One of the biggest advantages of investing in shop cars is the ability for our team to test suspension options in-house. By owning both the G90 M5 Sedan and G99 M5 Touring, we have had the opportunity to evaluate nearly every solution currently available, from static lowering springs to Height Adjustable Spring (HAS) kits and full KW V4 coilovers.
Each suspension system serves a different purpose depending on the owner’s goals:
- Lowering springs: straightforward static drop with no adjustability concerns
- HAS kits: retain factory dampers and comfort settings, while still allowing height adjustment tailored to driving style and road conditions
- KW V4 coilovers: the highest level of performance adjustability, combining aggressive lowering with true motorsport functionality
The KW V4 system brings full 3-way damper adjustability to the new M5:
- Rebound (low-speed)
- Compression (low-speed)
- Compression (high-speed)
KW applies the same technology found in top-tier motorsport directly to their V4 kits. Development includes testing on KW’s in-house 7-post rig, along with extensive street and track evaluation to ensure durability, consistency, and precision.
V4 coilovers are not the ideal solution for every M5 owner. They are designed for drivers who want to extract the absolute maximum from their chassis, and who are willing to dial in rebound and compression settings to create the perfect setup for their environment. That tuning effort is rewarded with a suspension that can be optimized for everything from smooth highway cruising to aggressive track sessions.
Our goal in testing these kits internally is to give owners confidence when deciding what suspension is right for them. By putting real miles on each setup, we can provide honest feedback about how they perform on Chicago’s streets today, and how they will perform at Road America in the spring as we continue fine-tuning the G99 Touring.
KW V4 Technology in Detail
KW’s V4 technology has made its way into production cars before. The BMW M4 GTS (F82) was among the first road-going vehicles to benefit from this motorsport-derived design, and since then several German manufacturers have adopted similar high-end variants for their special models.
Now, KW V4 coilovers are available for both the G90 M5 Sedan and G99 M5 Touring. While the damping technology is the same, there are detailed differences in mounting points and design between the two applications. For both models, KW manufactures the shock absorbers for the driven axles using high-strength aluminum alloy housings, reducing weight wherever the damper does not carry wheel-locating loads. Stainless steel construction continues to be used in applications where additional structural requirements exist.
When KW refers to an adjustable suspension, they are talking specifically about damper tuning, not ride height. Stepless lowering is standard across their coilover range, including the V4.
KW V4 features:
- Independent adjustment of high-speed compression, low-speed compression, and low-speed rebound
- 13 clicks of adjustment for both compression circuits
- 16 clicks of rebound adjustment
- Continuous lowering range of 10 to 30 millimeters for both G90 and G99
- Electronic damper control cancellation modules included
This level of control allows owners to fine-tune the suspension for comfort, responsiveness, or maximum performance based on personal preference and driving conditions.
We will continue refining our setup as the weather warms and track access improves, reporting back with real-world results as we push the V4 system further. Our goal remains simple: help M5 owners understand their options and make the right choice for how they want to enjoy their car.
