KW V3 Coilover Install on '11 E92 w/ EDC (WARNING: Many Pics)

Peter@VMRWheels · 02-20-2011, 10:33 AM

I wanted to share with everyone pictures from a recent suspension install. This would be the third set of KW Coilovers I've purchased. I've had KW's on my prior vehicles and was very satisfied with the results. My M3 is equipped with the EDC option and so I opted for the Macht Schnell EDC Module (to silence the annoying EDC error).

The coilovers were installed over at European Auto Source, and they were gracious enough to allow me to snap detailed photos of the installation process. I've also snapped some pictures of the OEM Competition Package suspension for those interested in seeing them up close.

I noticed that a lot of vendors do not have close up pictures of an actual coilover set for the E92 M3 and so... As soon as the coilovers arrived, I brought it straight into the photo studio to shoot some closeups. for those of you who have not seen V3's up close, you'll see them here

Ok, I'll let pictures do the talking now. Enjoy!

The box straight off the truck, UPS label and everything.

Box Opening- As you can see, the coilovers are intricately packaged.

All the vital parts are properly protected prior to shipping.

Pictures of the coilovers....

Rear Height Adjustment

Front Dampers- The adjustment location is at the bottom of the coilover, meaning that you do not have to remove the entire damper from the vehicle just to adjust dampening.

Quick pics of the car prior to lowering.

Front Suspension

OEM Spring/Shock before removal

This *should* be the headlight sensor... don't forget to loosen this component... expensive part to replace!

The OEM Spring/Shock assembly coming out.

Don't forget to use a spring compressor

Assembly

Installed

Rear Suspension

Rear Suspension prior to removal.

Stripping the trunk down...

Removing the OEM suspension from the rear

Assembly w/ KW's

Macht Schnell EDC Module is installed inside the trunk just above the battery compartment.

OEM Parts

This is what the OEM EDC controller looks like for the front.

OEM Competition Shocks (Rear)

OEM Springs/Shocks (Front)

OEM vs KW Comparison Pics

Pics of car After Installation (Before height adjustment)

mkPOTO · 02-20-2011, 11:19 AM

very nice post, car looks good

Sean@PYSpeed.com · 02-20-2011, 11:38 AM

Looking good! You have to run the best on the best car.

Mr.Bimmer · 02-20-2011, 11:51 AM

Great write-up. Thank you for posting all those quality photos.

The General · 02-20-2011, 11:54 AM

Very nice write up. Thanks for taking your time and taking some good pics too!

PKL · 02-20-2011, 11:55 AM

Thanks for the pics!~

1º · 02-20-2011, 12:07 PM

thanks for sharing, can you post pics of the car after the height adjustment?

rzm3 · 02-20-2011, 01:57 PM

The EDC module only needs to be plugged in in the trunk? Nothing for the front?

SV Concepts III · 02-20-2011, 01:57 PM

Great write up Peter!

tom @ eas · 02-20-2011, 02:16 PM

Pictures turned out great! Appreciate the mention in the article.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rldzhao

The EDC module only needs to be plugged in in the trunk? Nothing for the front?

Only 1 module is required for the vehicle.

The KW modules require one at each rear shock, with a 3rd module pigtailed under the hood. While the trunk modules are rarely seen, IMHO the underhood one is a bit unsightly to the eyes.

The Macht Schnell module is installed in the rear at the EDC-K module in the passenger side behind the trunk liner - hidden from view as well as completely transparent from diagnostic equipment. A mini USB port is also integrated if there are any software changes implemented in the near future from BMW.

Also with the KW swap, we finally now have a set of OEM EDC vs EDC ZCP shocks/springs we can now finally compare for reference.

rzm3 · 02-20-2011, 02:30 PM

^looking forward to some pictures.

GOLFFRR · 02-20-2011, 03:43 PM

Nice peter!

bape_sta206 · 02-21-2011, 12:17 AM

thanks for the pictures!

Maseroche · 02-21-2011, 02:44 AM

Thanks for the explanation of the difference between the KW modules and the Macht Schnell module. I was wondering why it was used instead of the KW factory modules.

1cleanm3 · 02-21-2011, 04:16 AM

Congrats youll enjoy it!

