If you have had Bilstein PSS10's for 6-12 months or more: Feedback requested

[Seis-Speed]

In reading through all the material, it seems that people love this set of Coils when purchased. I was just wondering if anybody who has had them for a length of time could chime in and give some feedback on how they feel through winters, after break-in, etc...
TIA

[cfritos]

In reading through all the material, it seems that people love this set of Coils when purchased. I was just wondering if anybody who has had them for a length of time could chime in and give some feedback on how they feel through winters, after break-in, etc...
TIA

I have had then for maybe 4 months now and I am very happy with them. They are by far the best option for our platform.

[cfritos]

In my opinion of course... I heard a lot of bad reviews about kw and their rear coils sagging to much and hr aren't stainless steel so that's why I chose the pss10. I also got then for under 2k so that was a plus

[Gromit]

Would also be good if guys can chime in with their experience with the Bilstein B16 ridecontrol coilovers, which are based on the PSS10.

[AC419]

In my opinion of course... I heard a lot of bad reviews about kw and their rear coils sagging to much and hr aren't stainless steel so that's why I chose the pss10. I also got then for under 2k so that was a plus

do you mind sharing where you got them? :)

[cfritos]

They were from awe. I believe they had a promo and I also bought a couple other things from them so they hooked me up. Was every happy with them.

[mcoomer]

The Bilsteins...do they keep the stock ride height? I'd love to upgrade the suspension but I don't want any, and I mean zero, rubbing concerns. Aside from that, I wouldn't mind hearing what others have to say about these two options.

Mike

[xuandatou]

Go with Bilstein !

I just got mine installed in the middle of May, just love it !!!! No crank noise at all.

You will never get a chance to look back, its a perfect combination of control and comfort. BTW, I set both front and rear at level 6

Contact John / Will at AWE Tuning, they have few left in stock !

[Akatsuki...]

Four months now.. love it every moment! Paired w michelin PS2, Alu kreuz, and stainless steel lines... best handling thing I've driven ever

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...el-Brake-lines

my review when i initially installed.

[bergaler]

i have a noob question.. still new to the suspension game but did some research and couldn't quite find an answer. Searched all through a bunch of different PSS10 threads and although i came to a conclusion id rather just someone say it outright. Will PSS10s negate the ADS system? that's what my conclusion was. i didnt get it in black and white but i pulled it together from a few different sources. More specifically that comfort and dynamic mode will be one and the same with PSS10s installed. Also, since im here asking this question, do links and sways also bridge the gap in ride feel between the two modes? Some clarification with how these mods interact with ADS would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[steve0827]

i have a noob question.. still new to the suspension game but did some research and couldn't quite find an answer. Searched all through a bunch of different PSS10 threads and although i came to a conclusion id rather just someone say it outright. Will PSS10s negate the ADS system? that's what my conclusion was. i didnt get it in black and white but i pulled it together from a few different sources. More specifically that comfort and dynamic mode will be one and the same with PSS10s installed. Also, since im here asking this question, do links and sways also bridge the gap in ride feel between the two modes? Some clarification with how these mods interact with ADS would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Yes....if you are replacing the shocks with anything other than the OEM ADS shocks, you will negate the OEM ADS system.

There are some set ups from KW that offer a similar system called DDC.

[dygital]

Does anyone know if the Bilstein carrys the error code kit that KW offers to get rid of the code on cars with adaptive dampers?

[Gromit]

Yes....if you are replacing the shocks with anything other than the OEM ADS shocks, you will negate the OEM ADS system.

There are some set ups from KW that offer a similar system called DDC.

Bilstein also has an option like the KW DDC. Bilstein calls it the ridecontrol coilover. It's built on the PSS10 framework. It operates like ADS but you need to install a separate button, which most guys but in the cig lighter in the ash tray. You can also operate them, and more finely set the parameters, with the Bilstein iPhone app that was made for them. If you do a Google search on these you'll find lots of good reviews.

[Gromit]

Does anyone know if the Bilstein carrys the error code kit that KW offers to get rid of the code on cars with adaptive dampers?

