[ChiNorm]

I’m interested in aftermarket suspension options people have found successful for a ’13 535ix. I need to replace my KW V3 system due to a bad shock that KW is unable to replace and a spring that is failing, so both shocks and springs need to be updated.

I’m looking for something with good comfort and control on bad pavement, as Chicago roads can be rather harsh. I don’t want to radically lower the car, as it does get driven in snow.

I have read some good things about a new coilover system at ECS Tuning, what other combinations have folks here had success with? Thanks.

[Unspec]

Is KW unable to replace forever, or just right now due to logistics?

[ChiNorm]

In November I was told March. In March I was told that there is no eta to resolve the supply problem.

They seem to think it's not a problem as they are willing to rebuild my shock with a several week turn around. This, of course, immobilizes my car for all that time.

KW's response was that I should buy a used OEM shock on ebay to swap into the car so that I can ship my bad shock to them. This car is a daily driver and I can't imagine how the car would handle bumps with the vastly softer OEM shock on just one corner.

IMHO, profoundly disappointing.

[Unspec]

Originally Posted by ChiNorm

In November I was told March. In March I was told that there is no eta to resolve the supply problem.

They seem to think it's not a problem as they are willing to rebuild my shock with a several week turn around. This, of course, immobilizes my car for all that time.

KW's response was that I should buy a used OEM shock on ebay to swap into the car so that I can ship my bad shock to them. This car is a daily driver and I can't imagine how the car would handle bumps with the vastly softer OEM shock on just one corner.

IMHO, profoundly disappointing.

Hm, maybe toss OEM shocks on both front corners? The fronts, imo, are pretty straightforward to replace. There's really no inbetween option between Silvers and KW v3's, which is awkward as hell.

[Blue Angel]

Originally Posted by Unspec

There's really no inbetween option between Silvers and KW v3's, which is awkward as hell.

Agreed, they are vastly different. There is BC Racing, but from what I can tell they are very similar to the NeoMax.

Thinking this through, if you were to install a whole new suspension into the car just to get you by during the rebuild, I would think it more practical to either install the full factory suspension back in (and invest in some seasick barf bags, lol) OR just look into renting a cheap car for a couple weeks while your 5 is on jack stands.

TBH it's kind of discouraging they cannot rebuild you a set of used ones, sell them to you, then refund a core charge when you return yours. If they really are in the business of rebuilding their product they should do what they can to facilitate the process.

Curious, what is the cost to have a set of V3 rebuilt, and how many miles are on yours? I bought mine used so I'm not entirely sure how long they will last, but touch wood, they're good so far.

EDIT, I think I meant Godspeed for X-Drive cars, not BC racing.

[Blue Angel]

The Godspeed coilovers are externally identical to the NeoMax. I have no idea if the shock valving is any different, but from memory the spring rates look the same:

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-godspeed...mmx3900-a~god/

[ChiNorm]

"Curious, what is the cost to have a set of V3 rebuilt"

Only one shock is bad, KW proposes to fix it under warranty. There is about 40k miles on the shock.

[n3985]

Bilstein was suppose to release their B4 and B6 dampers for F10 xDrive but also keep delaying. No US dealer have them yet but you can find it online from EU dealers.

[ChiNorm]

Thank you for this info.

[bk_mike]

Originally Posted by n3985

Bilstein was suppose to release their B4 and B6 dampers for F10 xDrive but also keep delaying. No US dealer have them yet but you can find it online from EU dealers.

The rear B6 is available from summit racing and FCP Euro. The fronts took several months to ship but I was able to get them from Summit. FCP didn’t have them available for order.

[n3985]

Originally Posted by bk_mike

The rear B6 is available from summit racing and FCP Euro. The fronts took several months to ship but I was able to get them from Summit. FCP didn’t have them available for order.

Right, the rears are available and cheapest on Rockauto. However the OP needs the front shocks which might take a while.

[bk_mike]

Originally Posted by n3985

Right, the rears are available and cheapest on Rockauto. However the OP needs the front shocks which might take a while.

Mine fronts arrived about 2 months after I ordered them. The left one came first and the right a month later.

[n3985]

Originally Posted by bk_mike

Mine fronts arrived about 2 months after I ordered them. The left one came first and the right a month later.

Hate to derail from OP, how's the ride quality on B6?

[ChiNorm]

No Problem, this is the sort of discussion and feedback I am looking for.

[bk_mike]

Originally Posted by n3985

Hate to derail from OP, how's the ride quality on B6?

Still finishing my install. I have dinan springs with B6 shocks. Also doing some of the arms and the wheel bearings at the same time. The xdrive makes it a pretty labor intensive job.

I’ll report back once I get it done.

[Blue Angel]

For what it’s worth, I had B8’s on a different car (supposedly the same damping curve with a shorter body) with Eibach springs and the ride/handling balance was excellent. Damping was very good with decent compliance, a great street car suspension in my opinion.