KW Suspensions
KW Coilover
systems are a combination of lowering springs and specially tuned
shortened shock absorbers that have been coupled with engineered
threaded strut housings that allow you to lower your vehicle within a
specified range using the adjustable aluminum spring perches.
KW Coilover systems are constructed using the new stainless steel INOX-line
strut housings that provide the ultimate in corrosion resistance,
guaranteeing functionality for the life of the vehicle. KW Coilover
Suspension Systems are available in three damping variants to suit your
driving needs.
Variant
1 - factory set dampening
The KW Variant 1 Coilover system is the
ideal introductory system for customers who prefer to rely on the
experience of our KW engineers for damper settings, but require the
ability to adjust the height of the vehicle to their needs.
In extensive driving tests KW engineers have set the dampers for the
best balance between sporty driving, comfort and safety
Variant
2 - Rebound adjustable dampening
The KW Variant 2 is the system intended
for the experienced driver who requires to not only determine the
individual lowering of their vehicle, but adjust the damper setting to
fine tune the system to their needs.
The adjustable rebound damper allows adjustment of the pitch and roll
behavior of the vehicle, adapting it to one's own driving preferences.
Variant
3 - Compression & Rebound adjustable
The new KW Variant
3 is state-of-the-art technology for the discriminating and experience
driver. The separate and independent compression and rebound damping
options allow a truly individual driving set-up.
These unique
systems with the 3 adjustable components, allows for adjustment of the
compression and rebound of the damper in the low-speed range, allowing
you to custom tailor your suspension to your driving needs.
Daily Driving Duty
There is little point of having
"adjustable" coilovers if adjustment collars and threads seize
making future adjustments impossible. These can occur after being
subjected to everyday driving conditions (rain, winters, corrosion, road
grime). Therefore, KW innovated the use of full stainless steel
bodies on their Variant 2 and Variant 3 systems.
In cooperation with the Technical
University of Esslingen, a total of 9 products from 6 different
manufacturers were subjected to quality testing in December of 2002 in
the form of a salt spray durability test in accordance with DIN 50021
SS. The object of this testing was to compare corrosion resistance of
the various systems under consideration of environmental influences such
as salt water. During the test simulation of over 418 hours, the samples
were inspected at regular intervals, whereby the corrosion resistance of
piston rods and threaded struts were evaluated, as well as the
adjustability of the aluminum spring collars.
Participants/Products:
KW "Inox-line" Coilovers Variant 1, 2 and 3
KW Coilover struts Variant 2
5 competitor products with new, galvanized threaded struts
Evaluation:
2x very good KW "Inox-line" Variant 1 and Variant 3
1x good KW "Inox-line" Variant 2
2x moderately good competitor
2x moderate competitor
2x poor competitor
Test Result FH Esslingen:
KW Inox-line coilovers with stainless steel technology are
clearly superior to galvanized models with regard to corrosion
resistance, and in addition, ensure smooth operation even after 418
hours.
| Galvanized
Coilover Suspension |
KW
Inox-Line
|
 |
After
only 26
hours, first signs
of pitting and rust |
|
Inox-line,
Variant 3 piston rods
in flawless condition
|
 |
After only 145
hours,
first signs of rust Corrosion
at fissures and welding seams |
|
Inox-line, Variant
1,
No visible corrosion
on strut Easy to move,
no rust
|
 |
Isolated rust spots
after
only 46 hours
After 229 hours, no
longer moveable |
|
Inox-line, Variant
2
Easy to move, no rust
|
Conclusion:
"These clear results have strengthened our resolve to concentrate
on the quality of the product in the interest of our customers. In the
future we will only offer KW Coilover suspension systems constructed in
inox-line stainless steel technology." - Klaus Wohlfarth,
Managing Director of KW automotive
Application Notes
- All E46 M3 Variant 2 and Variant 3
kits require new, shorter front sway bar links. Rogue
Engineering INCLUDES these with the purchase of the kit.
- All E36 and E46 KW kits assume that
the user is going to reuse the factory rear shock mount. This
the perfect time
- Although not required, adjustable camber plates
are highly recommended. KWs typically are very aggressive in
lowering, which causes excessive negative camber. Unless you
have adjustable camber plates, except uneven tire wear without
adjustable camber plates.
- For vehicles with factory EDC
(Electronic Dampening Control) such as E60 M5 and E9X M3, you must
use an EDC emulation module to disable the computer error warning
light. This is sold seperately.
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