Introduction

In 1995, the automotive aftermarket landscape changed forever. At the Essen Motor Show in Germany, a small company introduced something the industry had never seen before: continuously height-adjustable coilover suspensions with full road legality. That company was KW automotive, and that innovation sparked a revolution that would span three decades.

Today, KW automotive stands as the global market leader in individual suspension systems, employing over 900 people across 13 locations worldwide. What started with nine suspension applications for four vehicles has exploded into nearly 30,000 aftermarket suspension solutions for more than 2,500 vehicles. From street cars to World Rally Championship racers, KW's engineering excellence has become the benchmark for performance, quality, and innovation.

This is the story of how frustration with mediocre products led to an engineering legacy that continues to set industry standards.

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Key Takeaways

• KW automotive celebrated 30 years of coilover suspension innovation at Essen Motor Show 2025

• The company evolved from a small retail shop to a global suspension leader with 900+ employees

• KW introduced the first road-legal, continuously height-adjustable coilovers in 1995

• The brand now offers nearly 30,000 suspension applications across 2,500+ vehicle models

• KW supplies suspension systems to major automakers including BMW, Porsche, Mercedes, and Audi

• All KW suspensions are manufactured to order with a 95% vertical manufacturing range

• The company's multi-brand portfolio includes ST Suspensions, Reiger, BBS, and Belltech

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Table of Contents

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From Frustration to Innovation: The KW Origin Story

Every great innovation begins with a problem that needs solving. For Klaus Wohlfarth, founder of KW automotive, that problem was simple: the suspension products available in the early 1990s simply weren't good enough.

In 1992, Wohlfarth founded KW Tuning, a retail store specializing in sporty car accessories—everything from Selm sports steering wheels and bucket seats to suspension kits and alloy wheels. As someone passionate about vehicle performance and customer satisfaction, he quickly became frustrated with the quality inconsistencies and unfulfilled promises of existing suspension products on the market.

Rather than accept mediocrity, Wohlfarth took matters into his own hands. Working alongside friends and engineers, he began developing a height-adjustable suspension system that would actually deliver on its promises. After extensive material strength testing, endurance trials, and installation validation, the first KW coilover suspension earned its German parts certificate—a crucial seal of approval for road legality.

The debut at the 1995 Essen Motor Show was nothing short of revolutionary. The response was overwhelming, and it became immediately clear that KW Tuning had created something the market desperately needed. This success prompted a strategic pivot: KW would focus entirely on developing and manufacturing coilover suspensions.

By 1998, KW Tuning had evolved into KW automotive, setting the foundation for what would become a global powerhouse in suspension technology.

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Technological Milestones That Changed the Industry

KW's three-decade journey is marked by relentless innovation. The company didn't just enter the suspension market—it consistently redefined what was possible.

The KW V3: A Game-Changing Breakthrough (2001)

In 2001, KW introduced the V3 coilover suspension, a technological leap that transformed expectations for aftermarket suspensions. The V3 featured separately adjustable dampers in both compression and rebound stages, utilizing a two-stage valve design that combined preloaded fixed high-speed valves with adjustable low-speed valves.

For the first time, drivers didn't have to choose between maximum lowering and ride comfort—they could have both. This innovation laid the groundwork for KW's five- and six-way tunable systems that would follow.

KW Solid Piston Technology (2017)

Originally developed for motorsport applications, KW's Solid Piston technology represents another quantum leap in damper engineering. Unlike conventional systems where the working piston is flooded by damper fluid, Solid Piston technology keeps the piston dry. Instead, it pushes the oil column directly into a separate valve carrier.

The result? Significantly higher damping forces and dramatically improved vehicle handling characteristics, all while maintaining durability and consistency.

Additional Innovations That Define KW

 

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KW's Partnership with Global Automakers and Motorsport

What truly validates KW's engineering prowess isn't just aftermarket success—it's the trust placed in them by the world's most prestigious automotive manufacturers.

Original Equipment Partnerships

KW automotive has become the suspension partner of choice for high-performance and limited-edition vehicles from brands including:

• BMW: M4 GTS

• Ford: Fiesta ST Edition

• Mercedes-Benz: AMG GT R Pro, Maybach G 650 Landaulet

• Porsche: Various GT models

• Rimac: Nevera hypercar

• Toyota: GR Supra A90 Final Edition

The relationship began over 20 years ago with special models like the Dodge Viper SRT10 ACR and the first AMG Black Series vehicles. Today, KW supplies suspensions offered as factory options by multiple automakers, a testament to their engineering credibility.

