Bilstein B12 Mini Review

[VWVW]

I have finally installed the Bilstein B12 kit on my car. It is a kit with the Eibach prokit springs and the Bilstein B8 shocks.

Background: I have had my share of driving time in an A3 with standard suspension, sport suspension, as well as the S3 standard suspension and the S3 magnetic ride suspension.

To make it a simpler comparison, I will use a scale of 1-10 on the different aspects (10 being the best and 1 being the worst).

Harshness: The setup is surprisingly comfortable, overall it is about the same as the A3 sport suspension in terms of harshness.

A3 Standard: 10
A3 Sport: 8
S3 Standard: 7
S3 Magride in Dynamic: 6
B12 Kit: 8

Ride Quality: This setup takes away all the floating and bounciness. The rebound response is noticeably quicker. It is just brilliant. This is very subjective, so I won't give a score.

Handling: I don't track, this is all about street performance. It corners very flat. Acceleration squat and brake dive are almost completely eliminated. It is also not bouncy at all on the road.

A3 Standard: 4
A3 Sport: 6
S3 Standard: 7
S3 Magride in Dynamic: 8
B12 Kit: 8

Ride Height / Visual: the Fender to Ground measurements are both ~25.5" front and rear, so a tad lower than the S3 ride height. For those looking for a big drop, this kit is not for you. It is a rather mild drop. Visually, it looks very much OEM.

A3 Standard: ~27"
A3 Sport: ~26.5"
S3 Standard: ~26"
S3 Magride in Dynamic: ~26"
B12 Kit: ~25.5"

From the way I see it, other than the reduction in practicality (less ground clearance), cost, and suspension warranty voiding, I can only think of positives!

Superb suspension kit!

[15S3]

Great info, not many folks have had experience with all these different models. I thought the S3 standard suspension was essentially the same as the A3 when equipped with the sport suspension, maybe different tires? I think you've convinced me to go with the B12, thanks!

[SimbadCA]

Great info.... I think you've convinced me to go with the B12, thanks!

I put the B12 Pro Kit on my daily driver, A4. Easy to install, and they’re working great.


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[VWVW]

Great info, not many folks have had experience with all these different models. I thought the S3 standard suspension was essentially the same as the A3 when equipped with the sport suspension, maybe different tires? I think you've convinced me to go with the B12, thanks!

The S3 standard suspension is slightly lower than the A3 with sport suspension.

I put the B12 Pro Kit on my daily driver, A4. Easy to install, and they’re working great.


Sent from my iPad using Audizine

Yup, the B12 is and has always been the best-bang for your buck high quality daily-driver lowering kit. I am now so spoiled that I think I need it on every future car that I will get.

[Potatohead_RS3]

I have had the B12 kit on my MkVI GTI for about 3.5 years. More than pleased and highly recommended.

[VWVW]

I have had the B12 kit on my MkVI GTI for about 3.5 years. More than pleased and highly recommended.

I have only had the B12 for about a year and I have been extremely happy with it. My only regret was not doing it sooner (I waited till the car was 2.5 years old before upgrading).