Lowered on KW Variant 3 - M3 Forum 2010 2009 BMW M3 2008 BMW M3 BMW E90 M3 E92

badfish · 06-01-2008, 02:57 PM

I can't tell you what a win/win situation it is installing these coilovers. The ride is better, the handling is better, the car looks better.

The only drawback was a slight gain in weight, very small, but the BMW OEM suspension is cast aluminum and quite light. The total difference is about 6.6 pounds total.

With the car jacked up, the front ride height can be adjusted without removing the wheels (just turn the wheels). The Variant 3 kit has adjustable ride height, compression, and rebound. Compression adjustment can be found at the bottom of the strut, rebound is adjusted at the top of the rod. The adjustments can be measured by a series of clicks. Go here to find out more about adjustment.

The KW kit just exudes quality. No fitment issues whatsoever, everything fit perfectly. The stainless steel assembly resists corrosion, see here. These guys did their homework, this is the only way I would lower my car. Do yourself a favor, don't just buy springs to drop your car.

The rear perch is set to the lowest setting in the "after" pictures. The front still has about 1/2" of lowering left. I kind of like it right now as I haven't had trouble with curbs yet and the car will have a rake if the front sits too low. If I want to drop the front a bit more, I just need to jack up the front and I can get to the ride height adjustment.

Thanks to my friends at Supreme Power, Vorsteiner, and KW.

So the install goes something like this.

You have to take apart the trunk to get at the top of the struts for the rear.

Jack the car up and remove the wheels. This is what the rear looks like.

Loosen the two bolts, remove the spring. Remove the nut from the top strut and the strut should come out. Install spring with perches on top and strut. (I know, I'm leaving out some pictures or details but if you don't know, you might not want to try this).

Here are those two bolts. That black plastic collar around the bottom of the strut is where you can adjust the compression.

Ok, this is what the original front assembly looks like

You need to pop the cover off of top of the strut in the engine compartment.

Compress spring, remove top.

This is what it looks like with the assembly removed.

You need to compress the KW assembly to attach the top. Then install.

I wouldn't recommend you install this without having really good resources at your disposal. Like a lift, spring compressor, good tools, etc. $300 for an experienced installer is money well spent.

OEM rear weight 9.35 pounds (OEM perch not shown but it weighs about 1 pound) vs KW rear 10.95 pounds with perch.

OEM front weight 7.2 pounds KW front 8.9 pounds

Before

This is after

kosh · 06-01-2008, 03:07 PM

Haw about ride comfort?

badfish · 06-01-2008, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kosh

Haw about ride comfort?

These are adjustable. And the way they are adjusted right now it's more comfortable than OEM. Keep in mind I have no EDC.

KINGLEH · 06-01-2008, 06:19 PM

how much

kuruptracing · 06-01-2008, 11:12 PM

that drop looks amazing! very nice write-up by the way!... do you have any rubbing issues? if so did you have to roll the fenders?

badfish · 06-01-2008, 11:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kuruptracing

that drop looks amazing! very nice write-up by the way!... do you have any rubbing issues? if so did you have to roll the fenders?

Thank you. No rubbing issues whatsoever, no rolling fenders.

As for the price, a good shop should charge you about $300 to install them. Check in the classifieds as several vendors here carry them.

Jack28 · 06-03-2008, 07:11 PM

One of the Best Drops I have ever seen on the E92 M3!!!!
Badfish, Your car keeps getting SICKER and Sicker my friend!

Please post more pics!!!!!!

KonigsTiger · 06-05-2008, 01:58 AM

Fantastic drop. Only reason I have not bought those is because I have EDC. Do you knwo what happens other than it gets eliminated? You know, malfunctions, dash lights, etc...?

KonigsTiger · 06-05-2008, 01:59 AM

Oh, and is there weight savings?

badfish · 06-05-2008, 02:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMW-M-Mexico

Fantastic drop. Only reason I have not bought those is because I have EDC. Do you knwo what happens other than it gets eliminated? You know, malfunctions, dash lights, etc...?

