My 1st 'Baby BMW' - 2007 E81 130i LE
Discussion
TameRacingDriver said:
danb79 said:
Very good. They take the roads very well and very compliant but with very little roll.
V3s are overkill IMO for an every day road going car. Like Bilstein B16s etc... Superb for what they are but just too firm for every day use IMO
A friend has the V2s on his M5 and they just work very well indeed.
He had the B14s before that and just too rigid. He has B16s on his Integra but that's mainly his track day car and for that they do a fantastic job
Good to know, might consider forking out for the comforts then! Enjoying this thread, a car I've always had at the back of my mind but never quite got there, but at least I managed to enjoy the same engine in my z4c V3s are overkill IMO for an every day road going car. Like Bilstein B16s etc... Superb for what they are but just too firm for every day use IMO
A friend has the V2s on his M5 and they just work very well indeed.
He had the B14s before that and just too rigid. He has B16s on his Integra but that's mainly his track day car and for that they do a fantastic job
The common denominator is that my pals have fitted them, set them up properly with some corner weighting in there and a fast road set up, and then they've been maintained and kept clean etc...
I'll see where I'm at come Spring 2025 and take it from there (I'll see if there are any decent Christmas discounts to be had as well).
Firstly the engine will get the work it needs and that'll do it for now...
TameRacingDriver said:
I used to have ST X on my R53 and they were quite good I thought. I'm sure they're probably just a poor man's KW Variant 1. Decent ride and handling. I wouldn't rule them out myself especially if I can get a good deal on them come next month.
Agree… I’ve known plenty of folk that run the STs and they’ve had zero issuesMade by KW, they’re just not coated the same; but they don’t corrode either…
My pals have had quite a few sets of KWs in recently that have caused them all sorts if grief and they've had to order parts for them to be able to refit them; if not they’ve fully stripped them and asked the customer to send them off for a refurb. Bad corrosion etc
Folk tend to fit them and forget about them; in the UK with our weather and salt used over winters etc; they need to be thoroughly cleaned regularly really!
dan1979 said:
Agree… I’ve known plenty of folk that run the STs and they’ve had zero issues
Made by KW, they’re just not coated the same; but they don’t corrode either…
My pals have had quite a few sets of KWs in recently that have caused them all sorts if grief and they've had to order parts for them to be able to refit them; if not they’ve fully stripped them and asked the customer to send them off for a refurb. Bad corrosion etc
Folk tend to fit them and forget about them; in the UK with our weather and salt used over winters etc; they need to be thoroughly cleaned regularly really!
That's interesting, certainly puts me off paying more if they're not really any better. As I'm after the fit and forget solution, I keep being led back to the JCW Pro option (Mini branded / tuned coilovers that are apparently manufactured by KW) as they're a little cheaper and set and forget.Made by KW, they’re just not coated the same; but they don’t corrode either…
My pals have had quite a few sets of KWs in recently that have caused them all sorts if grief and they've had to order parts for them to be able to refit them; if not they’ve fully stripped them and asked the customer to send them off for a refurb. Bad corrosion etc
Folk tend to fit them and forget about them; in the UK with our weather and salt used over winters etc; they need to be thoroughly cleaned regularly really!
That being said, some of the comments on this thread about coilovers and people wanting to avoid them or being nervous of them has also got me thinking; just this morning a good mate of mine said he'd consider going for uprated dampers and springs over coilovers as he doesn't want to mess about and he thinks they're the best solution for the roads. That thought was echoed by another chap I got talking to at a local tuning company recently.
I almost felt that coilovers would be easier as they're all designed to run in harmony together, rather than messing about with dampers and springs made by different companies but there seems to be more to it than I really know about...
Anyway sorry for the thread derail, I just thought the comments were interesting.
dan1979 said:
Agree… I’ve known plenty of folk that run the STs and they’ve had zero issues
Made by KW, they’re just not coated the same; but they don’t corrode either…
My pals have had quite a few sets of KWs in recently that have caused them all sorts if grief and they've had to order parts for them to be able to refit them; if not they’ve fully stripped them and asked the customer to send them off for a refurb. Bad corrosion etc
Folk tend to fit them and forget about them; in the UK with our weather and salt used over winters etc; they need to be thoroughly cleaned regularly really!
What sort of problems have they been having with them?Made by KW, they’re just not coated the same; but they don’t corrode either…
My pals have had quite a few sets of KWs in recently that have caused them all sorts if grief and they've had to order parts for them to be able to refit them; if not they’ve fully stripped them and asked the customer to send them off for a refurb. Bad corrosion etc
Folk tend to fit them and forget about them; in the UK with our weather and salt used over winters etc; they need to be thoroughly cleaned regularly really!
I've just ordered a set of V2s and was hoping they'd be a high quality product. I might have to reconsider should the quality not be so good...
