Spring / Strut & Shock recommendations

[BR11S4]

Have 2011 S4 6MT. 94k miles. Dampers need to be replaced soon. Notice alot of nose diving and some floating. Car is new to me btw.


Have been looking at coilovers and spring/shocks. At this point I am more confused then when I started lol

I want to spend less than $1000 so high end stuff is off the list. I will be eventually getting CR 15 and rear swaybar.


Use: weekend/fun car. Not a DD. No track use at this time



Wants:

Complaint suspension, improved handling for twisties. Good road trip car if needed. I am on highway quite a bit and would like to be able to take comfortable road trips when needed.


Looking at following kits:

BC Racing coil overs

034 Motorsport dynamic+ with Koni Special Active shocks

Bilstein B12 kit (backordered to July???)

H&R Oe Sport + Bilstein B8

Thoughts or suggestions would be great!
Again, improved handling + ride quality is what I'm after.

Thank you in advance!

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[seandon_792]

St coils would fit in your budget. Better handling and still comfy ride imo.

Might be worth a look.


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[MN Blue S4]

FWIW I have the B12 kit and absolutely love it. Checks all of the boxes you listed. That being said, good luck getting your hands on one as it seems like they have been on backorder for over a year.

[BR11S4]

FWIW I have the B12 kit and absolutely love it. Checks all of the boxes you listed. That being said, good luck getting your hands on one as it seems like they have been on backorder for over a year.

Yes! I need shocks now not in end of July! I also don't want to install them in August when its gonna be extremely hot lol

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[ZGskibum]

I had b-8 shocks/struts and H&R OE springs for about 40k miles and it was exactly what you’re describing you want in terms of ride/handling.

B-12 pro kit is same shocks/struts and similar ride height, though the Eibach rear springs tend to look a little saggy. By far the best bang for the buck, though.

I don’t have any experience with the 034/koni or BC kits. Though for coilover kits in general my experience is you get what you pay for, so I’d do a LOT of homework before buying the BC kit.

Hope this helps. Only reason I ditched the Bilstein/H&R setup was because I got a great deal on PSS10s, which are outside the price range you stated, but which (set to 7 at all 4 corners) are SO, so nice in terms of handling and—kind of surprisingly so at that stiffness—ride


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[BR11S4]

I had b-8 shocks/struts and H&R OE springs for about 40k miles and it was exactly what you’re describing you want in terms of ride/handling.

B-12 pro kit is same shocks/struts and similar ride height, though the Eibach rear springs tend to look a little saggy. By far the best bang for the buck, though.

I don’t have any experience with the 034/koni or BC kits. Though for coilover kits in general my experience is you get what you pay for, so I’d do a LOT of homework before buying the BC kit.

Hope this helps. Only reason I ditched the Bilstein/H&R setup was because I got a great deal on PSS10s, which are outside the price range you stated, but which (set to 7 at all 4 corners) are SO, so nice in terms of handling and—kind of surprisingly so at that stiffness—ride


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Thanks for responses. I've heard good things about b8/or spring combo. That is likely leading the pack. B12 kit is obviously best price by far! I would probably order those if not for backorder status.


Very curious about 034 Motorsport springs with Koni Special Active. The springs are supposed to be good with stock dampers so I bet would pair wonderfully with Koni Special Actives.

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[zookie]

FWIW, I was looking to refresh my suspension as I'm at 117k miles. I picked up some very low mileage OEM springs from the classifieds, Meyle control arms (take a look at yours, the bushings may be going out), and Koni Special Active shocks. Had somewhat similar needs. Didn't want to pour money into a high mile car but I am a very aggressive driver so wanted performance, ride quality because I drive a lot, and reasonable cost. With new bump stops, the 034 front strut mounts, and I paid Audi to put on brand new pinch bolts to make my job easier (because screw those things) when it was in for the 115k service. All in about $1,400 (little less because ECS is awesome and had a deal) but $650 of it is the control arms so if you didn't do those you could easily get under a grand. But it's OEM springs.

I really wanted to the Bilstein yellows so I could adjust as desired but for $300 (roughly 60%) more than the special actives I decided to pass. And Koni yellow adjustment is a joke.

Can't tell you the result as I'm putting on the rear shocks probably tomorrow (because I can't take it anymore mine are so bad) but it will be a week or two before I get to the other stuff. If you're interested I'll circle back and post an update. Just did new rotors/pads all around but the only thing I looked forward to more than this suspension repair/upgrade was the tunes. :)

[BR11S4]

FWIW, I was looking to refresh my suspension as I'm at 117k miles. I picked up some very low mileage OEM springs from the classifieds, Meyle control arms (take a look at yours, the bushings may be going out), and Koni Special Active shocks. Had somewhat similar needs. Didn't want to pour money into a high mile car but I am a very aggressive driver so wanted performance, ride quality because I drive a lot, and reasonable cost. With new bump stops, the 034 front strut mounts, and I paid Audi to put on brand new pinch bolts to make my job easier (because screw those things) when it was in for the 115k service. All in about $1,400 (little less because ECS is awesome and had a deal) but $650 of it is the control arms so if you didn't do those you could easily get under a grand. But it's OEM springs.

