Machining of the original struts is no longer required when upgrading to KW Classic suspensions or KW Classic coilover kits for the Audi 80 and Audi 90 Type 89, BMW E30 (including M3) as well as Porsche 911 (F and G Body).
Original Audi 100 series strut 
Series strut from Porsche 911 (G Body) 
VW Golf 7 series strut
Many classic cars have suspension concepts from a completely different era. At first glance, the front struts of an Audi 100 (C2), BMW E30, Porsche 911 (G Body) or VW Golf Mk 7 may look as if they were built completely differently. In principle, however, all four examples follow the same basic MacPherson strut design.
The difference lies less in the basic concept and more in the way the strut is integrated into the overall axle and how suspension development has evolved over the decades.
Strut Construction: Then and Now
On the Audi 100 C2 or Audi 80 B2 from the late 1970s, for example, the strut is conceived very much as a mechanical component that combines several functions in one. The strut tube is a load-bearing structural part, often containing a replaceable damper cartridge.
The steering knuckle is frequently welded directly to the strut or very tightly integrated. This creates a robust, relatively simple construction with few interfaces. Elastic decoupling elements were far less pronounced back then, so forces and noise were transmitted more directly into the body. The suspension is noticeably less comfort-oriented than modern setups.
On modern vehicles such as today’s VW Golf 7, the strut is built much more modularly. The steering knuckle is a separate component that is bolted to the strut. Top mounts and rubber-metal elements are significantly more complex in order to isolate noise and vibrations.
The strut is optimised far more for comfort and precision and integrated into a platform architecture. It looks slimmer and “more modern”, but basically performs the same task as on the old Audi.
A similar development path can be observed across all the models. The BMW E30 also uses MacPherson struts at the front with a very mechanical character. The steering knuckle and strut are heavily integrated, the mounting is relatively direct, and the driving feel is very mechanical and unfiltered.
By contrast, on its successor, the BMW E36, the strut is already part of a much more complex front axle with separate aluminium or steel components, finely tuned rubber bushes and clearly defined kinematics.
What Makes KW Classic Suspensions Special: Modern Damping Technology
The big advantage over old replacement damper cartridges with “technology from yesteryear” is that with all our KW Classic applications we use our modern damper technology.
Drivers of our KW V3 Classic coilover suspension are surprised how pleasant the ride comfort remains even with a sporty drop. This is made possible by the use of two-stage valves that are also adjustable.
In addition to the adjustable low-speed valves, preloaded high-speed damping valves are used in both the compression and rebound stage valves. These valves only open under strong compression or high vertical accelerations – for example when driving over bumps – and therefore allow harmonious compression whether the car is loaded or unloaded.
This blow-off function of the high-speed valves in compression and rebound comes into its own especially on uneven roads, provides even better damping and further increases residual ride comfort. It works perfectly at maximum payload as well as at maximum lowering.
We equip even old strut designs of legendary vehicles with these adjustable dampers in compression and rebound – from the Audi Ur-quattro and Datsun Z to the BMW E24 and many more. For this, our specialist dealers and we need the original front struts for the conversion. A relatively long machining process. But there is another way.
Due to the astonishingly high demand for our KW Classic suspensions for the Porsche 911 F Body and G Body built between 1973 and 1989 and the rear-wheel-drive BMW E30 built between 1982 and 1994, we now produce these KW Classic coilovers as ready-to-install complete solutions. For the BMW E30 (including M3) and Porsche 911 F- and G-Models, you no longer need to send us the original front struts.
For these models we have new steering knuckles forged and can therefore offer a ready-to-install complete solution. This eliminates the time-consuming machining of the original parts.
By the way: if you drive a rare BMW 325 iX (E30 with all-wheel drive), you still need to send us the original front struts. Our colleagues in production will then machine them. If you wish, you can still send us the front struts of your rear-wheel-drive BMW E30 for machining and save a little compared with our solution featuring forged steering knuckles.
We have already had KW Classic suspensions in our range for the Audi 80 and Audi 90 Type 89 for some time. Here too, sending in original parts is no longer necessary. We manufacture the complete front strut including all mounting hardware for the Type 89 Audi 80 entirely from stainless steel.
If you have any questions about our KW Classic suspensions, you can meet us at the usual classic car shows such as the Retro Classics in Stuttgart or simply visit our KW suspensions brand website: www.kwsuspensions.com/de-en
