E55 AMG W211 KW Coilover Kit

[SavMan]

I'm not sure where I sit on the sliding scale between Airmatic and COs. I do like how Airmatic rides most of the time. Just on certain cornering, it feels a bit wallowy in sport II. I'm sure it will stick because I remember how well a standard E36 318is gripped at Brands Hatch back in the late 90s running on standard suspension, but I just prefer the feel of the M3 setup - gives more confidence. Then again, for the number of times I drive my car like that, probably not worth it. I imagine cost will be the decider should anything happen to the existing AM on mine. Resale is so low to the ground now that it soon won't be an issue at all.

I am completely sold on it after just a few days, it rides so well not harsh at all set the fronts 9 clicks (out of 16) is a little firmer than in sport 2 setting with no crashing around at all It's the steering feel that has impressed me the most it just gives you far more confidence. This was with just spirited driving not full on as the conditions were a little difficult this week.

It reminds me of when I fitted a Quaife diff you pretty much have the feeling that this is how the car should have left the factory. Downside you obviously lose instant control of ride height and adjusting the ride height realistically means taking the wheels off. Also went on the same roads with an Airmatic CLS during the same period and it feels so soft and disconnected in comparison.

 

[JDMUK]

don't kw do a small electronic height adjuster that goes on top of the spring that will allow you to raise it? probably another 1500 for them though.

 

[ChrisA]

KW Hydraulic Lift System

The Hydraulic Lift System provides additional road clearance for lowered vehicles. When expanded, a range of up to 45mm of lift is produced, thereby helping sport cars avoid road clearance difficulties such as speed bumps, road construction, etc. KW HLS is available as a vehicle-specific solution or an individual conversion kit depending on the car model.

HLS is available in two different versions: HLS 2 which is fitted to the front axle and HLS 4 which can be attached to the front and rear axle and allows lifting the entire vehicle. The hydraulic cylinder unit is located on the coilover body between the spring perch and spring. The advantage of a hydraulic system is that there's no compression (motion) of the extended cylinder unit (resulting in no unwanted additional suspension movement) while driving.

Allows cars with low ground clearance to clear obstacles more easily
Available as a complete kit including KW coilover kit or as a conversion kit
Can be activated from inside the vehicle via an LED position-control switch or by an optional remote, thereby eliminating any need for interior wiring.
Can be activated while driving (up to 50 mph)
Fast lifting – maximum lift occurs within 4-5 seconds when using HLS 2
High-quality cylinder unit with durable aluminum construction
Sealed unit for corrosion and dirt resistance
Depending on the car type and model, KW HLS is either available as a vehicle-specific solution or as a conversion kit for KW or OEM coilover kits. KW HLS kits may utilize existing springs, or provide springs (depending on application), all associated hardware, hydraulic cylinder and control unit.

 

[John]

KW Hydraulic Lift System

The Hydraulic Lift System provides additional road clearance for lowered vehicles. When expanded, a range of up to 45mm of lift is produced, thereby helping sport cars avoid road clearance difficulties such as speed bumps, road construction, etc. KW HLS is available as a vehicle-specific solution or an individual conversion kit depending on the car model.

HLS is available in two different versions: HLS 2 which is fitted to the front axle and HLS 4 which can be attached to the front and rear axle and allows lifting the entire vehicle. The hydraulic cylinder unit is located on the coilover body between the spring perch and spring. The advantage of a hydraulic system is that there's no compression (motion) of the extended cylinder unit (resulting in no unwanted additional suspension movement) while driving.

Allows cars with low ground clearance to clear obstacles more easily
Available as a complete kit including KW coilover kit or as a conversion kit
Can be activated from inside the vehicle via an LED position-control switch or by an optional remote, thereby eliminating any need for interior wiring.
Can be activated while driving (up to 50 mph)
Fast lifting – maximum lift occurs within 4-5 seconds when using HLS 2
High-quality cylinder unit with durable aluminum construction
Sealed unit for corrosion and dirt resistance
Depending on the car type and model, KW HLS is either available as a vehicle-specific solution or as a conversion kit for KW or OEM coilover kits. KW HLS kits may utilize existing springs, or provide springs (depending on application), all associated hardware, hydraulic cylinder and control unit.