I really wanted to the Bilstein yellows so I could adjust as desired but for $300 (roughly 60%) more than the special actives I decided to pass. And Koni yellow adjustment is a joke.

Can't tell you the result as I'm putting on the rear shocks probably tomorrow (because I can't take it anymore mine are so bad) but it will be a week or two before I get to the other stuff. If you're interested I'll circle back and post an update. Just did new rotors/pads all around but the only thing I looked forward to more than this suspension repair/upgrade was the tunes. :)

All my components seem to be good, just had the car aligned and they said everything looked good. Let me know how you like the special actives

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[zookie]

Will do. Interestingly had the local tire shop check out my suspension. They did a full shake down, didn't mention the control arm bushings at all. I checked myself and can see they are torn clear as day. Might not be at 94k but its seems to be a known thing to have to deal with at higher mileage so keep an eye out. Will let you know how the shocks are!

[zookie]

Months later, new control arms, strut mount, and special active reds.

It’s not that they are bad at all but with the way I drive and hindsight being what it is, I wish I had purchased the bilsteins.


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[Audi 4 Life]

Months later, new control arms, strut mount, and special active reds.

It’s not that they are bad at all but with the way I drive and hindsight being what it is, I wish I had purchased the bilsteins.


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Do it right or do it twice.



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[zookie]

Do it right or do it twice.



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Completely agree. Typically my philosophy and every time I stray from I get reminded why I shouldn’t.

In this case I won’t be doing it twice. Just living with regret. Lol



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[AFR1485]

I went with Bilstein shocks and KW adjustable springs on my 110k mile 6MT. I had H&R Street springs before and they were too low for the city driving i do. If you hear banging check your motor mounts. The car now rides great and feels really smooth. Ride hight is exactly where i want it. The motor mounts actually made a big difference, I did this after changing my suspension.

I enjoy hearing about high mileage B8 S4s since the one with manuals are the most reliable S car Audi has made!

[zookie]

I’m at 126k but sadly I gave up my B7 S4 6MT to get this B8.5 DSG so my wife could drive it when I needed her SUV for towing. And now I get to live with DSG anxiety where with a 6MT I’d feel much better.

Anyway I don’t have any banging but I also didn’t change springs/ride height (well, I did but just with lower mileage OEM springs).

I did the strut mounts but I’m sure those motor mounts could use replacing as well.

The ride is smooth with the koni reds. It’s the spirited driving (which for me is 100% of the time) where I feel like they perform more poorly than the OEM. Since my driving is essentially always spirited I should have picked up the shock (bilstein or ohlin I hear) with external adjustability so I could set it how I want it.

Ceste la vie


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[Charles]

Speaking of sagging in the rear with the B12 kit, wasn't there a company switching out the rear springs with the wagon version to lift the back a bit??

[KRp220]

Speaking of sagging in the rear with the B12 kit, wasn't there a company switching out the rear springs with the wagon version to lift the back a bit??

KW

[zookie]

Why not revive an old thread for a quick rant. And a question.

These Koni Reds are garbage. One has completely blown out and rattling around and I’m fairly certain the other front is on its way. They were ok for a minute but that faded fast. Hugely unimpressed at this point. The Yellows might be ok but these are not.

Now, I’m about to sell the car or trade it in but I need to fix this as it’s going to cost me one way or another. The Reds are under warranty but I don’t even want to have the next owner have to deal with these. I’ll fork out the cash to put something on here. Wish I could find some low mile OEMs for the front but any other suggestions on a cheap but decent shock/strut/whatever it is up front?


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[Audi 4 Life]

Why not revive an old thread for a quick rant. And a question.

These Koni Reds are garbage. One has completely blown out and rattling around and I’m fairly certain the other front is on its way. They were ok for a minute but that faded fast. Hugely unimpressed at this point. The Yellows might be ok but these are not.

Now, I’m about to sell the car or trade it in but I need to fix this as it’s going to cost me one way or another. The Reds are under warranty but I don’t even want to have the next owner have to deal with these. I’ll fork out the cash to put something on here. Wish I could find some low mile OEMs for the front but any other suggestions on a cheap but decent shock/strut/whatever it is up front?


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Brand new OE sport rock auto 200 full set if their in stock.

