MK5 Golf GTI
All Things Mk5 => Mk5 General Area => Topic started by: ljc19630 on February 14, 2023, 10:45:25 am
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Hey guys,
After 164k miles its time to replace my shocks. Want to go with standard as the ride suits me, and already on 30mm Eibach lowering springs.
Can anyone confirm these are the correct set?
https://www.bilsteinsuspensionstore.co.uk/bilstein-b4--gas-damper-19140025_p31026288.htm
https://www.bilsteinsuspensionstore.co.uk/bilstein-b4--gas-damper-22140012_p31024420.htm
Will also be upgrading a host of bushes etc but going for Lemforder standard parts too
Cheers
Louie
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Yep they are the right ones.
They're not like for like OEM though. B4 are approx 10% stiffer and B6/B8 are 25% stiffer.
I had the B4s with H&Rs on mine and ride was pretty choppy to be honest. It was fairly evident the combination was not the best match but it wasn't dangerous or anything, just not a good partnership. In hindsight I should have gone for OEM springs and dampers and started afresh, but you never know what ridiculous ride height you're going to get with new standard springs.
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Thanks Kev,
I'm assuming the OEM shocks are a stack more dearer?
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If you are buying new shocks, I would recommend buying shocks that are designed to take into account the shorter spring. Lots of people reuse their old (standard) shocks with shorter springs but if you have the opportunity you may as well get a shock that is better matched. They have less chance of blowing because they are not operating outside their design window.
From Bilstein:
- Bilstein B4 - These are classed as a replacement damper. A few B4 variations exist depending on the vehicle application but these are all intended to replace the standard shocks fitted when the car was new.
- Bilstein B6 - A non adjustable sport damper which is painted yellow. The B6 damper is designed for the motorist that wants a sporty ride without lowering the car or changing the original springs.
- Bilstein B8 - just like the B6 shock absorber but shorter. These are only for use with lowering springs or where listed for vehicles with factory sports suspension. The are shorter to ensure the all important coil spring pre load as lowering springs are shorter than OE springs.
I had Sachs OE replacements and Eibach springs. Terrible, but that could have been because two shocks were blown, and they weren't actually that old. I now have Sachs OE replacement shocks and Sachs OE replacement springs. Probably should have bought B6.
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I looked into this last year.
Got a quote from local dealers for oem shocks & springs for my Gti, from memory nigh on £900, will be more than that now I reckon..... :scared:
So went with b4s & bilstein springs, standard height but think they're a tad stiffer than oe as Pudding says.
Got most parts from Autodoc.
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Thanks Kev,
I'm assuming the OEM shocks are a stack more dearer?
As Lewo /\ says, OEM stuff is expensive! It might just be the springs though. Last time I enquired (2016 ish) the springs were over double the cost of the dampers! Back then rears were £75 each and fronts around £100, so pretty reasonable. You could chance Sachs replacements from Eurocarparts? Should be the same thing.....in theory.