hyboost

I know a few have done the KW sleeve kit on an SQ5, but I haven't seen any write-ups on a full KW Coilover on an SQ5 yet...so here we go:

We all know that KW doesn't list a specific kit for the SQ5, but since they have one for the Q5 3.0T and overall weight and balance should be pretty close, I assumed spring rates should be ok so I went for it and ordered the V2 (along with an Alu Kreuz brace and SPC control arms)

Install was pretty straight forward. Got the car height set to 30.25" fender to floor, which was exactly 2" lower than stock for us. Alignment was within stock specs when all done. Rebound on the KW's was set to recommended settings (9 clicks from full stiff)

Ride feedback...
Car is much more balanced, not floaty at all and very flat with little or no body roll on corners. Still shows a little understeer under extreme conditions, but very predictable. Day to day driving is slightly firmer but not in a harsh way. KW's always have a very quick and precise rebound to them, so at 80mph on a highway, if you hit a hard surface change, it takes it nicely without a harsh hit you would get on other setups (I know this from experience, trying out many other coilovers on prior cars...finally landing on V3 on my ISF). If at the same speed, you encounter a smooth larger dip that could sometimes result in a bouncy feel, the SQ5 now takes it with preciseness and a quick rebound with little notice of the elevation change.

One thing to keep in mind on these is that while rebound is adjustable, you have no way to get to the adjustment *** on top when installed. So if you want to make it stiffer or softer, you have some disassembly to do.

Couldn't be happier with the overall results and most importantly, the wife is happy. This is her car so I was threatened with my life if I made it "as crazy as some of my other cars". This rides much smoother than her Cayenne with H&R springs and the look is so much more aggressive now.

Here is a before and after pic showing the new stance. Caractere flares and wide 21x10.5 (295/35/21) wheels are going on within a week or 2.




If anyone is interested in the mod, feel free to reach out to me for any questions you may have.

sdiver68

Thanks for the write-up and pics. Looks great!

USAVAGEU

I'm looking at your SQ5 and thinking it's just about what I would want .Couple of questions;
1) Did you do the install?
2) Do you live in Fl or SoCal? ( The palms in front of your house are a dead giveaway)
3) If you live on SoCal, who did the install?
(If you live in Fl, nevermind....Can't drive 6000 miles for this! Hahaha

Thanks
Ed in San Diego

hyboost

Thanks guys.
I'm in S. FL. My old man has a shop down here and his guys do all the work on my cars.

scrmorling

The pic looks really good and your write-up is very interesting and helpful. Thanks much. Steve

USAVAGEU

Yeah...I kinda thought you were in South Florida...Everything looks too green to be SoCal. I lived in Palm Beach County from '71 until '82, so I know Florida when I see it. Still have two sisters there
Thanks for the info!
Ed

Jazzy

Really curious what you experience with the 21" wheels ... please keep us posted!