I do wonder how much it would cost though...

 

[ricky s]

I was wondering how much that bread bin of airmatic gear weighed! then how much did the KW kit weigh? Paul, Andy, you must have measured the weight? surely you did? This said, whilst I had this in mind if I still had my car, and the airmatic failed on my own, given the expense of it all, the coilover's are good a spend, but, having to take the wheels off to reset the suspension, man need someone to look at the Chris A conversation, and then Johns comment, how much is that

 

[AndyPCD]

Im sure paul did weigh the suspension kits to do a comparison.

Just had a quick look and it looks like the lift kit for just one axle would be approx £3500 and they reckon approx 8-10hrs to fit.

 

[ChrisA]

Im sure paul did weigh the suspension kits to do a comparison.

Just had a quick look and it looks like the lift kit for just one axle would be approx £3500 and they reckon approx 8-10hrs to fit.

WTF

 

[SavMan]

I do wonder how much it would cost though...

Not 100% but I think the HLS starts around £2500 upwards this is in addition to the coil over kit

 

[SavMan]

Not 100% but I think the HLS starts around £2500 upwards this is in addition to the coil over kit

I stand corrected its more than I thought there is a Lexus that was kitted out in the US and total was US$8000

 

[ricky s]

Thanks Andy, but jez, that's a whole lot of money for ageing cars. However I appreciate to repair/replace airmatic is really expensive as well, I would only consider swapping out to c/o's if my airmatic failed big time, then the big spend over the cost and weight saving, and then this adjustment thing, I really don't see people wanting to take wheels off for this, thats not for me, but whats the alternative! airmatic great thread Paul what was the weight of the bread bin?

 

[AndyPCD]

Just having a hunt around and a 4lift kit which does the front and rear for a porsche is about $11k plus the fitting. Not too sure if that comes with the coil over kit or just the lift kit on its own

 

[SavMan]

Im sure paul did weigh the suspension kits to do a comparison. Just had a quick look and it looks like the lift kit for just one axle would be approx £3500 and they reckon approx 8-10hrs to fit.

Don't have exact numbers so only of the top of my head

Airmatic struts, compressor, airbags, sensors etc weighed just over 37KG and the KW kit weighed just over 21KG but the actual saving is less than that as the lower arms of the E500 weigh more than the E55 arms and then you need front and rear top mounts from the E500. All in its around 10KG of unsprung weight.

 

[SavMan]

I was wondering how much that bread bin of airmatic gear weighed! then how much did the KW kit weigh? Paul, Andy, you must have measured the weight? surely you did? This said, whilst I had this in mind if I still had my car, and the airmatic failed on my own, given the expense of it all, the coilover's are good a spend, but, having to take the wheels off to reset the suspension, man need someone to look at the Chris A conversation, and then Johns comment, how much is that

You had better not drive one then as the difference is stunning, you will end up hooked and further away from your GTR

 

[ricky s]

You know me too well, want every thing and no money to buy anything lol! Interesting post though, just a pain in the manner to the adjustment , shame it was not designed to adjust at the head where it was easily accessed. Better you don't show me the kit or show me the car!

 

[John]

You know me too well, want every thing and no money to buy anything

I think we're all in that boat aren't we?



I want a newer E63 5.5 BT with massively uprated turbos and a Litchfield stage 5 facelift GT-R as well as a Mazda 6 T2 2.0 Auto and Audi A8 4.0TDI in gold.

Lol.

 

[ChrisA]

This could be the answer to my prayers

https://arnotteurope.com/p-4310-arnott-coil-spring-conversion-kit-webm-02-09-mercedes-benz-e-class-05-11-cls-class.aspx

 

[donshl]

This could be the answer to my prayers

https://arnotteurope.com/p-4310-arnott-coil-spring-conversion-kit-webm-02-09-mercedes-benz-e-class-05-11-cls-class.aspx

That's a very decent price! I wish they had the adjustable option too