Yes, there is. Eurocode installed this kit last spring for a guy that switch to the KW DDCs. IIRC, it's about $400.

[Gromit]

Go with Bilstein !

I just got mine installed in the middle of May, just love it !!!! No crank noise at all.

You will never get a chance to look back, its a perfect combination of control and comfort. BTW, I set both front and rear at level 6

Contact John / Will at AWE Tuning, they have few left in stock !

The pics in your build thread are awesome. The ones from after you installed the PSS10s look like you lowered more than the minimum 30mm lowering those coils require. Is that true? If so, what's your drop? And am I seeing that you dropped the front more than the rear? Great work on your ride!

[dawei213]

Here's my input when someone asked me recently via PM:

As for the PSS10, I love them. There's dampening adjustment of 1-10, I have them set at 5. They feel firmer with less body roll but not much harsher than stock. They are comfortable while driving but also give you a good amount of road feedback that can be felt. It really does make you feel a bit more connected to the road. I love them. The rears won't sag like the KW coilovers. Body roll is well controlled. I'm sure if I turn it to 10, body roll will be at a min but it'll be rock hard. 5 is a great compromise. It rides almost like stock when cruising but shows its prowess when turning hard. Of all the mods, this will be the priciest, (coilover and install) but I felt it is definitely worth it.

[akim_hobo]

I've had them for quite awhile now and tracked them several times. There's no sag, but they do sit pretty low. At it's highest setting you're probably looking at something around the height of a 10mm drop. Anything below 5 feels a little bouncy to me. I like them at 7, and they feel better than stock in terms of recovery and you will definitely notice a difference around a corner. This and the Alu are the 2 upgrades I have no issues with whatsoever.

[Seinsmeld13]

I've had mine for about two years and about 50,000 km. I originally had them installed on my 10 S4 and transferred them to my 13. I'm sitting very low and have zero rubbing. They are set at 4 front and back. I find the ride more comfortable than stock even at this low ride height. I'll probably dial it to 6 next time she's on a hoist. The fact I transferred this coil over to my new car should be enough info for you. You are welcome to take her out for a spin if you are in the area. I'm considering this setup for my new Boxster, well new to me.

[cfritos]

The Bilsteins...do they keep the stock ride height? I'd love to upgrade the suspension but I don't want any, and I mean zero, rubbing concerns. Aside from that, I wouldn't mind hearing what others have to say about these two options.

Mike

I have the PSS10 and I am slammed, like no finger gab at all, i dont have spacers and I have never rubbed once except when i had a full car and when over a larger than normal speed bump. I plan on putting spacers on though so i will probally have to raise it up a bit so i dont rub. I also run the stock 19 peelers with 255 tires.

[stactum]

I am also looking to get PSS10 as my next upcoming mod. I do have Alu-Kreuz and front and rear sways with end-links. I heard even in default position PSS10 sits lower than stock suspension; but I was thinking about 1 inch drop anyway so I am assuming it won't be an issue.

[Seinsmeld13]

[QUOTE=stactum;8996109]I am also looking to get PSS10 as my next upcoming mod. I do have Alu-Kreuz and front and rear sways with end-links. I heard even in default position PSS10 sits lower than stock suspension; but I was thinking about 1 inch drop anyway so I am assuming it won't be an issue.[/QUOTE
Correct. 20-25 mm is the minimum drop. I'm at no rear gap with zero issues.

[Seis-Speed]

Thanks to all for the replies. Seinsmeld, that is saying something if you plan of having them on 3 consecutive vehicles.

[xuandatou]

The pics in your build thread are awesome. The ones from after you installed the PSS10s look like you lowered more than the minimum 30mm lowering those coils require. Is that true? If so, what's your drop? And am I seeing that you dropped the front more than the rear? Great work on your ride!

Thanks man !

In the beginning, I had the H&R OE Springs installed on my car, the handling had improved comparing to the stock springs, but the damping seemed to get worse and there was always some crank noise in the front when I was driving through bumps.

Finally I decided to go with the coilovers. In fact, the PSS10 was a graduation gift from my GF.