TameRacingDriver said:
dan1979 said:
Agree… I’ve known plenty of folk that run the STs and they’ve had zero issues
Made by KW, they’re just not coated the same; but they don’t corrode either…
My pals have had quite a few sets of KWs in recently that have caused them all sorts if grief and they've had to order parts for them to be able to refit them; if not they’ve fully stripped them and asked the customer to send them off for a refurb. Bad corrosion etc
Folk tend to fit them and forget about them; in the UK with our weather and salt used over winters etc; they need to be thoroughly cleaned regularly really!
That's interesting, certainly puts me off paying more if they're not really any better. As I'm after the fit and forget solution, I keep being led back to the JCW Pro option (Mini branded / tuned coilovers that are apparently manufactured by KW) as they're a little cheaper and set and forget.Made by KW, they’re just not coated the same; but they don’t corrode either…
My pals have had quite a few sets of KWs in recently that have caused them all sorts if grief and they've had to order parts for them to be able to refit them; if not they’ve fully stripped them and asked the customer to send them off for a refurb. Bad corrosion etc
Folk tend to fit them and forget about them; in the UK with our weather and salt used over winters etc; they need to be thoroughly cleaned regularly really!
That being said, some of the comments on this thread about coilovers and people wanting to avoid them or being nervous of them has also got me thinking; just this morning a good mate of mine said he'd consider going for uprated dampers and springs over coilovers as he doesn't want to mess about and he thinks they're the best solution for the roads. That thought was echoed by another chap I got talking to at a local tuning company recently.
I almost felt that coilovers would be easier as they're all designed to run in harmony together, rather than messing about with dampers and springs made by different companies but there seems to be more to it than I really know about...
Anyway sorry for the thread derail, I just thought the comments were interesting.
Both my 1st and 2nd E39 530i Sports were on coilovers and very much a mirror of above
I’ve fitted Bilstein B4S shocks and Eibach pro kit springs to our F31 and that set up suits the car superbly; drives and handles great, takes the bad roads much better than the OEM M Sport suspension etc
But for the 130i I want to go that next step to get the ride height dialled in properly and that’s where coilovers come in to play.
UnderSteerD said:
What sort of problems have they been having with them?
I've just ordered a set of V2s and was hoping they'd be a high quality product. I might have to reconsider should the quality not be so good...
Mainly corrosion issues, but also damper failures (d bush failures I think they said, the internal bushing) and leaking dampers too…I've just ordered a set of V2s and was hoping they'd be a high quality product. I might have to reconsider should the quality not be so good...
But as said; they hadn’t been looked after either, so that’s where the cleaning & maintenance of them comes in…
I wouldn’t be put off by the above at all; KWs are still superb coilovers
dan1979 said:
Mainly corrosion issues, but also damper failures (d bush failures I think they said, the internal bushing) and leaking dampers too…
But as said; they hadn’t been looked after either, so that’s where the cleaning & maintenance of them comes in…
I wouldn’t be put off by the above at all; KWs are still superb coilovers
That's great, thanks for the info. But as said; they hadn’t been looked after either, so that’s where the cleaning & maintenance of them comes in…
I wouldn’t be put off by the above at all; KWs are still superb coilovers
Hopefully, with a bit of care, they'll be as good as I hope.
UnderSteerD said:
dan1979 said:
Mainly corrosion issues, but also damper failures (d bush failures I think they said, the internal bushing) and leaking dampers too…
But as said; they hadn’t been looked after either, so that’s where the cleaning & maintenance of them comes in…
I wouldn’t be put off by the above at all; KWs are still superb coilovers
That's great, thanks for the info. But as said; they hadn’t been looked after either, so that’s where the cleaning & maintenance of them comes in…
I wouldn’t be put off by the above at all; KWs are still superb coilovers
Hopefully, with a bit of care, they'll be as good as I hope.
How does one effectively wash coilovers? Jet wash from the arches? Also why do coilovers require special care Vs normal springs and dampers? Genuine question.
Btw I think I've decided I'm going for the KW V2 Street Comfort. Normally KW have a deal on at the end of the year starting from 1st October so hopefully I may be able to get a couple hundred off.
Btw I think I've decided I'm going for the KW V2 Street Comfort. Normally KW have a deal on at the end of the year starting from 1st October so hopefully I may be able to get a couple hundred off.
TameRacingDriver said:
How does one effectively wash coilovers? Jet wash from the arches? Also why do coilovers require special care Vs normal springs and dampers? Genuine question.
Btw I think I've decided I'm going for the KW V2 Street Comfort. Normally KW have a deal on at the end of the year starting from 1st October so hopefully I may be able to get a couple hundred off.
Yup. Just a liberal coating of snowfoam when you're washing the car and then a blast off with the power washer.Btw I think I've decided I'm going for the KW V2 Street Comfort. Normally KW have a deal on at the end of the year starting from 1st October so hopefully I may be able to get a couple hundred off.