From what I understand they have code isolator units that will eliminate all the errors. See picture below. Also, there is not a weight savings as the OEM parts I removed were mostly cast aluminum. The car will gain about 6.6 pounds overall for non-EDC. I don't know how much those EDC code eliminators weigh.

KonigsTiger · 06-05-2008, 03:53 AM

OK thanks for the info and the pics!

Bob@BPS · 06-05-2008, 04:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by badfish

These are adjustable. And the way they are adjusted right now it's more comfortable than OEM. Keep in mind I have no EDC.

That's great to hear. I have the V3s on my E46 M3 and plan on putting them on my E92 when it shows up. I LOVE the KWs. My perception is they are some of the highest quality coilovers you can buy and my E46 rides amazingly well, considering I have it very low. My understanding is the isolator units disable the EDC and eliminate any error codes. We don't have pricing info on the isolator units yet.

I would prefer not to get the EDC, but I want DCT and if you are as impatient as I am about getting the new M3, I'll probably end up with EDC. It seems most cars are coming in pretty much fully optioned.

Check out website over the next week or so for more info about the KWs.

Bob

unique · 06-07-2008, 07:22 AM

how does it corner and handle??????????????????????????

M2381 · 06-08-2008, 03:38 AM

Wonder how I missed this thread before.

WOW, I'm loving EVERYTHING you have done to the car...wheels, drop, lip, etc

Digging how the wheels kinda match the tail lights

Frankie D · 06-10-2008, 05:27 PM

car is perfect

Krueger///M3 · 06-10-2008, 05:58 PM

Nice, I love your wheels.

drsnooz · 06-16-2008, 01:12 AM

I am interested in the KW coilovers for the E92 M3 and understand that it will negate EDC. My question is what would happen if the system were restored back to stock after a KW coilover mod (i.e. error codes, EDC function, etc...)?

Bob@BPS · 06-16-2008, 02:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drsnooz

I am interested in the KW coilovers for the E92 M3 and understand that it will negate EDC. My question is what would happen if the system were restored back to stock after a KW coilover mod (i.e. error codes, EDC function, etc...)?

This is all new with the EDC on the new E92 M3. The isolator disables the EDC and prevents error codes. Removing the isolator and reinstalling the OE shocks and spring would restore the original functionality, so you would NOT want to sell the OE parts unless you're 100% sure you'll never put the car back to stock.

I'll be parting out my E46 M3 at the end of the month in anticipation of delivery of my E92 M3 at the end of July. I waited until I could get DCT. The only parts I didn't keep were my original wheels, so I'll be selling the E46 M3 with Velocity Motoring VB3s or put on the SSR GT3s I had on when Bimmer Mag did the article on my car.

Bob

Bob@BPS · 06-16-2008, 02:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frankie D

car is perfect

Thanks. I'm sorry to see it go, but the new journey begins.

Bob@BPS · 06-16-2008, 03:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Krueger///M3

Nice, I love your wheels.

Thanks. Those are a set of Volk Racing TE-37s in titanium gunmetal. They are 18X9.5 ET35 front and 18x10.5 ET25 rear, and I have BF Goodrich R1s in 265/285 I have mounted on the rims since those pics were taken. Those were. I'm keeping those for the new E92 M3 and should fit perfectly. In talking to our rep at Mackin, the fitment for the new M3 will be 19x9.5 front and 19x10.5 rear with a more aggressive rear offset. The gives us the opportunity to run 275 front & 295 rear. WOW!!

I was really pleasantly surprised to stick my hand under the rear fenders of the new M3 and find NO lip, so there is a LOT of room for big wheels and tires on the new car.

Because of that, I will probably be selling my 19" Volks to get the 9.5" fronts. The Volk Racing E46 M3 sets were configured with 8.5s in the front.

Bob

badfish · 06-16-2008, 03:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob@BPS

Quote:
Originally Posted by Frankie D View Post
car is perfect
Thanks. I'm sorry to see it go, but the new journey begins.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob@BPS

Thanks. Those are a set of Volk Racing TE-37s in titanium gunmetal.

