KW Coilovers Review – Are They Really That Good and Are They Worth the Money?
KW is a name you cannot miss if you are looking at coilovers. It’s almost as if there is a special pedestal that KW sits upon that no other coilover brand can touch.
However, are they really that good, and are they worth the (pretty significant) price difference?
Let’s find out.
About KW the Company
KW started out in 1992, then called “KW Tuning”, distributing car parts and components from a retail store in Murrhardt, Germany.
In 1995, they made their first coilover suspension kit which was the first complete suspension to be approved by the Technical Control Board. That year they displayed their suspension kit at the Essen Motor Show.
In 1996, they renamed to “KW Coilover Suspensions” and moved to a bigger facility, with a team of three working on building coilovers.
From there, things start to snow ball, and they begin rapidly growing and moving into bigger facilities.
In 1999, KW started to compete in motorsports with a team of two Honda Integras and two drivers from the German DTC Championship. KW begin to sponsor the “STW” Super Touring Car Championship and have Thomas Stingl driving the KW Honda Accord. From there they continue to increase their participation in motorsports, including WTCC, Nurburgring 24 hours and more.
Interesting side fact: In 2004 they also released a line of LSD doors (Lambo Style Doors – scissor doors), which proved very popular at the time and were patented all over Europe.
It’s safe to say that KW has a long and varied history with both suspensions, particularly coilovers, and motorsport.
Now, how does all that translate into the coilovers they make?
About KW Coilovers
One thing that KW doesn’t compromise on is quality, and what makes their kits so impressive is the amount of thought and engineering going into every component.
From the upper spring seat which is designed to be lightweight and reduce vibration, to the spring perch made of polyamide composite material to ensure it doesn’t corrode and seize, KW really have looked at every single piece of the coilover to make the best suspension possible that will not only perform the best, but will last the test of time.
The shock bodies (including the threads) and any brackets on KW coilovers are made of a high quality INOX-Line stainless steel that has been salt-spray endurance tested for 220 hours to ensure they would not oxidize (and they didn’t on the test).
KW has designed them to last the entire lifetime of the car and to be 100% corrosion resistant in all weather conditions. Reports from customers who have KW suspension confirm this, with coilovers that have been through several winters still looking like new.
KW also uses a special “trapezoidal thread” for the height adjustment, which is “friction optimized and dirt insensitive”, meaning it won’t trap dirt and adjustment requires less force. It also has a higher load bearing capacity than other coilovers.
Depending on the vehicle and the coilover model, KW coilovers use either linear or progressive springs, which are fine tuned for the particular vehicle they are going on, and the dampers are valved to match.
The dampers themselves are twin-tube, most of which use KW’s special dampening adjustment technology to allow adjustable dampening. On more advanced kits, they also offer 2-way and 3-way adjustable dampening, which we will go into later once we look at their individual coilover models.
KW develop specific damper settings for every vehicle through comprehensive testing on the Nürburgring and in their 7-post Driving Dynamic Test Center.
All of their coilovers are made in Fichtenberg, Germany at KW’s production plants.
KW has definitely not taken any short cuts with their coilovers. While their coilovers are not cheap, you are definitely not just paying for the brand name – you are getting a lot of engineering and technology.
Let’s have a look at all the individual coilover models KW offer and what each are good for.
KW Variant 1 (V1) Coilovers
The KW Variant 1 coilovers are KW’s “entry-level” coilover designed primarily for street use.
While they feature ride height adjustment which is typically from 10mm-50mm (1/4 inch to 2 inches) lower than factory (depending on the vehicle), it is done by the spring perch rather than the shock body (as is the case with all KW coilovers). The downside of this is that if you go outside of the “approved lowering range”, you will sacrifice ride quality and the dampers are more likely to fail.
They also don’t have dampening adjustment. Now, KW has spent a lot of time fine tuning the dampening settings for each specific vehicle. However, this may not be perfect for you, and if you want the ability to fine tune your suspension then these won’t cut it.
They do feature all the other technology that KW coilovers have including the Inox-line stainless steel shock bodies, trapezoid threads, composite spring perch, and so on.
The V1s are definitely a quality coilover kit, and if you are just looking for ride height adjustment for your daily driver or street car and don’t want to mess with any complicated dampening settings, then this kit is for you.
