Coilover Suspension - Comparisons for M5 (e39)

[BeastPower]

Coilover Suspension - Comparisons for M5 (e39):
The following comes from the experiences of many users (compiled mostly from the Internet), but your experience may differ. Every person has a different perspective when it comes to ride-comfort and handling expectations. It seems that user consensus is that the KW (v2 or V3) and the Bilstein PSS 9 are the best coilover suspensions for most of us. Those who are looking for a coilover suspension that is focused on delivering very good track handling, then the Ground Control coilovers are probably best for them. Eibach is quite soft for "coilover-level" aggressive handling, and it seems that the H&R coilovers have left a few users disappointed.

KW Coilovers:

• Front spring rate: 400 lbs/inch (linear rate springs).
• Rear spring rate: not available (progressive rate springs).
• V1 is only height-adjustable (damping has been pre-set by KW).
• V2 is height-adjustable and rebound damping-adjustable.
• V3 is height-adjustable, rebound damping-adjustable and compression-adjustable.
• Rear rebound damping adjustment requires the removal of the parcel shelf behind the rear seats (an adjustment that can take a few hours).
• Rear compression adjustment (V3 only) is simple, and does not require removal of the rear parcel shelf.
• Good for aggressive street driving and some track use.
• Maintains ride-quality that is similar to stock.
• Good for lowering.

Bilstein PSS 9 Coilovers:

• Front spring rate: 490 lbs/inch (linear rate springs).
• Rear spring rate: 275 to 315 lbs/inch (progressive rate springs).
• Adjustment via a single knob.
• Front can be adjusted by just turning a knob.
• Rear adjustment requires jacking-up the car.
• Possible clearance problems with wide front wheels.
• Good for aggressive street driving and some track use.
• Maintains ride-quality that is similar to stock.
• Good for lowering .

H&R Coilovers:

• Front spring rate: not available (progressive rate springs).
• Rear spring rate: not available (progressive rate springs).
• Relatively stiff ride on the street.
• Good for normal street driving.
• Good for lowering.

Eibach Coilovers:

• Front spring rate: not available (progressive rate springs).
• Rear spring rate: not available (progressive rate springs).
• Softer ride with low levels of damping.
• Highly progressive spring rate range.
• Good for everyday driving with minimal aggressive and track driving.

Ground Control Coilovers:

• Front spring rate: custom (linear rate springs).
• Rear spring rate: custom (linear rate springs).
• Possible "bottoming" if lower spring rates are selected.
• Good for aggressive driving and track use.
• Good for moderate lowering.

Cheers, Daniel.

[cramer]

some more info to update your list:

H&R spring rates: 675 F, 450 R

GC street (the common setup) 350 F, 315 R

KW - 400F, 360 R

I started with H&Rs and were way too still for the street. I'd only recommend them for people who track their car on the weekends.

After switching to KW V2s, the ride is firm, but more suited for daily driving.

[BeastPower]

Originally Posted by cramer

some more info to update your list:

H&R spring rates: 675 F, 450 R

GC street (the common setup) 350 F, 315 R

KW - 400F, 360 R

I started with H&Rs and were way too still for the street. I'd only recommend them for people who track their car on the weekends.

After switching to KW V2s, the ride is firm, but more suited for daily driving.

Good info.

Thanks, Daniel.