2010 2011 BMW 5 Series Forum F10
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
 

2010 2011 BMW 5 Series Forum F10 F10 Technical Topics Wheels / Tires / Suspension / Brakes *REVIEW* KW Coilovers- Variant 3 (V3) for F10 5 series
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      06-10-2011, 05:30 PM   #1
luigimaster24
Major
luigimaster24's Avatar
Mexico
157
Rep
1,173
Posts

Drives: 2020 X7 M50i & 2021 X6M Comp
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: San Diego

iTrader: (5)

Lightbulb *REVIEW* KW Coilovers- Variant 3 (V3) for F10 5 series

I finally came around and set some time aside, to deliver my personal review for the KW Coilovers- Variant 3 for our BMW 5 series F10.

Initially, my interest in the KW’s was only to attain the height drop that H&R springs couldn't deliver for my F10. However, I quickly found out that KWs are so much more than just a solution for a lower stance on your vehicle. I drove my F10 long enough on stock suspension, too long on H&R sport springs, and gave myself enough time to experience the KWs to be able to share my first impressions and lasting impressions on them.

Stock F10 Suspension ( Non DHP/Adaptive drive)

Most, if not all of us know what the stock suspension on the F10 feels like, unless you modified your suspension on day 1. The feeling of the stock suspension on the F10 is like a floaty boat ride which makes you feel alienated from the road. Tight cornering on my F10 with stock suspension was not pleasant, as the body roll was enough to throw my wife and I from side to side like we were doing the chicken dance. The floatiness and loose feel of the car, combined with the altitude at which my F10 stood consequently led me to swap out stock springs for H&R sport springs in hope of improved ride quality.

H&R Springs

H&R sport springs definitely helped make the F10 feel more planted, and cosmetically improved the F10’s look by lowering it a little over an inch overall. However, I was not completely satisfied with the springs for although the floatiness improved, it still remained, especially on the freeway and at higher speeds. The ride on the H&R springs was still jumpy and took a few seconds to settle back down after going through a dip . Cornering on H&R springs was definitely better than stock, although body roll still lingered enough to be very noticeable and uncomfortable when spirited driving took place. The height drop was acceptable from the H&Rs considering the price, and the ride was ok aside from the floatiness at high speeds and the lag in stabilization after a significant dip. H&Rs still left me expecting more from my BMW F10, which led me to decide on making the best investment I’ve made on my F10 as of yet. KW Coilovers.

KW Coilovers V3

The day I drove back to San Diego from Trinity Autosport after installing the KW V3’s on my F10, I simply felt like I was driving a completely different vehicle (from a ride quality stand point). My car felt planted to the ground and feedback from the road was drastically improved. Taking turns at 80mph felt like turning at 25mph, total comfortably, completely stable, and connected to the road. Going over dips where the springs compress and decompress, the car stabilized itself in a matter of milliseconds compared to H&R springs and stock where you are kept floating up and down until stable. Nose diving when braking quickly and hard was gone, the car comes to complete clean stops without jerking you or your passengers forward.

I would mention any downsides to the KWs, but IMO, there aren’t any.

I am currently dialed in at factory out of the box settings and have not played with the dampening or compression. I am very satisfied with the feel of the car and enjoy every moment driving the F10. Everything I tried to improve with H&R springs and couldn’t attain has now been completed with KW coilovers, which are definitely worth every penny.

KW coilovers are not for the faint of heart and if you don’t really care about performance, stability and complete versatility of the ride and height of your vehicle, than I would say springs or stock suspension would do you just fine.

However, If your’e looking for an aggressive suspension that TRULY performs, drastically improves the quality of your ride, totally enhances the look of your F10, and can be adjusted to the height of your liking, then KW coilovers were made just for you.



Here's a video I made showing off a few F10's on KW V3's





Stock Suspension Pictures





H&R Springs Pictures





KW Coilovers V3 Install @ Trinity Autosport (Thanks Joe and Nerwyll)





KW V3 Suspension Pictures




Last edited by luigimaster24; 06-10-2011 at 05:58 PM..
Appreciate 3
EV8634.00
      06-10-2011, 05:47 PM   #2
remmib
General
remmib's Avatar
Norway
1561
Rep
29,202
Posts

Drives: 2013 F10 520d M-Sport
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Norway

iTrader: (0)

Great write-up.

