[cuban335i]

Hey guys,
what do you think about this setup? Is it comparable to a KW coilover system? Is it worth the money or would just replacement springs do just as good?

http://www.**********s.com/product.a...springs_E9x_JS

[SV Concepts III]

The difference between the two is that the KWs are an adjustable coilover so you can dial in the ride height (and stiffness if you go with KW V2s). The FSD system has a built in dual valving system that automatically stiffens under cornering but rides smooth under normal conditions. The FSD kit is not height adjustable so you are set with the spring height. If this is not something important to you, I see no reason to spend the extra premium on coils.

[cuban335i]

thanks for the help! so this kit won't completely slam my car though? I'm just looking for some moderate lowering, nothing crazy and just some better ride quality..

[ToadHollow]

Originally Posted by Nick@Jlevi SW

The difference between the two is that the KWs are an adjustable coilover so you can dial in the ride height (and stiffness if you go with KW V2s). The FSD system has a built in dual valving system that automatically stiffens under cornering but rides smooth under normal conditions. The FSD kit is not height adjustable so you are set with the spring height. If this is not something important to you, I see no reason to spend the extra premium on coils.

+1
I currently have the Koni FSD/Eibach combo installed and have enjoyed everything the system offers since last Summer. You retain the 'sporty" ride, get a mild drop all around and can hang in the moderate curves with the best of 'em.
My sig (and garage pics) show the ride height while on 19" wheels.

[cuban335i]

thanks so much! thats exactly what i was looking for.. i'm happy i don't have to spend a fortune for this stuff..

[ToadHollow]

Originally Posted by cuban335i

thanks so much! thats exactly what i was looking for.. i'm happy i don't have to spend a fortune for this stuff..

Right on man ........... you'll truly enjoy the setup!

[cpe90]

Originally Posted by ToadHollow

Right on man ........... you'll truly enjoy the setup!

I see that you have the sport package originally. How's the drop compare to the SP? I was thinking about doing the same thing. Going with Eibach instead of H&R Sports.
Thanks!!

[tapengl]

I had same thought as you.
I installed Eibach spring over sport shock on my 328i.
It drop the front about an inch and less an inch on the rear.
The ride is very close to stock ZSP because the spring rate
is very close to stock. I did feel about 10% less hesitatation
on get going. I thought about getting FSD to get rid of
the bouncing feeling. But I decide to get the KW V2 last minutes
for
1. adjust high. Eibach just don't lower enough for my taste.
2. I am afraid the moderate FSD shocking effect does not make
enough damping for my taste as well.


I just installed the KW V2 and drove it for couple of hundred miles on
mountain and freeway. I would say FSD/Eibach sit in between
ZSP and KW V2. I may get FSD in the near future just for comparison.

Oh I did have hotchiks sway bars for both setup. If you looking
for flat turn sway bar upgrade is a must.

[ToadHollow]

Originally Posted by cpe90

I see that you have the sport package originally. How's the drop compare to the SP? I was thinking about doing the same thing. Going with Eibach instead of H&R Sports.
Thanks!!

The FSD/Eibach addition dropped the car another inch (or just a bit more). Perfect for 19" and having 2 passengers in the back ..... no rubbing whatsoever.

[ToadHollow]

Originally Posted by tapengl

I had same thought as you.
I installed Eibach spring over sport shock on my 328i.
It drop the front about an inch and less an inch on the rear.
The ride is very close to stock ZSP because the spring rate
is very close to stock. I did feel about 10% less hesitatation
on get going. I thought about getting FSD to get rid of
the bouncing feeling. But I decide to get the KW V2 last minutes
for
1. adjust high. Eibach just don't lower enough for my taste.
2. I am afraid the moderate FSD shocking effect does not make
enough damping for my taste as well.


I just installed the KW V2 and drove it for couple of hundred miles on
mountain and freeway. I would say FSD/Eibach sit in between
ZSP and KW V2. I may get FSD in the near future just for comparison.

Oh I did have hotchiks sway bars for both setup. If you looking
for flat turn sway bar upgrade is a must.

That was the first thing (besides the lowered stance) I noticed as well ....... taking off from a standstill the car actually hooked!! She'll still get kinda "squirrely" but I wasn't expecting the rearend to hook so well ......... added bonus of the springs!

[EDM92]

850 is a fortune to me
I would totally do this if my dad didn't care lol.

[ToadHollow]

Originally Posted by BMWorNOTHING

850 is a fortune to me
I would totally do this if my dad didn't care lol.

If your dad was riding around in the car with you he would say "thank you" for this upgrade. Truly a difference of night and day .... as long as you're not on rflts!

[tapengl]

Originally Posted by ToadHollow

That was the first thing (besides the lowered stance) I noticed as well ....... taking off from a standstill the car actually hooked!! She'll still get kinda "squirrely" but I wasn't expecting the rearend to hook so well ......... added bonus of the springs!

One thing I don't like about the Eibach rear spring is that
they claim the spring is lighter but actually 1 lb heavier than stock.

[ToadHollow]

Originally Posted by tapengl

One thing I don't like about the Eibach rear spring is that
they claim the spring is lighter but actually 1 lb heavier than stock.

LOL ...... I noticed that as well. Between changing the tires/wheels and rotors out I've lost around 40-45 lbs. already ... I can handle the extra 4 lbs.

[tapengl]

Hi Toad,
Would you mind give some feedback on Eibach/FSD on different driving condition here ? Thx

[ToadHollow]

Originally Posted by tapengl

Hi Toad,
Would you mind give some feedback on Eibach/FSD on different driving condition here ? Thx

I do lots of mountain road driving here ........ mainly tight turns/curves as well as city type driving over poorly maintained streets. Roadtrips atleast twice a year (1400 miles roundtrip)

Mountain twisties ........ before switching to this setup I REALLY had to slow down for the 15-25 mph curves as the bodyroll was very pronounced. I never really felt that I trusted the car going into the turns. Since switching to the combo I have all kinds of confidence (sometimes too much for my own good) hitting the curves with limited braking. There is still some bodyroll (I haven't upgraded the f/r sways yet) but it is much more limited now. The car truly feels like it's holding onto the road more aggressively.

City driving ........ I switched to this setup AFTER changing my wheels and tires to aftermarket. That said, the bumps are still very noticable but not to the point that you feel like you have to stop and check the tire/wheel for damage. The car is much more planted and DOES NOT squat when hitting WOT from a standstill. Even with 4 people in the car I have never bottomed out. I always expect to but haven't yet. Oh yeah, she hooks like a mofo.

Roadtrips ......... made ONE roadtrip with the car stock. That was the only one. I couldn't deal with the back breaking discomfort after that trip. Again, suspension change came after tire/wheel change. The car is VERY comfortable now and pure joy going down the road. The closest comparison I could give in referencing another car would be that of a friend's Corvette ZR-1. Stiff, but not overdone.

Not sure what else to say.......... if you go with one of the more aggressive setups so widely used here then chances are you're going to grow tired of the rough ride .. cool or not it has to be practical for me. In case you missed it earlier in the thread; the combo does lower the car about an inch or so from stock sport suspension.
Hope this helps in your decision .....

[tapengl]

Thanks for the comments Toad.

[ToadHollow]

Originally Posted by tapengl

Thanks for the comments Toad.

Right on man .....

[SV Concepts]

Originally Posted by BMWorNOTHING

850 is a fortune to me
I would totally do this if my dad didn't care lol.

Looks like we're the only vendor who knows about KONI's 10% off factory authorized sale

The kit is not $850 if you shop around.