RS4 OEM DRC or aftermarket suspension? And which?

**DarkLightCJ** · 06-03-2017 03:55 AM

I have a 2008 RS4 with the stock dynamic ride control suspension system. Now anyone who's looked it up knows its 1000 a strut in parts alone. Theres some seemingly really nice 3 step (height, rebound, compression) blits suspension systems (not exactly cheap but within reason) but they all do away with the DRC. So does anyone here own a RS4 (or owned) that can tell me was it better with the DRC or aftermarket and what are the best aftermarket systems?

**tweak419** · 06-03-2017 07:32 AM

This is a great question; the usual suspects are H&R coilovers, Bilstein coilovers , KW V3s, and occasionally now Ohlins coilovers from the now defuct Stasis. I'm interested to know myself; mine is an 08 and still has DRC, but I get complaints from my wife regarding how firm the ride is with quick-compression bumps (relatively crappy roads around me). I'm thinking she'll have less complaints if I were able to dial down the compression firmness even if the spring rate is within 10-20%. I don't track this car and never will, but I would like to keep it until its final day...so making wifey happier makes that easier.

Thoughts on this as well?

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**S42RS4** · 06-03-2017 08:43 AM

Originally Posted by DarkLightCJ

I have a 2008 RS4 with the stock dynamic ride control suspension system. Now anyone who's looked it up knows its 1000 a strut in parts alone. Theres some seemingly really nice 3 step (height, rebound, compression) blits suspension systems (not exactly cheap but within reason) but they all do away with the DRC. So does anyone here own a RS4 (or owned) that can tell me was it better with the DRC or aftermarket and what are the best aftermarket systems?

Ditch the DRC. Mine crap out a while ago and I decided to go with coilovers. The brand I chose was the Bilstein PSS9 and I love them.

@ Tweak419 make the move. Get it adjusted to your liking, I believe your wife will be fine once you have the new coilovers; I have a female friend that rides with me and she loves it.

**Peter1.8t** · 06-03-2017 10:32 AM

This question gets asked fairly often. If you use the search function for this section of the forum there's going to be a lot of great information regarding aftermarket coilovers.

KW, Bilsteins, H&R. Those 3 seem to be the most popular options.

**DL8468** · 06-03-2017 04:11 PM

Just had mines changed out with PSS9. The ride is super comfy and an improvement over stock for sure!! Do it!!!

**ven0m** · 06-03-2017 04:38 PM

Removed my leaky DRC 2 weeks ago. Installed KW Clubsport (a bit better and higher in price then the KW V3). I can only say, get yourself any quality coilover and the car will feel 10 years younger. It drives amazing!

Out with the old

In with the new

**speedracer129** · 06-05-2017 03:07 PM

Originally Posted by DarkLightCJ

I have a 2008 RS4 with the stock dynamic ride control suspension system. Now anyone who's looked it up knows its 1000 a strut in parts alone. Theres some seemingly really nice 3 step (height, rebound, compression) blits suspension systems (not exactly cheap but within reason) but they all do away with the DRC. So does anyone here own a RS4 (or owned) that can tell me was it better with the DRC or aftermarket and what are the best aftermarket systems?

Hey there, I blew out one of my DRC struts one time and it was covered by warranty. It was just a matter of time before another one blew. So I went with the KW V3s and they're great. I'd say after a couple of weeks, you would get used to them. At first, you will notice the bounces on the uneven expansion joints on the freeway, but you'll get a nice tight rebound. I don't think these coilovers are harsh at all. The ride is very comparable to stock and of course you can adjust the shocks and ride height to your liking.

I also changed my upper control arms in front with a set from SPC. Definitely get an alignment after you get your coilovers. Rear camber will be pretty bad, but they can fix that and fix the front too. That'll make tire wear much better.

Hope that helps!

**DarkLightCJ** · 06-05-2017 04:10 PM

You have all been wonderful. @speedracer129 why the control arms

**CoreyRS** · 06-05-2017 05:43 PM

I love DRC. Every non-stock suspended RS4 I have ridden in was significantly harsher in my opinion.

I think a fresh set of DRC would be pretty nice compared to the 7-8 year old upgraded DRC system though.

**RAudi Driver** · 06-05-2017 08:54 PM

Ohlins are the cat's meow. If you can spring for them, do it!

**musanoadsaba** · 06-05-2017 10:22 PM

The best set up is the one the person answering your question is running;)

The two obvious roads people take are either using the DRC and running other springs for lowering, or completely switching out to a coilover.
The coilover discussion can be seen above.
The other option, using DRC, obviously requires a non-leaking system. There is mixed opinion on the quality of the DRC revision. Some say it is still gonna leak at some point, and others have but a lot of mileage without any issues.
Spring options people choose to go with the DRC are usually H&R or KW HAS.
The H&R option leaves the rear of the car sitting lower than the front, so some people have put in B5 lower spring perches in front to drop the front even lower to match the rear better, or raised the rear with a shim/aluminum insert.
The KW HAS kit is adjustable, so you run DRC damping with a height adjustable progressive spring from KW.

Since my DRC is fine (for 100,000km) I have been running the KW HAS kit for awhile now and it suits me fine. If my DRC starts to leak, I will likely go to a KW Coilover.

**bluebull** · 06-07-2017 12:58 PM

ohlins motorsports... love mine

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**speedracer129** · 06-07-2017 03:50 PM

Originally Posted by DarkLightCJ

You have all been wonderful. @speedracer129 why the control arms

Ah, good question. Well the bushings on the OEM upper control arms were beginning to crack, so I decided to swap them out with new adjustable ones, so I could fix the camber after installing the V3s.