I bought KW V2 for my e90 after reading good things about them on e90post back in 2007, and I buy KW again.

And cool video btw!!

Last edited by remmib; 06-10-2011 at 05:52 PM..
Appreciate 0
      06-10-2011, 06:05 PM   #3
bobblehead
Brigadier General
bobblehead's Avatar
Canada
256
Rep
4,721
Posts

Drives: warp speed
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Toronto, On

iTrader: (0)

Absolutely A+ for the write-up.

I am sold on this but have to wait for the Xdrive version to come out. My shop guy says KW is still doing final stage testing now and production should begin late summer and ready for market distribution in the late fall.
Appreciate 0
      06-10-2011, 06:06 PM   #4
luigimaster24
Major
luigimaster24's Avatar
Mexico
157
Rep
1,173
Posts

Drives: 2020 X7 M50i & 2021 X6M Comp
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: San Diego

iTrader: (5)

Quote:
Originally Posted by remmib View Post
Great write-up.

I bought KW V2 for my e90 after reading good things about them on e90post back in 2007, and I buy KW again.

And cool video btw!!
Thank you Remmib!!! It's hard to go back after experiencing coilovers.

KW FTW !!!
Appreciate 0
      06-10-2011, 06:10 PM   #5
luigimaster24
Major
luigimaster24's Avatar
Mexico
157
Rep
1,173
Posts

Drives: 2020 X7 M50i & 2021 X6M Comp
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: San Diego

iTrader: (5)

Quote:
Originally Posted by bobblehead View Post
Absolutely A+ for the write-up.

I am sold on this but have to wait for the Xdrive version to come out. My shop guy says KW is still doing final stage testing now and production should begin late summer and ready for market distribution in the late fall.
Thank you Bobblehead. Can't go wrong with KW. Do you have a 535 xdrive or 550?

I don't think KW has anything for the 550 yet.
Appreciate 0
      06-10-2011, 06:17 PM   #6
bobblehead
Brigadier General
bobblehead's Avatar
Canada
256
Rep
4,721
Posts

Drives: warp speed
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Toronto, On

iTrader: (0)

I have 550. But the xdrive version of KW V3 is applicable to 535 as well.

Actually, KW does have one available for RWD 550 (according to their website) and some of the online vendors here even suggested the RWD version of the V3 will fit the Xdrive model without any problem at all. Only Sonic Motorsport confirmed that was not the case.
Appreciate 0
      06-11-2011, 11:46 AM   #7
LACSTER
Major General
753
Rep
8,279
Posts

Drives: Hybrid
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: oc

iTrader: (64)

Great write up Lui!

KW is the only way to go for the F10
Appreciate 0
      06-11-2011, 03:57 PM   #8
jaekeem
BMW Noobie
jaekeem's Avatar
United_States
57
Rep
360
Posts

Drives: e90 M3 e46 M3 Macan S Model S
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Socal, USA

iTrader: (1)

Great write up my only negative is on the sport you lose all control of the settings for chassis and engine. Dampening is only one out of three electronically controlled components of the msport suspension package.

Since dampening isn't electronically controlled with kw v3 kit I cannot use the engine response setting nor the active body roll controls.

This is an issue as I plan on hitting the track later this summer and with kw selling a product claiming to fix this is ridiculous.

I cannot turn off DSC, or enter any of the chassis controls. You can engage these features from a stop but if you pass 30 mph you go back into default normal mode.

Granted if you aren't going to track with the f10 then luigi hit this review perfectly.

The kw v3 makes this car more enjoyable and more like what the 5 series and BMW driving experience ought to be from the factory.

Again great write up luigi!
__________________


2011 F10 535i | Build Thread | Power Mods & Dynos
Appreciate 0
      06-11-2011, 05:10 PM   #9
LACSTER
Major General
753
Rep
8,279
Posts

Drives: Hybrid
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: oc

iTrader: (64)

Quote:
Originally Posted by jaekeem View Post
Great write up my only negative is on the sport you lose all control of the settings for chassis and engine. Dampening is only one out of three electronically controlled components of the msport suspension package.

Since dampening isn't electronically controlled with kw v3 kit I cannot use the engine response setting nor the active body roll controls.

This is an issue as I plan on hitting the track later this summer and with kw selling a product claiming to fix this is ridiculous.