I don't mean to be rude or assuming but you do realize they could be referring to my car don't you? Since this is a thread I started...

Bob@BPS · 06-16-2008, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by badfish

I don't mean to be rude or assuming but you do realize they could be referring to my car don't you? Since this is a thread I started...

D'oh...so sorry. You're car IS beautiful and my new car will actually look very much like your E92 M3. The look of YOUR car has me excited about getting a new AW E92 M3. You have done a beautiful job.

I apologize if I rudely hijacked your thread. I apparently was assuming the poster was referring to the pics of my Volk track wheels, since that was the flow of the conversation. You know what "they" say about the word assume.

This thread is about YOUR car, so pics deleted.

Bob

06-01-2008, 02:57 PM	#1
badfish Captain Drives: E92 AW M3 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: SoCal Posts: 962 iTrader: (0) View badfish's Garage	Lowered on KW Variant 3 I can't tell you what a win/win situation it is installing these coilovers. The ride is better, the handling is better, the car looks better. The only drawback was a slight gain in weight, very small, but the BMW OEM suspension is cast aluminum and quite light. The total difference is about 6.6 pounds total. With the car jacked up, the front ride height can be adjusted without removing the wheels (just turn the wheels). The Variant 3 kit has adjustable ride height, compression, and rebound. Compression adjustment can be found at the bottom of the strut, rebound is adjusted at the top of the rod. The adjustments can be measured by a series of clicks. Go here to find out more about adjustment. The KW kit just exudes quality. No fitment issues whatsoever, everything fit perfectly. The stainless steel assembly resists corrosion, see here. These guys did their homework, this is the only way I would lower my car. Do yourself a favor, don't just buy springs to drop your car. The rear perch is set to the lowest setting in the "after" pictures. The front still has about 1/2" of lowering left. I kind of like it right now as I haven't had trouble with curbs yet and the car will have a rake if the front sits too low. If I want to drop the front a bit more, I just need to jack up the front and I can get to the ride height adjustment. Thanks to my friends at Supreme Power, Vorsteiner, and KW. So the install goes something like this. You have to take apart the trunk to get at the top of the struts for the rear. Jack the car up and remove the wheels. This is what the rear looks like. Loosen the two bolts, remove the spring. Remove the nut from the top strut and the strut should come out. Install spring with perches on top and strut. (I know, I'm leaving out some pictures or details but if you don't know, you might not want to try this). Here are those two bolts. That black plastic collar around the bottom of the strut is where you can adjust the compression. Ok, this is what the original front assembly looks like You need to pop the cover off of top of the strut in the engine compartment. Compress spring, remove top. This is what it looks like with the assembly removed. You need to compress the KW assembly to attach the top. Then install. I wouldn't recommend you install this without having really good resources at your disposal. Like a lift, spring compressor, good tools, etc. $300 for an experienced installer is money well spent. OEM rear weight 9.35 pounds (OEM perch not shown but it weighs about 1 pound) vs KW rear 10.95 pounds with perch. OEM front weight 7.2 pounds KW front 8.9 pounds Before This is after __________________ Last edited by badfish; 06-24-2008 at 05:57 PM.

06-03-2008, 07:11 PM	#7
Jack28 HUSTLER Drives: E46 M3 - E92 M3 Join Date: May 2006 Location: So/Ca Los Angeles Posts: 932 iTrader: (0)	One of the Best Drops I have ever seen on the E92 M3!!!! Badfish, Your car keeps getting SICKER and Sicker my friend! Please post more pics!!!!!! __________________ E92 M3 ZCP- Coming Soon AW/FR w/Extended Leather) Packages: ZCW, ZPP, ZTP, ZCP 19's, PRS, PDC, EPS, Fully Loaded E46 M3 - AW/IR 6 Spd, Fully Loaded. 19'' BBS LM's GunMetal, V-CSL Bmpr, Botld, Diff, CSL IR Center Counsel, V-GTR Hood, Dixis Ti 76mm, Meisterschaft Ti Sec. 1&2, EvoSport Headers, CAI, D/A Chip, tck d/a

