KW v2 - how do you adjust the height?

[sootyvrs]

I read somewhere that some twist the actual spring to adjust the height rather than using the spanner type tool.

Do you use the tool or twist the spring?

Reason I ask is that I just got a set of used KW v2's and there is no spanner type tool for adjusting height or any user instructions. Should there also be a special tool to adjust the rebound settings?

Here's a pic of what I have - I also noticed that the 2 rear dampers don't have nuts on both ends. Is that normal or do you use the BMW nuts?

[Mark M]

Looks like you picked up a used kit. From your pic, yes the spanner wrenches are missing. You will need both, there front spanner and rear spanners are different.

The missing nuts on the rear dampers would not concern me. Beleive the OE nut is of the same size. If not, you can pickup ones at a local hardware store. Also, you will need a 2mm alen key wrench to adjust the damper rebound stiffness. If I recall from my set, counterclockwise = soft; clockwise = stiff. But never set it on full hard or soft, this will wear the seals prematurely.

[sootyvrs]

Thanks for the info. I will ask the seller if he still has the tools.

I have also found the set-up manual

http://www.kw-gmbh.de/kw_upload/Einbau/ea68577506.pdf

and installation manual

http://www.kw-gmbh.de/kw_upload/Einbau/eah68620039.pdf

The 2mm allen key is not a problem. Do you know if it's the same 2mm allen key to adjust both front and rear? I can only see the rear that has the allen key fitting on the top of the strut. I assume the front one looks like I might be able to adjust with a spanner.

Does the recommended setting 8 clicks front, 6 clicks rear work well?

Can the rebound setting get adjusted when installed on the car? Can you actually get to the front of the dampers when installed?

[SV Concepts III]

Spanner wrenches are key to have so you don't strip the collars around the base of the strut. You can try spinning them with a wrench or another tool but be wary of ruining the adjusters.

[e82vette]

u got the V2 already??? wow thats pretty fast right after wheel swapping

[AchtungF80]

The fronts I've actually been able to spin the springs since it was compressed and literally pulling the adjuster with it to adjust the height. I was being lazy and it was a long afternoon of installing. It only probably was easy to do this now as they were brand new out of the box and I just put them on the car. The rears on the other hand, I needed the spanner tool.

[sootyvrs]

Originally Posted by e82vette

u got the V2 already??? wow thats pretty fast right after wheel swapping

An opportunity came up so I jumped onto it. The set I think has only been used for 1000 miles although they could do with a clean

I'm still waiting to hear from the seller but failing that, I assume I should be able to get the tools from KW direct in UK.

Can someone please tell me how the Rebound is adjusted with the coilovers fitted?

Is the front done from the above engine bay where the suspension mount is and the rear is done in the boot where the suspenion mount is behind the boot trim?

[AchtungF80]

Originally Posted by sootyvrs

Is the front done from the above engine bay where the suspension mount is and the rear is done in the boot where the suspenion mount is behind the boot trim?

Yes, this is correct.

[sootyvrs]

Good news, the spanners have been found but the rebound tool (purple disc) is still missing.



Is this the tool you use for the front or rear dampers?

Edit: just had a good luck at both front and rear dampers and have now found that I can just use an 2mm Allen key for both.

The guy had his set on 2 clicks from hard for both front and rear. I have reset it back to the KW recommendation before fitment which is 8 clicks from hard front and 6 clicks rear.

I'd be interested if anyone has ventured into a different setting for street use?

[romak47]

read this and im confused as how to adjust the rear springs. Trying to raise my height a quarter inch or more but how the hell i get the wrench inside the area of the lower control arm? The adjustment portion is seated to far down into it.
Hmmm. Anyone able to give insight?

[jerra-roo]

Originally Posted by romak47

read this and im confused as how to adjust the rear springs. Trying to raise my height a quarter inch or more but how the hell i get the wrench inside the area of the lower control arm? The adjustment portion is seated to far down into it.
Hmmm. Anyone able to give insight?

Any success with increasing the height on the rear springs? I tried to increase the height using the wrench to turn the purple disc, but the black disc that sits into the upper perch also turn as I turn the wrench.

Can somesone give some advice on how to adjust the rear height?

[romak47]

Originally Posted by jerra-roo

Any success with increasing the height on the rear springs? I tried to increase the height using the wrench to turn the purple disc, but the black disc that sits into the upper perch also turn as I turn the wrench.

Can somesone give some advice on how to adjust the rear height?

hey man,
i found out that the adjusment portion should not be in the perch, it works there but makes it hard to adjust. me and you would have to relocate the adjuster to the topside of the spring. that makes it a lot easier to adjust.
People are removing the perch on top side to put the adjuster thing there.
Makes sence to be there anyways, because its less unsprung weight being up there

My car has been like this and drivable for a few years now. no issues with the adjuster being on bottom of spring in that perch.
When i go to adjust mine, im gonna have to drop my control arm, take out a pin and spring will drop down, and i can take the adjuster and install on top side.
My friend just did this recently to his car too. haha.