I cannot turn off DSC, or enter any of the chassis controls. You can engage these features from a stop but if you pass 30 mph you go back into default normal mode.

Granted if you aren't going to track with the f10 then luigi hit this review perfectly.

The kw v3 makes this car more enjoyable and more like what the 5 series and BMW driving experience ought to be from the factory.

Again great write up luigi!
Tracking the F10
Appreciate 0
      06-11-2011, 05:41 PM   #10
RyanS
Private
United_States
12
Rep
83
Posts

Drives: '11 535xi M-Sport
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: San Antonio, TX

iTrader: (0)

Thanks for the review and pics!
Appreciate 0
      06-12-2011, 02:55 AM   #11
ICIC
First Lieutenant
ICIC's Avatar
12
Rep
344
Posts

Drives: BMW 535i
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: HONG KONG

iTrader: (0)

Great review and great video Lui.

Would you mind to share your setting like height and stiffness? Both are default box settings?

The sport button settings for chassis cannot work anymore? I believed changing the suspension to V3 wouldn't cause any error code. Let me know if I'm wrong?

Again, awesome review!!
Appreciate 0
      06-13-2011, 01:05 PM   #12
jaekeem
BMW Noobie
jaekeem's Avatar
United_States
57
Rep
360
Posts

Drives: e90 M3 e46 M3 Macan S Model S
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Socal, USA

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by ICIC View Post
Great review and great video Lui.

Would you mind to share your setting like height and stiffness? Both are default box settings?

The sport button settings for chassis cannot work anymore? I believed changing the suspension to V3 wouldn't cause any error code. Let me know if I'm wrong?

Again, awesome review!!
ICIC,

Unfortunately the KW V3 does eliminate the sensors and control box on the oem shock bodies. They say online they have a device that can be ordered with the kit to alleviate this problem. But the last time I spoke to them they said it's not even released yet and they arent sure when they will release it. Its also comforting to know that they said they dont even have a planned date for ever releasing the fix.

Great business model showing consumers that there is something available when there really isnt!
__________________


2011 F10 535i | Build Thread | Power Mods & Dynos
Appreciate 0
      06-13-2011, 01:18 PM   #13
78mao
Major
78mao's Avatar
Taiwan
132
Rep
1,087
Posts

Drives: F10, F13, current->F80, F15 X5
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Socal/Irvine

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
2015 M3 BMW M3  [1.00]
love that video bro! hahahahhaha get slammed!
__________________
Appreciate 0
      06-13-2011, 06:00 PM   #14
luigimaster24
Major
luigimaster24's Avatar
Mexico
157
Rep
1,173
Posts

Drives: 2020 X7 M50i & 2021 X6M Comp
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: San Diego

iTrader: (5)

Quote:
Originally Posted by jaekeem View Post
Great write up my only negative is on the sport you lose all control of the settings for chassis and engine. Dampening is only one out of three electronically controlled components of the msport suspension package.

Since dampening isn't electronically controlled with kw v3 kit I cannot use the engine response setting nor the active body roll controls.

This is an issue as I plan on hitting the track later this summer and with kw selling a product claiming to fix this is ridiculous.

I cannot turn off DSC, or enter any of the chassis controls. You can engage these features from a stop but if you pass 30 mph you go back into default normal mode.

Granted if you aren't going to track with the f10 then luigi hit this review perfectly.

The kw v3 makes this car more enjoyable and more like what the 5 series and BMW driving experience ought to be from the factory.

Again great write up luigi!
Thank you for your positive comments Jason. However I feel your pain in regards to losing the electronic controls of the DHP/Adaptive drive.

I unfortunately did not have DHP(dynamic handling package) nor Adaptive drive on my 528i, so I couldn't relate, but I can imagine how frustrating it may be to lose all those settings and not having a fix by KW.

Hopefully KW will do as they say and come out with the fix so you and others in your situation can regain all of the settings you lost as you installed the V3's.

Quote:
Originally Posted by LACSTER View Post
Great write up Lui!

KW is the only way to go for the F10
Thanks Kev!!

Quote:
Originally Posted by ICIC View Post
Great review and great video Lui.

Would you mind to share your setting like height and stiffness? Both are default box settings?

The sport button settings for chassis cannot work anymore? I believed changing the suspension to V3 wouldn't cause any error code. Let me know if I'm wrong?

Again, awesome review!!
Thank you ICIC , I appreciate your kind words.