06-05-2008, 01:58 AM	#8
KonigsTiger Racying Dynamics Drives: E92M3 RS46 Club Sport, others Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Dweller Posts: 4,412 iTrader: (0)	Fantastic drop. Only reason I have not bought those is because I have EDC. Do you knwo what happens other than it gets eliminated? You know, malfunctions, dash lights, etc...? __________________ ==================================================

06-05-2008, 01:59 AM	#9
KonigsTiger Racying Dynamics Drives: E92M3 RS46 Club Sport, others Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Dweller Posts: 4,412 iTrader: (0)	Oh, and is there weight savings? __________________ ==================================================

06-05-2008, 03:53 AM	#11
KonigsTiger Racying Dynamics Drives: E92M3 RS46 Club Sport, others Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Dweller Posts: 4,412 iTrader: (0)	OK thanks for the info and the pics! __________________ ==================================================

06-01-2008, 03:07 PM	#2
kosh Enlisted Member Drives: m3 e92 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: CZ Posts: 49 iTrader: (0)	Haw about ride comfort?

06-01-2008, 06:19 PM	#4
KINGLEH Captain Drives: 00 GTR - 09 E92 M Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Charleston, SC Posts: 997 iTrader: (1)	how much

06-01-2008, 11:12 PM	#5
kuruptracing Second Lieutenant Drives: 07 Escalade, 08 Acura TSX Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Portland, Oregon Posts: 286 iTrader: (0) View kuruptracing's Garage	that drop looks amazing! very nice write-up by the way!... do you have any rubbing issues? if so did you have to roll the fenders?

06-07-2008, 07:22 AM	#13
unique SiDeWaYz Drives: M3 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: WillowSprings Race Track Posts: 494 iTrader: (0)	how does it corner and handle??????????????????????????

06-08-2008, 03:38 AM	#14
M2381 Major Drives: E92 M3, GTI Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: FL Posts: 1,287 iTrader: (0)	Wonder how I missed this thread before. WOW, I'm loving EVERYTHING you have done to the car...wheels, drop, lip, etc Digging how the wheels kinda match the tail lights __________________

06-10-2008, 05:27 PM	#15
Frankie D Captain Drives: 2008 335i Coupe . . Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Bronx , New York . . Posts: 767 iTrader: (0)	car is perfect __________________ 2008 335i Coupe \| Alpine White \| Black Dakota Leather \| Gray Poplar Wood Trim \| Premium Package \| Sport Package \| Cold Weather Package \| Steptronic + Paddle Shifters \| Comfort Access \| Heated Front Seats \| Navigation \| Park Distance Rear \| Painted Oem Grill \| Oem Aero Lip \| Painted Reflectors \| Black Lower Mesh \| Roundel Overlays Black/White \| GP Thunders - Angels & Fogs 7500k \| Vorsteiner PUR Decklid Aero Spoiler \| ACS Rep Roof Spoiler

06-10-2008, 05:58 PM	#16
Krueger///M3 Major Drives: 2002 M3, 2008 M3, 2006 E90 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Pearl District, OR Posts: 1,424 iTrader: (0) View Krueger///M3's Garage	Nice, I love your wheels.

06-16-2008, 01:12 AM	#17
drsnooz Professor Drives: '09 X5 4.8 M Pkg, '09 E92 M3 Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Viva Las Vegas!!! Posts: 412 iTrader: (1)	I am interested in the KW coilovers for the E92 M3 and understand that it will negate EDC. My question is what would happen if the system were restored back to stock after a KW coilover mod (i.e. error codes, EDC function, etc...)? __________________ 2009 E92 Jz Blk, Fox Red ExtendedMods: 20" OZ Ultraleggera w/PZeroH&RspringsAA SSKAFE FilterRPI ScoopsEvosport pulleysRemus raceVRS replica LipTrunk3D DiffuserGP Thunder 8500KLED Interior LightsSS Braided Brake LinesF1 15% TintAluminum PedalsMatte Black Kidney Grill&Side GillMatte Black M3 Logo*Venture Shield Clear Bra.