AST Suspension 5100 vs 5200 vs 5300 - Which Coilovers Should You Choose?

For years, AST has been a powerhouse in the world of performance suspension. From fast street cars to serious track tools, the Dutch brand is known for quality, precision, and incredible control at high speeds. But within the AST coilover line, there are three popular series that many drivers struggle to choose between:

5100 vs 5200 vs 5300 - what are the differences, and which set best suits your BMW M G8x?

What All AST Sets Have in Common

Before we dive into the differences, it's good to know that all AST coilovers are built on the same foundations:

• High-quality materials
• Highly precise damper technology
• Focus on consistency (even at high temperatures)
• Excellent control during cornering speed
• Rebuildable & serviceable
• Designed for both daily drivers and track day enthusiasts

You can never choose "wrong", it's primarily about what your intended use is.

AST 5100 Series - For Street AND Sporty Use

The AST 5100 is the ideal entry-level set for those who drive daily but want weekend performance.

Key Features:

• Single adjustable (rebound)
• Comfortable enough for street use
• Better dampers than virtually all OEM sport suspensions
• Ideal for fast country roads and occasional track days
• Affordable compared to the 52xx and 53xx series

Who is it for?

• Daily drivers who want more control
• Drivers who aren't on the track every week
• Those who want a significant upgrade without extreme tuning

In short: The 5100 is the perfect balance between comfort and performance.

AST 5200 Series - For Serious Track Drivers

The AST 5200 takes a significant step further and is designed for drivers who are truly pushing the limits.

Key Features:

• Two-way adjustable (rebound & compression)
• Remote reservoirs for better cooling
• Many more adjustment options for circuit conditions
• High oil volume → extremely consistent damping
• A distinctly stiffer set-up than the 5100

Who is it for?

• Track day drivers who do multiple events per year
• Those who want maximum grip and control
• Cars with wider tires / semi-slicks / aero upgrades

In short: The 5200 is ideal for serious track users who want to fine-tune their car for the track, tires, and temperature.

AST 5300 Series - Pure Competition

The AST 5300 is a true race-spec set. Everything revolves around speed, precision, and absolute control under high load.

Key Features:

• Three-way adjustable (rebound + high-speed and low-speed compression)
• Maximum fine-tuning for every corner and every circuit
• Remote reservoirs with large capacity
• Built for endurance, sprint, and time attack
• Can be fully tuned for aero, slicks, and extreme ride height variations

Who is it for?

• Race cars
• Time Attack / Endurance / Sprint series
• Racers who want to precisely tune dampers for every detail

In short: The 5300 is high-end motorsport technology for those who accept no compromises.

Which AST Coilover Should You Choose?

Here is a quick comparison that makes the choice easier:

Conclusion

The AST 5100, 5200, and 5300 each fill a different segment, but they have one thing in common: they transform your car's driving dynamics in a way you'll feel immediately.

• Do you want a better daily driving experience? → 5100
• Do you hit the track multiple times a year? → 5200
• Do you drive competitively or want the absolute top? → 5300

Whichever series you choose, you get a set of coilovers designed to elevate performance, without compromise.