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[zookie]

Hmm, not seeing any OE for a 13 S4 unless this one of these MFGs is the same as OE: FCS, KYB, PRT

[Audi 4 Life]

Hmm, not seeing any OE for a 13 S4 unless this one of these MFGs is the same as OE: FCS, KYB, PRT

Weird it show's available under A4 sport bilstein is oe. And sport is same as S4 AFAIK

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[BlackOpticBuckI]

You should definitely look at replacing the front control arms in a "high mileage" B8/B8.5. I had my done at 69k with 034's higher, than stock, durometer control arms, and combined with B6s /OEM springs, the car feels amazing! Totally unflappable. Firmer than stock, but much sportier.

[Tweakophyte]

Why not revive an old thread for a quick rant. And a question.

These Koni Reds are garbage. One has completely blown out and rattling around and I’m fairly certain the other front is on its way. They were ok for a minute but that faded fast. Hugely unimpressed at this point. The Yellows might be ok but these are not.

Now, I’m about to sell the car or trade it in but I need to fix this as it’s going to cost me one way or another. The Reds are under warranty but I don’t even want to have the next owner have to deal with these. I’ll fork out the cash to put something on here. Wish I could find some low mile OEMs for the front but any other suggestions on a cheap but decent shock/strut/whatever it is up front?


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Any thoughts why they blew out? Did you hit a pot hole? What did you finally do?

Thx

[zookie]

Two issues. One was the shock. This was replaced under warranty. The rattling sound, however, was the control arms. I happened upon a youtube video with the identical sound and it was resolved by replacing the control arms. I still felt slop in the steering, especially at high speeds. Almost unnerving depending on your definition of "high speed". Decided I had enough and traded in the car. Had some other needs in my world drive me to a truck but I am considering another B8.5 S4 but I will not plan to keep it beyond 120k and I will mod it immediately after purchase. :)

[GTSJeff]

I did a lot of research on B12 kit vs. B8 shocks + whatever spring and the consensus was that nothing felt as good as the B12 kit. I’m really happy with mine. It raises the bar significantly in terms of cornering performance, diving under braking, it is actually more comfortable than stock 90% of the time, and lowers the car without making it look totally “lowered.” It is still high enough to drive over ramps without having to angle your car like a tool. It’s very OEM+. I recommend it for anyone who isn’t building a track car.


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[oaybar007]

I did a lot of research on B12 kit vs. B8 shocks + whatever spring and the consensus was that nothing felt as good as the B12 kit. I’m really happy with mine. It raises the bar significantly in terms of cornering performance, diving under braking, it is actually more comfortable than stock 90% of the time, and lowers the car without making it look totally “lowered.” It is still high enough to drive over ramps without having to angle your car like a tool. It’s very OEM+. I recommend it for anyone who isn’t building a track car.


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This is great to hear. I bought my b12 kit last Spring and have yet to install it. Definitely sounds like it fits the bill for all around driving and comfort.

[Tweakophyte]

I did a lot of research on B12 kit vs. B8 shocks + whatever spring and the consensus was that nothing felt as good as the B12 kit. I’m really happy with mine. It raises the bar significantly in terms of cornering performance, diving under braking, it is actually more comfortable than stock 90% of the time, and lowers the car without making it look totally “lowered.” It is still high enough to drive over ramps without having to angle your car like a tool. It’s very OEM+. I recommend it for anyone who isn’t building a track car.


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How does that compare to the PSS10s? Any thoughts?

Thx,

[jcollins28]

I’m putting in Bilstein B8’s this weekend with H&R SS springs

[Nillamb]

I'm considering uprating my suspension setup. I've never had any aftermarket suspension on my cars so I'm kinda nervous as I don't want to end up with a rock hard ride. My car currently feels somewhat wallowy on bigger bumps and it does not like changing direction. I don't think the suspension is 'broken' but the non-ADS (that I have) does seem to be much less damped/softer than the ADS cars, even on 'comfort' setting. I'm also not really a 'lowered' guy so I was thinking that I'd basically swap in Bilstein B6's, but it's hard to find anyone who's done that and reviewed the results. My options are, I guess:

-B6 + stock everything else
-B6 (B8?) + 034 Dynamic + springs (the 1" drop of the 034 springs sounds ideal to me)
-B12 kit (plenty of reviews)

Basically wondering if I should just toss in the B6's or go with springs as well (only if drop is small)

[GTSJeff]

How does that compare to the PSS10s? Any thoughts?

Thx,

Those are a adjustable shock and height adjustable coilover system as opposed to the B12 which is a cup kit.


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[Nillamb]

Can anyone tell me if these are these the right B6's for my Avant? I can find very few places selling these (not wild about e-bay):

Fronts:

24-145961

https://www.bilstein-shocks.co.uk/pr...3a97fa34&_ss=r

Rears:

24-145978

https://www.bilstein-shocks.co.uk/pr...3a97fa34&_ss=r