[Smytty]

As the title states came across a set of used KW V1's I was planning on purchasing the suspension come next spring brand new but I found a set used for half the price. Wondering if I should pull the trigger or stay away. Purchased coilovers on my other car but never used. Anyone have any experience good or bad? Donor car I have no way to tell how long suspension was on the car that's the only thing that is really not sitting well with me.

[n3985]

If the KWs were run around NYC I'd stay away given how bad our roads are. The cost to rebuild a shock is not cheap for KW and takes month to get back.

[Double Nickel]

Personally i wouldn't

[ezaircon4jc]

Why buy used wear items? Would you buy used brake pads? Used tires?

[StradaRedlands]

I purchased used Bilstein shocks & matching H&R springs, and everything was fine. I trusted the seller (total stranger) when he said they were just 10k miles on them. Took a chance, and they worked great for as long as I had the car. Doing great when I sold it ('73 2002, damn I miss that car...). So I guess I'm saying go for it if you trust the seller, and don't mind swapping them out if they end up going bad soon.

[ChiltiCoatl89]

Trust your gut, unless you know them or have a good feeling about them. (The Seller)

[Smytty]

Originally Posted by n3985

If the KWs were run around NYC I'd stay away given how bad our roads are. The cost to rebuild a shock is not cheap for KW and takes month to get back.

I’m in NY so I already know. It would take a garaged car and some great service records for me to even consider purchasing a car that’s spent most of its time here. My last 2 Bimmers were from MD and Cali respectively.

Originally Posted by Double Nickel

Personally i wouldn't

Originally Posted by ezaircon4jc

Why buy used wear items? Would you buy used brake pads? Used tires?

Originally Posted by StradaRedlands

I purchased used Bilstein shocks & matching H&R springs, and everything was fine……. .

Originally Posted by ChiltiCoatl89

Trust your gut, unless you know them or have a good feeling about them. (The Seller)

Thanks for the replies, you all reinforced some of my initial thoughts. I’ve seen others purchase used set ups from forum members with what seemed like good results. The coils aren’t for sale on here and I can’t get much info on them. I had asked the seller to send me a picture of the bushing on the rears where they mount to the subframe and they were totally shot. That told me everything I needed to know. I’d rather have the piece of mind on having them new. Also called KW to see how much to rebuild each dampener; $200 per at that price only makes sense to buy brand new. Not to mention 5-6 week lead time for the rebuild. Totally not worth it. Warranty is also not transferable and the rebuild only has a 1 yr warranty for anyone else who may come across this thread.

Thanks again…..

[Conserve]

Originally Posted by StradaRedlands

I purchased used Bilstein shocks & matching H&R springs, and everything was fine. I trusted the seller (total stranger) when he said they were just 10k miles on them. Took a chance, and they worked great for as long as I had the car. Doing great when I sold it ('73 2002, damn I miss that car...).

have one sitting in the garage

[StradaRedlands]

Originally Posted by Conserve

have one sitting in the garage

BEAUTIFUL... is that called Bronzit? It looks amazingly clean! Mine was Malaga red, and definitely not that clean... but it was built up wonderfully IMO: the above-mentioned H&R/Bilstein set up with H&R sways, 320i sport/Recaro seats & steering wheel, 320i sport wheels, and Metric Mechanic fancy carb (never worked well). No pics, but it was an AMAZING car. I would have needed to do a five speed transmission swap for my daily, and I was dying without AC here in the Inland Empire of SoCal. It went to a good home and I didn't lose a penny on it. If it's still out there, it's probably worth $20k at least now! I toyed around with getting a Bavaria for a minute, as it was the more grown up car, but instead embraced the E30 life for a long time. And here I am now!

[Conserve]

Originally Posted by StradaRedlands

BEAUTIFUL... is that called Bronzit?

It is called 'Sienabraun' by BMW. Siena is a medieval Italian hill-town built largely from warm brown brick, hence its inspiration for the color’s name. I have kept it all original with exceptions of rims and radio.

[StradaRedlands]

Originally Posted by Conserve

It is called 'Sienabraun' by BMW. Siena is a medieval Italian hill-town built largely from warm brown brick, hence its inspiration for the color’s name. I have kept it all original with exceptions of rims and radio.

It's beautiful! Can't see as I've recall seeing that color before... love it!