Make sure to corner balance

persian54 · 02-27-2011, 03:07 AM

great pics

am I crazy though.. or does your car look lower pre-KW install?

vs:

Peter@VMRWheels · 02-27-2011, 03:16 AM

I have to admit that I did not take very detailed closeups of the car before and after lowering, and it *might* have been confused, the pictures. HOWEVER... The car does have competition suspension (~ 1/2" lower than non zcp) AND I didn't lower it very much more after that... Finally.... car did go thru 2 rounds of height adjustment after the install was done. One before I left the shop, and a second one after I put a few hundred miles on it.

So don't take the before/after car pics as the standard of what the KW can do. This one is just to show the step by step installation

persian54 · 02-27-2011, 11:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peter@VMRWheels

I have to admit that I did not take very detailed closeups of the car before and after lowering, and it *might* have been confused, the pictures. HOWEVER... The car does have competition suspension (~ 1/2" lower than non zcp) AND I didn't lower it very much more after that... Finally.... car did go thru 2 rounds of height adjustment after the install was done. One before I left the shop, and a second one after I put a few hundred miles on it.

So don't take the before/after car pics as the standard of what the KW can do. This one is just to show the step by step installation

Got it :P

Just thought maybe I was going crazy or something lol

klammer · 02-28-2011, 12:44 AM

Nice writeup and pics,

Navin323i · 03-02-2011, 02:48 PM

Nice to see you on here, Peter! I still remember the huge help you were to me years back on e46fanatics when I had to find 18" wheels that were compatible with my Vorsteiner-Brembo BBK.

I enjoyed reading your post here and appreciate the pics you took and posted as well.

One question I have that you might be able to answer for me, and I asked this question in a separate thread... I have the KW V2 coilovers currently on my 323i... any idea whether these will fit on an E92 M3? I plan on moving up to that vehicle by the end of this summer, so I'm trying to see if I can still make use of my current V2 coilovers or if I'll have to sell those and buy something compatible with the E92 M3.

Thanks,
Navin

persian54 · 03-02-2011, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Navin323i

I have the KW V2 coilovers currently on my 323i... any idea whether these will fit on an E92 M3?

Nope

you'll need to sell them and buy a set designed for the m3

DCC · 03-15-2011, 10:42 PM

Peter, great write up, awesome pictures, and info.
I am trying to understand how the emulator works with the factory electronics...especially with the ZCP option where the damping is continuously adjusting for all 3 modes...what is the impact of installing the emulator on the other 'tied-in' electronics like DSC?...

02-20-2011, 10:33 AM	#1
Peter@VMRWheels Captain Drives: '11 Space Gray E92 M3 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Irvine, CA Posts: 662 iTrader: (0)	KW V3 Coilover Install on '11 E92 w/ EDC (WARNING: Many Pics) I wanted to share with everyone pictures from a recent suspension install. This would be the third set of KW Coilovers I've purchased. I've had KW's on my prior vehicles and was very satisfied with the results. My M3 is equipped with the EDC option and so I opted for the Macht Schnell EDC Module (to silence the annoying EDC error). The coilovers were installed over at European Auto Source, and they were gracious enough to allow me to snap detailed photos of the installation process. I've also snapped some pictures of the OEM Competition Package suspension for those interested in seeing them up close. I noticed that a lot of vendors do not have close up pictures of an actual coilover set for the E92 M3 and so... As soon as the coilovers arrived, I brought it straight into the photo studio to shoot some closeups. for those of you who have not seen V3's up close, you'll see them here Ok, I'll let pictures do the talking now. Enjoy! The box straight off the truck, UPS label and everything. Box Opening- As you can see, the coilovers are intricately packaged. All the vital parts are properly protected prior to shipping. Pictures of the coilovers.... Rear Height Adjustment Front Dampers- The adjustment location is at the bottom of the coilover, meaning that you do not have to remove the entire damper from the vehicle just to adjust dampening. Quick pics of the car prior to lowering. Front Suspension OEM Spring/Shock before removal This should be the headlight sensor... don't forget to loosen this component... expensive part to replace! The OEM Spring/Shock assembly coming out. Don't forget to use a spring compressor Assembly Installed Rear Suspension Rear Suspension prior to removal. Stripping the trunk down... Removing the OEM suspension from the rear Assembly w/ KW's Macht Schnell EDC Module is installed inside the trunk just above the battery compartment. OEM Parts This is what the OEM EDC controller looks like for the front. OEM Competition Shocks (Rear) OEM Springs/Shocks (Front) OEM vs KW Comparison Pics Pics of car After Installation (Before height adjustment) __________________ *VMR* \| Wheels Tel: 714-442-7916 \| Email:sales@velocitymotoring.com \| URL: www.velocitymotoring.com \| VMR Facebook!! \| VMR Photoshoots! VMR Collection >> V701 \| V710 \| V713 \| V715 \| V718 \| VB3 19x10
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02-20-2011, 11:19 AM	#2
mkPOTO Mr. Nice Says Hello Drives: 1999 528I Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Chicago Posts: 13,492 iTrader: (19) Garage List 2008 BMW E92 M3 [2.66] 1999 BMW E39 528i [2.20] 2007 BMW E92 335I [3.00]	very nice post, car looks good __________________ BMW E92 M3 EVOLVE Stage II \| EVOLVE X-Pipe \| EVOLVE E-Tronic Exhaust Macht Schnell Stage II intake \| KW V3 \| Volk TE37SL \| BMW Performance Spoiler

