**No photos because apparently my files are too large. You’re not missing much as ride height is maybe 5-8mm lower than stock. Almost imperceptible.
I recently installed VW DG springs with Bilstein Touring dampers. Bilstein markets these as OEM replacement with 10% firmer valving than stock. The DG springs are for a 4-door DSG; my car is a 2-door DSG. Part numbers Front:5K3071677BVA, Rear: 5K4071677HA. These apparently ride the highest of all the DG’s and have the highest spring rates. Despite this I bought them because it’s all that was available. I had everything installed including all new hardware, stretch bolts, axle bolts etc. OEM strut mounts, bearings, bump stops, sway bar links... everything. I have 17” wheels that weigh 18 lbs each on brand new General G-Max RS summer tires. I love the 18” Detroits but not at 29 lbs each! These tires are extremely comfortable and grippy.
Initial impressions after 1 week: Not good! First the good: Handling is vastly improved. Quicker turn-in due to slightly increased negative camber. Less roll, much better high speed stability, vastly improved rebound dampening. The bad: Impact harshness and bump stiffness is very poor. My shocks were shot at 108K miles and impact harshness is much worse right now. I was under the impression Bilstein Tourings were SOFT compared to the B6 and B8. I’ve owned both (on a MINI no less) and the B8’s didn’t crash over bumps like the B4’s do. As mentioned before, the rebound damping is perfect. No bouncing or oscillating over bumps. But sharp impacts like potholes or manhole covers are unbearable. I’ve looked and yes my bump stops are in place.
I need some expertise. What’s causing the harsh impacts? My gut says it’s the struts, not the springs because I’d have a bouncy ride if it were the springs. I had new front sway bar links installed as well. Could improperly torqued suspension hardware cause a stiff ride? My car handles great, tracks straight and has no noticeable noises. I’m upset because I purposely sourced the “softest” aftermarket set-up there is. I wanted OEM ride with improved handling. Instead I got what feels like a NISSAN GT-R Nismo driving over potholes! I’ve dropped around $1,000 on parts and labor, got practically zero drop in ride height and terrible bump absorption. Only improvement is handling. If that’s all I cared about then I would’ve bought full coilovers.
Thoughts? Is it the shocks? The springs? Torque specs? All 3?
I recently installed VW DG springs with Bilstein Touring dampers. Bilstein markets these as OEM replacement with 10% firmer valving than stock. The DG springs are for a 4-door DSG; my car is a 2-door DSG. Part numbers Front:5K3071677BVA, Rear: 5K4071677HA. These apparently ride the highest of all the DG’s and have the highest spring rates. Despite this I bought them because it’s all that was available. I had everything installed including all new hardware, stretch bolts, axle bolts etc. OEM strut mounts, bearings, bump stops, sway bar links... everything. I have 17” wheels that weigh 18 lbs each on brand new General G-Max RS summer tires. I love the 18” Detroits but not at 29 lbs each! These tires are extremely comfortable and grippy.
Initial impressions after 1 week: Not good! First the good: Handling is vastly improved. Quicker turn-in due to slightly increased negative camber. Less roll, much better high speed stability, vastly improved rebound dampening. The bad: Impact harshness and bump stiffness is very poor. My shocks were shot at 108K miles and impact harshness is much worse right now. I was under the impression Bilstein Tourings were SOFT compared to the B6 and B8. I’ve owned both (on a MINI no less) and the B8’s didn’t crash over bumps like the B4’s do. As mentioned before, the rebound damping is perfect. No bouncing or oscillating over bumps. But sharp impacts like potholes or manhole covers are unbearable. I’ve looked and yes my bump stops are in place.
I need some expertise. What’s causing the harsh impacts? My gut says it’s the struts, not the springs because I’d have a bouncy ride if it were the springs. I had new front sway bar links installed as well. Could improperly torqued suspension hardware cause a stiff ride? My car handles great, tracks straight and has no noticeable noises. I’m upset because I purposely sourced the “softest” aftermarket set-up there is. I wanted OEM ride with improved handling. Instead I got what feels like a NISSAN GT-R Nismo driving over potholes! I’ve dropped around $1,000 on parts and labor, got practically zero drop in ride height and terrible bump absorption. Only improvement is handling. If that’s all I cared about then I would’ve bought full coilovers.
Thoughts? Is it the shocks? The springs? Torque specs? All 3?