Post by: Mark_DF05 on April 24, 2016, 09:45:10 pm
MK5 Bilstein B8
Front: 35-108191
Rear: 24-178006
MK6 Bilstein B8
Front: 35-158745
Rear: 24-158756
I can get the MK6 one for about £50 extra, is it worth it for a slighter more comfortable ride? Anyone on here had both?
Post by: Pirelli08alan on April 25, 2016, 03:06:58 pm
Post by: AJP on April 25, 2016, 03:52:56 pm
Post by: Mark_DF05 on April 27, 2016, 09:56:19 am
As for MK6 v MK5 B8's, I think I'll go with the MK5 ones.
Some people claim the mk6 ones are quite a lot softer yet others say the difference between the two is minimal so hardly worth it.
Also the warranty would be invalid if MK6 B8's were to be fitted to a MK5.
Post by: pudding on April 27, 2016, 10:07:41 am
From my experience with other Golfs, B6/B8/B12 (I think the difference is just damper length) can be pretty harsh over bumps, but the benefit is consistent damping all year round and the cornering is great thanks to the massive piston rods (no flexing). The B6 was standard fit on the MK4 R32 (along with H&R springs that liked to snap), so VW agreed :smiley:
Post by: Mark_DF05 on April 27, 2016, 11:09:44 am
It's subjective though I guess, too harsh for one person can be perfect for another, it's my daily driver so needs to retain some comfort which I think these will be fine for.
Post by: AJP on April 27, 2016, 01:37:28 pm
They're going on H&R 30mm springs. Yeah that's what the overall feedback seems to be although I'd seen a couple of people complaining that the ride is too harsh hence considering the mk6 ones.Bit of info here:
It's subjective though I guess, too harsh for one person can be perfect for another, it's my daily driver so needs to retain some comfort which I think these will be fine for.
http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=93408.msg936017.msg#936017
Have a read of the big thread from the US forum that's linked within that.
Post by: pudding on April 27, 2016, 03:37:18 pm
Post by: AJP on April 27, 2016, 04:05:14 pm
Wow, seems like the MK6 B8 is the way to go then after reading that.Seems that way doesn't it. From what I can fathom from that US thread, the mk6 b8 is valved 20% softer than the mk5 b8.
Although it'd be good to know how an oem mk5 damper stacks up against a mk5 b8 to get some kind of benchmark.
Post by: pudding on April 27, 2016, 04:41:24 pm
Wow, seems like the MK6 B8 is the way to go then after reading that.Seems that way doesn't it. From what I can fathom from that US thread, the mk6 b8 is valved 20% softer than the mk5 b8.
Although it'd be good to know how an oem mk5 damper stacks up against a mk5 b8 to get some kind of benchmark.
Yeah finding the spring and damper rates of the OEM stuff has always been tricky. We just get different coloured dots on the springs and no info on the dampers at all. I guess the only way to be sure would be to buy a brand new one of each end of the car and send them off for professional analysis!
B8s and H&Rs feel epic on smooth, sweeping Welsh A roads. Had plenty of fun on those roads in the past. But on busted up tarmac, boy do you feel it in the car!
It's a tricky one to get right. Years ago I went full custom on the spring and damper rates for comfort, and it was superb on rough roads, but too soft in the corners. Roly poly! So I needed big ARBs to get the cornering speeds back....and big ARBs stiffen the effective spring rate, so you're back to square one again!
MK5s are pretty unforgiving as standard, so the MK6 B8s sound perfect but they're too short to use with the OEM springs. Well, I wouldn't personally do that. Shouduci said the Eibach Pro springs are pretty forgiving compared to Eibach Sport and H&R, so that could be a good partnership.
Post by: pudding on April 27, 2016, 04:57:49 pm
Those with MK6 B8s could be a good setup.
Post by: AJP on April 27, 2016, 04:59:01 pm
Yeah I'd like to think you could find that sweet spot between ride comfort over crap roads and minimal roll. I doubt it's easy. Like you say, roll bars will help, but you might take a step backwards in overall comfort.
