KW Coilover suspension V3 inox (incl. deactivation for electronic dampers) - BMW 1 Series F20 M140i
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KW V3 Coilovers with Electronic Damper Deactivation – BMW 1 Series F20 M140i
The KW V3 Coilovers for the BMW F20 M140i are a premium suspension upgrade for drivers who want adjustable ride height with independently adjustable compression and rebound damping.
This version is intended for vehicles equipped with factory electronic dampers and includes the required deactivation solution, allowing the original adaptive suspension to be replaced while preventing the car from continuing to expect signals from the factory dampers.
With KW’s stainless-steel INOX-LINE construction, advanced damping adjustment and vehicle-specific tuning, the V3 is ideal for fast-road and occasional track-focused M140i builds where greater setup control is a priority.
Why choose KW V3 for your BMW M140i?
The F20 M140i responds particularly well to chassis upgrades, especially when running higher-grip tyres, increased power or more performance-focused alignment settings.
The KW V3 gives significantly more setup flexibility than the V1 or V2 by allowing compression and rebound damping to be adjusted independently.
This means the suspension can be fine-tuned around road conditions, tyre choice, driving style and intended use rather than relying on a fixed or rebound-only setup.
For M140i owners who want a premium road-focused coilover with meaningful damping control, the V3 is one of the most versatile options in the KW range.
Key Features
- KW V3 coilover suspension
- BMW F20 M140i application
- Electronic damper deactivation included
- Designed for applicable adaptive-damper equipped vehicles
- Adjustable ride height
- Independent compression and rebound adjustment
- Vehicle-specific spring and damper tuning
- KW INOX-LINE stainless-steel construction
- Improved body control and chassis response
- Road, fast-road and occasional track capability
- Corrosion-resistant construction
- Premium KW suspension system
Independent Compression & Rebound Adjustment
The defining feature of the KW V3 is its independently adjustable compression and rebound damping.
Rebound controls how quickly the suspension extends after being compressed.
Increasing rebound damping can provide stronger body control and a more settled feel during braking, cornering and changes of direction, while reducing rebound can allow the suspension to move more freely over rougher roads.
Compression damping influences how the suspension reacts as load is applied, particularly during braking, acceleration, cornering and surface changes.
Because the two can be adjusted separately, the V3 provides much greater freedom to fine-tune the behaviour of the M140i.
Electronic Damper Deactivation Included
This version of the KW V3 is intended for BMW F20 M140i models equipped with factory electronic damping.
When the original electronically controlled dampers are replaced with conventional KW V3 coilovers, the factory adaptive damping function can no longer operate.
The included deactivation solution is designed to prevent suspension-related warning messages caused by removal of the original electronic dampers.
Once converted, the factory adaptive damper adjustment will no longer be available.
Adjustable Ride Height
The KW V3 allows the ride height of the BMW F20 M140i to be adjusted within the approved application-specific range.
This allows owners to:
- Reduce arch gap
- Achieve a more purposeful stance
- Fine-tune front-to-rear ride height
- Adjust the setup around wheel and tyre fitment
- Lower the vehicle while maintaining a complete matched spring and damper system
Ride height should still be selected with suspension travel, tyre clearance and geometry in mind.
For performance-focused builds, suspension setup should prioritise usable travel and geometry rather than simply lowering the car as far as possible.
KW INOX-LINE Stainless-Steel Construction
The KW V3 uses KW’s INOX-LINE stainless-steel strut construction.
This provides strong resistance to corrosion and helps keep the threaded height-adjustment areas serviceable over the long term when properly maintained.
For an M140i that sees regular road use throughout the year, this is an important advantage over lower-cost galvanised steel systems.
BMW F20 M140i Suspension Upgrade
The M140i combines strong engine performance with a capable rear-wheel-drive chassis, making it a strong platform for suspension development.
The KW V3 works particularly well alongside upgrades such as:
- Performance or semi-slick tyres
- Uprated suspension bushes
- Adjustable suspension arms
- Chassis bracing
- Rear subframe upgrades
- Limited-slip differential
- Upgraded braking systems
- Performance alignment settings
As tyre grip and engine performance increase, the additional damping control offered by the V3 becomes increasingly useful.
KW V2 vs KW V3
The KW V2 and V3 both provide adjustable ride height and premium INOX-LINE stainless-steel construction.
The main difference is damping adjustment.
The V2 provides adjustable rebound damping while compression is fixed.
The V3 adds independent compression adjustment, giving the driver significantly more control over how the car reacts during braking, cornering and acceleration.
For mainly road use where simplicity is important, the V2 is an excellent option.
For drivers who want greater tuning potential, the V3 is the more advanced choice.
KW V3 vs KW V3 Clubsport
The standard KW V3 is primarily designed as a premium road and fast-road suspension system with enough adjustability for occasional track use.
The V3 Clubsport takes a more track-focused approach, using a more aggressive spring and damper setup and, where specified, adjustable top mounts for increased geometry adjustment.
For a predominantly road-driven M140i, the standard V3 is generally the more suitable option.
For regular track use, high-grip tyres and more aggressive alignment requirements, the V3 Clubsport provides additional scope for chassis optimisation.
Road, Fast-Road & Occasional Track Use
The KW V3 is particularly well suited to:
- Daily-driven BMW M140i models
- Fast-road builds
- Owners wanting independent damping adjustment
- Cars running performance tyres
- Higher-powered M140i builds
- Occasional track-day use
For dedicated or regular circuit use, a KW Clubsport system may be more appropriate.
Professional Installation & Alignment
Professional installation is strongly recommended for the KW V3, particularly where the original electronic dampers are being removed.
The included deactivation components should be installed correctly alongside the new coilover system.
Once fitted, the vehicle should receive a full four-wheel alignment so that toe, camber and other geometry settings can be checked following the change in ride height.
For more performance-focused builds, corner weighting and a more aggressive geometry setup may also be worthwhile.
Maintenance
Although the INOX-LINE stainless-steel construction provides excellent corrosion resistance, the suspension should still be maintained regularly.
Threaded adjustment areas, spring platforms and damping adjusters should be kept clean, particularly on cars exposed to winter road salt and contamination.
Regular inspection helps keep the suspension adjustable and ensures the damper controls remain easy to operate.
BMW F20 M140i Compatibility
This KW V3 kit is intended for applicable BMW F20 M140i models equipped with factory electronic dampers.
Please confirm your exact vehicle specification and suspension configuration before ordering.
If your M140i does not have electronic dampers, a different KW V3 application may be required.
If you're unsure which kit your car needs, contact us and we'll help identify the correct application.
What's Included?
The KW V3 kit is supplied as a complete vehicle-specific suspension system for the applicable BMW F20 M140i, including:
- KW V3 dampers
- Vehicle-specific springs
- Height-adjustment components
- Compression damping adjustment
- Rebound damping adjustment
- Electronic damper deactivation solution
- Relevant installation components
Exact contents can vary depending on the selected application.
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