02-20-2011, 11:38 AM	#3
Sean@PYSpeed.com BimmerPost Supporting Vendor Drives: 2009 AW E92 M3 Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Bay Area Posts: 9,126 iTrader: (22)	Looking good! You have to run the best on the best car. __________________ Contact me for lowest prices! ARKYM \| RS TPMS & Spacer \| OEM Style Wheel \| VMR Wheel \| Avant Garde Wheel \| HRE Wheel \| BC Forged

02-20-2011, 11:54 AM	#5
The General The General Drives: 2011.5 M3 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: VA Posts: 480 iTrader: (1) Garage List 2011.5 M3 [5.00]	Very nice write up. Thanks for taking your time and taking some good pics too! __________________ E92 M3 2011.5 AW / DCT / ZCV / ZP2 / Heated Seats

02-20-2011, 11:55 AM	#6
PKL Colonel Drives: 2011 335i 6MT Performance Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Santa Monica Posts: 2,462 iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the pics!~ __________________ '11 E90 335i M-Sport 6MT Performance Edition BMW Performance Exhaust

02-20-2011, 11:51 AM	#4
Mr.Bimmer First Lieutenant Drives: 2010 E90 M3 Join Date: May 2006 Location: Orange County, Ca Posts: 368 iTrader: (5)	Great write-up. Thank you for posting all those quality photos.

02-20-2011, 12:07 PM	#7
1º Captain Drives: RRS S/C Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: miami Posts: 967 iTrader: (0)	thanks for sharing, can you post pics of the car after the height adjustment?

02-20-2011, 01:57 PM	#8
rzm3 Moderator Drives: 2008 M3 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: IL/TX Posts: 4,569 iTrader: (13)	The EDC module only needs to be plugged in in the trunk? Nothing for the front? __________________ Powered by M-World / AiM Evo4 Data Logger / KW Competition 2-Way / Brembo GT 365 / Pagid Yellow RS-29 / Rear Seats Delete Previous Mods: RBM3 / StopTech 380/355 / Moton Clubsport & Street Sport / Dinan Stage 1 / H&R Sport / M-World GT4 Aero / Eisenmann Sport & Race / Akrapovic Slip-On

02-20-2011, 01:57 PM	#9
SV Concepts III Lieutenant General Drives: BMW Duh Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Santa Clara Posts: 17,029 iTrader: (13)	Great write up Peter!

02-20-2011, 02:30 PM	#11
rzm3 Moderator Drives: 2008 M3 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: IL/TX Posts: 4,569 iTrader: (13)	^looking forward to some pictures. __________________ Powered by M-World / AiM Evo4 Data Logger / KW Competition 2-Way / Brembo GT 365 / Pagid Yellow RS-29 / Rear Seats Delete Previous Mods: RBM3 / StopTech 380/355 / Moton Clubsport & Street Sport / Dinan Stage 1 / H&R Sport / M-World GT4 Aero / Eisenmann Sport & Race / Akrapovic Slip-On

02-20-2011, 03:43 PM	#12
GOLFFRR BimmerPost Supporting Vendor Drives: Golf Cart Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Solvang, CA/Camarillo, CA Posts: 10,930 iTrader: (4)	Nice peter! __________________ BEFORE YOU BUY YOUR NEXT BMW, PM ME FIRST I CAN HOOK YOU UP! We are Performance Center\|Euro Delivery\|BMW Individual Specialist Need a quote?..Ryan /Checa Email link \| T.805.482.8878 ask for Francesca www.stevethomasbmw.com \| OUR PARTS STORE \| Facebook-STBMW \| Twitter-STBMW

02-21-2011, 12:17 AM	#13
bape_sta206 tha_good_life Drives: 2010 JzB E92 M3 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Seattle Posts: 3,562 iTrader: (14) Garage List 2010 BMW M3 [4.27]	thanks for the pictures!