I'm on H&R springs and oem shocks, and they're not a bad combination. To be critical, at one extreme you could argue that the car still rolls a bit too much when driven hard, and at the other extreme the ride can be a little rough around the edges over poor surfaces.
I'd imagine my shocks are quite tired at 75k, so I'm sure that contributes to the rough ride quality to some extent. That's why this interests me, as I was planning to replace the shocks with new oem within the next couple of years anyway, but if the mk6 b8 shocks can do the job better they're certainly an option.
Post by: Mark_DF05 on April 27, 2016, 05:21:18 pm
And yeah, totally agree finding that right balance is difficult but I'm hoping this proves to be near enough.
Post by: AJP on April 27, 2016, 05:37:09 pm
Thanks for the link, seems mk6 b8'a are the way to go. I've ran H&R springs with standard shocks before so ill be able to compare the 2 and update once I've once fitted.That'd be a big help to the rest of us if could report back with your findings. Gives us some objectivity by comparing the two.
And yeah, totally agree finding that right balance is difficult but I'm hoping this proves to be near enough.
Post by: Matto on April 27, 2016, 09:57:04 pm
Thanks for the link, seems mk6 b8'a are the way to go. I've ran H&R springs with standard shocks before so ill be able to compare the 2 and update once I've once fitted.
And yeah, totally agree finding that right balance is difficult but I'm hoping this proves to be near enough.
Where are you thinking of having them from? I'm in exactly the same boat as you and @AJP (http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=11926) On H&R's with standard tired shocks and looking to replace them. I plan on only owning the car another year or so, so didn't know whether to go B8's or OEM as it will be going back to standard at some point.
Post by: AJP on April 27, 2016, 10:04:57 pm
It's probably throwing money away if you're only keeping it a year. Plus, if you're going back to standard springs before you sell it, it'd make sense to have standard shocks to compliment them. New standard shocks now would make more sense, they'll still be fresh in a year. I think the Bilsteins are considerably more expensive than standard shocks.Thanks for the link, seems mk6 b8'a are the way to go. I've ran H&R springs with standard shocks before so ill be able to compare the 2 and update once I've once fitted.
And yeah, totally agree finding that right balance is difficult but I'm hoping this proves to be near enough.
Where are you thinking of having them from? I'm in exactly the same boat as you and @AJP (http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=11926) On H&R's with standard tired shocks and looking to replace them. I plan on only owning the car another year or so, so didn't know whether to go B8's or OEM as it will be going back to standard at some point.
I'm sure even new standard shocks will improve the ride quality by a noticeable margin.
Mine's a bit of a long-termer, I plan to keep it for at least another 5 years as I don't do many miles. That's my justification for spending lots of money on it anyway!
Post by: PirelliDroo83 on April 27, 2016, 10:24:42 pm
Anyway, during my research, I asked Al at Awesome what the difference between the MK5 and MK6 B8s was and got this reply.....
"As for the Mk5/Mk6 kits, the part numbers were changed a year or so ago so that they were no longer any different between the Mk5 and the Mk6."
Sure enough, the part numbers for both on Awesome's site are exactly the same so looks like the difference is no more.
A BBK is next for me but after that I will be looking at shocks again but I now think my preference is for the Koni Sports.
Post by: Shoy1980 on April 27, 2016, 10:39:08 pm
Sent from my HTC One using Tapatalk
Post by: AJP on April 27, 2016, 11:09:43 pm
Post by: Mark_DF05 on April 28, 2016, 09:44:12 am
Post by: pudding on April 28, 2016, 09:58:05 am
I'm the same, running H&Rs on original shocks and was looking into the B8s before my priorities changed and I took advantage of the group buy on a full Powervalve system.
Anyway, during my research, I asked Al at Awesome what the difference between the MK5 and MK6 B8s was and got this reply.....
