Can't deal with the bouncy ride anymore after two weeks with the Mach-E. What do I do?

[Mach1E]

For what it’s worth, I got the KW’s installed, and running them on defaults has helped with the pitching motion, a lot.

The problem with the car is ”over-suspended under-dampened”, meaning the car exhibits a firm posture with the slight increase of harshness, with the inability to control the mass resting on the springs.

It’s really hard to quantify the change, and the best I came up with is a container of liquid on the dash (handsanitizer in a clear bottle). Before the coilovers, the liquid was moving constantly along the length axis as the increased pitching suggests it would. After the install, the liquid is much calmer, often remaining stable on stretches of highways that were problematic before.

And as a subjective opinion, every aspect of the ride has improved. It still retains the same firmness, but now feels slightly more capable of absorbing the small bounces with increased grace.

And most importantly, I no longer get motion sickness.

Easiest way to pay for them would be to charge other Mach E owners $50 for a ride in your car now!

I’m sure many would sign up and appreciate your being the first Guinea Pig!

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[mkhuffman]

For what it’s worth, I got the KW’s installed, and running them on defaults has helped with the pitching motion, a lot.

The problem with the car is ”over-suspended under-dampened”, meaning the car exhibits a firm posture with the slight increase of harshness, with the inability to control the mass resting on the springs.

It’s really hard to quantify the change, and the best I came up with is a container of liquid on the dash (handsanitizer in a clear bottle). Before the coilovers, the liquid was moving constantly along the length axis as the increased pitching suggests it would. After the install, the liquid is much calmer, often remaining stable on stretches of highways that were problematic before.

And as a subjective opinion, every aspect of the ride has improved. It still retains the same firmness, but now feels slightly more capable of absorbing the small bounces with increased grace.

And most importantly, I no longer get motion sickness.

This is huge news - and has me reconsidering whether or not $3500 is worth it. I wish they were a little less expensive.

I was appreciating the ride in my GT this week, until I hit a few bad bumps. The GT suspension really is close to being great, but only with good roads and minor road imperfections. That said, it does seem a little unstable when flying around a sharp curve at 80 mph. I bet the KWs would fix that as well.

 

[kindofblue]

For what it’s worth, I got the KW’s installed, and running them on defaults has helped with the pitching motion, a lot.

The problem with the car is ”over-suspended under-dampened”, meaning the car exhibits a firm posture with the slight increase of harshness, with the inability to control the mass resting on the springs.

It’s really hard to quantify the change, and the best I came up with is a container of liquid on the dash (handsanitizer in a clear bottle). Before the coilovers, the liquid was moving constantly along the length axis as the increased pitching suggests it would. After the install, the liquid is much calmer, often remaining stable on stretches of highways that were problematic before.

And as a subjective opinion, every aspect of the ride has improved. It still retains the same firmness, but now feels slightly more capable of absorbing the small bounces with increased grace.

And most importantly, I no longer get motion sickness.

Thanks. Since this thread is now 900+ posts would you please post a link to where you got this setup and the part #s? Thanks.

 

[Ninja4hire]

Thanks. Since this thread is now 900+ posts would you please post a link to where you got this setup and the part #s? Thanks.

https://www.macheforum.com/site/threads/kw-v3-coilover-suspension-released-for-mach-e.15581/

 

[taikajim]

Thanks. Since this thread is now 900+ posts would you please post a link to where you got this setup and the part #s? Thanks.

Hey,

Got them from KW through a local rep, item being:

KW COILOVER SUSPENSION V3 INOX
PART-NO.: 35230095

kwsuspensions.net

@Mach1E I think they'll pay for themselves through either the expense of buying another car, or all the seasickness patches I would need. Lemme know if you want to know anything else tho.

@mkhuffman I have yet to put the car through it's paces, but based on a few turns taken too hard I'd say the new set would give you improved stability and responsiveness across the range.

The set lowers the car about 20 millimeters at the minimum, which is roughly what the GTPE comes out as. I think the adjustability has enough range to drop the battery to the ground tho, so really up to the user. As it is, my car measure at 400mm from hub to fender lip.

 

[coolshades]

Hey,

Got them from KW through a local rep, item being:

KW COILOVER SUSPENSION V3 INOX
PART-NO.: 35230095

kwsuspensions.net

@Mach1E I think they'll pay for themselves through either the expense of buying another car, or all the seasickness patches I would need. Lemme know if you want to know anything else tho.

@mkhuffman I have yet to put the car through it's paces, but based on a few turns taken too hard I'd say the new set would give you improved stability and responsiveness across the range.

The set lowers the car about 20 millimeters at the minimum, which is roughly what the GTPE comes out as. I think the adjustability has enough range to drop the battery to the ground tho, so really up to the user. As it is, my car measure at 400mm from hub to fender lip.

i am a 4X owner too. one reason i specifically bought the MME was for the high ride feeling. alright, it does not ride as high as a true SUV but higher than sedans for sure.

does fitting this reduce the high ride in any way?

i noticed you are in Finland ... so did you import this and got it fitted by a local mechanic?

will look forward to your reviews after you have put it through the paces.