Pros
- Proven, high quality construction that will last the test of time in all weather conditions
- Springs and dampers fine-tuned for each vehicle
- Made in Germany by KW
- Limited Lifetime Warranty with no mileage limit for the original purchaser
- Fully rebuildable (but must be sent back to Germany)
Cons
- No dampening adjustment
- Ride height adjustment done by spring perch, which can shorten damper life and decrease ride quality if set lower than “approved lowering range”.
- Must be sent back to Germany to be rebuilt (which can take a few weeks)
- Not designed for track use
KW Variant 2 (V2) Coilovers
The V2 coilovers are a step up from the V1’s, with their main additional feature being the ability to adjust rebound damping using KW’s TVR-A (Twin Valve Rebound – Adjustable) technology.
The TVR-A system gives you 16 clicks of adjustment, allowing you to choose either more comfort or more handling control. The TVR-A system is a KW patented technology which allows the damper oil to pass through an adjustable, conical valve during low piston speeds, while the main rebound valve opens during high piston speeds to allow the larger flow of oil.
This allows you to fine tune the ride and significantly increases ride comfort without affecting the high speed damping. It also keeps things simple, so if you don’t want to mess around with all the different settings for rebound and compression, and just want some adjustability for the street and occasional track use, this is perfect.
The V2’s come with all the other features that the V1’s have including ride height adjustment of 10 – 50mm (1/4 inch to 2 inches) depending on the vehicle, the Inox-line stainless steel shock bodies, trapezoid threads, composite spring perches and more.
The V2’s are still designed primarily as a street coilover, but give you more control over the ride quality with adjustable rebound dampening. So if you are looking for a quality coilover kit for your daily driver but want to the ability to adjust the ride without getting too complicated, these are for you.
Pros
- 16-level adjustable rebound dampening
- Proven, high quality construction that will last the test of time in all weather conditions
- Springs and dampers fine-tuned for each vehicle
- Made in Germany by KW
- Limited Lifetime Warranty with no mileage limit for the original purchaser
- Fully rebuildable (but must be sent back to Germany)
Cons
- Dampening adjustment only for rebound, not compression
- Ride height adjustment done by spring perch, which can shorten damper life and decrease ride quality if set lower than “approved lowering range”.
- Must be sent back to Germany to be rebuilt (which can take a few weeks)
- Not designed specifically for track use
KW Variant 3 (V3) Coilovers
Probably KW’s most popular product, the V3 coilovers are the ones you hear about on all the forums and at all the car meets as the best suspension ever made.
The V3’s introduce independently adjustable low speed compression and rebound dampening to allow you to fine tune the suspension to suit your ride comfort and driving preferences, as well as for vehicle alterations such as weight, tire characteristics and more.
However, this isn’t any ordinary adjustable dampening system. KW uses their patented technology to allow you to increase the compression damping to get more grip and improve cornering behaviour, without affecting rebound stage damping which is matched to the spring rate and would normally result in lost grip, and thus lost performance.
They do this through the TVR-A (mentioned earlier) and TVC-A (Twin Valve Compression – Adjustable) technology giving you 12 clicks to adjust low speed compression.
By doing it this way, KW gives you control over the ride and handling characteristics, while if a sudden high speed compression is to occur, the needle valve and main valve will fully open, acting like a “blow-off” to avoid transmitting unwanted forces to the chassis of the car. This is not only better for the car and its performance but also for ride comfort.
The V3’s come preset from factory to KW’s recommended baseline damping settings, but allow you to fine-tune them to your liking and requirements.
They also come with all the other features of the V1’s and V2’s including the Inox-line stainless steel shock body, trapezoid adjustment threads, composite spring perches and more.
The V3’s are perfect if you are looking for coilovers that will handle performance driving as well as be comfortable on the street, and want the ability to adjust both compression and rebound dampening.
Pros
- 16-level rebound adjustment
- 12-level low speed compression adjustment
- Proven, high quality construction that will last the test of time in all weather conditions
- Springs and dampers fine-tuned for each vehicle
- Made in Germany by KW
- Limited Lifetime Warranty with no mileage limit for the original purchaser
- Fully rebuildable (but must be sent back to Germany)
Cons
- No adjustment for high speed compression
- Ride height adjustment done by spring perch, which can shorten damper life and decrease ride quality if set lower than “approved lowering range”.
- Must be sent back to Germany to be rebuilt (which can take a few weeks)
KW Variant 4 (V4) Coilovers
The V4 coilovers feature ultra high performance technology that KW has developed through its years of racing. They are performance oriented coilovers for those who are serious about the handling of their cars.
They have several extra features of the V3’s including Unibal strut mounts with camber and caster adjustment, as well as 3-way dampening adjustment.
