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      05-01-2016, 01:01 PM   #1
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Pictures: 2013 BMW 335i xDrive w/KW Street Coilovers / Minimum Drop

I received several requests from fellow Bimmerpost members (the majority from the East Coast and states with winter weather) about sharing pictures of my 2013 335i xDrive with KW Street Comfort coilovers. The goal was to maintain suspension geometry with a minimum drop.

- Wheels: 19" 401 Style OEM wheels
- Tires: Bridgestone Potenza S001 OEM tires; staggered
- KW Street Comfort coilovers: set at 9 clicks (KW recommended default)

After one year of driving, all base suspensions ills (float, excessive body roll) have been eliminated. I would add that although 9 clicks work for CA roads, softer setting (higher number of clicks) may be better where the roads are poor.
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      05-02-2016, 12:02 PM   #2
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This is what I'm looking for. The 328xi is just too soft for my taste as a DD, and I'd like to firm it up. But, I live and travel in areas that get a lot of snow so lowering it really won't help. I already tore the bottom off the wife's 135i when we were in Denver and weren't expecting 12.5" of snow.

Can I ask where you got the suspension from?
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      05-02-2016, 12:07 PM   #3
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Nathan,

Glad to help. I purchased KW Street Comfort coilovers from www.allshocks.com.

http://www.allshocks.com/CAR/BMW/2013/328i%20X-Drive/KW (your vehicle)
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      05-02-2016, 01:58 PM   #4
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Thanks, that's exactly what I need.

Just to be sure, I've done some searching on this site and come to the conclusion the KW Street Comfort will be my best option. I do not want to lower but I do want a much stiffer ride, something akin to my previous E90 or my wife's 135i without the sport suspension. This will also give me the ability to change height to suit the season as well correct? So I can go lower during the summer and higher during the winter when I need it.

The stock ride is like an old Buick, and that combined with the easy steering just isn't what I want. Eventually I'll go to a set of 18's, and I'll probably go with a summer set of RFT's rather than a non-RFT.

Thanks for your insight, I appreciate it.
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      05-02-2016, 03:11 PM   #5
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Glad to help.
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      05-02-2016, 04:47 PM   #6
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Helpful post, thanks. In your research, did you by chance learn if KWs other coilover options offer the same ride height range? Like the V1s etc and the DDCs?
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      05-02-2016, 08:44 PM   #7
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This information is directly from KW Web site (2013 BMW 335i sedan):

V1
Front Lowering: 1.6" to 2.5"
Rear Lowering: 1.2" to 2.4"

KW Street Comfort
Front Lowering: 0.6" to 1.8"
Rear Lowering: 0.8" to 2.0"

With V1 coilovers, the minimum drop will be greater.
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      05-02-2016, 11:48 PM   #8
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Got it. Thanks.
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      05-05-2016, 09:52 AM   #9
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How difficult was the installation process? Had you compared these to the Bilstein B16 PSS10 Komfort kit which has a similar drop, but not slammed like most other coil overs?

Also, any difficulty adjusting the ride height or softness once these are installed? It seems like the adjustment bells are on the end and may not be reachable?

Many thanks

Last edited by jadis; 05-05-2016 at 10:33 AM..
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      05-05-2016, 11:25 AM   #10
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When I decided to purchase KW Street Comfort coilovers for 2013 F30 335i xDrive, my requirements were:

- Wanted to maintain suspension geometry; lower suspension by 10mm only
- Adjustable rebound damping was sufficient for street and freeway driving

Comparing to Bilstein:

B14 (PSS): not adjustable; minimum lowering 30mm
B16 (PSS9/PSS10): fully adjustable (compression and rebound); minimum lowering 30mm

I suggest to research each product you are interested in detail and call Bilstein and KW. Both are happy to answer any questions. There is no substitute for your own sense of comfort and confidence.

My coilovers were professionally installed by a great shop in Orange County, CA with lots of experience with KW products. No post installation noises.
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      05-05-2016, 12:30 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cfm56d7b View Post
When I decided to purchase KW Street Comfort coilovers for 2013 F30 335i xDrive, my requirements were:

- Wanted to maintain suspension geometry; lower suspension by 10mm only
- Adjustable rebound damping was sufficient for street and freeway driving

Comparing to Bilstein:

B14 (PSS): not adjustable; minimum lowering 30mm
B16 (PSS9/PSS10): fully adjustable (compression and rebound); minimum lowering 30mm

I suggest to research each product you are interested in detail and call Bilstein and KW. Both are happy to answer any questions. There is no substitute for your own sense of comfort and confidence.

My coilovers were professionally installed by a great shop in Orange County, CA with lots of experience with KW products. No post installation noises.


Thanks again. I have almost the identical car as you (335xi and same wheels) so I am very intrigued. Apparently the Bilsteins are offered in a comfort model which has a 10mm minimum drop. I will research as you suggested. Thanks again
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      05-05-2016, 01:54 PM   #12
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No worries. Glad to help with any future questions.
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      05-23-2016, 05:37 PM   #13
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Hi cfm56d7b ... a couple of Qs:
- Would these work for the 340i x drive?
- How much did you pay for the installation?
- Do you need a re-alignment after a suspension upgrade?
(I'm a complete newbie at this!)
Thanks
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      05-23-2016, 06:25 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RedKloud View Post
Hi cfm56d7b ... a couple of Qs:
- Would these work for the 340i x drive?
- How much did you pay for the installation?
- Do you need a re-alignment after a suspension upgrade?
(I'm a complete newbie at this!)
Thanks
Hoping to help with the last 2 questions for you.
- Install on a 335 should be around 4-5 hours. I suspect your 340 should be the same ballpark.
- Alignment will be required afterwards.
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      05-23-2016, 07:03 PM   #15
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www.kwsuspensions.com shows only V1, V2, and V3 coilovers available for 2016 340i xDrive. StreetComfort coilovers are not yet available. I suggest to call KW and ask about availability.

www.allshocks.com shows no availability for 2016 340i xDrive - not even V1, V2, V3. I also suggest to call www.allshocks.com to explore coilover options for your vehicle.

Alignment is always recommended.

Allowing 4-5 hours is a reasonable estimate. I strongly suggest to have installation performed by a reputable shop. KW can also recommend a shop in your area.
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      05-24-2016, 09:09 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cfm56d7b View Post
No worries. Glad to help with any future questions.
Did you have them set at their highest setting so not to have a huge drop? I am looking for the smallest drop possible. Thanks
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      05-24-2016, 09:11 AM   #17
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Yes - the highest setting was selected.
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