Ready to Pull Trigger on Coilovers - Maybe H&R Any Thoughts?

[ATLANTA M5]

I need help from some guys with experience.

Well after a few months of checking out various threads, I was thinking of maybe the Bilstein, KW, or H&R.

After talking on the phone with Alpine M5 here in Atlanta (who has done research on this and was very helpful), I decided the H&R might be the way to go...but after doing some more searching, there are numerous posts out there where people are saying the H&R is too harsh and they want to switch.

On the bright side, it does seem theres a few guys running 19" BBS LM and the H&R with no problems, and no spacers needed or anything like that. That is good since the LM is my wheel of choice, although I do like to switch the look sometimes, but will not sell the classic LM's!

Also, I don't drive the car everyday, it's more of a project car, but still not a track car. More like my fun car.

I'm a rookie at this whole coilover thing, basically I don't care about rebound adjustment, I mainly care about the height adjustment for that nice lowered look...and I'm not too excited about the "riding on rocks" harsh feel. I don't mind a rougher ride than stock but I don't want it to be rediculous and shake the whole car and stuff.

Anyone with experience with the new H&R kit?

I'm ready, I want to order something tomorrow. HELP!

[ashbash]

I ordered the Ground Control system from Discovery Automotive (board sponsor). I pick the car up tomorrow (maybe Tuesday). I'll post my impressions then.

-Ash

[phillym5]

Iv'e heard the Ground Controls are awesome. Also look into the KW's. they are pretty good too. I had them on my last M5.
I've heard bad things about H@R on the E46 M3's.

[ATLANTA M5]

Ahhh...choices choices, I wish there was a more straight forward answer on this one...oh well, more research I guess. I would rather wait than make a mistake.

Any other advice?

I'm going to go search for some old GC threads.

[Lscman]

The H&R units would be my last choice.

[cramer]

Nothing wrong with H&R if you like a harsh ride (they handled great). I got rid of my kit for a KW V2 kit. The KW is quite a bit more manageable on the street and is dampening adjustable, but the cost is more. H&R should have marketed the M5 kit as an RSS (their "Weekend track setup"). I would also look at Bilstein PSS9s.

Both H&R and KW will fit with LMs with no spacers.

[ATLANTA M5]

cramer and others,

Thanks for chiming in and the help, my latest thought is KW. They seem to be popular and of great quality, minimal problems.

Probably the KWV2 or KWV3? The question is, which version is for me? I plan to run the 19" BBS LM's most of the time. As mentioned above, the main thing I care about the height adjustability.

Once installed, how would you change the rebound (would you have to take it into the local suspension shop everytime and they adjust it) and what are the advantages to this. I'm assuming you can dial in your desired ride in terms of comfort vs. sport.

Would it be a mistake to buy the V1 since it is an older version?

What would you guys buy if you were me?

[cramer]

the V1s are an older version, they are just the non adjustable version (still height adjustable)

The V2s are dampening, the V3s are dampening and rebound adjustable.

The problem with KWs and the E39 chassis is to adjust the rears you need to completely remove the shock from the car to fully compress the piston and turn it to adjust the dampening... on the E39 this mean about 4 hours of work depending on how quick you are at removing all the stuff needed to get the shock out.

I set mine in the middle and left it. It's a tad stiff but I'm living with it until i have a reason to remove the suspension again

[ATLANTA M5]

Okay, thanks...that was kind of what I was thinking might be the case in terms of the adjusting once the suspension is installed. I really don't see myself wanting to adjust the dampening...if the KW V1 has a nice ride quality...and has lots of height adjustability, then I think that's it.

Any reason NOT to go KW V1 then?

I appreciate all the help, I'm very new at this one.

[Ag Surfer]

As you know, I have the PSS9's. I have ZERO complaints, but I am curious about the Ground Control units as I'd like the option to run a wider wheel up front, perhaps for auto-x and trackdays.

[Carrera2RS]

I also did a lot of homework and would but my PSS9 kit again

The spring rates are higher than KW or most other kits (excluding the H&R which is very stiff and I suspect not really well developed) I am very happy with it.

Check out the threads

[Lscman]

Originally Posted by cramer

Nothing wrong with H&R if you like a harsh ride (they handled great). I got rid of my kit for a KW V2 kit. The KW is quite a bit more manageable on the street and is dampening adjustable, but the cost is more. H&R should have marketed the M5 kit as an RSS (their "Weekend track setup"). I would also look at Bilstein PSS9s.

Both H&R and KW will fit with LMs with no spacers.

The H&R kit is not good for track either because they have highly progressive springs that jump up and down in a spring-binding 2:1 rate ratio under severe changes in braking, throttle and cornering. This will cause the car to dynamically see-saw with unpredictable bouts of understeer and oversteer. For track, you need linearity and predictability with respect to transient handling. Some folks may not experience this negative behavior unless they reach the limit of adhesion under track conditions.

IMO, the H&R coilover system for M5 offers no significant attributes aside from allowing low, slamming ride heights with minimal bottoming. These are "look-at-me" units that support significant changes in cargo & passengers while offering reduced ride height....that's their primary feature & "only" notable strength.