"As for the Mk5/Mk6 kits, the part numbers were changed a year or so ago so that they were no longer any different between the Mk5 and the Mk6."
Sure enough, the part numbers for both on Awesome's site are exactly the same so looks like the difference is no more.
A BBK is next for me but after that I will be looking at shocks again but I now think my preference is for the Koni Sports.
So the MK5 is now the same spec as MK6 then, going by what he said. Maybe too many complaints of harshness! Bilstein's current catalogue still shows as 2014/2015 so it's probably out of date then! MK6 and MK5 are the same part numbers as the OP (i.e. different) in the catalogue.
Out of interest, I got a price on the standard dampers from my dealer mate and they're dirt cheap!! £67.69 each (inc vat) for the fronts and £60.14 each for the rears. I'm thinking new OEMs with VWR springs could make the car feel fresh again without any harshness.
There's too much conflicting info on the Bilsteins and they're £600 a set, so a bit of a gamble to take. We only want to do it once after all!
Post by: Mark_DF05 on April 28, 2016, 02:37:19 pm
I was also told about some VWR shocks that have just been launched, they aren't on the site yet I don't think but they're quite a bit cheaper than Bilsteins (£320 + VAT). Matt is emailing me a press release so I'll post up the info once i get it.
Post by: pudding on April 28, 2016, 02:42:18 pm
If the B8s are now the softer ones, I'm torn between those and new originals now.
All this choice is bewildering! Back in my MK2 / Corrado days, you used to have the choice of "A suspension kit" and that was it :grin:
Post by: pudding on April 28, 2016, 02:47:43 pm
https://vwpartsinternational.com/shop/vw-racing/coilover-kits/vw-golf-mk5-mk6-vwr-sport-shock-absorber-spring-kit-volkswagen-racing/ (https://vwpartsinternational.com/shop/vw-racing/coilover-kits/vw-golf-mk5-mk6-vwr-sport-shock-absorber-spring-kit-volkswagen-racing/)
Post by: Mark_DF05 on April 28, 2016, 03:13:26 pm
Post by: AJP on April 28, 2016, 06:10:51 pm
I'd love to think they're a new development, but they're likely available now, under a different name.
Someone please prove me wrong!
Post by: Mark_DF05 on April 28, 2016, 07:04:34 pm
Quote
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PRICING
• VWR30G500 Sport Damper Kit - Golf 5 / 6, R Scirocco: RRP ex. VAT £310.00
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Post by: AJP on April 28, 2016, 07:20:15 pm
I'd like to hear from someone who's actually used them though.
We need a guinea pig!
Post by: pudding on April 29, 2016, 09:31:48 am
Post by: AJP on April 29, 2016, 10:14:45 am
Happy to give them a go! Seems a cost effective way to get rid the crap OEM springs that snap and get some better dampers too. I just hope they last as long as the original SACHS ones!What are you on at the minute, standard springs and shocks?
I've got to say, after having a bit of an enthusiastic b road drive yesterday, the standard shocks with H&R springs are really quite good. I think I'm just looking at other options because of the fact that they've lost a bit of refinement during normal driving.
If it turns out the VWR dampers are poor I won't have a problem fitting some fresh oem shocks.
Post by: pudding on April 29, 2016, 10:25:47 am
Happy to give them a go! Seems a cost effective way to get rid the crap OEM springs that snap and get some better dampers too. I just hope they last as long as the original SACHS ones!What are you on at the minute, standard springs and shocks?
I've got to say, after having a bit of an enthusiastic b road drive yesterday, the standard shocks with H&R springs are really quite good. I think I'm just looking at other options because of the fact that they've lost a bit of refinement during normal driving.
If it turns out the VWR dampers are poor I won't have a problem fitting some fresh oem shocks.