When I got it installed, I told the tech that I wanted to maintain the same height as before. But 6 weeks later, all springs settled down, and rear tires started to rub the fender.

Then I have it adjusted----higher the rear only. And yes, the drop in the front is a little bit greater than rear but I'm not quite sure about the exact measurement.

Please pardon my spelling & grammar errors since English is not my mother tongue.

[Gromit]

^^ Thanks bud. Car stuff comes through great in any form of English or any other language. And hang on to that GF--with gifts like that she's def a keeper!

[Seinsmeld13]

After reading this earlier today I decided to adjust my PSS10's further. I started at 1 which is softest. That lasted about a week. I had it at 4 since March. Today I adjusted her to 6. This really made a big difference. Still comfortable, way more steering feel and less lean in the corners. I couldn't imagine this at 10. Took all of a few minutes to do which included putting her up and down on the hoist. That's the beauty of this system. I highly recommend it.

[Akatsuki...]

After reading this earlier today I decided to adjust my PSS10's further. I started at 1 which is softest. That lasted about a week. I had it at 4 since March. Today I adjusted her to 6. This really made a big difference. Still comfortable, way more steering feel and less lean in the corners. I couldn't imagine this at 10. Took all of a few minutes to do which included putting her up and down on the hoist. That's the beauty of this system. I highly recommend it.

I went from 5/5, to 7/3.. now at 7/4

I have my car sent to dynamic permanently from start up. 7/4 with dynamic is the best for neutral steering if you ask me. I was at shannonville end of july, and when my RE760s were very heated up, I could just drift a lil and let the tail kick out.

[Limey]

After reading this earlier today I decided to adjust my PSS10's further. I started at 1 which is softest. That lasted about a week. I had it at 4 since March. Today I adjusted her to 6. This really made a big difference. Still comfortable, way more steering feel and less lean in the corners. I couldn't imagine this at 10. Took all of a few minutes to do which included putting her up and down on the hoist. That's the beauty of this system. I highly recommend it.

I started out at 4 on mine and went to 6 but still found it to soft for my liking lol. I'm now on 7

[rs4dreams]

I went from 5/5, to 7/3.. now at 7/4

I have my car sent to dynamic permanently from start up. 7/4 with dynamic is the best for neutral steering if you ask me. I was at shannonville end of july, and when my RE760s were very heated up, I could just drift a lil and let the tail kick out.

By 7/4, 7/3, etc. do you mean front/rear?

[Akatsuki...]

By 7/4, 7/3, etc. do you mean front/rear?

yep

[Seis-Speed]

What is the highest setting for winter? I am on springs now about 1.3" drop, I could be higher to be honest.

[Seinsmeld13]

What is the highest setting for winter? I am on springs now about 1.3" drop, I could be higher to be honest.

I'm dropped what seems like 2". I have no clearance issues in the front. The rear is sitting a little lower than the front. I may raise he 1/4-1/2" to even her out with the front. I believe the minimum drop is 25 mm, however, I think that is in compared to an A4.

[Seinsmeld13]

I went from 5/5, to 7/3.. now at 7/4

I have my car sent to dynamic permanently from start up. 7/4 with dynamic is the best for neutral steering if you ask me. I was at shannonville end of july, and when my RE760s were very heated up, I could just drift a lil and let the tail kick out.

Mine is always set at dynamic except the steering which is set to auto. 6-6 is good, I may try 7-7. This setup is a dream compared to the stock setup which looks like a 4x4. As a side note I tried Eibach springs with Koni sports, terrible. Way too harsh. Sold that setup after 30-60 days.

[wwhan]

I'm dropped what seems like 2". I have no clearance issues in the front. The rear is sitting a little lower than the front. I may raise he 1/4-1/2" to even her out with the front. I believe the minimum drop is 25 mm, however, I think that is in compared to an A4.

Minimum drop is around 10mm. The PSS10 rear adjuster has a large adjustment range (unlike KW) & the front has a pretty good range also.

