Coilovers

B8 S4
#1

So I am researching coilovers for our cars. Ive had coilovers before, so I know all about the cost/benefit issues.

So far this is what I have gathered from teh Internets…

Bilstein B16:
-From what I can tell, the most popular option
-As it has the best adjustability with 10 stage single click compression/rebound adjustment
-Full soft (click 1) is described as softer than stock
-Progressive spring
-Satisfies the daily driver / track enthusiast
-$2,050 on tire rack

http://www.wolfsburgauto.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/2011march24-002e.jpg

Ohlins (Stasis):
-No adjustment
-Linear spring
-Separated low/high speed compression reservoirs
-Track focused
-A rebuilt pair is for sale on AZ @$1800, brand new they are $2150 @Achtuning

http://www.audizine.com/classifieds/data/120/8652170060_2e526a8158_b.jpg

KW V3:
-I know little to nothing about them. Appear to be the new kid on the block
-OEM supplier
-I have no experience with their separate height and spring collar tensioning systems. Does it work well?

http://www.vividracing.com/catalog/images/kw-audis4-coilover.jpg

Anything information I am missing?

If I get more into tracking, I will build a dedicated car – but until then I am intent on having a daily driver that can survive track days.

#2

H&R Coilovers ftw.

#3

i had H&R on previous cars and hated them compared to the kw v3’s(theyre NOT the new kid on the block) i had them on my b6 b7 and now my b8

#4

I am in same boat as OP. Decisions decisions…

#5

How about “Newer kid on the block?”

Although KW provides the ultimate in adjustability (separate bump/rebound), having the rebound adjustment on the top is NG with street cars (taking the shock off to access is not what I consider ideal).

#6

[quote=""]
I emailed SPM to get there opinion on the set (vs. Bilstein).

#7

did they happen to mention all the people that have had issues on the stasis suspension? prob not right lol? nope not ever newer kid on the block theyve been around since the car came out haha ive had them on my car for just about 3 years now ha. KW is a MAJOR name in the race scene too

#8

What issues do you speak of?

Can you adjust rebound on your KW’s with them installed?

#9

you can now i believe, they just recently redesigned that so you can get to them while installed. mine are an early version where i would either have to take them off or drill in the trunk to get access. lots of people have had clunking issues as well as dampers failing. more so than ive heard from any other brand

#10

Roger that, I see the press release:
http://www.kw-suspensions.eu/int/kw_news_entry.php?PageId=product_news&EntryId=4420

  • Precise/ exact adjustment of damper
  • Easier to adjust while fitted
  • Two adjusters one for rebound and one for compression to adjust the damper independently
  • Noticeable click when using the adjusters
  • Rotational direction on the adjusters to show harder or softer characteristics
  • Numbers on the adjusters ensure accurate adjustment of the damper

Found the guy with 3/4 blown ohlins dampers:
http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/529490-Will-coilovers-fill-the-hole-in-my-heart?p=8515335&viewfull=1#post8515335

#11

Only problem is that the part numbers for the updated coil overs still say this:
http://www.kw-store.com/products/kw-coilover-kit-v3-29.html

10: Variant 2: front shocks need to be removed from vehicle for adjustment of stiffness.

So it looks like only the rear stiffness can be adjusted from the bottom. I think KW wants you to cut a hole in the front to access the rebound.

http://www.fourtitude.com/news/uploads/Features/081__scaled_600_007.jpg

#12

ah ic. well i have v3’s which can be adjusted while on the car. dont know about the v2’s personally. biggest issue that most complain about from the KW’s is the short rear springs but i believe they have also corrected that, if not there is a spacer available from them which i have which solves it. the KW’s also feel great in DD duties too

#13

I am going to try the used/rebuilt Stasis ones for sale on AZ.

I figure if I don’t like them, I can resell them for around what I bought and get the bilsteins/kw.

#14

thats not a bad idea. i actually considered it for a minute but then thought to myself “if it aint broke dont fix it” lol

#15

Just bought them for $1700 shipped

#16

I have Bilsteins and am happy with them.

#17

Not a fan of the KWs because they are a bitch to adjust but it is all I know in terms of coils. I was between Bilstein and KW, kinda wish I went Bilstein now. Let us know how they turn out!

#18

Has Bilstein changed their adjustment settings over the years? I’ve had two sets of pss9 on different platforms and setting 1 is the stiffest, setting 9 softest. And in comparison to H&R, there is none. I prefer the Bilsteins in every way. Not even a close comparison really. Adjustable, comfort, performance, matched spring rates to tuned compression/rebound.

#19


http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8545/8607160452_c01d7a9d35_b.jpg

Untitled by Seinsmeld, on Flickr
I have Bilstein PSS10"s on my 13 S4 with SPC adj. arms which are a must to get the car back to spec alignment. At 1 they are very comfortable more so than stock and about the same in cornering. Now at 4 the car is still more comfortable than stock and much better in the twisties. Takes 10 seconds to adjust once on the hoist. That’s the beauty of this system. Once my Boxster S is out of warranty in a few years I will install them or similar on that car. Let me know if you have any questions I would happy to help.

#20

I’ll report back, paid a little extra to get them here by Friday/Install Saturday.

My wife is scheduled for induction on Monday, so I figured I needed to get this done before the boy arrives!