KW V2, CKS, or PSS10's

I'm debating on which CO's to go with since all three are close in price. This will be my DD, about 80 miles RT for work, and I don't plan on tracking or autoX. I do like taking corners quick and I don't mind taking the long way home if there's a lot of curvy roads.

I'm also looking at the KW V2's coming off my current setup of H&R Sport with Koni's.

lots of good reviews on the KW's...

KW's streetcomfort are the closest to stock sports, V2 are harder which puts them about equal to the CKS. The difference is you cannot find new KW V2 for the price of CKS new, used yes. I would never buy used suspension or brake components, just me. The Bilsteins are good, but more like stock. I prefer coilover systems like the CKS if only because you can adjust the ride height without affecting the spring rate, that is HUGE for eliminating bounce. I had KSport on my previous car, loved them - especially considering I could change my ride height over lunch. Of the systems you listed, and what I plan on for my 550, I would choose the CKS. They are price of used KWs, slightly less than new Bilsteins, and more comfortable than the KSports I used to have.

I also considered CKS - like the ride height adjustment without affecting the springs.
I know Trinity has them for $1650. +
What about the Swift spring upgrade? worth it you think?

Originally Posted by pjinca

KW's streetcomfort are the closest to stock sports, V2 are harder which puts them about equal to the CKS. The difference is you cannot find new KW V2 for the price of CKS new, used yes. I would never buy used suspension or brake components, just me. The Bilsteins are good, but more like stock. I prefer coilover systems like the CKS if only because you can adjust the ride height without affecting the spring rate, that is HUGE for eliminating bounce. I had KSport on my previous car, loved them - especially considering I could change my ride height over lunch. Of the systems you listed, and what I plan on for my 550, I would choose the CKS. They are price of used KWs, slightly less than new Bilsteins, and more comfortable than the KSports I used to have.

Hey how's it going. I see that you're on a couple of different forums now. I have been talkin to nerweezy about getting some cks w/swift springs. However I have a reputable local shop that is getting me new kw v2 for the same price as the cks setup. So I'm getting them installed next week. They are going to tune it and lower my stance another 3/4".

Originally Posted by Heymoose

I also considered CKS - like the ride height adjustment without affecting the springs.
I know Trinity has them for $1650. +
What about the Swift spring upgrade? worth it you think?

If your going to get them then get the swift spring upgrade.

Originally Posted by booyaazaa

Hey how's it going. I see that you're on a couple of different forums now. I have been talkin to nerweezy about getting some cks w/swift springs. However I have a reputable local shop that is getting me new kw v2 for the same price as the cks setup. So I'm getting them installed next week. They are going to tune it and lower my stance another 3/4".

LOL, yeah Bro, on a few now. If you can get the KW for cheap, why not? I will probably go CKS myself.

I have KW Street Comforts on my 545i. I wanted something a bit softer so this kit works perfect for me. I drive a LOT on the weekends in the mountains and have a lot of fun with the car.

Originally Posted by Kris@TSS

I have KW Street Comforts on my 545i. I wanted something a bit softer so this kit works perfect for me. I drive a LOT on the weekends in the mountains and have a lot of fun with the car.

I finally pulled the trigger on sat and had KW V2's installed. I definitely feel that BMW's should all ride like this off the assembly line. Much improved ride quality and handling. BTW nice looking E60.

You will be happy with the V2s. The spring rate is a bit different between the Street Comfort and V2s but overall the same adjustments. Can't wait to see yours closer to the pavement!

Originally Posted by booyaazaa

I finally pulled the trigger on sat and had KW V2's installed. I definitely feel that BMW's should all ride like this off the assembly line. Much improved ride quality and handling. BTW nice looking E60.

with ur new kw's ,, do u feel less body roll on turns,, and also is the steering sharper now goen into the turns ?,, and also do u feel any difference as far as less understeer, and do u feel more over steer because of it ?

Originally Posted by H F

with ur new kw's ,, do u feel less body roll on turns,, and also is the steering sharper now goen into the turns ?,, and also do u feel any difference as far as less understeer, and do u feel more over steer because of it ?

This is one of the best upgrades I've done so far. The car handles much better and the KW V2 matches well with our ARS to minimize the roll which is significantly better then the sports suspension. The handling and turning is definitely more precise when making sudden turns. Also when taking corners and freeway ramp loops the car feels more planted to the road and stable. I actually had to even tighten my side bolsters to help keep me in the seat when cornering. The only issue I've had is clearance between the tire and CO's. It's a tight fit since I'm running a 9x20 et 18 wheel with a 255/30r20 tire. I had to use a 5mm spacer to make my tire clear the CO and roll my front fenders since i lowered it another 3/4". Now there's no rubbing at all.

