KW Suspension

Overview

KW Suspension, under KW automotive GmbH, develops and manufactures adjustable coilover suspensions, sports suspensions, and chassis components for the aftermarket, motorsport, and OEM markets. It maintains the industry's largest portfolio with over 26,000 applications and innovations like solid piston technology, Dynamic Damping Control, and in-house 7-post testing. The company operates multiple brands including ST suspensions, Belltech Sportcars, Reiger Suspension, and others, serving premium vehicles, racing, and super sports cars.¹²⁶

History

KW automotive was founded in 1992 by brothers Klaus and Jürgen Wohlfarth in Murrhardt, Germany, initially as a tuning parts retailer before developing their first TÜV-approved coilover kit in 1995. The company relocated to Fichtenberg in 1998, renaming to KW automotive GmbH, and launched the bestseller Variant 3 in 2001. Key expansions include acquiring Belltech and ST in 2005, registering the yellow-purple trademark in 2006, and integrating Reiger Suspension in 2021.¹²⁵⁶

Product Lines

Manufacturing

Products are manufactured in-house at the Fichtenberg, Germany headquarters with state-of-the-art technology and a dedicated development and test center featuring a 7-post dynamics rig. Additional production occurs at a Clovis, California facility for North American-exclusive Belltech components. Coilover kits are produced on-demand, customized per vehicle and customer specs, avoiding mass production.¹²³⁵

Notable Products

• KW Variant 3 - Manually adjustable coilover with independent compression and rebound damping, industry bestseller since 2001.
• KW DDC Plug & Play - Electronic coilover system compatible with factory semi-active suspensions.
• KW Solid Piston Technology - 2019 innovation replacing traditional valve tech for improved durability and performance.
• KW HLS (Hydraulic Lift System) - Automatic height adjustment for steep driveways and speed bumps.
• Reiger Off-Road Shocks - High-performance dampers for rally and off-road motorsport.

Reputation

KW Suspension is regarded by enthusiasts and professionals as a leader in aftermarket performance due to its extensive application catalog, TÜV certifications, and motorsport successes including 24-hour race wins. Strengths include durable stainless steel construction, advanced testing, and OEM partnerships with Mercedes AMG. Some note higher pricing compared to budget alternatives, though quality justifies the premium for serious track and street use.¹²⁶