Jun 17, 2015, 07:22 PM
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KW V2 Coil-overs E55 (Build Thread)
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,380
Likes: 64
From: Toronto
CLS63 PP
I heart this thread! I am totally onboard for this action. I had V2's on my S6 and they rocked. I often find myself staring longinly at the ebay auctions for KW's for e350's asking WHY LORD NOT ME!
Make this happen and share the info in a detailed build thread and you will be a hero to many of us....Make it work and I am not far behind you man!
Bon chance!
Make this happen and share the info in a detailed build thread and you will be a hero to many of us....Make it work and I am not far behind you man!
Bon chance!
Thread Starter
Super Moderator
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 11,664
Likes: 3
From: SoCal
W221
Thanks 
We decided to go with the E350 because it is the model that came with steel suspension and that is what the KW V2 is based off of. Hope this helps.
This set up was built for the W211 55k as per my request so I believe KW has taken that into effect. I just need to make it work. 
I'm sure. When I take certain hard turns, I lose confidence in the cars ability to take the corner. I'm more than certain that the coils will help BIG time!
Right????
No no no good sir. YOU are the man. I'm jus trying to get on your level 
Not just yet, once I get the ball moving a lil faster and can get you guys some more concrete info and pics. When it nears completion and people feel it's worthy of a sticky, I'll make it happen.
I definitely plan on makin this happen and also postin up details. (Reason why I made this thread ) There have been many who have helped me out on this forum, I'm just tryin to return the favor.
Subscribed.
Is the E350 the only option for parts? Does the E500 or 550 have a non-airmatic option?
Will the E350 parts, and I am thinking soft parts like bushings (maybe others), be rigid enough to not flex with the amount of power our cars put down?
I know there are differences between the BMW M3 and regular 3 series, with regard to bushing material and even hard part rigidity.
Just thinking out loud....
Looking forward to the results.
Thanks for taking the plunge!
Bill
Is the E350 the only option for parts? Does the E500 or 550 have a non-airmatic option?
Will the E350 parts, and I am thinking soft parts like bushings (maybe others), be rigid enough to not flex with the amount of power our cars put down?
I know there are differences between the BMW M3 and regular 3 series, with regard to bushing material and even hard part rigidity.
Just thinking out loud....
Looking forward to the results.
Thanks for taking the plunge!
Bill
Did they change the spring rates as the E55 is heavier in the front ? Also did they re-valve these ?
I love my airmatic (granted it hasn't failed at 62k)
I had 2 pretty dumped / tuned cars with coilovers and was always scraping and the ride was hard. Granted I did not have electronic damper control.
I I did it I would have to go with the electronic controllable coilovers so I could still set the suspension to soft. When trying to drink champagne rolling down the freeway
I love my airmatic (granted it hasn't failed at 62k)
I had 2 pretty dumped / tuned cars with coilovers and was always scraping and the ride was hard. Granted I did not have electronic damper control.
I I did it I would have to go with the electronic controllable coilovers so I could still set the suspension to soft. When trying to drink champagne rolling down the freeway
Right????
Not just yet, once I get the ball moving a lil faster and can get you guys some more concrete info and pics. When it nears completion and people feel it's worthy of a sticky, I'll make it happen.
I heart this thread! I am totally onboard for this action. I had V2's on my S6 and they rocked. I often find myself staring longinly at the ebay auctions for KW's for e350's asking WHY LORD NOT ME!
Make this happen and share the info in a detailed build thread and you will be a hero to many of us....Make it work and I am not far behind you man!
Bon chance!
Make this happen and share the info in a detailed build thread and you will be a hero to many of us....Make it work and I am not far behind you man!
Bon chance!
) There have been many who have helped me out on this forum, I'm just tryin to return the favor.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,336
Likes: 8
Porsche 991S, Cayenne S, 1972 BMW 3.0CS E9 Coupe
Don't get me wrong here, and I think what you're doing is great.
But the E350 handles like a POS. No matter what you do to the suspension. The steering rack is all wrong. The weight distribution is all wrong.
You can get away from airmatic and replacement costs, sure. But you won't turn this overweight sedan into a track star.
Probably better to just buy the right car in the first place, imho.
fwiw, I bought mine to have a cushy ride (I also have a rock hard Porsche and a BMW in the garage.) So the OEM ride is a good thing for me personally.
But you'll never turn this chassis into something it's not and can never be. The new W212 E63's geometry was totally redone.
Anyway congrats on the attempts and I'll stay subscribed, too
But the E350 handles like a POS. No matter what you do to the suspension. The steering rack is all wrong. The weight distribution is all wrong.
You can get away from airmatic and replacement costs, sure. But you won't turn this overweight sedan into a track star.
Probably better to just buy the right car in the first place, imho.
fwiw, I bought mine to have a cushy ride (I also have a rock hard Porsche and a BMW in the garage.) So the OEM ride is a good thing for me personally.
But you'll never turn this chassis into something it's not and can never be. The new W212 E63's geometry was totally redone.
Anyway congrats on the attempts and I'll stay subscribed, too
Thread Starter
Super Moderator
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 11,664
Likes: 3
From: SoCal
W221
Don't get me wrong here, and I think what you're doing is great.
But the E350 handles like a POS. No matter what you do to the suspension. The steering rack is all wrong. The weight distribution is all wrong.
You can get away from airmatic and replacement costs, sure. But you won't turn this overweight sedan into a track star.
Probably better to just buy the right car in the first place, imho.
fwiw, I bought mine to have a cushy ride (I also have a rock hard Porsche and a BMW in the garage.) So the OEM ride is a good thing for me personally.
