far, so good. Height looks very nice. Will take some more photos and get everything posted soon. For DC area folks, Mach V Motorsports is a great option for installation. They have a nice shop, and are well qualified to get everything installed. The owner mentioned he is buying a 335i, and will be assembling the systems and tech needed to be able to tune BMWs. He already does the Subaru, and produces some of the fastest WRX cars around. www.machv.com.
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Mach V Motorsports in Sterling


Box 'o KW stuff! Shiny!


Stock front shock and spring


KW Coilover and new spring


Alignment!


Front view with everything installed


Rear view with lightly lowered ride height and BMW Performance Exhaust


Rear suspension drop. Not too low.


Front suspension drop


The full effect


BP Exhaust Detail

[1trip5]

64 views and not one response. Everybody must be thinking the same thing as me, pics or it didn't happen.

[My135]

"The suspension is quiet, composed and not too stiff", but it is still stiffer or firmer than stock suspension, right? I like it to be stiffer than stock.

[N55_BBM]

what's the difference between the V1, V2 and V3?

[MikeinAlexandria]

LOL. Pics are here now!

Yeah, it is stiffer than stock, and the dampening is alot more controlled. The car rides the way it should stock from the factory, which makes me believe that BMW is trying to make the 1 series a clear lower performing car from a 3 series. Sad because they could probably sell alot more 1s to Audi A3 owners and MINI Clubman people.

Here is some info from KW's website.

KW Variant 1
The ideal entry level coilover for customers who wish to determine the height settings of the car while using KWs optimum pre-set damper settings.
•Optimally adjusted, sporty and comfortable damping technology
•adjustment parameters approved by the Technical Control Board (TÜV)

KW Variant 2
The system intended for the experienced driver who requires to not only determine the individual lowering of their vehicle, but to adjust the damper setting to fine tune the system to their needs.
•Damping technology individually adjustable in the traction phase
•Individually height-adjustable
•Infinitely adjustable rebound damping

KW Variant 3
State-of-the-art technology from motor sports for more performance on the road. The separate and independently adjustable rebound- and compression damping allows individual suspension adjustments. The unique patented system with its individual two-stage valves allows a rebound damping- (comfort) and a compression damping adjustment (driving dynamics) in the low-speed range while the high-speed range which is responsible for driving safety is fixed.
•damping technology individually adjustable in rebound- and compression damping
•infinitely adjustable rebound damping
•14-level adjustable compression damping

[AW128i]

I've had the pleasure of owning KW V3s in the past and I could wax endlessly about them. They truly were amazing how they were so much stiffer than most factory sport suspensions and yet they were also more compliant than most. Honestly, they proved to me that you can have your cake and it eat it too...you just have to pony up the dough!! Now, I have no personal experience with the V1s or V2s, but I can't imagine that they're much different in terms of the handling/comfort compromise. I wish there was someone semi-local that has a KW setup installed so I could get a ride!

[1trip5]

looks very nice. sounds like you are impressed with the improvement in performance and stance.

just my opinion, but some 18" wheels would really set your car off (oem or aftermarket).

[Lubo]

Originally Posted by MikeinAlexandria

KW Coilover and new spring

Is this how you left the settings on ride height?
It looks to be all the way down, yet your ride height doesn't reflect that.

If that is correct spinning the collars all the way up would result in higher than normal clearance no?

[MikeinAlexandria]

Originally Posted by Lubo

Is this how you left the settings on ride height?
It looks to be all the way down, yet your ride height doesn't reflect that.

If that is correct spinning the collars all the way up would result in higher than normal clearance no?

I am not really sure what was done to set the ride height. Though it could certainly go even lower. My request was to line up the tires with the fenders, but Indidn't want too much of a drop.

The car really does handle nicely now. It would look good with 18s, but I like the 17iinch M sport wheels alot. We'll see, need to drive around more now!

[trfortin69]

Originally Posted by MikeinAlexandria

I am not really sure what was done to set the ride height. Though it could certainly go even lower. My request was to line up the tires with the fenders, but Indidn't want too much of a drop.

The car really does handle nicely now. It would look good with 18s, but I like the 17iinch M sport wheels alot. We'll see, need to drive around more now!

any problems at the dealership? and did you get them corner balanced?

[mke135i]

Can you adjust the ride height after they are installed? Thinking about a more agressive drop during summer / less during winter kind of deal.

[Thaddy]

Yes, ride height can be adjusted.

I'll be honest though, after a while, you won't want to mess around with adjusting the ride height and dampening (although the V1's don't allow you to adjust dampening). You'll get tired of it, and I'm quite sure 99% of coilover owners just "set it and forget it".

Plus, after a while of driving and a season or two of dirty post-winter roads, they will become more difficult to adjust as dirt and grime will make it's way into the threads.

[apboogiedown]

How much did it cost for everything include installing?

[OneThreeFive]

Originally Posted by apboogiedown

How much did it cost for everything include installing?

Below is a post from another thread where he mentions price + install:

Originally Posted by MikeinAlexandria

Mine were a little under $1300 plus... $769 installation. The install took five hours, and included height adjustment and alignment. I had the car lowered only about .25 inches, so much less than the above photo. But it looks and rides great.

Some of the later posts in that thread mention cheaper install prices.