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Who has substantial mileage on a non airmatic setup?
I continue to get the suspension height warning after EC Canada couldn't figure it out. I am feeling the need to trash the airmatic for piece of mind & some better action around the corners.
Main concern is squeaking but a few forum members have suggested OEM spring perches to deal with that. Secondary concern is what kind of mileage you can expect out of a set?
Any long term reviews? Also note I drive mine in the winter so any spring/strut combo is gonna get a 3 month blast of salt annually.
I just installed BC coilover last week... so far no squeaking and ride OK.... about the same as Airmatic Sport1. I am still playing with it but so far so good.
My car had KW V2 coil overs when I bought it 4 years ago. I have put 50K miles on it since & have no complaints. Yes, the ride is stiffer than stock, but I like it that way. I haven't noticed any appreciable squeaking (outside of ball joints & other suspension "consumables"). A full set of coil overs is around the price of 1 airmatic strut & virtually maintenance free. Definitely the way to go.
KW V2s are ~$2,000 - I wouldn't choose any of the lower end options personally, too much compromise in ride quality compared to a mid-range coilover like the V2. Coilovers do require rebuilds, I think if you got 50k miles out of a set that would be great - but don't be surprised if you need a rebuild after 25k miles. A rebuild by KW is about $700 including shipping.
I think the cost to replace the coilovers is a breakeven when compared to Airmatic, benefit being a better handling setup.
I've never had too many issues with coilovers squeaking on any other cars. It seems like most people's squeaks come from low quality strut top bearings. When I've run higher end strut tops they've been trouble free for years.
Reviving this thread and would like to hear about some more experiences. My car is up on jackstands and done for the winter. Rear bags took a crap while on vacation. Trying to decide on Arnott vs coilovers but so torn. I think the parts list or risk list is as follows:
coilover list
Bc coilovers $1,000
rear e350 arms $300
new oem strut mounts $150?
airmatic list
Arnott bags $450 ea
compressor - I think mine is fried along with a leak $375
struts still need to be replaced iirc $375 ea?
I've been driving on my BC Racing coilovers for about 6 months. Now that I have the bugs worked out I REALLY like them.
My main problem was self-induced. When installing the new rear lower control arms, you must torque the inner bolts while the car is AT RIDE HEIGHT. I had torqued mine while the suspension was in full droop and it causes the ride to be very "bouncy" because the bushings are being stretched beyond their design limits. Once I got that fixed and played around with ride height and rebound settings I have it dialed-in very nicely. I think I'm running somewhere around 18 clicks on the adjusters and ride height is similar to airmatic in lowered mode.
The coilovers along with getting the camber set near zero in the front and rear, as well as going to Michelin PSS (265 up front; 295 out back) on Forgestar 18" wheels really makes the car feel much more connected and controllable.
I have the Arnott air to coil conversion and love it best system I think out them its bout inbetween comfort and sport 1 I do miss some the air stuff but it rides great and is amazing in corners.
Also PMed you bout my new rear air bags and compressor if it helps you out
I would be hesitant to purchase a coilover setup that is not rebuild-able. BC are, although we also sell the KW which are not. BC gets our recommendation 10 times out of 10
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