Yeah completely standard mate.....and 100K old, so feeling pretty ropey right now. I think the rear dampers are definitely shot as the turn-in is getting heavier and I can feel the wheels flapping about over bumps. It's a lot floatier over crests too. I can still remember how great a brand new GTI felt to drive, way back in 2006 when I was young and had some hair, so I know how they *should* drive. Not like mine, that's for sure :grin:
Post by: AJP on April 29, 2016, 10:54:00 am
Ha! Yeah you'll definitely benefit from new shocks at 100k. Maybe a few bushes and things too.Happy to give them a go! Seems a cost effective way to get rid the crap OEM springs that snap and get some better dampers too. I just hope they last as long as the original SACHS ones!What are you on at the minute, standard springs and shocks?
I've got to say, after having a bit of an enthusiastic b road drive yesterday, the standard shocks with H&R springs are really quite good. I think I'm just looking at other options because of the fact that they've lost a bit of refinement during normal driving.
If it turns out the VWR dampers are poor I won't have a problem fitting some fresh oem shocks.
Yeah completely standard mate.....and 100K old, so feeling pretty ropey right now. I think the rear dampers are definitely shot as the turn-in is getting heavier and I can feel the wheels flapping about over bumps. It's a lot floatier over crests too. I can still remember how great a brand new GTI felt to drive, way back in 2006 when I was young and had some hair, so I know how they *should* drive. Not like mine, that's for sure :grin:
I'm on 75k, last 5k of which were on H&R springs, so I doubt I'm far behind you.
The plan is to replace dampers, topmounts, fit an anti-lift kit, and change any other little bits that would be tired at this age. That won't be for another 6/12 months though, as I've got to sort a BBK.
Post by: pudding on April 29, 2016, 11:19:11 am
Ha! Yeah you'll definitely benefit from new shocks at 100k. Maybe a few bushes and things too.Happy to give them a go! Seems a cost effective way to get rid the crap OEM springs that snap and get some better dampers too. I just hope they last as long as the original SACHS ones!What are you on at the minute, standard springs and shocks?
I've got to say, after having a bit of an enthusiastic b road drive yesterday, the standard shocks with H&R springs are really quite good. I think I'm just looking at other options because of the fact that they've lost a bit of refinement during normal driving.
If it turns out the VWR dampers are poor I won't have a problem fitting some fresh oem shocks.
Yeah completely standard mate.....and 100K old, so feeling pretty ropey right now. I think the rear dampers are definitely shot as the turn-in is getting heavier and I can feel the wheels flapping about over bumps. It's a lot floatier over crests too. I can still remember how great a brand new GTI felt to drive, way back in 2006 when I was young and had some hair, so I know how they *should* drive. Not like mine, that's for sure :grin:
I'm on 75k, last 5k of which were on H&R springs, so I doubt I'm far behind you.
The plan is to replace dampers, topmounts, fit an anti-lift kit, and change any other little bits that would be tired at this age. That won't be for another 6/12 months though, as I've got to sort a BBK.
Yeah there's a lot of bushes under there. Probably quite expensive in labour to do all of them in one hit! I think I'll change any that look suspect when the new dampers / springs go on, and do the rest at a later date.
I would do the chassis refresh ahead of the brakes if it were me but defo do the WALK, or S3 console bushes :happy2:
Post by: AJP on April 29, 2016, 11:32:32 am
At the minute the brakes are by far the weakest link for me. I think they're a bit suspect even at stock power levels, and I'm a bit further on than stock now.Ha! Yeah you'll definitely benefit from new shocks at 100k. Maybe a few bushes and things too.Happy to give them a go! Seems a cost effective way to get rid the crap OEM springs that snap and get some better dampers too. I just hope they last as long as the original SACHS ones!What are you on at the minute, standard springs and shocks?
I've got to say, after having a bit of an enthusiastic b road drive yesterday, the standard shocks with H&R springs are really quite good. I think I'm just looking at other options because of the fact that they've lost a bit of refinement during normal driving.
If it turns out the VWR dampers are poor I won't have a problem fitting some fresh oem shocks.