The 3-way adjustable dampers give you independent adjustment of low speed rebound using the TVR-A technology found in the V3’s, but also give you individual high and low speed compression adjustment using TVCLH-A (Twin Valve Compression Low High – Adjustable) technology, giving you 6 clicks of low speed adjustment and 14 clicks of high speed adjustment.
They also feature external reservoirs which provide additional oil and cooling capacity for systems that will undergo high stress. The reservoir is filled with low gas pressure and contains the adjustable compression valve, which provides more working room inside the damper.
The aluminium unibal strut mounts come on applicable vehicles and feature both camber and caster adjustment.
They also have all the other features of the V3s including Inox-line stainless steel shock bodies, trapezoid adjustment threads, composite spring perches and more.
The V4 coilovers are only developed for a few selected high-performance vehicles which KW believe would benefit greatly from their suspension technology to improve the car’s driving dynamics. So if you have one of these vehicles and want more control over your suspension, the V4’s are for you.
The V4 coilovers come delivered with the dampening settings set to comfort for each specific vehicle. However, this can quickly be fine-tuned with the adjustment knobs to whichever setting suits you best.
Pros
- 16-level rebound adjustment
- 6-level low speed compression adjustment
- 14-level high speed compression adjustment
- Proven, high quality construction that will last the test of time in all weather conditions
- Springs and dampers fine-tuned for each vehicle
- Made in Germany by KW
- Limited Lifetime Warranty with no mileage limit for the original purchaser
- Fully rebuildable (but must be sent back to Germany)
Cons
- Must be sent back to Germany to be rebuilt (which can take a few weeks)
- Only made for a select few cars (not a con if you own one of these cars)
KW Variant 5 (V5) Coilovers
If you want the coilover with everything, this is it. Using their successful motorsport technology, KW have made the ultimate performance coilover with the V5’s, giving them 4-way dampening adjustment, solid piston technology, series connected valves and more.
The V5’s are designed to give fast and precise damping for sports cars and supercars, reacting directly even with tiny steering movements and small spring travel.
The use of solid piston dampers gives the chassis much more support, and depending on the vehicle body allows for lower spring rates to be used.
The dampers use SPCLH-A (Solid Piston Compression Low and High Speed – Adjustable) compression damping and SPRLH-A (Solid Piston Rebound Low and High Speed – Adjustable) rebound damping to give you 4-way damping adjustability which is more sensitive and more precise. You get 13 clicks on the low and high side of both compression and rebound, allowing you to fine tune the ride to 100% the way you need it.
The V5’s are only made for a select few cars, mostly supercars, so if you own one of these cars and you want coilovers which every option ticked, these are for you.
Pros
- 13-level low and high speed rebound adjustment
- 13-level low and high speed compression adjustment
- Proven, high quality construction that will last the test of time in all weather conditions
- Springs and dampers fine-tuned for each vehicle
- Made in Germany by KW
- Limited Lifetime Warranty with no mileage limit for the original purchaser
- Fully rebuildable (but must be sent back to Germany)
Cons
- Must be sent back to Germany to be rebuilt (which can take a few weeks)
- Only made for a select few cars (not a con if you own one of these cars)
KW V2 Comfort Coilovers
KW also makes a “Comfort” version of the V2 coilovers, which is meant to give you a more comfortable ride than factory sport suspension.
They give you all the features of the regular V2’s including height and rebound damping adjustment, but they use different springs to offer a softer, more enjoyable ride.
If you want all the features of the V2’s but want to prioritize comfort above all else, these are for you.
Pros
- 16-level adjustable rebound dampening
- More comfortable ride
- Proven, high quality construction that will last the test of time in all weather conditions
- Springs and dampers fine-tuned for each vehicle
- Made in Germany by KW
- Limited Lifetime Warranty with no mileage limit for the original purchaser
- Fully rebuildable (but must be sent back to Germany)
Cons
- Less performance based, so if handling is your priority, these are not for you
- Dampening adjustment only for rebound, not compression
- Ride height adjustment done by spring perch, which can shorten damper life and decrease ride quality if set lower than “approved lowering range”.
- Must be sent back to Germany to be rebuilt (which can take a few weeks)
- Not designed for track use
KW Clubsport Coilovers
If you are looking for purely performance oriented coilovers for your track car, the Clubsports are for you. They are specifically designed for track days, club racing, HPDE and more.
