MK5 Golf GTI

All Things Mk5 => Modifications & Technical Area => Technical Workshop => Topic started by: skuncan67 on May 25, 2016, 07:33:48 am

Title: Bilstein B8 on MK5 R32
Post by: skuncan67 on May 25, 2016, 07:33:48 am

Hi All,

I waas looking for some feedback on anyone using Bilstein B8 shocks... also which springs are the best option... i have been reading so much my eyes hurt... :laugh:
need a real life review !!!

thanks
Duncan

Title: Re: Bilstein B8 on MK5 R32
Post by: Dave J on May 29, 2016, 05:19:28 pm

Hi Duncan,

I'm running Bilstein B8's on my ED30 with a set of VWR springs. I had the springs fitted first, and then the shocks once the originals gave up the ghost. Originally I just had the springs and then H&R arb's, which gave some great improvement by reducing the roll. The ride deteriorated over time as the VW shocks got old and lost all damping effect.

I wasn't sure what to do - I didn't want Koni's (had them on my mkiv, and just didn't like the ride or quality), and didn't want coilovers. I didn't want the car any lower, and so was looking at replacement dampers - the reason I originally went with the VWR springs was because they gave the smallest amount of lowering (20mm), which is perfect in my eyes. So after a fair amount of searching, I found the B8's as they are marketed as being shortened dampers to work with lowering springs. I also had Bilsteins on my old mkiv (after the Koni's), so sort of knew what they would be like.

I found the whole mk6 vs mk5 B8 damper reviews on Vwvortex and got to the point you're at now!

Ultimately I went with the mk5 versions - they are hard when going over potholes / broken roads, but are no more crashy than VW dampers in my opinion. They are fantastic on compressions and sweeping bends. The car does 'feel' the road a lot more - it is now even more fun on a B-road. With these mods, there isn't much roll in the car anymore.

Still, suspension mods are so subjective - best try and get  ride in someone's car if you can?

Title: Re: Bilstein B8 on MK5 R32
Post by: skuncan67 on May 30, 2016, 03:08:26 pm

Hi Dave,

Thanks for the feedback i really appreciate... so you feel that the VWR springs are better than the H&R ??
plus what top mounts are you using... VW or aftermarket ?

thanks
D

Title: Re: Bilstein B8 on MK5 R32
Post by: Dave J on May 30, 2016, 10:12:51 pm

You're welcome,

I'm sorry - no idea if VWR springs are better than H&R. I just like how the VWR springs give the minimal amount of lowering - about 20mm I believe. I'm using the RS3 top mounts - they're supposed to be a bit firmer than standard

Title: Re: Bilstein B8 on MK5 R32
Post by: GTI-Ross on May 30, 2016, 11:49:00 pm

I have some B8's for sale in the classified if you are interested mate  :happy2:

Title: Re: Bilstein B8 on MK5 R32
Post by: skuncan67 on May 31, 2016, 06:42:31 am

Hi Dave,

thanks for the feedback again... RS3 top mounts sound like the way forward... you using them for the back and front ?
do you know which year fits the golf 5 ?? from that i can find the part numbers..

thanks agian..
D

Quote from: Dave J on May 30, 2016, 10:12:51 pm

You're welcome,

I'm sorry - no idea if VWR springs are better than H&R. I just like how the VWR springs give the minimal amount of lowering - about 20mm I believe. I'm using the RS3 top mounts - they're supposed to be a bit firmer than standard

Title: Re: Bilstein B8 on MK5 R32
Post by: skuncan67 on July 01, 2016, 02:03:16 pm

All,

So i have got the B8 and H&R 20/25mm drop sport springs.... wanted to know if anyone is running bumper stops with this setup...or even dust covers ??

thanks and regards
Duncan