KW automotive is constantly expanding its range of multi-adjustable coilovers for classic cars. Even for older BMWs with suspension struts with integrated steering knuckle, such as the BMW E21, E32 and E34, KW classic coilovers are available. In this case, the original front axle struts must be sent to KW for processing.
Now, the KW V3 Klassik, which can be separately adjusted in compression and rebound, as well as the KW V1 Klassik coilover suspension, which is only adjustable in ground clearance, are also available for the first series of the BMW six-series Coupé (E24). The suspension has been developed for the use of modern tire compounds in everyday use. With the modern suspension, the typical tendency to oversteer of the legendary BMW six-wheeler also sets in much later.
With the KW V3 Classic coilover suspension, the four-seater coupé drives on poorly constructed side roads with harmonious residual ride comfort. The tested lowering range of the coilover suspension is 45 to 60 millimeters on the front axle and 40 to 60 millimeters on the drive axle.
Optionally, the KW V1 Classic and KW V3 Classic suspension are also available as so-called Classic Line with black spring plates and springs. The catalog price starts at CHF 2,010.00.
Popular six-seater coupé
Until a few years ago, the classic BMW six-series coupés (E24) were only cherished as collector's items by a small circle of enthusiasts. In the last three or five years, a great demand has developed for the BMW E24 with its M30 and M88 in-line six-cylinder engines and timeless body design.
Depending on the engine and condition, the BMW E24s produced from 1975 to 1989 (1975 - 1982; 1st facelift 1982 - 1987; 2nd facelift 1987 - 1989) with their tapered front apron and twin headlights sold for top prices of over 60,000 francs.
"Many E24 drivers no longer want to settle for the driving dynamics of yesteryear, despite all their love for the coupé, which is often dubbed the 'Sharknose'," says KW Product Manager Sascha Daucher. "Even the last model years of the E24 were no longer considered up-to-date by the trade press in terms of driving dynamics. Since our KW dealers had so many requests for a modern suspension for the E24, we developed the classic suspensions for all E24 models."
Modern suspension technology for more driving pleasure
Classic car enthusiasts are often faced with the challenge that current tire compounds and the carcass structure hardly harmonize with the standard suspension of a classic car. It is becoming increasingly difficult to find tires with the technology standards of the time for sporty vehicles from the late seventies or the eighties.
In combination with the modern KW classic suspension, all BMW E24 benefit from increased driving dynamics without having to sacrifice modern driving comfort. In combination with larger alloy wheels, the wheels stay on the road even on poorly constructed secondary roads and the coupé reacts more neutrally and true to the track when cornering at speed. The typical tendency of the old six to oversteer sets in much later and is easier to control thanks to the suspension.
Modified suspension struts
When ordering the KW suspension, the original galvanized steel BMW E24 struts must be sent to KW automotive in Rotkreuz, from where they are then sent to the KW headquarters in Germany for production. In the KW suspension manufactory, the KW technicians machine the BMW struts with threaded tubes and the dampers. The machined front axle components are then tempered several times. The damper tubes and suspension struts on the drive axle are made of stainless steel.
"With our classic applications for the BMW E30 and also the Porsche 911 F and G models, we have received great feedback from the industry and above all from the countless classic car enthusiasts who have already switched to our modern suspensions," explains KW Product Manager Sascha Daucher.
With the KW dampers, which are independently adjustable in compression and rebound, it is also possible to tune the handling of all BMW E24s to personal driving requirements. "For example, the low-speed rebound, which can be adjusted with 16 clicks, has a direct influence on ride comfort and handling. When the rebound is closed, the body movements are reduced. The coupé tracks more accurately and the driver has more driving stability at high cornering speeds."
More traction and better handling
The low-speed compression stage, which can be adjusted separately with twelve clicks, increases the traction of the tires and further influences the handling. "Our dampers also use pre-configured high-speed compression valves," says the KW product manager, describing the damper design. "When driving over large transverse joints or bumps, all compression valve channels open and the piston rod can dive in. In simple terms, the wheel deflects harmoniously in the event of a bump and the tire does not lose traction even at high speeds on poor roads. This blow-off characteristic of the Klassik suspension makes sporty driving safer." The KW V1 Klassik coilover suspension does not have this valve technology, but still improves the road holding of the BMW E24.
The tested lowering range of the KW V1 and KW V3 Klassik coilover suspension is 45 to 60 millimeters on the front axle and 40 to 60 millimeters on the drive axle. The catalog price for the KW V1 Klassik coilover suspension is CHF 2,010.00, the KW V3 Klassik coilover suspension, which is independently adjustable in compression and rebound, is available for CHF 4,085.00.
Further information can be found on the KW automotive website.