As for why, coilovers have threaded bodies and locking rings. Standards shocks / springs dont. It's those that you need to keep clean and as corrosion free as possible so that they stay usable etc...
KWs will serve you well...
Not sure if they do their own, but you can get coilovers socks that cover the main body to stave off corrosion as well.
danb79 said:
Yup. Just a liberal coating of snowfoam when you're washing the car and then a blast off with the power washer.
As for why, coilovers have threaded bodies and locking rings. Standards shocks / springs dont. It's those that you need to keep clean and as corrosion free as possible so that they stay usable etc...
KWs will serve you well...
Not sure if they do their own, but you can get coilovers socks that cover the main body to stave off corrosion as well.
Thanks, something to bear in mind. As for why, coilovers have threaded bodies and locking rings. Standards shocks / springs dont. It's those that you need to keep clean and as corrosion free as possible so that they stay usable etc...
KWs will serve you well...
Not sure if they do their own, but you can get coilovers socks that cover the main body to stave off corrosion as well.
I read an excellent review of the comforts from another owner on the f56 forum and they were truly amazed by this suspension and that's the one I was originally considering so definitely think it's worth it as the car will be a keeper...
One of the best coilovers for the 130i are the meisters, come with correct spring rates for the car. Loved mine.
I’ve had 7 130i’s now, and currently have a 125i cab. Was a second car but now is primary, ok for summer but with less roof down action it’s proving to be a hard winter car to live with. I’m desperate for another 130i , has to be 3dr and preferably one of the rarer models, so that means non LE. I really want manual heated seats , something the LE didn’t come with. But nothing for sale currently that fits the bill. The other option is a 125i coupe.
But I think my head is saying 3dr 130i, I’ve a few spares ready for when the right car pops up, even managed to pick up a brand new unfitted aero wing the other day, spare diff for LSD even got dark line rear lights ready.
I’ve had 7 130i’s now, and currently have a 125i cab. Was a second car but now is primary, ok for summer but with less roof down action it’s proving to be a hard winter car to live with. I’m desperate for another 130i , has to be 3dr and preferably one of the rarer models, so that means non LE. I really want manual heated seats , something the LE didn’t come with. But nothing for sale currently that fits the bill. The other option is a 125i coupe.
But I think my head is saying 3dr 130i, I’ve a few spares ready for when the right car pops up, even managed to pick up a brand new unfitted aero wing the other day, spare diff for LSD even got dark line rear lights ready.
Antj said:
One of the best coilovers for the 130i are the meisters, come with correct spring rates for the car. Loved mine.
I’ve had 7 130i’s now, and currently have a 125i cab. Was a second car but now is primary, ok for summer but with less roof down action it’s proving to be a hard winter car to live with. I’m desperate for another 130i , has to be 3dr and preferably one of the rarer models, so that means non LE. I really want manual heated seats , something the LE didn’t come with. But nothing for sale currently that fits the bill. The other option is a 125i coupe.
But I think my head is saying 3dr 130i, I’ve a few spares ready for when the right car pops up, even managed to pick up a brand new unfitted aero wing the other day, spare diff for LSD even got dark line rear lights ready.
Yes my pals have suggested Meister Rs also as they've fitted quite a few sets and never had any issues with them.I’ve had 7 130i’s now, and currently have a 125i cab. Was a second car but now is primary, ok for summer but with less roof down action it’s proving to be a hard winter car to live with. I’m desperate for another 130i , has to be 3dr and preferably one of the rarer models, so that means non LE. I really want manual heated seats , something the LE didn’t come with. But nothing for sale currently that fits the bill. The other option is a 125i coupe.
But I think my head is saying 3dr 130i, I’ve a few spares ready for when the right car pops up, even managed to pick up a brand new unfitted aero wing the other day, spare diff for LSD even got dark line rear lights ready.
They are re branded BCS with their own hardware. Same with D2s
But again, I've used them before and never had issues.
Re a 130i. There's one listed on M3 Cutters currently...
All the parts have landed for the top end of the engine refresh...
New rocker cover, gaskets, tensioner, pulley and belt etc
Will speak to my pals this week and see when they can fit it in later this month, if not early next month... I'm struggling for time over the next few weeks with work and travelling etc
That should see it well for the next few years at least
This will be the last work before Spring 2025
New rocker cover, gaskets, tensioner, pulley and belt etc
Will speak to my pals this week and see when they can fit it in later this month, if not early next month... I'm struggling for time over the next few weeks with work and travelling etc
That should see it well for the next few years at least
This will be the last work before Spring 2025
Ken986 said:
I’ve just caught up. Great work on the car. Always liked them , love those wheels.
Thanks KenIt's a great little car; took it out for an 8am blast this morning to the farm shop we use for fruit & veg etc; went the very long way round
The new bits will give the engine a much needed refresh and to stop the rocker gasket/oil filter housing gasket leaking too (as is BMWs way)
and that'll be it until Spring 2025 when I start to look at the suspension refresh Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff