Clubsport vs EDC enabled coilovers? KW vs. Bilstein

[Lojs]

I have always been quite content with my EDC suspension, but as my skills on the track have gradually improved I am starting to feel it to be "weak link" on hard track days.

I have a reasonable balance of street/track usage. Meaning I daily drive it (but trips to work are less than 10 mins, so no long commutes) and I do 5-7 trackdays a year. Roads in the area are OK.

It is important that I have a TÜV approved suspension.

I am very tempted to retain EDC functionality, so was primarily looking into the EDC enabled solutions of KW and Bilstein. I think neither has truly hit the market yet, but are just about to do so. Both are very similarly priced, and feature-wise appear to be comparable.

However I do realize, without camber plates the two above would be limited in performance on the track and are not true track suspensions.

So I have also looked into KW and Bilstein Clubsport offerings with integrated camber plates.
KW offers 2-way and 3-way adjustable clubsport setups. 2-way being listed at EUR3k before any discounts and 3-way at EUR 4,2k.
At the same time Bilstein is offering only a 2-way adjustable clubsport system retailing at a whopping EUR4,8k.

I would like to hear the opinions of those who have experience with any of these systems (even if on e9x platform).

With my level of track usage is it reasonable to give up EDC and go for a true Clubsport solution with camber plates? Or would i be quite happy with performance improvement over stock with one of the EDC-compatible coilovers? Does anyone have experience with either KW DDC or Biltein Damptronic? Maybe with both?

If its clubsport, how do KW and Bilstein compare? I heard former is twin-tube and later is mono? Does this matter? Also, does it make any sense that a 2-Way adjustable Bilstein costs more than a 3-way KW?

Please dont suggest any hybrid setups with third party camber plates (like GC), as I will not pass the TÜV with those.

[Lojs]

So no KW or Bilstein experts around? :

[hwalk]

Hi Lojs, minutes ago i read the first review in the german "M-Forum" about the new and obviously really available KW DDC which is keeping the EDC stuff if you use your car as well as DD maybe an option...the review sounded great...

But if you track your car more than 1-2 times a year you should go with a Clubsport solution and adjustable camber plates. As i ignore that Bilstein Company (since they let customers wait for years regarding their long promised B16-Damptronic) i'd go with the KW Clubsport 2-way. Did some laps on Hockenheim circuit with my friends M4, i was pretty stoked about the performance. I don't know if the 3-way makes sense for fun drivers like us though...Eventually i went with Öhlins R&T and adjustable camber plates but had endless annoying discussions because of their way too hard rear springs (after many complaints they offer softer ones now...). If i could turn back time it'd be the KW CS in my case...

[Lojs]

Originally Posted by hwalk

Hi Lojs, minutes ago i read the first review in the german "M-Forum" about the new and obviously really available KW DDC which is keeping the EDC stuff if you use your car as well as DD maybe an option...the review sounded great...

Could you share the link?

[hwalk]

http://www.m-forum.de/forum/showthread.php?t=98719

It's a kind of special forum for M-car owners. You need to register with your VIN if you haven't done that already... and of course it's written in german...

[ZAGA_M3]

I also am on same kind of boat and HW HAS is not cutting it for me. I am leaning towards Bilstein B16 Damptronics since they are coming out sometime next month i think.. Not sure about KW release date.

[hwalk]

Originally Posted by gassian

I also am on same kind of boat and HW HAS is not cutting it for me. I am leaning towards Bilstein B16 Damptronics since they are coming out sometime next month i think.. Not sure about KW release date.

... Bilstein is announcing the B16 Damptronic for 2 more than years...at least in Germany the KW Solution is now available.... Happy Waiting....

[mcvaughan]

I have a set of recently refreshed from KW for sale. PM me for details.

[Lojs]

Originally Posted by mcvaughan

I have a set of recently refreshed from KW for sale. PM me for details.

Thanks for the offer, but before I buy anything I wanted to do some research hence the post.
And I also believe one of us is on the wrong side of the pond.

[edwinm3]

KW clubsport 2 way if tracking is your thing, I went from V3's to clubsports and its a big difference, street driving on clubsports is harsh but on the track they're very capable and perform great. 3 ways are just much more complicated to adjust unless the car is gonna be a dedicated track car.

[4everkidd]

Originally Posted by edwinm3

KW clubsport 2 way if tracking is your thing, I went from V3's to clubsports and its a big difference, street driving on clubsports is harsh but on the track they're very capable and perform great. 3 ways are just much more complicated to adjust unless the car is gonna be a dedicated track car.

Did you really find the CS to be that more harsh than the V3?

I only get in about 3 track days a year but I find the stock passive with swift springs to be way way too soft.

[edwinm3]

Originally Posted by 4everkidd

Did you really find the CS to be that more harsh than the V3?

I only get in about 3 track days a year but I find the stock passive with swift springs to be way way too soft.

I do, very much so, the difference is night and day, don't mind that really. I don't daily drive mine so not an issue but I could see myself getting tired of them if I did. Great on the track and that's why I got them. V3's use stock spring rubber hats, that makes a big difference on ride quality also and softer springs too. V3's are an ok option if only seeing a few track days out the year IMO.

[shahano]

Guys have the Bilstein B16 damptronic suspensions come out for the M4?

[CAOZKAN]

I own KW CS 2 way and I daily drive my car in Istanbul's bad roads. To be honest, it's not the most comfortable car but very livable at soft settings and they are very great and capable on track. If the track which you will be using them doesn't have high/low speed bumps like Nürburgring, you most probably won't need a 3way.

[shahano]

any words on the b16 damptronic?

[domino_z]

Just got an update from bilstein

The rears are delayed again, last update was Jan 18, now they're saying March 18

For those in the know, bilstein have been continually delaying these for 2 years now

Nfi what the problem is - you can buy b4 and b6 oe replacement front shocks today, but the rears are constantly delayed

[ZAGA_M3]

i gave up on Bilsteins and went with KW P&P DDC kit... its been great

[parabmw]

Any more feedback on ddc and cs 2 way?
Is there any big difference between 2 way vs 3 way?
Are they basically the same except for adjustability?

[domino_z]

bilstein rear shocks delayed again til May now

i'm out

[Justin.AutoTalent]

Originally Posted by parabmw

Any more feedback on ddc and cs 2 way?
Is there any big difference between 2 way vs 3 way?
Are they basically the same except for adjustability?

3 way have more range in adjustment, and allow for more fine tuning for high speed and low speed compression.

I have the CS 2 way and love them.

The DDC are a great option for those trying to retain the EDC function.

[stephenyj]

I only get in about 3 track days a year but I find the stock passive with swift springs to be way way too soft.[/QUOTE]

I daily my m4 with KW CS 2 way and I have it set 4 clicks from softest. Even with those settings, driving about 7 miles each way for my commute got old real fast.

[domino_z]

bilstein damptronic shocks pushed back again til july now according to bilstein uk - even though they are available to purchase on their web shop

i seriously doubt now these will ever become available

only one bloke on the internet ever got a set it seems, that was the full b16 coilover, and that thread has been mysteriously locked

http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1188902