Yes, the coilovers were set at default out of the box settings. However , the height was adjusted just a tiny bit. My height was raised from the rear because my wheel offset was a bit too aggressive and would rub if I left it at the out of the box height settings , which apparently were a bit too low for my wheel setup.

I did not have DHP/Adaptive drive on my 528i, but as Jason Aka Jaekeem stated, you lose the settings if you install KW coilovers at this time.

Quote:
Originally Posted by 78mao View Post
love that video bro! hahahahhaha get slammed!
Get slammed or get canned !!
Appreciate 0
      07-05-2011, 03:21 PM   #15
richb811
richb811's Avatar
450
Rep
4,592
Posts

Drives: 2020 G20 330i M Sport
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: NJ

iTrader: (21)

Great photos!

The KW's are a great look for the F10, especially with some nice MORR 20" VS8.2's
Appreciate 0
      07-19-2011, 12:05 PM   #16
FstopBMW
F-series Mastermind
FstopBMW's Avatar
United_States
8
Rep
132
Posts

Drives: 12' F30 M-sport
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: USA

iTrader: (0)

what kind of wheels are on the KW3 F10? Rotiform?
Appreciate 0
      07-21-2011, 01:05 PM   #17
luigimaster24
Major
luigimaster24's Avatar
Mexico
157
Rep
1,173
Posts

Drives: 2020 X7 M50i & 2021 X6M Comp
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: San Diego

iTrader: (5)

The wheels on the F10 are FORGED 1 - SEVEN MESH.
Appreciate 0
      07-21-2011, 01:36 PM   #18
eNma
New Member
5
Rep
25
Posts

Drives: f10
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: RU, Moscow

iTrader: (0)

great lowering!!!1 whats specs of wheels and tires?
Appreciate 0
      07-21-2011, 10:16 PM   #19
wheeladdicts
Brigadier General
wheeladdicts's Avatar
United_States
229
Rep
3,173
Posts

Drives: E90 M3
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: South Florida

iTrader: (3)

Quote:
Originally Posted by eNma View Post
great lowering!!!1 whats specs of wheels and tires?
Forged 1 Seven Mesh
21x9 - Medium Concave
21x10.5 - Deep Concave
Falken 452
255/30/21
295/25/21
Appreciate 0
      07-21-2011, 10:38 PM   #20
mlai
Colonel
mlai's Avatar
Hong Kong
165
Rep
2,340
Posts

Drives: 650GC/E93M3/Lexus LS600HL
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Hong Kong

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by wheeladdicts View Post
Forged 1 Seven Mesh
21x9 - Medium Concave
21x10.5 - Deep Concave
Falken 452
255/30/21
295/25/21
Wheels circumference quite a bit larger than stock size. Any issues?
__________________
F06 650i Gran Coupe Ruby Black/Dakota Cinamon- 2012-10-12 Adaptive Drive/IAS/Surround View/Adaptive LED/Comfort Seats/BMW 356 Liquid Black/Michelin PSS 245/35R20-285/30R20
E93 M3 Cabriolet Satin Pearl White/CR - 2012/03/12 Bilstein PSS10/ Michelin PSS 245/35R19-265/35R19 Brembo GT
2011 F10 550i M Sport - Retired
Appreciate 0
      07-21-2011, 11:20 PM   #21
eNma
New Member
5
Rep
25
Posts

Drives: f10
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: RU, Moscow

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by wheeladdicts View Post
Forged 1 Seven Mesh
21x9 - Medium Concave
21x10.5 - Deep Concave
Falken 452
255/30/21
295/25/21

tnx, and offsets?
Appreciate 0
      07-22-2011, 05:22 AM   #22
remmib
General
remmib's Avatar
Norway
1561
Rep
29,202
Posts

Drives: 2013 F10 520d M-Sport
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Norway

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by mlai View Post
Wheels circumference quite a bit larger than stock size. Any issues?
Not really, only about 1%.
__________________

F10 520d M-Sport Alpine White | HRE P43SC 20x9+20x11 | Michelin PSS 255/35+295/30 | KW V3 Coilover | M5 Front Sway Bar + M550d Rear Sway Bar | 3DDesign Front Lip | BMW M Performance CF Spoiler | BMW M Performance Diffuser | BMW M Performance Black Grills | BMW M Performance Pedals |
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:41 PM.




5post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST