5Series.net - Forums - CKS Coilover review E60/61

The group buy thread was here.....

https://5series.net/forums/group-buy...e60-xi-127983/

Member killercalf was part of the group buy. I installed the kit for him. I have since purchased the car from him. I posted this in the above linked thread, thought it would be useful information for the masses......

I would like to update this thread.....

I am the person who installed killercalf's CKS coil overs on to his car for him. (which was a complete train wreck) I have since purchased the car from him with the CKS coil overs installed. I purchased the car from him in August of 2014. I will soon be removing the CKS coil overs because they are complete junk. Let me elaborate. I installed the kit somewhere around 9/1/13.

1. The kit came with the wrong parts. The replacement parts were wrong as well. I finally had to physically take measurements and send them to "John" for them to MAKE the right parts. The front lower shock mounts and the sway bar trailer arms were completely wrong for the car. I would think this would be taken care of before SELLING the kit to people. Had I been an install shop, it would have cost Killercalf a ton of money considering how many times I had to take parts on and off the car.

2. There were absolutely no instructions of any kind for installing the kit. I know, installing a coil over kit is not rocket science, but as to what exactly was needed was a mystery. Killercalf had purchased WAY too many extra parts from BMW for the install, because it was not known what would be needed.

3. We had asked John for initial set up measurements for the shocks, then could fine tune it from there. His measurements were WAY OFF. I spent way too much time taking everything apart and putting it back together based on his measurements. An "I don't know" would have been better.

4. The build quality of the kit is TERRIBLE. The adjustable links for the rear suspension height sensors rusted and broke within 6 months of the install. Killercalf had to have the car towed to the dealership and have the stock links put back on in order to drive it.

5. Along with the links rusting and breaking, the rest of the kit is rusted and falling apart. The front sway bar links are completely covered in rust. The front shock bodies and adjustable collars are totally rusted and frozen. I think the rear shocks are shot due to them starting to bottom out on hard bumps. I attempted to adjust the rear shocks but can't because they are rusted and frozen.

We contacted John about the issue, but he would not work with us. I don't see how a kit can be completely rusted and no longer adjustable after 1.5 years of use. I have used 3 sets of BC Racing Coilovers on some of my other BMW's without an issue, and they are considerably cheaper than CKS kits.

I will be removing these for something a little more reliable.

JUNK.