From Tirerack.com: 2011 Audi S4 Sedan Premium Plus, PSS10, Manufacturer Part #: 48-147231
Avg low 10-30mmF & 10-30mmR

The same Bilstein # 48-147231 PSS10 kit allegedly fits all these models, for the same lowering specifications, even though the axle weights vary a fair amount. http://www.ajusa.com/Bilstein-48-147...em-ab071f.html

2009 - 2013 AUDI A4 Base
2009 - 2012 AUDI A4 QUATTRO Avant
2009 - 2013 AUDI A4 QUATTRO Base
2010 - 2013 AUDI A5 Cabriolet
2012 - 2013 AUDI A5 Base
2008 - 2013 AUDI A5 QUATTRO Base
2010 - 2013 AUDI A5 QUATTRO Cabriolet
2010 - 2013 AUDI S4 Base
2008 - 2013 AUDI S5 Base
2010 - 2013 AUDI S5 Cabriolet

[Seinsmeld13]

Minimum drop is around 10mm. The PSS10 rear adjuster has a large adjustment range (unlike KW) & the front has a pretty good range also.

From Tirerack.com: 2011 Audi S4 Sedan Premium Plus, PSS10, Manufacturer Part #: 48-147231
Avg low 10-30mmF & 10-30mmR

The same Bilstein # 48-147231 PSS10 kit allegedly fits all these models, for the same lowering specifications, even though the axle weights vary a fair amount. http://www.ajusa.com/Bilstein-48-147...em-ab071f.html

2009 - 2013 AUDI A4 Base
2009 - 2012 AUDI A4 QUATTRO Avant
2009 - 2013 AUDI A4 QUATTRO Base
2010 - 2013 AUDI A5 Cabriolet
2012 - 2013 AUDI A5 Base
2008 - 2013 AUDI A5 QUATTRO Base
2010 - 2013 AUDI A5 QUATTRO Cabriolet
2010 - 2013 AUDI S4 Base
2008 - 2013 AUDI S5 Base
2010 - 2013 AUDI S5 Cabriolet

I read this as 10-30 mm lowering based on A4 not S4.

[wwhan]

I read this as 10-30 mm lowering based on A4 not S4.

When I had the PSS10 c/o on my S4, the drop, near max height, was set at about 1/2 inch.
The Bilstein USA site says drop is "Lowering of approx. 30-50 mm at front and rear" and here you can see the vehicle applications.

To fit all those applications, will require a c/o adjustment range larger than 20mm.

[Akatsuki...]

Mine is always set at dynamic except the steering which is set to auto. 6-6 is good, I may try 7-7. This setup is a dream compared to the stock setup which looks like a 4x4. As a side note I tried Eibach springs with Koni sports, terrible. Way too harsh. Sold that setup after 30-60 days.

I've been through three suspension set ups.. altho not on the same car, I have to say PSS10 was the best suspension set up I bought.

[Seinsmeld13]

Akatsuki with rear set at 3 do you find it bouncy? Did you notice increased road feel at 7 F? My mind may be playing tricks with me as it certainly feels that way to me. I went from near selling this car to loving it with a few easy but relatively expensive changes. The PSS10's set correctly, proper installation i.e. no rattles, alignment and Vagcom to eliminate the slip in the steering of my 13's electric steering. This car setup the way it is, is a joy to drive now.

[hanyoung]

Bringing an old thread back-- about to purchase either the PSS10 or B16 ride control. How easy is it to adjust the PSS10s? Can I do without the car on a lift? I do like the on the fly adjustment of the ride control for the simple ease of changing, however the precision of the PSS10 if adjustments are relatively easy

[will13k7]

How easy is it to adjust the PSS10s?

you can do it without taking the tire off or jacking the car up, just by laying down on your back parallel to the car next to the wheel, reaching behind the wheel and feeling around until you find the adjustment knob, then count off the clicks. You can also stick your phone in there and snap a picture afterwards to see that you landed on the number you thought you did.

set to '6' here:

[hanyoung]

Thank you for the info! I like the phone trick too. I think I'm sold on the PSS10 over the ride control now.