Originally Posted by booyaazaa

This is one of the best upgrades I've done so far. The car handles much better and the KW V2 matches well with our ARS to minimize the roll which is significantly better then the sports suspension. The handling and turning is definitely more precise when making sudden turns. Also when taking corners and freeway ramp loops the car feels more planted to the road and stable. I actually had to even tighten my side bolsters to help keep me in the seat when cornering. The only issue I've had is clearance between the tire and CO's. It's a tight fit since I'm running a 9x20 et 18 wheel with a 255/30r20 tire. I had to use a 5mm spacer to make my tire clear the CO and roll my front fenders since i lowered it another 3/4". Now there's no rubbing at all.

Because of the design by BMW and the coilover most have to use a spacer. I had to use a spacer as well.

Originally Posted by Kris@TSS

Because of the design by BMW and the coilover most have to use a spacer. I had to use a spacer as well.

Ya, I was hoping that I would clear the CO but it is very tight up front. At least I only needed a 5 mm spacer and I haven't had any issues with wheel vibrations.

Originally Posted by booyaazaa

Ya, I was hoping that I would clear the CO but it is very tight up front. At least I only needed a 5 mm spacer and I haven't had any issues with wheel vibrations.

I ended up using front and rear spacers to make the wheels more flush. Didn't have to roll by fenders though.

Originally Posted by booyaazaa

This is one of the best upgrades I've done so far. The car handles much better and the KW V2 matches well with our ARS to minimize the roll which is significantly better then the sports suspension. The handling and turning is definitely more precise when making sudden turns. Also when taking corners and freeway ramp loops the car feels more planted to the road and stable. I actually had to even tighten my side bolsters to help keep me in the seat when cornering. The only issue I've had is clearance between the tire and CO's. It's a tight fit since I'm running a 9x20 et 18 wheel with a 255/30r20 tire. I had to use a 5mm spacer to make my tire clear the CO and roll my front fenders since i lowered it another 3/4". Now there's no rubbing at all.

That sounds awsome.... freeway looops hard cornering and quick sudden turning is exactly was wat i was refuring too.... thats is exactly why i love these cars and my 545, and cant imagine getting better manuverability... As far as ride quality goes,, is the rebound and compression alot more tighter and when goen thru bumps and waves on road surfaces ?,, do u loose alittle smoothness compared to the stock ride? and is it alittle jerky ? kinda like a race suspention ?

Originally Posted by Kris@TSS

I ended up using front and rear spacers to make the wheels more flush. Didn't have to roll by fenders though.

Hi Kris,

Now that I have had the v2's for 2 weeks with about 700 miles, I've noticed at low speeds the front passenger suspension is making noise. It was only recently that it started to make noise, like some metal piece is loose. I jacked up the car and checked for loose parts but seems like everything is tight and nothing is loose. Was wondering if you might have some troubleshooting suggestions since I hate rattles. Btw the car handles fine and drives normally.

Originally Posted by Kris@TSS

I have KW Street Comforts on my 545i. I wanted something a bit softer so this kit works perfect for me. I drive a LOT on the weekends in the mountains and have a lot of fun with the car.

Sweet! Nice and clean looking. Love the modest drop. I am looking at going with Dinan Stage 1 Suspension, how would these compare with the KW Street Comforts? Does it make sense to consider the KW SCs?

Thanks.

Originally Posted by booyaazaa

Hi Kris,

Now that I have had the v2's for 2 weeks with about 700 miles, I've noticed at low speeds the front passenger suspension is making noise. It was only recently that it started to make noise, like some metal piece is loose. I jacked up the car and checked for loose parts but seems like everything is tight and nothing is loose. Was wondering if you might have some troubleshooting suggestions since I hate rattles. Btw the car handles fine and drives normally.

That isn't something I have experienced personally on my kit. Did you torque the top hats to spec? Sounds like they might be alil loose.

Originally Posted by Kris@TSS

That isn't something I have experienced personally on my kit. Did you torque the top hats to spec? Sounds like they might be alil loose.

I was thinking of doing that tonite, not sure of the shop did that during the install. Is the torque spec for the three bolts for the top hat 25ftlbs?

http://www.kw-store.com/extras/docs/...ah68620005.pdf

Page 8 talks about the ft lbs required.

Should be 25 ft-lbs - 34Nm

Originally Posted by Kris@TSS

http://www.kw-store.com/extras/docs/...ah68620005.pdf

Page 8 talks about the ft lbs required.

Thanks. Yeah when I got home today I busted out my new torque wrench and found that they did torque everything except for the strut to the top hat. It took about 3.5 turns before I heard the magic click, click. Took it for a spin around the block and the noise is gone. Thanks again for the help guys.

Nothing like finding the problem and fixing it!