Hi

I'm from Germany, so plz don't flame me for my un-knowledge

Here we go:
So I already know what springs and shocks are. But what are those coilovers?
Are they some sort of "special" shocks, with which you can fully adjust the lowering of the car?

 

The term "coilovers" are used to describe a spring/shock combination where the spring goes around the shock, hence the term "coil over", and the height of the car is adjustable via a mechanism on the coilover assembly, either the spring perch or via an adjustable lower mount.

 

Yeah, OK...now I know what they are. They're called "Gewindefahrwerk" in german.
Something like the KW Variant 1/2/3

 

coilover is a term thrown around a lot, kinda means different things to different ppl. you kinda have to take it in context around here.

simply a coil over design is a coil spring over the shock. as opposed to being separate, like in the rear of volkswagens. some call that a divorced spring. or even as far opposed to not even a coil spring at all like a leaf spring in a truck.

however, its commonly used as an aftermarket product. but two distinct types.

first is the adjustable spring kit, that has a threaded sleeve and different spring. the most notable brand for this is ground control. gives height and easy spring interchangability to each corner. but you can use a normal shock.

the second is a complete spring/shock system with the body of the shock is threaded, aka threaded body shock, full coilover, or often misnamed "true coilover" (see first paragraph). that would be like your KW's.

 

Ahhh, OK. Thanks!