Motorsport Dominance

KW Racing dampers have been homologated for elite racing series worldwide, including:

GT3/GT4 Racing:

• Lamborghini SC63, Temerario GT3 (2026)

• Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3 Evo, GT4 Evo

• BMW M4 GT3 Evo, M2 Racing (2026)

• Porsche 911 GT3 R, 718 Cayman GT4 RS Clubsport

• Toyota GR Supra GT4 Evo 2

Rally and Off-Road: Through the Reiger Suspension brand, KW competes in:

• World Rally Championship (WRC)

• Dakar Rally

• Motocross championships

These partnerships with Manthey, Aston Martin, BMW, Porsche, and Toyota demonstrate that when milliseconds and millimeters matter, the world's best turn to KW.

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German Engineering Excellence: Development and Manufacturing

KW automotive doesn't just manufacture suspensions—they engineer complete suspension solutions from the ground up.

Virtual Development and Simulation

Before a single prototype is built, KW's 80+ engineers, technicians, and mechanics use advanced virtual development tools to design chassis systems and simulate damper forces. This approach allows for optimization before physical testing begins, reducing development time and ensuring precision.

Vertical Dynamics Test Rig

For nearly 20 years, KW has operated a vertical dynamics test rig—a facility virtually unheard of among aftermarket suspension manufacturers. This sophisticated equipment allows engineers to validate suspension performance under controlled, repeatable conditions, ensuring every product meets exacting standards.

Adaptive Suspension Expertise

KW automotive is the only suspension manufacturer in the performance aftermarket segment to develop and manufacture adaptive coilover suspensions complete with proprietary:

• Control units

• Sensors

• Software control algorithms

• Real-time autonomous damper adjustment

The company is also a major player in artificial intelligence for suspension control systems, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in vehicle dynamics.

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Built-to-Order Precision: The Fichtenberg Advantage

What sets KW apart from every other suspension manufacturer isn't just what they make—it's how they make it.

Batch Size of One

When a customer anywhere in the world orders a KW suspension through a dealer, production begins at the Fichtenberg, Germany headquarters. Every suspension is manufactured individually to order, whether it's:

• ST coilover springs

• KW V5 Clubsport coilover suspension

• Reiger aftermarket off-road damper

• Original equipment for automotive manufacturers

Unmatched Manufacturing Flexibility

KW's production facility processes include:

• Suspension strut and housing production

• Damper assembly

• Spring coating

• Final suspension assembly

With a vertical manufacturing range of 95%, KW controls nearly every aspect of production in-house. Depending on the suspension type and damping technology used, more than 85 production steps may be required to complete a single unit.

The result? Approximately 500 individual suspensions produced daily, with around 480 of them for completely different vehicles. No other manufacturer of individual chassis solutions worldwide can match this combination of speed, precision, and customization.

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Multi-Brand Strategy and Global Expansion

KW automotive's success isn't limited to a single brand. The company has grown strategically through acquisitions and partnerships, creating a comprehensive portfolio of suspension and automotive performance brands.

The KW Automotive Family

Strategic Growth Timeline

• 2001: Acquisition of Weichert Fahrzeugteile (Weitec suspension brand)

• 2005: Addition of ST Suspensions and Belltech during US expansion

• Recent years: Acquisition of Reiger Suspension, BBS, and AL-KO Damping Technology (now KW Damping Technology)

This multi-brand approach allows KW automotive to serve diverse customer segments while maintaining engineering excellence across all product lines.

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Why KW Coilovers Matter for Automotive Enthusiasts

The global automotive enthusiast community continues to grow, with passionate drivers who modify everything from Japanese tuner cars to European performance machines. For these drivers, suspension quality isn't just about aesthetics—it's about performance, safety, and driving enjoyment.

Engineering That Transcends Markets

KW's engineering philosophy focuses on creating suspensions that perform consistently across diverse conditions. Whether facing tropical climates, varying road quality, or extreme temperature fluctuations, KW's stainless steel construction and advanced corrosion-resistant coatings ensure long-term reliability.

Versatility for Diverse Applications

Whether you're building a track-focused hot hatch, improving a daily-driven luxury sedan's handling, or creating a show car that demands precise height adjustment, KW's extensive application catalog offers solutions engineered specifically for thousands of vehicle models.

