AWD Suspension Dilemma

SLBimmer · 08-07-2017, 12:17 PM

I know that this has been discussed ad nauseum but I've never really found a definitive answer...

Trying to replace my suspension on all 4 corners of my 08 335xi sedan. Was interested in B8 shock/struts with Eibach springs. I've recently come across KW V1s at a good price and wanted to know the comparison in ride comfort and clearance. I don't want to slam the car and would prefer just over 1" of drop. Does anyone know what the drop will be with the V1s set to maximum height and how is the ride quality at this setting compared to the alternative.

My gut tells me that even if the KWs are adjusted to the same height as the Bilstein/Eibach (if that's even possible), they will still sacrifice ride comfort. Does anyone have insight into this? Experience with X-drive only please.

Supermoon · 08-14-2017, 01:39 AM

Go with KWs. Eibach springs do sag over time.
My perfect ride height got lower and lower over 2 years.

SLBimmer · 08-14-2017, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Supermoon

Go with KWs. Eibach springs do sag over time.
My perfect ride height got lower and lower over 2 years.

Is it true that the coilovers have a lifespan of about 30k miles? I concerned about longevity too.

tlow98 · 08-19-2017, 01:32 AM

Depends on the brand and the use. Bilsteinor Komi based coilovers in salt-free states could last 100k, albeit with likely degraded performance. Ohlins recommends rebuilds every 30k miles on their R&T units. Rebuilds are not cost insignificant.

The more performance you have the more you will likely have to pay.

08-07-2017, 12:17 PM	#1
SLBimmer Private First Class 9 Rep 129 Posts Drives: 2008 335xi Sedan Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Connecticut iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 BMW 335xi [0.00]	AWD Suspension Dilemma I know that this has been discussed ad nauseum but I've never really found a definitive answer... Trying to replace my suspension on all 4 corners of my 08 335xi sedan. Was interested in B8 shock/struts with Eibach springs. I've recently come across KW V1s at a good price and wanted to know the comparison in ride comfort and clearance. I don't want to slam the car and would prefer just over 1" of drop. Does anyone know what the drop will be with the V1s set to maximum height and how is the ride quality at this setting compared to the alternative. My gut tells me that even if the KWs are adjusted to the same height as the Bilstein/Eibach (if that's even possible), they will still sacrifice ride comfort. Does anyone have insight into this? Experience with X-drive only please.
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08-14-2017, 01:39 AM	#2
Supermoon Lieutenant 166 Rep 429 Posts Drives: 2011 e92 335xi Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Seoul iTrader: (6) Garage List 2011 BMW 335i xDriv ... [10.00]	Go with KWs. Eibach springs do sag over time. My perfect ride height got lower and lower over 2 years.
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08-19-2017, 01:32 AM	#4
tlow98 Major General 2188 Rep 5,002 Posts Drives: 2009 E91, 2014 F15 x35i Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (2)	Depends on the brand and the use. Bilsteinor Komi based coilovers in salt-free states could last 100k, albeit with likely degraded performance. Ohlins recommends rebuilds every 30k miles on their R&T units. Rebuilds are not cost insignificant. The more performance you have the more you will likely have to pay.
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