ZHPESS Suspension Refresh
On Wednesday morning I dropped off the ZHP to my favorite alignment guru, along with a set of brand-new Vorshlag camber plates. The problem: intermittent (road condition-dependent) steering wheel shimmy at 80 mph whether on summer or winter wheels. As it happens, the PO used the stock BMW strut plate on one side only, so the Vorshlags couldn’t be installed. Further ‘good news’ ensued: neither front strut (KW V2) has gas pressure, so I’m essentially running on springs-which may very well explain the shake at higher speeds. I am happily blessed with a first-world problem: what replacement suspension to choose. So far, I’ve come up with a short list that runs the gamut from moderately expensive to quite expensive, as listed below:
KW V3–about $1900
KW Clubsport—about $2800
Bilstein B16–About $1700, but backordered until at least the end of February
CMS Stage 1: About $3000 properly spec’d
JRZ RS-2: About $3100
Ohlins: About $2600
I liked the KW V2s I have, but wonder what their true longevity is (they came on the ZHP when I purchased it 7 years and 67,000 miles ago). Since I’ll only rarely flog the car (I.e. track or HPDEs), the Bilsteins or V3s would work; both would have lifetime warranty for me as the original purchaser, and would likely hold up to any track-type abuse to which I might subject them. Sticking with KWs would allow me to have the V2s rebuilt for use as a backup set when the V3s go, and would allow me to use the Vorshlag plates as purchased. The Clubsports appeal to me as being perhaps more durable, but they come with no warranty and may be stiffer than I’d like for a DD. CMS and JRZ are really nice, very pretty, and made in the US, but require frequent re-builds, from what I understand—plus, they’re the most expensive of my options. The Ohlins I list because they make solid products; I’m of divided opinion as to their utility in this application. Add to this that I’m planning to install rear subframe reinforcements per the M3 group buy from Australia—that will cost me about $1200 + at least the same for install—and want to put an LSD on the car before another year passes, AND will need new summer tires, too.
Thoughts, my ZHP famiglia?
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ZHPESS Suspension Refresh
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Sockethead
Why not just rebuild the V2 s and go with that?
The V2 is a great coilover for the street: very compliant at low speeds and they do what you want them to do at speed.
We had them on the 135 and they are still on there with the new owner. Going on 11 years, I believe. Had the rears rebuilt a few years back. Turnaround was pretty quick.
How fast was turnaround? I’m very car-dependent for my job; hence the question.
Also, given that the p.o. gave me none of the adjustment tools, and that there are reportedly different upper spring mounts on each side, I’m tempted to just get a new set while the old set’s being rebuilt and I’m figuring out what parts I need in order to complete the old set.
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