Investment in Quality

Quality aftermarket components from recognized brands like KW maintain and often enhance vehicle value. Enthusiasts and serious buyers recognize the investment in premium suspension technology, understanding that proper suspension upgrades improve both performance and safety.

Professional Installation Network

KW maintains a global network of trained specialist dealers who provide professional installation, proper setup, and ongoing support—ensuring every KW suspension performs exactly as engineered.

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FAQs

What makes KW coilovers different from other suspension brands?

KW coilovers stand out through German engineering excellence, built-to-order manufacturing, and a 95% vertical manufacturing range. Each suspension is individually produced in Fichtenberg, Germany, using proprietary technologies like Solid Piston dampers and independently adjustable compression/rebound valves. KW is also the only aftermarket manufacturer developing adaptive suspensions with proprietary control systems.

How long do KW coilovers typically last?

With proper installation and maintenance, KW coilovers can last 80,000-150,000 kilometers or more, depending on driving conditions and usage. The stainless steel construction and high-quality seals provide excellent durability across various climate conditions. Regular inspections and following manufacturer maintenance guidelines maximize longevity.

Can KW suspensions be used for daily driving?

Absolutely. KW offers multiple product lines tailored to different use cases. The KW V1 and V2 series provide excellent daily driving comfort with performance improvements, while the V3 and V5 offer extensive adjustability for those wanting track capability without sacrificing street usability. KW's hydraulic lift systems also make lowered daily drivers practical for challenging road conditions.

What's the difference between KW V1, V2, V3, and V5 coilovers?

• V1: Height-adjustable with preset damping optimized for street use

• V2: Height-adjustable with rebound damping adjustment for fine-tuning

• V3: Height-adjustable with separate compression and rebound adjustment for maximum tunability

• V5: Clubsport series with advanced adjustability for serious track enthusiasts and racing applications

Each series uses progressively more sophisticated valve technology and adjustment options.

Where can I purchase authentic KW suspension products?

KW products are available through authorized specialist dealers worldwide. These dealers are listed on KW automotive's official website and are trained to provide professional installation services and proper suspension setup. Always purchase from authorized dealers to ensure product authenticity and warranty coverage.

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Three Decades of Suspension Excellence

KW automotive's 30-year journey from a small German retail shop to the global leader in individual suspension systems demonstrates what happens when innovation meets unwavering commitment to quality. From the first continuously height-adjustable coilovers in 1995 to today's adaptive, AI-enhanced suspension systems, KW has consistently pushed the boundaries of automotive engineering.

The same suspension technology trusted by BMW, Porsche, Mercedes, Audi, and elite motorsport teams worldwide represents the pinnacle of aftermarket suspension development. With nearly 30,000 suspension applications engineered for specific vehicle models, KW offers solutions that combine precision German engineering with real-world performance.

For enthusiasts in the Philippines seeking KW Suspensions or ST Suspensions products, Autoclinic Philippines carries select applications and can provide guidance on the right suspension solution for your vehicle. Our team understands the importance of quality suspension components and the impact they have on vehicle performance and driving experience.

Experience the difference three decades of innovation makes.

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Celebrate with Us: The 30th Anniversary Promo

We aren't just telling you history for fun. We want you to be part of it.

To celebrate 30 Years of KW, Autoclinic Philippines is running a massive anniversary sale.

From November 4, 2025, to January 7, 2026:

• Save up to 30% on select KW and ST Suspension products.

This is the perfect time to experience the engineering that Klaus Wohlfarth started 30 years ago. Whether you want the daily comfort of an ST X or the track precision of a KW V3, you are buying three decades of innovation.

Ready to upgrade?

• Browse our KW Suspension Collection

• Browse our ST Suspensions Collection

Contact Autoclinic Philippines:

• Mobile / Viber / WhatsApp: +63 917 722 5628

• Socials: @autoclinicgroup_ph

Happy 30th Anniversary, KW! Here’s to the next 30 years of driving force.

References

1. KW automotive GmbH. (2024). Company Overview and Product Information. Retrieved from https://www.kwautomotive.com

2. Essen Motor Show. (2025). Press Release: 30 Years of KW Coilovers Anniversary. KW automotive GmbH.

3. Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). (2023). Advances in Automotive Suspension Technology. SAE International. Retrieved from https://www.sae.org