KW V3 vs. Stock Suspension Refresh for Street Driving

[Nate047]

KW Pros: adjustability
KW Cons: adjustability

If you don't know how to (or want to put in the effort to) properly set up coilovers, you're gonna have a bad time.

[cobra]

I think the KW V3 is a decent shock with a lot of adjustment for the price.

[/M3]

Throughout the years I got to try quite a bit of coilover setup, weather my own installs or what came with the E46s I have bought; AST, PSS10, KW V2/V1, Ground Control etc. The Ohlins is by far the best I ever had in terms of coilovers.

However in terms of shocks/struts, I really loved the ride of Koni/Eibach and Sachs/Eibach setups for the street. A mild drop with a smooth ride. I wasn’t a fan of the Bilstein B4s. They were a bit harsh IMO.

[Tbonem3]

Correct, stock (or stock replacement dampers like bilstein b4 or koni yellows) are better than KW3 (or st or kwv1 or v2) except in instagram likes or at more extreme limits.

[OldRanger]

My son and I both have M3's. I used OEM struts and bump stops and also did the FCABs, RTABs. On my son's we have TC Kline DA coil overs with spring rates he advices for street and occasional HPDE.

I find the OEM refresh near perfection for all but severe compressions that you'd only experience at high speeds (beyond what is reasonable on the road).

[SQ13]

Did sell them...I tried to order a set last week and apparently they are on backorder .

I have a set of V3's on currently, they have been a great setup for close to the past decade.

Oh, that sucks. Well I hope they have more in stock in Nov so I can take advantage of their Black Friday discount. If not, I’m sure others will have them on sale.

[puma1824]

I opted for Eibach Coilovers for simplicity. Simplicity does come at a cost, that cost being no dampening adjustment. Based my decision on this review: https://forums.m3cutters.co.uk/threa...ritain.151919/

[fattycharged]

I keep hearing good things about Ohlins R&T. Might be a better choice than KWs. FCP sells them!

Did sell them...I tried to order a set last week and apparently they are on backorder .

I have a set of V3's on currently, they have been a great setup for close to the past decade.

[SQ13]

I keep hearing good things about Ohlins R&T. Might be a better choice than KWs. FCP sells them!

[hsq]

Hi Everyone,

Was looking to upgrade my current tired stock suspension and was wondering what people thought about getting KW V3 coilovers vs. keeping the suspension stock?

The car is my daily and does not see any track time, only backroads and potholes. Would the KW V3 be better for daily driving, comfort, and handling? Any issues that people have had vs stock or recommendations on a better suspension setup for daily use? Thanks.