KW V3's and Winter - Anyone?

[S4V8]

Looking at upgrading the suspension in the RS4. I drive the car year round and live in Canada = Snow/Salt. Any RS4 owner's running KW V3's and driving there car in the winter? How is the suspension holding up?

[koolade9]

I have the motorsports and have driven in the snow quite a bit with it...turn the dampers down and it's great

[RAudi Driver]

S4V8, the KW's will probably handle the elements better than the aluminum Motorsports. When I installed my Motorsports, the instructions recommended spraying them with Boshield. That being said, I think that the KW's are a better choice. Check out their website and see the salt test that they put their suspension trough.

[S4V8]

S4V8, the KW's will probably handle the elements better than the aluminum Motorsports. When I installed my Motorsports, the instructions recommended spraying them with Boshield. That being said, I think that the KW's are a better choice. Check out their website and see the salt test that they put their suspension trough.

This is why I was asking. A vendor had told me that the KW Variant series have been tested for winter conditions, this inlcuded salt.

[RAudi Driver]

http://www.kw-suspension.com/us/kw_inox_line.php

[S4V8]

http://www.kw-suspension.com/us/kw_inox_line.php

WoW! Thanks for this! Kw V3's it is for my RS4 :)

[koolade9]

S4V8, the KW's will probably handle the elements better than the aluminum Motorsports. When I installed my Motorsports, the instructions recommended spraying them with Boshield. That being said, I think that the KW's are a better choice. Check out their website and see the salt test that they put their suspension trough.

fyi: the boeshield is primarily for lube...the corrosion protection is an added bonus...try adjusting a dry set and you'll see what I mean. over 60k on my motorsports, driven in all weather conditions and zero signs of corrosion (w/out using boeshield).

OP, good choice on the v3s, you'll love the car with a well sorted suspension

[RAudi Driver]

^^ Koolade, I'm gonna have to disagree with you here. I'll say that you are right in the fact that it is a lubricant, but it is just as much a protectant as it is a lubricant.

[koolade9]

Yes, boesheild does accomplish both things...but it doesn't stay on the damper forever. I'd challenge you to find a set of corroded motorsports... Remember, these are Ohlins LMJ dampers...this isn't their first rodeo. The test by KW was conducted almost a decade ago...and I'd be willing to bet Ohlins products weren't in their test group...Not saying KW is bad by any means...just don't de-value the Ohlins without any basis to do so.

[RAudi Driver]

I didn't think I devalued the Ohlins but if you think I did, then ok.

OP, call Stasis and ask them what they recommend. They recommended that I spray my suspension with Boshield. I've sprayed them twice since I've owned them. You've probably seen how they look in other threads. Remember that they are aluminum bodies and not Stainless like the V3's. That being said, I think that the V3's will require less maintenance than the Motorsports, which should be protected with Boshield.

[dparm]

You just need to be cognizant of the fact that the car will rotate more freely on that suspension. It's going to be easier to overdrive in nasty snow. 4WD helps, yes, but it does not make you indestructible.

If the system is adjustable, I'd soften it way up and/or bring the ride height up a bit (so you don't plow).

[richib86]

ive been using kw v3's every season since 2004 and ive never had an issue. never readjusted for the winter, never an ounce of corrosion and never a single complaint

[Retsujou]

Any reason why you are changing out suspension?

[richib86]

Any reason why you are changing out suspension?

uh oh... here it comes lol

[Retsujou]

uh oh... here it comes lol

Well I live in the salt/winter area of Canada, just like him, so I just want to know why. I am curious. I guess for a visual drop? I recall the OP saying that he did not plan on hardcore tracking the car so there is no need for an aftermarket suspension really. Considering that harsh Winters we can get an potential issues with that.

[koolade9]

uh oh... here it comes lol

this...

[whartung]

uh oh... here it comes lol

haha

[S4V8]

Any reason why you are changing out suspension?

I do plan to take the car for a lapping session or two next summer. I've been looking into driving schools etc. Not going to lie, I also want to do this for looks, I have always added aftermarket suspension to any vehicle I have ever owned. That said, I am not looking to "Slam" the car, just a subtle drop to fill in the fender well gap.

[richib86]

^^^nothing wrong with that