Need updated 2022 Coilover review

[M3hf80]

Hi All,

Currently running KW HAS for the past 3 years, finally looking into getting some coilovers. Trying to find the best bang for the buck in terms of a street car but also want some superior handling, I want to feel the difference.

KW HAS to me rides stiff, I can feel almost all the bumps and small potholes on the road kills me. I'd like to get something softer, any recommendations on what the best coilover would be? A lot of the reviews are from 2015-2017, nothing recent.

Thanks,

[ntg44]

Do you have adaptive dampers? And more importantly, if yes, do you want to keep the adaptive functionality?

[M3hf80]

Originally Posted by ntg44

Do you have adaptive dampers? And more importantly, if yes, do you want to keep the adaptive functionality?

I do have EDC, but I don't really care for keeping them since I never felt the different or I never adjust them anyways lol

[Schultz28]

MCS, Ohlins R&T, AST 5100's, TCKline... Even KW V3 are decent. Probably in that order.

And I haven't seen anyone with an F80 with them yet, but I always remember Ground Controls being pretty nice.

[Ervin87]

Ohlins R&T seems to be the way to go based on your needs.

[Wanted_M]

This is where I'm headed once I decide to upgrade to coils and keeping EDC (R/T).
https://tractivesuspension.com/automotive/

https://tractivesuspension.com/produ...mw-automotive/

[phoenx]

Bilstein pss10's. Ive had em for 5 years now and theyve been flawless.

[M3hf80]

Everyone's throwing out some different brands, I want something softer than OEM if possible.

Im always so cautious if potholes on the freeway in my M, but I never have to think twice when I'm in a Prius or Camry lol.

[RugbyBro]

Originally Posted by M3hf80

Everyone's throwing out some different brands, I want something softer than OEM if possible.

Im always so cautious if potholes on the freeway in my M, but I never have to think twice when I'm in a Prius or Camry lol.

I have an alternative take for you since comfort is a factor - CS suspension + 18in wheels w/ 40 profile tires. As strange as it sounds I think CS suspension is already way more comfortable than base or ZCP IMO, and the 18in wheels w/ 40 profile tires eats up broken roads like nothing. Seriously as a tangible example I fly over extremely broken roads at 25-35mph that I would literally have to slow down to 5-10mph in my old F82 w/ MPHAS. I don’t worry about the vast majority of potholes anymore - only the ones that would destroy even a Prius’ tires. The ride is still firm but doesn’t have any sharp edges whatsoever and feels extremely planted. Pic of the setup below… stock ride height tho.

I guess if anything is a takeaway here it’s that OEM can be made better and wheel/tire size have a huge impact on ride comfort.

[Schultz28]

Originally Posted by M3hf80

Everyone's throwing out some different brands, I want something softer than OEM if possible.

Im always so cautious if potholes on the freeway in my M, but I never have to think twice when I'm in a Prius or Camry lol.

So let me get this straight, you bought a performance car (borderline track oriented car) that you want to ruin and have it drive like a Prius / Camry? SMH.

Just sell it to go buy a Prius / Camry.

Also, where are you seeing potholes of the freeway? I have taken my lowered F80 on every freeway in the Bay Area and have never had to watch out for or hit any potholes.

[N44RP]

Originally Posted by Schultz28

MCS, Ohlins R&T, AST 5100's, TCKline... Even KW V3 are decent. Probably in that order.

And I haven't seen anyone with an F80 with them yet, but I always remember Ground Controls being pretty nice.

The reviews I read on Ohlins from this forum say they’re actually not so great.
Is the order you wrote them up in, in terms of comfort or just quality?

Also, what are you basing your order on? (Personal experience or same as me: heresay and reviews)

[Schultz28]

Originally Posted by N44RP

The reviews I read on Ohlins from this forum say they’re actually not so great.
Is the order you wrote them up in, in terms of comfort or just quality?

Also, what are you basing your order on? (Personal experience or same as me: heresay and reviews)

MCS are based on what I have heard from everyone that has owned a set. Every other is personal experience on coilovers I have had many miles driving on. I currently have Ohlins R/T MR40's. Had AST, TCKline, and KW V3 previously. Order is in comfort, quality and performance.

