2011 X5M KW V3, Need Help!

[SaBzD]

hi guys, im new to the forum, and would like thank everyone for the wonderful information i have been able to acquire by reading around..

ive searched every post on this topic and done a lot of research on this topic but i cant seem to get it right..

i have a 2011 bmw x5m lowered on kw v3 coilovers, and im running 30 in from the ground to the fender on all corners, but i cant seem to get a decent ride out of the car no matter what i try..

i have started with the recommended kw settings for compression and rebound but the car feels very harsh most of the time..

my feeling is that the rear is almost a little harsher than the front no matter the settings i try..

ive tried going softer and harder but this my first time playing with adjustable coilovers and im not sure if it is something wrong on my end even though i go to full stiff and adjust from there...

any input or help would be greatly appreciated, thank you

[m5 guy]

Front:

Height - 30 inches from ground to bottom of fender
Rebound - 6 clicks from full closed
Compression - 6 clicks from full closed. This should be one full turn of the adjuster from closed. If it's not just do one full turn.

Rear:

Height - 30 inches from ground to bottom of fender
Rebound - 8 clicks from full closed
Compression - 6 clicks from full closed. This should be one full turn of the adjuster from closed. If it's not just do one full turn.

Remember these setting are from the shock set full stiff/closed then working backwards as per KW's directions.

How I count the clicks is go full closed to where it won't turn anymore. Then I go back until it rests at the first click. If you hold the adjuster gently and turn slowly you will be able to tell. That is my zero. Then I count from there.

[SaBzD]

m3guy,

ive searched through and read all of your posts, and greatly appreciate all the information you have provided, ive tried setting up exactly the way you have described in all your posts, but to me the car just feels very stiff overall, more so in the rear...

what is you experience when compared to stock? how would you compare the ride qualities of both?

thank you

[m5 guy]

I don't remember how it was stock, sorry. I've had the coilovers on for the past 40,000 miles now. It was the first big mod I did. I can say if it feels too stiff for you in the rear add an extra click or two into the rebound. This will slow it down in the rear, which might help you with your 'stiff' feeling.

Do keep in mind though this beast is not a cruiser. It will be stiff because it's supposed to be. Adding coilovers will only makes this worse. The plushest non oem ride for this car would be keeping the edc shocks and adding Dinan's springs and bump stop kits. You won't be able to go as low as the coilovers, but that may be a route worth exploring. If you are on runflats still that could be another thing adding to your stiff feeling, especially if they are old and worn.