Megan vs Godspeed vs BC Racing vs KW Coilovers

[mikew2069]

Originally Posted by Silververtu

$1k coilover isn't out of ordinary. Lots of well known Japanese brands coilovers, made in Japan, are less than $1k. Of course those are most likely for Japanese cars. JRZ makes custom track-ready/autocross suspension starting at around $1.5k. KW1 is around $1.3-1.5k for 3 series/Audi A4 application. The only issue is the size of aftermarket X5 suspension is too small, so each set of suspension carries a higher R&D cost for X5 application, which in terms driving the price up. Also lack of competition in the marketplace.

If KW would just make a V1 for the X5, that would solve all of my problems!

[Silververtu]

Originally Posted by mikew2069

If KW would just make a V1 for the X5, that would solve all of my problems!

It would have been installed on mine too!

[Road Carnage]

Originally Posted by mikew2069

I want to say BC are made in Taiwan. To compare, H&R springs are about $300, a set of Bilstein B6 shocks are about $1k, so a set of quality coilovers in the $1k range isn't too far out of the question.

But yea comparing $1k to $2500 for KW makes you scratch your head doesn't it? It seems like a lot of folks have had a positive experience with them so who knows.

Looks like the difference is adjustability. The KW’s only come in V3 with full compression and rebound damping adjustability, along with ride height adjustability. Looks like the BC are not adjustable, more equivalent to the KW V1 set up which is much less expensive (but not available for the f15).

[mikew2069]

Originally Posted by Road Carnage

Looks like the difference is adjustability. The KW’s only come in V3 with full compression and rebound damping adjustability, along with ride height adjustability. Looks like the BC are not adjustable, more equivalent to the KW V1 set up which is much less expensive (but not available for the f15).

The BC are actually adjustable. "BC Racing offers one of the widest ranges of damping adjustment with 30-clicks of compression/rebound adjusted simultaneously on the BR Series"

[Road Carnage]

Originally Posted by mikew2069

The BC are actually adjustable. "BC Racing offers one of the widest ranges of damping adjustment with 30-clicks of compression/rebound adjusted simultaneously on the BR Series"

Oops, my bad, I was looking at a set for my E36 when I wrote that. You are correct that the BC’s are adjustable. Looks like a good optio, go for it and report back! Too bad you are to closer to Philly, we could compare rides.

[CommoN81]

I had BC on my Subaru. Great option for the money. Quality product and great adjustment options.

[DuSh]

KWs are also resistant to corrosion and use a bit more expensive steel for that. Folks in 3 series forum opt for ST coilovers - that are owned by KW and are exactly same coilovers, but made from less expensive steel for those who don't have snow and salt to worry about. The problem is that there is no KW3 option in ST lineup (only KW1 and possibly KW2)

[mikew2069]

Originally Posted by DuSh

KWs are also resistant to corrosion and use a bit more expensive steel for that. Folks in 3 series forum opt for ST coilovers - that are owned by KW and are exactly same coilovers, but made from less expensive steel for those who don't have snow and salt to worry about. The problem is that there is no KW3 option in ST lineup (only KW1 and possibly KW2)

I'd happily take a KW1 option. Too bad ST doesn't make an X5 kit.

[M302_imola]

Passed an F85 X5M on the interstate today and really liked the stance. Has me wondering if the F85 X5M suspension can be used on the F15 X5? I have an xline with standard suspension...would the X5M suspension lower the car significantly?

[r33_RGSport]

Originally Posted by M302_imola

Passed an F85 X5M on the interstate today and really liked the stance. Has me wondering if the F85 X5M suspension can be used on the F15 X5? I have an xline with standard suspension...would the X5M suspension lower the car significantly?

If I remember correctly, F85/F86 X5M/X6M uses the same major suspension components and geometry.
Slightly different front spring than 50i.

[Modedx5]

Side note-you guys think the dinan supplement ride quality and handling kit would fit the 50i msport? I have HR springs currently on it and wanted to add the kit to help with bottoming out.

[M302_imola]

Originally Posted by r33_RGSport

If I remember correctly, F85/F86 X5M/X6M uses the same major suspension components and geometry.
Slightly different front spring than 50i.

Interesting! I swear it looked lower. Of course it was on OEM 21" wheels and I'm on 22" reps. If the F85 was lower I'm sure we'd see way more F15's on that suspension.

[r33_RGSport]

Originally Posted by M302_imola

Interesting! I swear it looked lower. Of course it was on OEM 21" wheels and I'm on 22" reps. If the F85 was lower I'm sure we'd see way more F15's on that suspension.

It is lower because of the spring rate.
Shocks also different compression amd rebound.

But the geometry and main components are the same.

[r33_RGSport]

Originally Posted by Modedx5

Side note-you guys think the dinan supplement ride quality and handling kit would fit the 50i msport? I have HR springs currently on it and wanted to add the kit to help with bottoming out.

If you want to avoid bottoming out, kept the stock bump stop.
But if you want to avoid riding on a bump stop, then you change to Dinan bump stop.

[mikew2069]

Originally Posted by Modedx5

Side note-you guys think the dinan supplement ride quality and handling kit would fit the 50i msport? I have HR springs currently on it and wanted to add the kit to help with bottoming out.

I've looked at that and thought about it but it really comes back to the soft stock shocks. We need something tighter that will help with both rebound and compression.

[r33_RGSport]

Originally Posted by mikew2069

I've looked at that and thought about it but it really comes back to the soft stock shocks. We need something tighter that will help with both rebound and compression.

Bilstein B6 is the answer if you are running H&R or Eibach Spring.

Otherwise, KW V3 is your best option.
I would not even look into cheaper brands.

You get what you pay for.

[daytonaviolet]

Originally Posted by r33_RGSport

Bilstein B6 is the answer if you are running H&R or Eibach Spring.

Otherwise, KW V3 is your best option.
I would not even look into cheaper brands.

You get what you pay for.

To be clear .. kw v3 does not have rear springs ?

[daytonaviolet]

My point is .. if you don't have DHP, KW V3 will not work as it does not have rear springs 😜

[mikew2069]

Originally Posted by r33_RGSport

Bilstein B6 is the answer if you are running H&R or Eibach Spring.

Otherwise, KW V3 is your best option.
I would not even look into cheaper brands.

You get what you pay for.

Well I’ve been waiting for my B6 for two months now and I’m over it. Sure you get what you pay for but you don’t have to buy the most expensive thing out there to get something good quality. From what I can tell, most people have been happy with BC.

Originally Posted by daytonaviolet

To be clear .. kw v3 does not have rear springs ?

Originally Posted by daytonaviolet

My point is .. if you don't have DHP, KW V3 will not work as it does not have rear springs 😜

They do make a Kw V3 version with rear springs.

[r33_RGSport]

Originally Posted by daytonaviolet

To be clear .. kw v3 does not have rear springs ?

Originally Posted by daytonaviolet

My point is .. if you don't have DHP, KW V3 will not work as it does not have rear springs 😜

They do. Sold a bunch of them.

[daytonaviolet]

I just realize that there are 3 kinds of kw v3 for our cars and one of them does support 4 springs 😜

[mikew2069]

I tried searching around but couldn't find spring rates. Does anyone know the standard suspension factory spring rates for front a rear? I would also like to know H&R and KW spring rates.