The original Ohlins R/T weren't great, but the revised ones are really good! You want at least the MR40's, although, the newest revision is the MR41 (not 100% sure what the have changed, though).

[N44RP]

Originally Posted by Schultz28

MCS are based on what I have heard from everyone that has owned a set. Every other is personal experience on coilovers I have had many miles driving on. I currently have Ohlins R/T MR40's. Had AST, TCKline, and KW V3 previously. Order is in comfort, quality and performance.

The original Ohlins R/T weren't great, but the revised ones are really good! You want at least the MR40's, although, the newest revision is the MR41 (not 100% sure what the have changed, though).

Ah that makes sense about the Ohlins! I’ll have to check out the model that turner sells and see which it is.

I spoke with TCKline and despite the clear bias, he said the TCKlines are the most comfortable because they use a low pressure system compared to everyone else (atleast in the single adjustable Koni/tckline fronts).

[tom @ eas]

For the street, the Ohlins R&T kit is hard to beat. You'll outgrow the kit if seeing regular track duty, but there are other options if going that route.

[BGxNYC]

Originally Posted by tom @ eas

For the street, the Ohlins R&T kit is hard to beat. You'll outgrow the kit if seeing regular track duty, but there are other options if going that route.

What would you say is "average" lifespan before possibly needing to rebuild with non-track use? I've been trying to do some research on this and answers seem to be all over the place. Understand as well theres a few additional variables.

[tom @ eas]

Originally Posted by BGxNYC

What would you say is "average" lifespan before possibly needing to rebuild with non-track use? I've been trying to do some research on this and answers seem to be all over the place. Understand as well theres a few additional variables.

Should be able to get 50-60K before even coming within rebuild territory, based on driving habits.

Most may be into a different vehicle by then, but we can arrange rebuild services if needed.

[Schultz28]

Originally Posted by BGxNYC

What would you say is "average" lifespan before possibly needing to rebuild with non-track use? I've been trying to do some research on this and answers seem to be all over the place. Understand as well theres a few additional variables.

Yup, 50k-60k is about the lifespan of suspension, if they’re not leaking, you can technically go for longer, but you probably won’t have the same Performance that you once had. Like with anything that uses oil, it degrades over a certain usage, same with seals.

As far as rebuilds go, Performance Shock @ Sonoma Raceway would likely be the best bet for most coilovers, but KW is all in house to my understanding.

[lookitsapples]

Originally Posted by tom @ eas

Should be able to get 50-60K before even coming within rebuild territory, based on driving habits.

Most may be into a different vehicle by then, but we can arrange rebuild services if needed.

Do you guys rebuild kw’s?

[tom @ eas]

Originally Posted by lookitsapples

Do you guys rebuild kw’s?

No, but KW does in-house. Contact KW directly and they will provide you a rebuild sheet to return with the dampeners for rebuilding.

[heyyouduh]

Originally Posted by lookitsapples

Do you guys rebuild kw’s?

last time I checked KW rebuilds everything themselves and does not do any customization in their non competition products.

this was a big reason I steered clear of KW clubsport into Ohlins R&T (for another car, the M3 is on MCS) as Ohlins USA does rebuilds and revalves in NC and there's several very reputable shock builders who services ohlins. Last thing you'd want is waiting 3 weeks for a rebuild for a car that you drive daily.

[rborane]

How do Ohlins R&T compare to MCS 1WNR?

[M3hf80]

Originally Posted by Schultz28

So let me get this straight, you bought a performance car (borderline track oriented car) that you want to ruin and have it drive like a Prius / Camry? SMH.

Just sell it to go buy a Prius / Camry.

Also, where are you seeing potholes of the freeway? I have taken my lowered F80 on every freeway in the Bay Area and have never had to watch out for or hit any potholes.

Lol man, I'm not saying I want a super soft suspension, I have a Prius for commuting purposes.

All I'm saying is I don't want to slam my brakes and hit my head on the roof everytime I go over some rough roads. I'm currently on HAS and it's done a great job last 3 years. I'm super cautious everytime I drive it in the city (SF), Dumbarton Bridge, Chinatown Oakland, 680 going southbound near Warm Springs and Milpitas.

Those are just some areas that makes my ride extremely bumpy.