Yeah completely standard mate.....and 100K old, so feeling pretty ropey right now. I think the rear dampers are definitely shot as the turn-in is getting heavier and I can feel the wheels flapping about over bumps. It's a lot floatier over crests too. I can still remember how great a brand new GTI felt to drive, way back in 2006 when I was young and had some hair, so I know how they *should* drive. Not like mine, that's for sure :grin:
I'm on 75k, last 5k of which were on H&R springs, so I doubt I'm far behind you.
The plan is to replace dampers, topmounts, fit an anti-lift kit, and change any other little bits that would be tired at this age. That won't be for another 6/12 months though, as I've got to sort a BBK.
Yeah there's a lot of bushes under there. Probably quite expensive in labour to do all of them in one hit! I think I'll change any that look suspect when the new dampers / springs go on, and do the rest at a later date.
I would do the chassis refresh ahead of the brakes if it were me but defo do the WALK, or S3 console bushes :happy2:
It's only really an opportunity to claw back a bit of refinement for me; like I said the dampers and springs do the job nicely from a performance point of view, but they're just a bit rough around the edges doing town driving on bad surfaces when you want the car to be comfortable rather than fast.
The brakes however are a matter of safety, so they need doing!
Post by: Mark_DF05 on April 29, 2016, 02:10:54 pm
Will update this thread once they're on the car and I've done a few miles with them on.
Post by: AJP on April 29, 2016, 02:18:06 pm
Bought the VWR dampers so you guys have got a Guinea pig! The price was too tempting in comparison to the mk6 b8's and the write up sounded perfect. Just hoping they're as good as they sound.Excellent! We await the results.
Will update this thread once they're on the car and I've done a few miles with them on.
Fingers crossed they're up to scratch
Post by: pudding on April 29, 2016, 02:34:48 pm
At the minute the brakes are by far the weakest link for me. I think they're a bit suspect even at stock power levels, and I'm a bit further on than stock now.Ha! Yeah you'll definitely benefit from new shocks at 100k. Maybe a few bushes and things too.Happy to give them a go! Seems a cost effective way to get rid the crap OEM springs that snap and get some better dampers too. I just hope they last as long as the original SACHS ones!What are you on at the minute, standard springs and shocks?
I've got to say, after having a bit of an enthusiastic b road drive yesterday, the standard shocks with H&R springs are really quite good. I think I'm just looking at other options because of the fact that they've lost a bit of refinement during normal driving.
If it turns out the VWR dampers are poor I won't have a problem fitting some fresh oem shocks.
Yeah completely standard mate.....and 100K old, so feeling pretty ropey right now. I think the rear dampers are definitely shot as the turn-in is getting heavier and I can feel the wheels flapping about over bumps. It's a lot floatier over crests too. I can still remember how great a brand new GTI felt to drive, way back in 2006 when I was young and had some hair, so I know how they *should* drive. Not like mine, that's for sure :grin:
I'm on 75k, last 5k of which were on H&R springs, so I doubt I'm far behind you.
The plan is to replace dampers, topmounts, fit an anti-lift kit, and change any other little bits that would be tired at this age. That won't be for another 6/12 months though, as I've got to sort a BBK.
Yeah there's a lot of bushes under there. Probably quite expensive in labour to do all of them in one hit! I think I'll change any that look suspect when the new dampers / springs go on, and do the rest at a later date.
I would do the chassis refresh ahead of the brakes if it were me but defo do the WALK, or S3 console bushes :happy2:
It's only really an opportunity to claw back a bit of refinement for me; like I said the dampers and springs do the job nicely from a performance point of view, but they're just a bit rough around the edges doing town driving on bad surfaces when you want the car to be comfortable rather than fast.
The brakes however are a matter of safety, so they need doing!
I think you and I are in the same boat, but I honestly don't think the standard brakes are too bad at all :smiley:
The standard kit is pretty good on fast bumpy B roads as it doesn't throw you around like hard suspension does, but it just needs a little less roll at the limit and more refinement over bumps around town as you say.
