[Dhillon92]

Hey guys, finally ready to get some coilovers for my '11 e92 xdrive. I've always planned to get KW v1, also due to the fact I drive her throughout Canadian winters, but I do currently need to put money into other parts of the car.

I've been going through a lot of threads, and have pretty much gathered the ST (KW) is the same coilovers as kwv1 but with galvanized steel body vs stainless steel. I don't mind coating the ST, or even swapping every winter, just looking for some feedback on how they are first hand and perhaps even pics of how low they can go.

Thanks!

Edit: other than new rear shock top and bottom mounts, anything else I should replace? I'm at 75k km.

[bhmax16]

I clear coated my STs and also used an anti-corrosion formula spray (used on aircraft) to provide further protection during the New England winter months. They look brand new after this past winter.

Ride was stiff for a week then softened up a bit and now it feels almost as plush as stock, but without the harshness of the stock suspension.

They go pretty low but I got suspension noise when I dropped it really low (and it would creak when turning the steering wheel). It's quiet as long as I don't adjust mine down lower than 2 inches or so from stock, and that is where I currently have it set. I'm a set it and forget it kinda guy as I don't wish to get an alignment every time I make an adjustment.

They're not bad coils for the money in my opinion. Just can't adjust them crazy low unless you want to deal with some noise.

[TomD335xicoupe]

I put my STs in about a month ago at 69k original suspention was tired. I only lowered about an inch all around but using a square set of 245/45s on 189s so look pretty full anyway. Ride is vastly superior to stock! Cornering and braking much flatter. Mine is 2008 pre lci and the 245/45 had the slightest rubb on full lock on the passanger side oil cooler vent so I removed it, should have went with 245/40 but wanted the bigger side wall for jersey pot holes. Not to concerned on the corrosion issue I think they will be ok will see after next winter.

[Dhillon92]

Thanks for the feedback guys, spraying them with anti corrosion or clearcoat is what I had in mind. The savings of getting the ST over the KW can go elsewhere on the car.

I dont plan on going crazy low, just a couple inch drop all around. I'm fed up of this xdrive gap and my overall ride has gotten pretty floaty with more body roll.

St seems to be in the near future!

[YYCn54xi]

2007 Xi 4dr 6mt....st v1 installed with new upper mounts before winter (Alberta, Canada winter) and running 18x9 wheels with 245/40 winters. Lowered approx 1.75" all around.

Ride quality is very good, firmer than stock for sure, but still comfortable enough. Spring/shock tuning is very good. They appear to have held up to one winter just fine.

I won't be running 19's this summer....will stick with 18's and go 245/275 staggered to maintain some sidewall and ride quality.

[armansiu]

Originally Posted by Dhillon92

Thanks for the feedback guys, spraying them with anti corrosion or clearcoat is what I had in mind. The savings of getting the ST over the KW can go elsewhere on the car.

I dont plan on going crazy low, just a couple inch drop all around. I'm fed up of this xdrive gap and my overall ride has gotten pretty floaty with more body roll.

St seems to be in the near future!

How much is ST?

[blau808]

How high are these on max height, same as stock height?

[Route 16]

I'm on ST's for about 65-70k miles. All california roads, 95% satisfied of what it was supposed to do. Ride better than stock, able to get the ride heights I needed. The only drawback was its fixed dampening. I wish it was either more/less bouncy and was able to adjust as easily. They still ride like day 1, no leaks/thuds/weird noises etc.

My next purchase would have to be fortune auto coilovers with swift springs and having some dampening adjustments.

[CantCatchMe]

Originally Posted by Route 16

I'm on ST's for about 65-70k miles. All california roads, 95% satisfied of what it was supposed to do. Ride better than stock, able to get the ride heights I needed. The only drawback was its fixed dampening. I wish it was either more/less bouncy and was able to adjust as easily. They still ride like day 1, no leaks/thuds/weird noises etc.

My next purchase would have to be fortune auto coilovers with swift springs and having some dampening adjustments.

That will be my next purchase after my KW's go out.

[Route 16]

Originally Posted by CantCatchMe

That will be my next purchase after my KW's go out.

Or g-drive suspension coilovers if they ever make it to our models

[NYBulldog]

I haven't had mine on for that long but I really enjoy the ride. Its a bit stiffer and a lot more planted with drivability give. Very happy so far. HUGE upgrade from standard crapola suspension.

BTW I cleaned mine with Metal Prep thoroughly and then brushed them over with a few coats of PC Glisten Clear. Should have all the protection it needs now.

[Dhillon92]

Thanks for the reviews guys, I've ordered them and just waiting for them to be shipped over, along with poly control arm bushings (front) and Monroe upper/lower shock mounts.

As soon as they come in I'll be installing them the following weekend and write back here for my own review.

[armansiu]

have fun with the coilover.
i just lower mine with V1.
love it and i am not driving a boat finally

[SM335i]

Originally Posted by Dhillon92

Thanks for the reviews guys, I've ordered them and just waiting for them to be shipped over, along with poly control arm bushings (front) and Monroe upper/lower shock mounts.

As soon as they come in I'll be installing them the following weekend and write back here for my own review.

where did you order ST coilovers from ?

[Jeff@TopGearSolutions]

ST has been very popular. It's just the KW V1 but galvanized.

Plenty in stock and they ship same day

If you live in an area of salt and snow, I'd splurge for the KW's. Although they likely won't corrode in a year or 2 eventually they may not hold up well long term. It really depends on how abusive the winter is and how often you clean your suspension, which for most is never.

[559e90]

Whats the best place to order st coilovers?

[dannyhavok]

Originally Posted by 559e90

Whats the best place to order st coilovers?

I hear Top Gear Solutions has plenty in stock and they ship the same day

[2fly4em]

Originally Posted by bhmax16

I clear coated my STs and also used an anti-corrosion formula spray (used on aircraft) to provide further protection during the New England winter months. They look brand new after this past winter.

can you explain how you did this?

[Jeff@TopGearSolutions]

Originally Posted by dannyhavok

I hear Top Gear Solutions has plenty in stock and they ship the same day

Thanks for the feedback and support - this is true!

Originally Posted by 2fly4em

can you explain how you did this?

You can buy clear coat off the shelf at any auto parts or home improvement store. Just clean and spray. I usually take off the threads and spray everything (except the shocks themselves).

On the threads I usually put anti seize.