 

[taikajim]

i am a 4X owner too. one reason i specifically bought the MME was for the high ride feeling. alright, it does not ride as high as a true SUV but higher than sedans for sure.

does fitting this reduce the high ride in any way?

i noticed you are in Finland ... so did you import this and got it fitted by a local mechanic?

will look forward to your reviews after you have put it through the paces.

The ride is lowered about 20mm, so slightly lower than the GT. I can't say that particular aspect changes things in regards to visibility. Obviously the body control is improved, and based on general physics (and some tests in other vehicles) the efficiency should also be slightly better.

And yea, got it through a local KW dealer. KW predicted 8+ weeks for delivery, but I think I got it in 3. Currently their site says "made to order 3-4 weeks" afaik.

And yea, after receiving the shipment I arranged the installation and realignment. As far as the installation goes, very straight-forward operation, and any mechanic who has done these things should be able to handle it no problem. This includes the default suspension tuning to KW's spec. Literally just clicks on a wheel (2 per corner).

Trying to figure out ways to substantiate the changes, so let me know if you have any ideas on what you'd like to see. I should be able to arrange an unmodded car for a test drive.

 

[kennethjk]

The ride is lowered about 20mm, so slightly lower than the GT. I can't say that particular aspect changes things in regards to visibility. Obviously the body control is improved, and based on general physics (and some tests in other vehicles) the efficiency should also be slightly better.

And yea, got it through a local KW dealer. KW predicted 8+ weeks for delivery, but I think I got it in 3. Currently their site says "made to order 3-4 weeks" afaik.

And yea, after receiving the shipment I arranged the installation and realignment. As far as the installation goes, very straight-forward operation, and any mechanic who has done these things should be able to handle it no problem. This includes the default suspension tuning to KW's spec. Literally just clicks on a wheel (2 per corner).

Trying to figure out ways to substantiate the changes, so let me know if you have any ideas on what you'd like to see. I should be able to arrange an unmodded car for a test drive.

I am having my independent shop looking into this for me.

the car is fine in the highway but secondary roads that are less “perfect” the ride and bounciness is horrible, my wife wanted Dramamine.

I have premium, extended battery, 4 WD. as much as I would not want to pay the overall cost (looks like 3k for parts and then installation) it is a lot cheaper than getting another car plus waiting to get it sometime next year.

not sure I will definitely do it yet. Wish I knew it would 100% solve the problem.

I had told my sales rep at Ford that I would like to test drive a GTPE to see how the magnaride rode . I am sure I will have to wait a while for that.

 

[leeman]

That's what happens when you put all the way at the bottom of the car the suspension doesn't have the same amount of travel as a normal car well that's why I called my MME very expensive golf cart and that's OK cause that's what it is.

 

[mkhuffman]

it is a lot cheaper than getting another car plus waiting to get it sometime next year.

This is where my thinking is going as well. My situation is a little different, because it appears your MME model has a more severe bounce issue, but I am definitely warming up to the idea. My feeling is an adjustable shock is really what is needed, not necessarily a coilover. Based on one person's assessment, the KW solution does work. But it is more than what we really need?

 

[kennethjk]

This is where my thinking is going as well. My situation is a little different, because it appears your MME model has a more severe bounce issue, but I am definitely warming up to the idea. My feeling is an adjustable shock is really what is needed, not necessarily a coilover. Based on one person's assessment, the KW solution does work. But it is more than what we really need?

your right, more than I need but. I have never done a mod like this before. Mostly drive BMWs and I traded in a Porsche Macan S for the MME. Also have a 911S so I am used to firmer rides.

but I really need to do something. I just wish I knew this would work. I mentioned it to my wife and she said well worth the money. my 9 year old grandson said driving this car was fun like a roller coaster.

if someone would convince me I am almost guaranteed to have this work I think I would splurge.

new GTPE are 70k and I assume that’s the only way to get Magnaride? So all in all this may be a way to go. Of course maybe waiting is better to see if someone else comes out with a cheaper option.

decisions, decisions

 

[mkhuffman]

your right, more than I need but. I have never done a mod like this before. Mostly drive BMWs and I traded in a Porsche Macan S for the MME. Also have a 911S so I am used to firmer rides.

but I really need to do something. I just wish I knew this would work. I mentioned it to my wife and she said well worth the money. my 9 year old grandson said driving this car was fun like a roller coaster.

if someone would convince me I am almost guaranteed to have this work I think I would splurge.

new GTPE are 70k and I assume that’s the only way to get Magnaride? So all in all this may be a way to go. Of course maybe waiting is better to see if someone else comes out with a cheaper option.

decisions, decisions

In your situation I would be able to justify it. It sounds like you have your wife's support, which is key.

 

[Murse-In-Airy]

It sounds like you have your wife's support, which is key.

Always key. The most important key.

 

[coolshades]

I am close to greenlighting this. It is a bit more expensive than I wanted but much cheaper than a GTPE and I certainly intend to keep the car for a few years. I haven't had any issues with it.

@taikajim has said there is an improvement and honestly i am fine with that.

I don't think the pitching will totally be eliminated.

But will appreciate more updates from @taikajim

 

[Z-one]

it would be nice if someone had the suspension and someone didn’t on the same road using an accelerometer app to just measure movement. I know that is a lot ifs and hopes! Maybe we need a gofundme for someone who has access to two cars and some equipment to test ?

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