Post by: pudding on April 29, 2016, 02:35:26 pm
Bought the VWR dampers so you guys have got a Guinea pig! The price was too tempting in comparison to the mk6 b8's and the write up sounded perfect. Just hoping they're as good as they sound.
Will update this thread once they're on the car and I've done a few miles with them on.
Oh really, nice one! Where did you get them from? I'm going to go for those with the springs too.
Post by: AJP on April 29, 2016, 02:44:19 pm
They're not too bad, no. But I've managed to cook them a few times within quite a short series of corners. Those Welsh roads we mentioned for example, just destroyed them.At the minute the brakes are by far the weakest link for me. I think they're a bit suspect even at stock power levels, and I'm a bit further on than stock now.Ha! Yeah you'll definitely benefit from new shocks at 100k. Maybe a few bushes and things too.Happy to give them a go! Seems a cost effective way to get rid the crap OEM springs that snap and get some better dampers too. I just hope they last as long as the original SACHS ones!What are you on at the minute, standard springs and shocks?
I've got to say, after having a bit of an enthusiastic b road drive yesterday, the standard shocks with H&R springs are really quite good. I think I'm just looking at other options because of the fact that they've lost a bit of refinement during normal driving.
If it turns out the VWR dampers are poor I won't have a problem fitting some fresh oem shocks.
Yeah completely standard mate.....and 100K old, so feeling pretty ropey right now. I think the rear dampers are definitely shot as the turn-in is getting heavier and I can feel the wheels flapping about over bumps. It's a lot floatier over crests too. I can still remember how great a brand new GTI felt to drive, way back in 2006 when I was young and had some hair, so I know how they *should* drive. Not like mine, that's for sure :grin:
I'm on 75k, last 5k of which were on H&R springs, so I doubt I'm far behind you.
The plan is to replace dampers, topmounts, fit an anti-lift kit, and change any other little bits that would be tired at this age. That won't be for another 6/12 months though, as I've got to sort a BBK.
Yeah there's a lot of bushes under there. Probably quite expensive in labour to do all of them in one hit! I think I'll change any that look suspect when the new dampers / springs go on, and do the rest at a later date.
I would do the chassis refresh ahead of the brakes if it were me but defo do the WALK, or S3 console bushes :happy2:
It's only really an opportunity to claw back a bit of refinement for me; like I said the dampers and springs do the job nicely from a performance point of view, but they're just a bit rough around the edges doing town driving on bad surfaces when you want the car to be comfortable rather than fast.
The brakes however are a matter of safety, so they need doing!
I think you and I are in the same boat, but I honestly don't think the standard brakes are too bad at all :smiley:
The standard kit is pretty good on fast bumpy B roads as it doesn't throw you around like hard suspension does, but it just needs a little less roll at the limit and more refinement over bumps around town as you say.
It's just a size thing, they get hot too quick and can't shed heat quick enough.
If they're not red hot, they're good enough to save you in an emergency. And that's pretty much what VAG designed them to be capable of, ultimately. So they're not 'bad' in 95% of situations. Believe me, I've owned some cars that had scarily weak brakes by comparison!
Anyway.... these dampers. I'm quite looking forward to hearing the results.
Post by: Mark_DF05 on April 30, 2016, 09:56:35 am
Bought the VWR dampers so you guys have got a Guinea pig! The price was too tempting in comparison to the mk6 b8's and the write up sounded perfect. Just hoping they're as good as they sound.
Will update this thread once they're on the car and I've done a few miles with them on.
Oh really, nice one! Where did you get them from? I'm going to go for those with the springs too.
Got them from Awesome Gti mate.
Post by: pudding on May 06, 2016, 12:14:19 pm
Bought the VWR dampers so you guys have got a Guinea pig! The price was too tempting in comparison to the mk6 b8's and the write up sounded perfect. Just hoping they're as good as they sound.
