We carry six sets of Kia K5 and Optima coilovers, three from BC Racing and three from Ksport. They cover Kia's front-drive mid-size sedan: the early Optima, the later Optima and the car that replaced it.
Not sure which car you have? Call 1-800-460-9106.
Animated illustration. It shows where coilovers sit on a car, not your exact kit. Depending on the car and the kit, coilovers can lean forward or back or stand straight up, and some cars use a separate spring and shock in the rear. Your ride height depends on the kit and how it is set up.
Check these three things before you pick a coilover kit.
BC has kits for before and after 2016, plus the K5. Ksport's kits change at 2012 and 2016.
Every BC kit name says FWD. We have no AWD K5 kit.
The early BC kit says "May Need M-13, Please Contact Us." Call before ordering.
BC Racing makes only these series for the Kia K5 and Optima: BR, DS and RM. Free shipping on BC Racing kits in the continental US. Each of the three BC kits comes in all three series, and every kit name says "Swift Front Only."
There are three ways to set up BC coilovers on these cars.
BC Racing BR coilovers use one 30-click knob for compression and rebound together.
DS works like BR, with a digressive (firmer low-speed) piston.
RM is an upside-down (inverted) monotube for MacPherson strut cars.
Ksport is the other brand we carry for these cars. Call us to compare the two: 1-800-460-9106.
Ksport has three sets of Kia Optima coilovers, each for a narrower span of years than BC's. It has no K5 kit.
Read the M-13 note on the BC kit first.
Ksport stops at 2018.
BC makes the only Kia K5 coilovers here.
The K5 comes first, then the two Optimas. The cards show our kit names.
| Car | Years | What decides the kit | BC Racing series |
|---|---|---|---|
| K5 | 2021 to 2023 | BC only; FWD | BR, DS, RM |
| Later Optima | 2016 to 2020 | BC or Ksport; check Ksport's years | BR, DS, RM |
| Early Optima | 2011 to 2015 | Model year (Ksport); the note in the BC kit name | BR, DS, RM |
What owners report most often, from owner forums, recalls and service bulletins, and what each point means for your Kia K5 and Optima coilovers.
Kia bulletin CHA066 covers abnormal front noise over bumps or rough pavement on some Optima (TF/QF) and Optima Hybrid cars, and replaces the front stabilizer links with improved parts. A worn link will still clunk after the coilovers go in, and lowering changes the link angle.
Before you install: Check the front stabilizer links during the install and replace them if worn, or use adjustable links if the drop is large.
Kia service action SA150 covers road salt corrosion of the rear lower control arms on some Optima and Optima Hybrid cars built from 2011 to April 2012, causing a knock or clunk. Kia fits new rear lower arms and aligns the car. A corroded arm can clunk like a bad damper.
Before you install: On salt-state cars, inspect the rear lower arms before the install and ask a Kia dealer whether SA150 applies to your VIN.
Kia introduced the K5 "nearly a decade after the 2011 Kia Optima paved the way" for the brand's growth.
We do not carry one. BC's K5 kit is made for FWD only.
It is part of BC's kit name, which also says "Please Contact Us." Send us your VIN first and we will look into it.
It is part of all three BC kit names. It means the optional Swift spring upgrade is offered for the front springs only on that kit. Ask us what it means for your order before you buy.
No. All three BC kits come in BR, DS or RM only.
Ksport has one for the 2011 car, one for the next four years, and one for the later Optima through 2018.
BC Racing North America currently lists a two-year limited warranty on full kit orders, subject to its warranty terms. Ksport sets its own.
Call us weekdays, 9 AM to 5 PM Eastern.
