Volvo sold these compact cars under five names, and Volvo S40 coilovers alone come in two sets, one for each generation. On the first sedan and the V40 wagon, KW even has different kits by chassis number. On the later cars, the kit depends on FWD or AWD and body style. Where BC Racing makes a kit, we list it first.
Sedan, wagon, hatch or convertible? 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.
We carry twenty-three kits in four sections. These checks help you find the right one.
The first S40 runs to 2004; the second starts in 2004. They do not share kits.
For the second S40 and V50, BC and KW sell FWD and AWD kits.
Some brands make separate sedan and wagon kits. The C70 coupe and convertible use the same kits.
BC Racing makes its kits for Volvo's compact cars in three series: BR, DS and RM. All five BC kits come in all three. BC has no kit for the convertible. Free shipping on BC Racing kits in the continental US.
Every BC kit here gives you the same three choices.
BC Racing BR coilovers use one thirty-click adjuster for compression and rebound.
It works like BR, plus a digressive piston for firmer control.
RM is BC's upside-down single-tube shock, built for MacPherson strut cars.
The C30 kit says "Swift Front Only." To add springs to any BC kit here, start at the Custom Build for BC Coilovers page.
Three more brands make kits for these cars. Call 1-800-460-9106 to compare.
KW makes six kits. On the first S40 and V40, the kit depends on chassis number. On the second S40 and V50, it depends on FWD or AWD.
Bilstein has two lines, the B12 and the B14, for the second sedan, its wagon and the hatch.
Ksport has six kits, with separate sedan and wagon kits for both generations, plus the C30 and later C70.
There are five sets of Volvo C30 coilovers: one each from BC, KW and Ksport, and two from Bilstein.
Check drive type and self-leveling.
Pick the kit by generation.
We list the C30 and C70 first, then the S40 and its wagons. Kit names are shortened from our product names.
| Group | Years | What decides the kit | BC Racing series |
|---|---|---|---|
| C30 | 2007 to 2013 | Brand | BR, DS, RM |
| C70 | 1998 to 2013 | Generation | No BC kit |
| S40 and V50 | 2004 to 2012 | FWD or AWD (BC, KW); sedan or wagon (BC, Bilstein, Ksport) | BR, DS, RM |
| First S40 and V40 | 1995 to 2004 | Chassis number (KW); sedan or wagon (Ksport) | BR, DS, RM |
Volvo's compact cars have a quiet following, and only a few owners lower them, so the coilover record is thin. Owners of the second S40 and V50 do bring up one wear point, and you should check it while the struts are out.
VolvoForums owners say the S40's lower control arm bushings are known for perishing, and one owner's clunk stopped after new arms with fresh bushings and ball joints. The bushings can crack under constant load and cause a wobble on acceleration. That clunk or wobble stays after a coilover install and can upset the new alignment.
Before you install: Check the front lower arm bushings, especially the rear ones, for cracks and play, and replace them before the alignment.
Volvo says "With the C30, Volvo made its debut in the segment for two-door premium cars in 2006."
The C30 kits here start at 2007 or 2008, depending on the brand.
KW's kit changes at chassis number 495473. Read your VIN and call us, and we will match it.
No. The C70 kits here are KW (1998 to 2004) and Ksport (2006 to 2013).
Both Bilstein C30 kits include the R-Design. The other C30 kit names do not mention trims.
No. Each of the five comes in BR, DS and RM.
The Bilstein kits do not fit self-leveling cars. Call us about the BC, KW and Ksport V50 kits.
BC Racing North America currently lists a two-year limited warranty on full kit orders, subject to its warranty terms. KW, Bilstein and Ksport set their own.
Call us weekdays from 9 AM to 5 PM Eastern.
