KW V3 vs. Stock Suspension Refresh for Street Driving

[FCD46]

Not sure SG Chinese garbage is in the same category as any of the suspensions being discussed here

Lol, you can talk smack all you want but it’s not bad, as I have it on my car and have “tested” vs your assumption. Beats stock, obviously not KW.

[repoman89]

I did the Status Gruppe SS kit, comes with everything you need at $899 shipped, not bad. Little drop (adjustable) and super smooth. I drive aggressive on the street but it doesn’t see much track days, if any.

I have 4 more of those kits in stock in Dallas area if anyone reading is interested.

Not sure SG Chinese garbage is in the same category as any of the suspensions being discussed here

[FCD46]

I did the Status Gruppe SS kit, comes with everything you need at $899 shipped, not bad. Little drop (adjustable) and super smooth. I drive aggressive on the street but it doesn’t see much track days, if any.

I have 4 more of those kits in stock in Dallas area if anyone reading is interested.

[Obioban]

I’ve driven lots of V3s on the e46M, as well.

[cobra]

The club sports are unnecessarily harsh, imo-- the car doesn't ever feels like it settles down, and is slower because of it.

The V3s... just aren't great. I have them on the e60 (came with them), and I won't for long. That said, they're WAY better than the STs/V2, which are, IMO, trash for people that only care about how the car looks. Of the KW options, I think the V3s are actually probably the best, but the TCK DAs are better at everything other than the max amount you can lower the car.

I'm not sure it's fair to assume the V3's are bad because they don't feel good on a completely different chassis. How old are they? Are they adjusted properly?

To me the V3's are a solid choice because they are externally adjustable, gas pressurized, stainless steel, are shortened bodies (to retain bump travel on a lowered vehicle, but could also be run near stock height), and have a wide adjustment range. The springs could easily be changed to whatever rates you want and the dampers could accommodate within a reasonable range of rates. But I think the stock spring rates are damn near on the money - 300lb/in front and 550lb/in rear.

The ONLY thing I am not stoked on with the V3 is the serviceability. I am not sure how easy it is to get seals and if there's any documentation on how to do the job.

They're a fantastic value and a great middle ground between a stock setup and a full on race setup.

[EthanolTurbo]

No, at least not TCK DAs with flat ride spring rates.

They are "better", but nowhere near "shits on them" better.

... they do shit on all setups without flat ride spring rates that I've experienced.

Thanks for the info! I have a set of TCK DA I got dirt cheap that needs a rebuild and wasn't sure if it's worth keeping or not. I'm on a flat ride Eibach Pro Kit/Koni Yellow setup right now.

[Obioban]

Obioban

On what basis do you guys feel like the TCK are better than the clubsports (& v3s?) ....Is it how they ride?

I had a set of TCK SA on a previous e46m and they felt great from what i remember. Curious, as I was actually planning on going TCK DA but they were out of stock, and went V3 instead.

Sorry if thread jack.

The club sports are unnecessarily harsh, imo-- the car doesn't ever feels like it settles down, and is slower because of it.

The V3s... just aren't great. I have them on the e60 (came with them), and I won't for long. That said, they're WAY better than the STs/V2, which are, IMO, trash for people that only care about how the car looks. Of the KW options, I think the V3s are actually probably the best, but the TCK DAs are better at everything other than the max amount you can lower the car.

[Obioban]

But FCM shits on TCK DA right?

No, at least not TCK DAs with flat ride spring rates.

They are "better", but nowhere near "shits on them" better.

... they do shit on all setups without flat ride spring rates that I've experienced.

[EthanolTurbo]

Agreed on all counts.

But FCM shits on TCK DA right?

[L0okitzRaj]

Pass on the ST. KW Clubsport is comparable to TCK DA, however TCK is better, in my opinion.

Obioban

On what basis do you guys feel like the TCK are better than the clubsports (& v3s?) ....Is it how they ride?

I had a set of TCK SA on a previous e46m and they felt great from what i remember. Curious, as I was actually planning on going TCK DA but they were out of stock, and went V3 instead.

Sorry if thread jack.

[Obioban]

Pass on the ST. KW Clubsport is comparable to TCK DA, however TCK is better, in my opinion.

Agreed on all counts.

[02_lsb]

My dad recently joined the club. He prefers spirited driving to track use, anyone have experience with the ST XTAs? Similar to the KW Clubsports, no? I've heard they're a bit soft for the track but for canyon carving it might be perfect for him.

Pass on the ST. KW Clubsport is comparable to TCK DA, however TCK is better, in my opinion.

[shibui]

My dad recently joined the club. He prefers spirited driving to track use, anyone have experience with the ST XTAs? Similar to the KW Clubsports, no? I've heard they're a bit soft for the track but for canyon carving it might be perfect for him.

[YYC ///M3]

What spring rates did you go with?

Whichever are the softest ones. I believe 350 (front) 450 (rear)?

[r4dr]

I have the TCK SA's not the DA's and they are amazing

What spring rates did you go with?