Will update this thread once they're on the car and I've done a few miles with them on.
Oh really, nice one! Where did you get them from? I'm going to go for those with the springs too.
Got them from Awesome Gti mate.
Thanks mate. You fitted them yet?! Am I right in thinking you don't need an alignment after changing springs / dampers because nothing geometry wise is disturbed?
Post by: rich83 on May 06, 2016, 12:45:59 pm
Post by: Mark_DF05 on May 06, 2016, 02:33:55 pm
Bought the VWR dampers so you guys have got a Guinea pig! The price was too tempting in comparison to the mk6 b8's and the write up sounded perfect. Just hoping they're as good as they sound.
Will update this thread once they're on the car and I've done a few miles with them on.
Oh really, nice one! Where did you get them from? I'm going to go for those with the springs too.
Got them from Awesome Gti mate.
Thanks mate. You fitted them yet?! Am I right in thinking you don't need an alignment after changing springs / dampers because nothing geometry wise is disturbed?
Not yet mate, getting them fitted in Monday along with new strut mounts and bearings. And yeah, booked in for an alignment too.
Post by: fish on May 09, 2016, 06:32:07 pm
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Post by: pudding on May 10, 2016, 04:07:07 pm
Post by: perky85 on May 10, 2016, 05:18:04 pm
Eibach springs designed to work with the Bilstein B8 damper.
If you want a quote on the B12 kit or even just the B8 damapers, drop me a PM.
Post by: AJP on May 10, 2016, 05:28:27 pm
Why not got for the Bilstein B12 Kit?The VWR dampers are a new development, and @Mark_DF05 is (I think) the first on here to try them out.
Eibach springs designed to work with the Bilstein B8 damper.
If you want a quote on the B12 kit or even just the B8 damapers, drop me a PM.
There's a lot of info out there about the Bilsteins, including the fact the mk5 and mk6 B8s now share the same part number etc.
It's helpful for quite a few of us on here to find out how well the VWR dampers work. More options the better.
Post by: Mark_DF05 on May 11, 2016, 09:38:03 pm
Comfort wise they're as good as, if not better than running oem shocks and oem springs.
Having paired H&R's with standard shocks previously I can tell you the difference with the VWR shocks is huge! They're not crashy at all like the oem shocks and are far more forgiving - going over speed bumps is very smooth and I no longer find myself having to avoid every bump in the road.
Higher speeds they're solid and really focused but like I say, I've not had chance to go on a longer spirited drive but aim to do so this weekend so should be able to provide a better review then. So far so good though! :happy2:
Post by: AJP on May 11, 2016, 10:00:01 pm
Sorry guys, got the car back late Monday night and haven't had much time to test it yet but so far I'm very impressed!Good stuff. Yes, a good long drive (and subsequent review) is needed!
Comfort wise they're as good as, if not better than running oem shocks and oem springs.
Having paired H&R's with standard shocks previously I can tell you the difference with the VWR shocks is huge! They're not crashy at all like the oem shocks and are far more forgiving - going over speed bumps is very smooth and I no longer find myself having to avoid every bump in the road.
Higher speeds they're solid and really focused but like I say, I've not had chance to go on a longer spirited drive but aim to do so this weekend so should be able to provide a better review then. So far so good though! :happy2:
Does the car sit the same as with the oem dampers?
Reason I ask is because I've heard a few reports of the spring cups on some dampers being marginally higher/lower than oem. (Not just mk5 but in general).
Sounds promising anyway. Keep us updated.
Post by: pudding on May 12, 2016, 12:12:53 pm
VWR springs are only 10-15% stiffer than OEM, which is perfect for an old crust like me! And hopefully they won't snap as often as the OEM springs do.
Post by: Mark_DF05 on May 12, 2016, 09:02:07 pm
@Pudding (http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=10733) really happy with them, can only imagine they'll be even better with the VWR springs!
