KW V3 - Rubbing! Help!

A

AndrewZ4MC

Member
Hi All,

I am hoping one of you geniuss can help me.

I have just fitted some KW V3 coilovers and no matter what height I sent the fronts to the inside of the tyre significantly rubs on the spring. I have not had an alignment done yet - would this help?

The only thing I can think of is spacers but I am sure that others have fitted KW V3 with the standard 224s (which I have) and not had problems. - The other issue is I think that if I space them too much the wheel will contact the bodywork on the other side.

Any ideas?

Thanks in advance
 
That sounds odd...

I take it that its the same both sides ?

Is it definitely the correct front kit ?
 
I need spacers with my KW Clubsports and CSLs. I have 3 sets of wheels and 5, 12, 15 and 20mm spacers, so I found a setup that worked with one set of wheels then extrapolated this to the other wheels by measuring the horzontal distance from the mating face of the wheel to the inner edge of the tyre.

With my CSL road wheels, 5mm spacers all round don't rub either spring or wheel arch. With 12mm spacers the CSLs rub the front outer half of the arch liner on full lock.

The track tyres I use with semi slick tyres need no spacers all round and don't rub (but they have unusual offsets).

I've not used my OEM 224s this season as I run 'wets' on these for track days and I've been lucky with the weather. As such, I cannot remember what I calculated would work with 224s. However, I think that 5mm would probably be ok. 12mm spacers didn't rub the arch liner with OEM suspension but with 265mm rear tyres, the rears did protrude slightly from the bodywork (this won't be a problem with OEM tyre sizes). If you're running OEM tyre sizes, your best bet might be to buy some 10mm spacers and see how they are. Assuming KW V3s are similar to Clubsports, I would be surprised if that didn't solve your problem, but you may need to try 5mm spacers instead if you start to suffer with rubbing from the arch liner.
If you go on to fit H&R ARBS you'll find a similar problem and will need to fit adjustable droplinks (this is not required with Eibach springs and stock dampers).

Edit:

I presume your setup isn't rubbing on all four corners only the front?

Tyre shoulder profiles vary between brands so you may need to be a little flexible with spacers if you change tyre sizes or manufacturer.

I presume you have an ///M even though your sig states 3.0L since your name contains Z4MC and your picture is likely an ///M (but could be a modified Z4C) :tumbleweed: :lol:
 
the kw V3 uses a progressive spring in a funny shape, like a wide cone ( no helper springs needed) , its also quite bit shorter than the oem units... you will need to use a 10mm spacer to bring the wheels out alittle, but don't stress not only is this actually beneficial track widening, but the car will look better (bonus), it will be no-where NEAR the contact body or fender liner range, use a hub centric spacer which are cheap anyway and its basically like having a lower offset wheel, while your at it, space the rears 10mm to to give it a better overall look and added track their too... BTW numerous P-cars are supplied with spacers from factory, don't worry about using them :-)

The kw CS has different valving setup , helper springs and linear race springs, so a different beast all together, they also need the stock wheels to be spaced.

The stock offsets for the z4m aren't ideal at all imo.. Space the wheels and win all round or buy new wheels with more ideal offsets (overkill) :-)
 
Thanks so much for the detailed replies guys - very kind of you all to put in the time.

I will get some 10mm spacers - any recommendations for spacer types?

Thanks again
 
AndrewZ4MC said:
Thanks so much for the detailed replies guys - very kind of you all to put in the time.

I will get some 10mm spacers - any recommendations for spacer types?

Thanks again
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use the eibach ones, they are great quality and not even that expensive.. don't forget longer bolts.
 
Have a look on eBay - just make sure they are hubcentric so that the wheel is appropriately centred. You'll need longer bolts too, and therefore longer locking bolts as well. If you get them together as a set you'll be sure that they are of an appropriate length.
 
Beedub said:
AndrewZ4MC said:
Thanks so much for the detailed replies guys - very kind of you all to put in the time.

I will get some 10mm spacers - any recommendations for spacer types?

Thanks again
Click to expand...

use the eibach ones, they are great quality and not even that expensive.. don't forget longer bolts.
Click to expand...

I'm extremely happy with my Turner Motorsport spacers, really light, excellent build quality and have little pockets built in for easy release so no chance of them seizing or anything. I also converted to wheel studs instead of bolts. Much better for replacing wheels. http://www.turnermotorsport.com/c-141-turner-motorsport-bmw-wheel-spacers.aspx
 
Update - I have just fitted the spacers and have got no rubbing now!!! - Thanks very much for the advice everyone.

Now need to get the GEO done and replace the fcuking tyre that was chewed up by the shock!

Great advice as always! :thumbsup:
 
AndrewZ4MC said:
Update - I have just fitted the spacers and have got no rubbing now!!! - Thanks very much for the advice everyone.

Now need to get the GEO done and replace the fcuking tyre that was chewed up by the shock!

Great advice as always! :thumbsup:
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That doesn't sound good - I hope the shock wasn't harmed! Good to hear it solved the problem though.
 
BMWZ4MC, the shock isn't damaged thank god - just got some rubber on it and taken off some of the yellow spring coating.

Beedub, thanks for all the help on PM - I'll get pics up on Monday / Tuesday morning when I've got a big clean booked in.

monaco_blue, I used H&R 10mm spacers in the end and took Beedub's advice and spaced the backs while I was at it. I was gonna use Eibachs but couldn't get them quickly enough - very pleased with the weight (or lack of it) and quality of the H&Rs though.
 
Sorry mate - only just seen this.

Yer the car looks a lot better with Spacers - even 10mm - good advice to space the backs aswell.

Getting the Geo done on Monday - any tips for settings? still want a good road drive but would like a slightly more aggressive turn in.

I'll get some pics up on Tuesday
 
AndrewZ4MC said:
Getting the Geo done on Monday - any tips for settings? still want a good road drive but would like a slightly more aggressive turn in.
Click to expand...

Set the fronts to zero toe.

For road use, keep the rear end softer than the front for both bump and rebound and have the settings somewhere in the mid-range. At the rear, you might find setting rebound even softer than the bump setting on the same damper gives you a more comfortable yet compliant ride. At The Ring, you can go almost full stiff all round. Enjoy your trip! :thumbsup:
 
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