KW for E88 Vert

Unkie · 02-08-2012, 12:35 AM

Does anyone know whether KW V2 (or any variant really) coilovers are interchangeable between the coupe and convertible?

I've got a 135i and would like to get a set of V2 into it. The stock M-sport suspension is too soft for my liking and allows too much pitch and roll.

On the KW website the E88 and E82 V2's have different part numbers. But I can't think of any actual design or mount differences other than spring rates.

MikeinAlexandria · 02-10-2012, 01:43 AM

I have the KW V1 coil overs in my 128i. The suspension is indeed slightly different than the one for the coupe. Not sure exactly where, but they are definitely not interchangeable. Just order the correct one for your car, you won't regret it, KW makes a great product.

Unkie · 02-11-2012, 06:32 PM

Thanks Mike.

The word from KW USA is that they 'should bolt up fine', and because of the progressive springs, do don't necessarily have different spring rates (to account for the weight of the vert).

However KW Germany says no, the axle loads are different and thus not interchangeable.

I ordered and paid for my convertible V2's three months ago from a vendor here and there's still 'on their way from Germany'.

Was sick of waiting and thought to see if I can just nab a set of the coupe coilovers. But I guess not hey.

HP Autosport · 02-11-2012, 11:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unkie

Does anyone know whether KW V2 (or any variant really) coilovers are interchangeable between the coupe and convertible?

I've got a 135i vert and would like to get a set of V2 into it. The stock M-sport suspension is too soft for my liking and allows too much pitch and roll.

On the KW website the E88 and E82 V2's have different part numbers. But I can't think of any actual design or mount differences other than spring rates.

Different springs to accommodate the heavier E88. The E82 kit will likely not give enough rear ride height.

AW128i · 02-12-2012, 09:15 AM

Not only is the E88 heavier than the E82, its weight is distributed differently. I would imagine that fitting E82 springs onto an E88 would result in a higher-than-normal front end and a lower-than-normal rear end. Something similar happens when people put 135i springs an a 128i; the front end rides higher than on a 135i because the 128i has less weight on the front axle.

RimasRS · 02-13-2012, 01:11 PM

Should be same, because if you would try to order it shows all 135i cars

Unkie · 02-13-2012, 09:19 PM

Thanks for the input guys.
I don't imagine the load difference between a coupe and convertible would be much different to sitting two people in the back of a coupe. Surely the KW's don't bottom out with people in the back.

In any case, I guess I'll play it safe and stick with the vert-specific part, and the associated epic wait on the order.

02-08-2012, 12:35 AM	#1
Unkie Second Lieutenant 15 Rep 224 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Brisbane, Australia iTrader: (0)	KW Does anyone know whether KW V2 (or any variant really) coilovers are interchangeable between the coupe and convertible? I've got a 135i and would like to get a set of V2 into it. The stock M-sport suspension is too soft for my liking and allows too much pitch and roll. On the KW website the E88 and E82 V2's have different part numbers. But I can't think of any actual design or mount differences other than spring rates. Last edited by Unkie; 05-10-2017 at 06:57 PM..
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02-10-2012, 01:43 AM	#2
MikeinAlexandria Lieutenant 44 Rep 567 Posts Drives: 128i M Sport Convertible Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Alexandria, VA iTrader: (0)	I have the KW V1 coil overs in my 128i. The suspension is indeed slightly different than the one for the coupe. Not sure exactly where, but they are definitely not interchangeable. Just order the correct one for your car, you won't regret it, KW makes a great product.
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02-11-2012, 06:32 PM	#3
Unkie Second Lieutenant 15 Rep 224 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Brisbane, Australia iTrader: (0)	Thanks Mike. The word from KW USA is that they 'should bolt up fine', and because of the progressive springs, do don't necessarily have different spring rates (to account for the weight of the vert). However KW Germany says no, the axle loads are different and thus not interchangeable. I ordered and paid for my convertible V2's three months ago from a vendor here and there's still 'on their way from Germany'. Was sick of waiting and thought to see if I can just nab a set of the coupe coilovers. But I guess not hey. Last edited by Unkie; 02-11-2012 at 06:38 PM..
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02-12-2012, 09:15 AM	#5
AW128i Major 44 Rep 1,003 Posts Drives: E82 N51 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Southeastern, PA iTrader: (1)	Not only is the E88 heavier than the E82, its weight is distributed differently. I would imagine that fitting E82 springs onto an E88 would result in a higher-than-normal front end and a lower-than-normal rear end. Something similar happens when people put 135i springs an a 128i; the front end rides higher than on a 135i because the 128i has less weight on the front axle. __________________ "The Camaro's V6 makes so much horsepower because them horses are trying as hard as they can to run the fuck away from that ugly ass car." -Golden3ye
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02-13-2012, 01:11 PM	#6
RimasRS Colonel 85 Rep 2,438 Posts Drives: BMW X3 SD Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Europe iTrader: (0)	Should be same, because if you would try to order it shows all 135i cars
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02-13-2012, 09:19 PM	#7
Unkie Second Lieutenant 15 Rep 224 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Brisbane, Australia iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the input guys. I don't imagine the load difference between a coupe and convertible would be much different to sitting two people in the back of a coupe. Surely the KW's don't bottom out with people in the back. In any case, I guess I'll play it safe and stick with the vert-specific part, and the associated epic wait on the order.
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