Post by: AJP on May 12, 2016, 09:07:09 pm
@AJP (http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=11926) looks to sit at the same height, not the best pic sorry. Again I'll post better at the weekend. (https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fs32.postimg.org%2Fppdbaa83p%2Fimage.jpg&hash=a7792147441560d1c36addda55b13363996c13a9)Looks about right for H&R. VWR springs would be a touch higher.
@Pudding (http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=10733) really happy with them, can only imagine they'll be even better with the VWR springs!
Glad you like them mate. Sounds like they've made the ride quality much more refined then? Obviously the warmer weather softens things up to some degree, but from what you've said these knock the oem shocks out of the water.
Post by: bad devotions on August 05, 2016, 08:40:53 am
https://www.awesomegti.com/shop-by-car/audi/a3-8p/racingline-performance-damper-kit-55mm-front-strut-diameter/
Cheers
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Post by: bad devotions on August 06, 2016, 11:12:11 am
Post by: Mark_DF05 on August 07, 2016, 07:59:01 pm
Post by: AJP on August 07, 2016, 08:01:21 pm
@bad devotions (http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=11170) yes mate, they're the ones I've got.How are they holding up Mark?
Still not sure whether to get some coilovers or some of these to go with the H&R springs.
Post by: bad devotions on August 07, 2016, 08:37:42 pm
these are definitely on my list now... I've just had my superpro ALK delivered and will get that fitted in the next week or so, then next month i'll start saving up for suspension upgrades. i'll need to decide if i want to go these + H&R springs or with the VWR springs.
Post by: Mark_DF05 on August 29, 2016, 08:38:30 pm
The handling is absolutely spot on for me, had Friday off work so went for a blast through the Yorkshire dales and it just sticks to the road so well. Feel really confident taking corners which I certainly wouldn't have on oem springs/shocks.
Would still recommend them to anyone although I can't compare them to the b8's having never used them.
Post by: AJP on August 29, 2016, 08:57:43 pm
@AJP (http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=profile;u=11926) sorry mate, not had much time for car related stuff recently so not been on here. Still impressed with the shocks, for me they're still a perfect middle ground for improved handling and ride comfort. I've had a quite a few different passengers since having them fitted(some elderly relatives) and nobody has found the ride uncomfortable.Cheers mate. If I decide to stay on the H&Rs rather than go for coilovers it'll be these I go for.
The handling is absolutely spot on for me, had Friday off work so went for a blast through the Yorkshire dales and it just sticks to the road so well. Feel really confident taking corners which I certainly wouldn't have on oem springs/shocks.
Would still recommend them to anyone although I can't compare them to the b8's having never used them.
Post by: seiko on September 01, 2016, 08:21:54 pm
Post by: AJP on September 01, 2016, 08:34:58 pm
only just reading this post, had my ed30 mot today and my Bilstein b5 have failed already only done 20k on them, back to stock now, they were leaking and were a mess, never buy them again, but the eibach springs are stil going strong,That must be disappointing. You'd expect them to be good for 3 times as many miles. Haven't heard of the B5 though - is that a typo?
Post by: pudding on September 02, 2016, 02:50:11 pm
only just reading this post, had my ed30 mot today and my Bilstein b5 have failed already only done 20k on them, back to stock now, they were leaking and were a mess, never buy them again, but the eibach springs are stil going strong,That must be disappointing. You'd expect them to be good for 3 times as many miles. Haven't heard of the B5 though - is that a typo?
Maybe he meant B4, which has always been an OEM spec replacement. I've had Bilsteins in the past, B6s and B12s (in a H&R coilover kit) and to be fair they didn't last either. And neither have Koni yellows.
Glad this thread is still going though. Still haven't got around to getting the VWR spring/damper set. I'm wondering if it's worth it in the long run if OEM dampers are only 60 quid each and seem to last forever! Well, mine are now on 104K and no signs of leaking yet!
Post by: fish on September 07, 2016, 03:29:33 pm
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