Anyone have any experience with coilovers on an allroad?

[redcheese]

I picked up a manual 2.7t allroad last year and I've been enjoying the car so far. I bought the car with the knowledge that I wanted a practical, fast estate car, so future performance modifications are definitely on the menu. Something I did notice straight away though is that I wasn't a fan of the air suspension. It wallows about on the road something terrible and the ride comfort really isn't as good as I thought it would be. I did come from a 330i m-sport so I am aware that I am used to very firm, low, ride. Recently it has stopped raising above level 1, just throws the suspension warning light when you try, I'm also aware that the front passenger airbag sinks if the car isn't driven for a week or so as well so I know I'm going to have to make some repairs at some point.

So my question is has anyone in the UK had any experience fitting coilovers to a C5 allroad?

I found a thread from a few years ago that discussed custom length BC racing coilovers that were either 20mm or 40mm longer than the standard A6 coilovers and some people had fitted this kit to their vehicle, however there wasn't much more information to go on and the only company I have seen that offer something like this is a company called H-tune. I've been in touch with a guy there who has spoken to the BC racing factory and confirmed that they can supply the A6 coilovers with 20mm longer dampers. However apparently BC racing stated they were unsure whether this designed kit was specifically designed for the allroad or not.

I also came across this company that offers a coilover kit: http://pbbrakes.com/audi-a6-c5-allroad-4wd-coilover-suspension-kit.html

Has anyone here fitted the BC racing kit or that kit from pbbrakes? or any other kit available in the UK that I'm overlooking?

I definitely want to keep the ground clearance of at least level 1. I had to avoid certain roads in the 330 because of speed bumps and I'm enjoying not having to worry that it in the Audi, as well as being able to mount any kerb I need to. I would however like a firm, planted feel when driving the car, especially since I'm looking at upping the power, I want the car to feel like it can handle the power without feeling like I'm on a boat in rough sea's.

If anyone has any experience or knowledge on this matter I would be grateful for your input.

[PaperToast]

search bar at the top right of the page, type in 'allroad coilover', more info than you can read in a month

[alien_brain]

bc racing ftw

[redcheese]

I've seen a lot of people who have used A6 kits like KW's, ST's, H&R's etc... Was kinda hoping some helpful samaritan had the 20mm longer BC kit fitted and could give me an idea of the mini and max heights. Had BC br coilovers fitted to other vehicles and would agree they're an awesome kit

[alien_brain]

i would but i dont know those numbers and my car isnt here atm

[glennda5id]

With the BC Racing Allroad kit, it sits at about stock Level 2 at max height and well below level 1 at min (I have never taken it all the way down). I ride a 1/2" or so below stock Level 1.

I went with softer springs, but in hindsight I think I should have gone with something closer to what they recommend. I plan to buy some more springs to swap in, but I have not had a chance.

[das_boosthead]

With the BC Racing Allroad kit, it sits at about stock Level 2 at max height and well below level 1 at min (I have never taken it all the way down). I ride a 1/2" or so below stock Level 1.

I went with softer springs, but in hindsight I think I should have gone with something closer to what they recommend. I plan to buy some more springs to swap in, but I have not had a chance.


Do you say that about the spring rate because it's too soft and you were looking for a firmer, more sports car like ride quality, or is the handling degraded compared to stock? I would like a spring rate firmer than stock but I'm really appreciating the comfy ride as we use the AR for long trips. The stock suspension is too wallowy.

[glennda5id]

They recommend 16/14 kg/mm spings. I went with Swift 14/12 kg/mm springs. I think the front is fine, but I think the rear bounces too much. I can adjust this by firming up the dampeners, but the rear seems to really need a higher spring rate.

Id recommend reading through this thread

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/575150-Custom-Prototype-BC-Racing-Allroad-Coilovers-Half-Installed

[redcheese]

Thanks glennda5id, I've just looked back over your comments on an older thread, your kit had the 40mm longer dampers then yeah?

What made me even ask the original question was that when BC racing were contacted they stated they were unsure whether the kit H-tune were advertising, which was allroad specific, was ever designed for the allroad, all they could say was that it is the same kit as the standard A6 but they could supply 20mm longer dampers. To be fair I enquired about whether the kit was 20mm longer so the question of 40mm was never asked. Just thought it was worth trying to find someone who had some experience with the BC kit before I spent money on a factory ordered kit that the manufacturer or the supplier could tell me much about?

I really appreciate your information thought, so would you have gone with the 16kg/14kg front/rear springs?

[glennda5id]

The Allroad kit is 40mm longer if my memory serves me. It also includes top hats that work with the Allroad. If you use the A6 kit you will need to kit the A6 upper perch or drill holes.

I can't say what springs I would prefer until I try some others. It does handle pretty good and is stiffer than stock. Currently though I feel it is a little unbalanced and that the rear needs a higher spring rate in the rear. Things might be different with the BC racing 12kg springs though. I have Swift 12kg/mm springs. I think my next step will be to buy some 14kg/mm swift springs.

[julex]

As I remarked in the previous thread the choice of spring for rear is improper with BC racing, e.g. you cannot have linear springs in there because they allow for too much travel when leaning/hitting bumps etc (back is "floaty") when low spring rate is installed. So you're between a choice of soft springs that provide civilized every day performance (they don't cause your teeth to rattle during normal driving with minor road imperfections) but are otherwise floaty" when you push the car, or you go with firm springs but then the car gets too much spring rate and normal driving is becoming a chore soon enough but then it is better in corners etc.

Basically you cannot have the cake and eat it at the same time. The solution is progressive spring and almost all traditional kits come with that in the back. What progressive spring provides is soft action during normal driving but once you push the car to the limits, the spring provides more and more spring rate the more it is compressed. It is perfect for the back in that respect.