KONI FSD saved my '00 E55
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'00 E55, 05 C55, '99 328i
KONI FSD saved my '00 E55
I've owned my '00 E55 since January 2004, and had every now and then been tempted to sell it even though I've only driven the car approximately 5000 miles during that time. Part of my ambivalence had to do with the suspension, yet I was always concerned about dramatically changing the character of the car by playing around with some aftermarket suspension that would make the ride too harsh, or require cambers (I still don't know what those are) etc. Basically, I got the sense that tweaking suspension could be hit or miss.
Eventually, I took a first step and had my springs cut and also went to #1 spring pads all around. The result was a noticeable improvement; however, it was not dramatic. About 2 years ago I bought new KONI FSDs - they had to be ordered from Belgium. I had them sitting around in my garage, and even offered them for sale bundled with my car when I tried selling my car.
Well, I installed them yesterday and the wallowing ride is gone! The car feels a million times more planted, the ride is just the right degree and kind of firm, and yet the car absorbs road bumps and potholes a lot better. In sum, it's a better handling and more assured ride , yet a more comfortable one. I'm glad I held on to the car and the shocks. I feel like I just bought a new car!!!
Eventually, I took a first step and had my springs cut and also went to #1 spring pads all around. The result was a noticeable improvement; however, it was not dramatic. About 2 years ago I bought new KONI FSDs - they had to be ordered from Belgium. I had them sitting around in my garage, and even offered them for sale bundled with my car when I tried selling my car.
Well, I installed them yesterday and the wallowing ride is gone! The car feels a million times more planted, the ride is just the right degree and kind of firm, and yet the car absorbs road bumps and potholes a lot better. In sum, it's a better handling and more assured ride , yet a more comfortable one. I'm glad I held on to the car and the shocks. I feel like I just bought a new car!!!
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From: DC Metro
W210 E55, W211 E3504M, E90 325i
KONI FSDs generally gives you the best ride (out of the usual popular aftermarket choices). Eibach Pro-Kit springs work well with them.
Good review, thanks for sharing. I'm planning out for spring/shocks soon.
Good review, thanks for sharing. I'm planning out for spring/shocks soon.
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 170
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From: MD
2008 EVO X GSR
I've owned my '00 E55 since January 2004, and had every now and then been tempted to sell it even though I've only driven the car approximately 5000 miles during that time. Part of my ambivalence had to do with the suspension, yet I was always concerned about dramatically changing the character of the car by playing around with some aftermarket suspension that would make the ride too harsh, or require cambers (I still don't know what those are) etc. Basically, I got the sense that tweaking suspension could be hit or miss.
Eventually, I took a first step and had my springs cut and also went to #1 spring pads all around. The result was a noticeable improvement; however, it was not dramatic. About 2 years ago I bought new KONI FSDs - they had to be ordered from Belgium. I had them sitting around in my garage, and even offered them for sale bundled with my car when I tried selling my car.
Well, I installed them yesterday and the wallowing ride is gone! The car feels a million times more planted, the ride is just the right degree and kind of firm, and yet the car absorbs road bumps and potholes a lot better. In sum, it's a better handling and more assured ride , yet a more comfortable one. I'm glad I held on to the car and the shocks. I feel like I just bought a new car!!!
Eventually, I took a first step and had my springs cut and also went to #1 spring pads all around. The result was a noticeable improvement; however, it was not dramatic. About 2 years ago I bought new KONI FSDs - they had to be ordered from Belgium. I had them sitting around in my garage, and even offered them for sale bundled with my car when I tried selling my car.
Well, I installed them yesterday and the wallowing ride is gone! The car feels a million times more planted, the ride is just the right degree and kind of firm, and yet the car absorbs road bumps and potholes a lot better. In sum, it's a better handling and more assured ride , yet a more comfortable one. I'm glad I held on to the car and the shocks. I feel like I just bought a new car!!!
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'00 E55, 05 C55, '99 328i
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'00 E55, 05 C55, '99 328i
Hmmm. Now I'm tempted to do the H&R springs, for an even firmer ride. Did you have any problems with camber or alignment from your setup? Thanks.
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Joined: Apr 2008
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From: MD
2008 EVO X GSR
Initially I had negative camber in the back, enough to rip through rear tires in about 10-15,000 miles.
But now I have camber bolts in the front, which i got from the dealer and adjustable trailing arms in the rear from speedy benz, www.speedybenz.com, which together completely corrected my alignment issues.
If you need a camber kit in the front, the only one I have seen is from kmac.
I think some people get lucky and don't need anything to fix their alignment though
....I never only replaced the shocks, but the ride compared to how it rode a while ago when I had the old/stock suspension is a night and day difference. The car feels much more comfortable up top, way up top and through turns the body roll is significantly lessened. But still is more than comfortable for a non-spirited drive. It was a very nice improvement overall.
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 115
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'00 E55, 05 C55, '99 328i
You may need camber bolts in the front or even a camber kit, the rear you may need adjustable trailing arms.
Initially I had negative camber in the back, enough to rip through rear tires in about 10-15,000 miles.
But now I have camber bolts in the front, which i got from the dealer and adjustable trailing arms in the rear from speedy benz, www.speedybenz.com, which together completely corrected my alignment issues.
If you need a camber kit in the front, the only one I have seen is from kmac.
I think some people get lucky and don't need anything to fix their alignment though ....
I never only replaced the shocks, but the ride compared to how it rode a while ago when I had the old/stock suspension is a night and day difference. The car feels much more comfortable up top, way up top and through turns the body roll is significantly lessened. But still is more than comfortable for a non-spirited drive. It was a very nice improvement overall.
Initially I had negative camber in the back, enough to rip through rear tires in about 10-15,000 miles.
But now I have camber bolts in the front, which i got from the dealer and adjustable trailing arms in the rear from speedy benz, www.speedybenz.com, which together completely corrected my alignment issues.
If you need a camber kit in the front, the only one I have seen is from kmac.
I think some people get lucky and don't need anything to fix their alignment though
....I never only replaced the shocks, but the ride compared to how it rode a while ago when I had the old/stock suspension is a night and day difference. The car feels much more comfortable up top, way up top and through turns the body roll is significantly lessened. But still is more than comfortable for a non-spirited drive. It was a very nice improvement overall.