They offer a clubsport version of the V3, V4, and V5 coilovers, and have all of the features of the regular versions but are designed for track use. So if you are going to be regularly tracking the car or racing it, get the Clubsports.
Other KW Coilovers
KW also offer other coilovers such as the racing/competition series, the DDC series which have electronic adaptive dampening that works with factory systems, and HLS coilovers which have a hydraulic lift system, primarily made for supercars to be able to be driven easier on the road.
All of these are a bit beyond the scope of this post, but if you want more info on them go and check out the KW website.
So, Are KW Coilovers Really That Good?
The answer really depends on who you ask.
I did some extensive research online through various forums and websites to get as many opinions as possible and try to put together an unbiased conclusion.
I found a good number of people of both sides on the camp – one side saying they are the best coilovers ever made – and the other side saying they are rubbish.
What made this even trickier is that both sides had their points, and often had proof to go along with it.
I will try my best to summarise both sides of the argument:
For
- Great coilovers made out of quality materials that really are resistant to corrosion and won’t rust even in hard conditions and over a decade of use
- Superb ride comfort and handling
- KW have competed in the highest levels of motorsports and won, so they must know a thing or two about suspension
- KW make factory suspension for many high end cars
Against
- Several reports of dampers failing rather early and leaking, especially with track use
- Complaints about KW customer service, saying that when trying to lodge a warranty claim on leaking shocks, they just say that the car was used on the track so it doesn’t count, even though they claim to offer a lifetime warranty, and sell coilovers designed for track use
- Some people complain that the ride quality really isn’t that good, especially when taking the price difference into account
So, it’s actually quite difficult to come to a decisive conclusion. It seems that’s a bit hit or miss, which is not something you want when you are spending the amount of money that KW suspension sells for.
So while I have no doubt that KW puts a lot of technology and engineering into their suspension, and that they strive to make the best suspension possible, I wouldn’t guarantee that 100% of people that buy them are going to be satisfied.
Are KW Coilovers Worth the Money?
It really depends on what car you have, what you use the car for and how much money you have to spend. If you are rolling in cash and have a daily driver that you want to prioritise ride quality and longevity above all else, KW coilovers seem to be a good option. They also seem to be a good option for really high end performance coilovers.
However, if you just want to lower your car and improve its handling, you’re probably better off with a cheaper coilover kit like BC Racing or TEIN which will get the job done for a whole lot less.
Personally, while I am impressed with the technology and engineering that go into KW’s suspension, I am not impressed with the number of negative reports about their dampers failing, which should not be happening at their price point.
Now, to be fair, most of these are probably outlier cases, and the majority of people you don’t hear from are probably very happy with their kits (and a lot of the people you do hear from also).
There will always be the element of because it’s so expensive, people expect it to be great, and when it isn’t they are very disappointed (which is fair).
My point with all this is that if you are stretching your budget to get a set of KW’s, you may find that you will be just as happy with a cheaper option that still is decent.
Some FAQs regarding KW coilovers:
Is the KW V1 Worth It Over ST Coilovers?
The only difference between the KW V1 and the ST X coilovers is the material used to make the shock bodies. If you live in a harsh weather area, you would benefit from getting the KW V1’s so that they don’t corrode and the adjusters don’t get seized. If you don’t, or you won’t be using the car in winter, save your money and get the ST’s.
Are KW Coilovers Rebuildable?
Yes, all KW coilovers are rebuildable. However, they need to be sent to Germany to be rebuilt, so you have to factor that in and the time your car will be off the road while you wait for them to get sent back.
How Long Do KW Coilovers Last?
KW coilovers can last anywhere from around 20,000 miles to over 100,000 miles. There are reports of both extremes, so it’s really hit or miss. KW coilovers seem to fail a lot sooner when used on the track (specifically the V1, V2 and V3’s).
Which Is Better – KW Coilovers Or BC Racing Coilovers?
It really depends on a lot of factors. From my research, BC Racing coilovers actually seem to have more positive reviews than KW. I think the reason for this is that they are significantly cheaper than KW’s, and people are impressed that they perform well and don’t fail.
However, because KW’s are expensive, people expect them to be the best, and get upset when they do fail, and rightly so. So personally, having looked into both in detail, seeing all the reviews and taking into account the price difference, I would probably go for BC Racing coilovers over KW.
Cars owned: Mk2 Golf with 1.8T swap, BMW E28 with M30B35 swap, BMW E36 328I Mtech, BMW 750IL, Nissan 300ZX, Honda Civic EF
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