But you'll never turn this chassis into something it's not and can never be. The new W212 E63's geometry was totally redone.
Anyway congrats on the attempts and I'll stay subscribed, too
But the E350 handles like a POS. No matter what you do to the suspension. The steering rack is all wrong. The weight distribution is all wrong.
You can get away from airmatic and replacement costs, sure. But you won't turn this overweight sedan into a track star.
Probably better to just buy the right car in the first place, imho.
fwiw, I bought mine to have a cushy ride (I also have a rock hard Porsche and a BMW in the garage.) So the OEM ride is a good thing for me personally.
But you'll never turn this chassis into something it's not and can never be. The new W212 E63's geometry was totally redone.
Anyway congrats on the attempts and I'll stay subscribed, too
I'm doing this because I LOVE the W211 and just want it to handle a little better. I know it'll never be a completely hardcore track car. Like you said, this is the wrong car to do that with. If I wanted better handling, I should have used a different car, but I want to be able to take the W211 on the track on some days and have some fun! 
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,916
Likes: 39
From: Northern VA
2006 E55
Thank you, thank-you, thank-you for doing this!!!!
Just want to be clear about something...KW just sent you a part number off the shelf...i.e. you are using the KW2's intended for the E350...no changes?
And, THANKS AGAIN...lol.
Just want to be clear about something...KW just sent you a part number off the shelf...i.e. you are using the KW2's intended for the E350...no changes?
And, THANKS AGAIN...lol.
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Thread Starter
Super Moderator
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 11,664
Likes: 3
From: SoCal
W221
. The meet was great! Make it to the next big socal gtg! Also, to the best of my knowledge, only the V3's have reservoir tanks. By lookin at the hardware, it isn't the normal V2 that is only available for the W211. I'm pretty certain this is the right one.
Once I have everything put in, I'm going to be in the talks with KW again to see if I can have adjustments made if any. Well have the kinks worked out.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,380
Likes: 64
From: Toronto
CLS63 PP
I was going to say that these looked like V3's cause of the remote resevoir. Still awesome to see somebody figure this out. This was actually one reason I bought a STAR becasue I always intended to perform this swap down the line.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6,759
Likes: 96
From: NH
2012 C63 BS & 2014 E63 Estate & 2008 CLK63 BS
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,916
Likes: 39
From: Northern VA
2006 E55
It was made clear to KW that this was going on a W211 E55. We discussed this a few times and this is what they sent me.
Also, to the best of my knowledge, only the V3's have reservoir tanks. By lookin at the hardware, it isn't the normal V2 that is only available for the W211. I'm pretty certain this is the right one.
Once I have everything put in, I'm going to be in the talks with KW again to see if I can have adjustments made if any. Well have the kinks worked out.
Also, to the best of my knowledge, only the V3's have reservoir tanks. By lookin at the hardware, it isn't the normal V2 that is only available for the W211. I'm pretty certain this is the right one.
Once I have everything put in, I'm going to be in the talks with KW again to see if I can have adjustments made if any. Well have the kinks worked out.
Very good news indeed!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,728
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta
CTSV/6sp Grocery Getter
You can get away from airmatic and replacement costs, sure. But you won't turn this overweight sedan into a track star.
Probably better to just buy the right car in the first place, imho.
But you'll never turn this chassis into something it's not and can never be. The new W212 E63's geometry was totally redone
Probably better to just buy the right car in the first place, imho.
But you'll never turn this chassis into something it's not and can never be. The new W212 E63's geometry was totally redone
, we just have to MAKE it handle lol.The W212 may have better suspension geometry, but it still looks like a Hyundai
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 781
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From: Bay Area, CA
E55 AMG, 72' Toyota Carina, 63' Ford F100, 72' Mercedes 250c, 15' Harley Davidson Softail
Thread Starter
Super Moderator
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 11,664
Likes: 3
From: SoCal
W221
Thanks!
Hopefully once this thread is done, it'll give you a guideline on how to finish your project.
Far from it my friend...far from it...
A TT E55 would be nice...
That would be game over!!!
I must admit that I love this forum too. Always full of VERY knowledgeable people and also a lot of people willing to help out others!
No problem!
That would be nice. Just in time for the weekend.
Must admit that the W211 is still one of best lookin cars out right now. I am ever so slowly warming up to the W212's though.
Tell me about it. I've been tingling inside ever since the thought of adding coils to the 211 55k. It's been quite a long time for me. 
Far from it my friend...far from it...
That would be game over!!!
That would be nice. Just in time for the weekend.
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
"Benzoboi" were you the same owner of that killer wide bodied w210 a few years ago??
If so im so not surprised that you upgraded to this and it just confirms that im headed in the right direction(cos i'm in the market for a 55 as well)
Please please document the heck out of this for us guys....I've always theorized that converting these beast from airmatics would be the way to go long term..especially at the rate "extended warranties" are refusing to work on them at an alarming rate, Thats whats scared/kept me away for soooo long.
Good luck with it...hope someone stickys this!!!! and please keep us all posted.
If so im so not surprised that you upgraded to this and it just confirms that im headed in the right direction(cos i'm in the market for a 55 as well)
Please please document the heck out of this for us guys....I've always theorized that converting these beast from airmatics would be the way to go long term..especially at the rate "extended warranties" are refusing to work on them at an alarming rate, Thats whats scared/kept me away for soooo long.
Good luck with it...hope someone stickys this!!!! and please keep us all posted.