02-21-2011, 02:44 AM	#14
Maseroche Major Drives: '08 BMW M3 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Bahrain Posts: 1,405 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 BMW M3 [0.00]	Thanks for the explanation of the difference between the KW modules and the Macht Schnell module. I was wondering why it was used instead of the KW factory modules. __________________ Khalid '08 BMW M3

02-21-2011, 04:16 AM	#15
1cleanm3 Brigadier General Drives: ///E92M3RR SportPrius Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: the 818 Posts: 3,505 iTrader: (7)	Congrats youll enjoy it! Make sure to corner balance __________________ HRE + CHALLENGE + KW V3 + GINTANI + ARKYM + YOKOHAMA AD08

02-27-2011, 03:07 AM	#16
persian54 Lieutenant General Drives: MW E93 M3/E89 Z4 35i Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: The Valley, SoCal Posts: 15,350 iTrader: (258)	great pics am I crazy though.. or does your car look lower pre-KW install? vs: __________________ Next track day: http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=651089 Sorry I'm just someone who comes on here to fill a void..I dont have the $ to own a BMW. This is a nice E93:http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=434032

02-27-2011, 03:16 AM	#17
Peter@VMRWheels Captain Drives: '11 Space Gray E92 M3 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Irvine, CA Posts: 662 iTrader: (0)	I have to admit that I did not take very detailed closeups of the car before and after lowering, and it might have been confused, the pictures. HOWEVER... The car does have competition suspension (~ 1/2" lower than non zcp) AND I didn't lower it very much more after that... Finally.... car did go thru 2 rounds of height adjustment after the install was done. One before I left the shop, and a second one after I put a few hundred miles on it. So don't take the before/after car pics as the standard of what the KW can do. This one is just to show the step by step installation __________________ *VMR* \| Wheels Tel: 714-442-7916 \| Email:sales@velocitymotoring.com \| URL: www.velocitymotoring.com \| VMR Facebook!! \| VMR Photoshoots! VMR Collection >> V701 \| V710 \| V713 \| V715 \| V718 \| VB3 19x10

02-28-2011, 12:44 AM	#19
klammer Colonel Drives: 11 spc gry m3 e90, 07 X5 Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: chicago Posts: 2,722 iTrader: (0)	Nice writeup and pics, __________________ mods: akra evo, dinan 3.45 diff, ess akra tune, dinan stg.3, Alcon bbk, HRE P40

03-02-2011, 02:48 PM	#20
Navin323i Europrojektz East Drives: See my Sig Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Maryland Posts: 421 iTrader: (0)	Nice to see you on here, Peter! I still remember the huge help you were to me years back on e46fanatics when I had to find 18" wheels that were compatible with my Vorsteiner-Brembo BBK. I enjoyed reading your post here and appreciate the pics you took and posted as well. One question I have that you might be able to answer for me, and I asked this question in a separate thread... I have the KW V2 coilovers currently on my 323i... any idea whether these will fit on an E92 M3? I plan on moving up to that vehicle by the end of this summer, so I'm trying to see if I can still make use of my current V2 coilovers or if I'll have to sell those and buy something compatible with the E92 M3. Thanks, Navin __________________ My 2 Little Girls... the REAL carbon fiber keeping my mechanical heart alive BMW Individual Atlantis Metallic Twin Screw S/C'ed 5spd 2000 323i SPONSORED BY: BBS \| Toyo Tires \| DPE \| WheelSTO \| Vorsteiner \| European Auto Source \| Bimmertools \| GetBMWParts \| Race Apeel

03-15-2011, 10:42 PM	#22
DCC Lieutenant Drives: Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 416 iTrader: (0)	Peter, great write up, awesome pictures, and info. I am trying to understand how the emulator works with the factory electronics...especially with the ZCP option where the damping is continuously adjusting for all 3 modes...what is the impact of installing the emulator on the other 'tied-in' electronics like DSC?...

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