A6 Shock Replacement

[6smith]

I'm looking to replace my stock non-sport suspension shocks on my '19 A6 3.0 S-Line. I was hoping to go with a set of Bilstein B8's paired with H&R Springs, but Bilstein only makes the B6, which is for OEM height. I don't love the idea of B6s with lowering springs but Bilstein hasn't gotten back to me on compatibility or if a B8 option is on the way. This led me to look into the Bilstein OE options...

Enter my question. Does anyone know the real difference between the Sport suspension v.s. non-sport suspension? Even Audi hasn't been able to give me a clear-cut answer outside of "It's a completely different system"... understood. but how so? Is the shock length shorter with a shorter sport-spring to match the ratios? Could I in theory swap to the OE bilstein shock made for the sport suspension (If it's a shorter strut) and would it bolt onto the top hat, etc...? Does anyone have any input on this?


Thanks, and please provide alternative suggestions if you have any.

[JWebb_C7_Comp]

I'm looking to replace my stock non-sport suspension shocks on my '19 A6 3.0 S-Line. I was hoping to go with a set of Bilstein B8's paired with H&R Springs, but Bilstein only makes the B6, which is for OEM height. I don't love the idea of B6s with lowering springs but Bilstein hasn't gotten back to me on compatibility or if a B8 option is on the way. This led me to look into the Bilstein OE options...

Enter my question. Does anyone know the real difference between the Sport suspension v.s. non-sport suspension? Even Audi hasn't been able to give me a clear-cut answer outside of "It's a completely different system"... understood. but how so? Is the shock length shorter with a shorter sport-spring to match the ratios? Could I in theory swap to the OE bilstein shock made for the sport suspension (If it's a shorter strut) and would it bolt onto the top hat, etc...? Does anyone have any input on this?


Thanks, and please provide alternative suggestions if you have any.

Don't know if my comments are directly on point as to your thinking, but here we go....

I've had the sport suspension on my 2018 A6, and it's been pretty good, but it is NOT lowered. If/when replacing struts/shocks on that suspension, I'd pair it with Bilstein B6's or the softer touring (maybe B4). If lowering, I'd look at the B8's or Koni's adjustable.

I had the B6's on my older BMW 335 XI and they were absolutely fantastic. The car was NOT lowered. I used stock "sport" suspension springs on the XI, which was not like lowering on H&R's.

I had previously lowered an E36 BMW on H&R's and ran Koni's adjustable shocks and struts. It was punishing unless I dialed the Koni's to their softest setting. But for track and autoX, it was a fantastic set-up. That said, I would not do that again unless for track and autoX. But, I drive in the Midwest where the roads are full of potholes!

My understanding is that the B6's are meant for "stock" height - not lowered - suspension and the B8's are meant for lowered suspensions and have less travel. If you're serious about lowering the car and B8's are not an option, consider Koni or another reputable shock/strut for lowered cars. There are a few. But, I can't speak to how they feel as I've generally driven German cars with stock, Bilstein and Koni..

Hope that helps a bit.

[maxvq35]

The oem non-sport suspension along with H&R Sports provides a nice and even drop. I've had them for 2 years on my 19' S-line with the oem shocks (now at 67k mi) and not a peep out of the suspension, great supple ride and improved cornering with less body roll. I run 21x9's as my fairweather setup and i find the ride and traction better than the oem 19's tbh.

The Audi sport drop vs non-sport is like .75", thats likely why H&R has the springs for that setup to also be .75. So H&R likely sees that 1.4-1.5" as safe for the OEM shock/struts.

[6smith]

The oem non-sport suspension along with H&R Sports provides a nice and even drop. I've had them for 2 years on my 19' S-line with the oem shocks (now at 67k mi) and not a peep out of the suspension, great supple ride and improved cornering with less body roll. I run 21x9's as my fairweather setup and i find the ride and traction better than the oem 19's tbh.

The Audi sport drop vs non-sport is like .75", thats likely why H&R has the springs for that setup to also be .75. So H&R likely sees that 1.4-1.5" as safe for the OEM shock/struts.

Thanks, everyone. I wound up getting Bilstein on the phone and after talking through the possibilities, they recommended the B6's with the Non-Sport H&R lowering springs. (You could run the sport springs if you have the sports suspension.) I asked about the B8s being released but they do not make them, nor are they planning to for this model. They said because my H&R's are meant to be paired with the factory suspension and the B6's are the perfect match. I've read B6s can increase ride height when paired with stock springs and I'm not lowering the car to slam it, so if I only get a .75" drop then I'm fine with it. I'll post some pics after the installation and with my summer set on.

[JWebb_C7_Comp]

How did the B6's turn out?

[6smith]

I was waiting for the B6s to ship due to distribution issues, but the good news is I got the confirmation today that they shipped. I should get them mid-next week and I plan to have a local shop install everything as soon as possible.

While I was waiting I picked up the 034 front and rear sway bar and adjustable end links too.

I’ll do an in depth review once I get everything on the car.




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[Mousiee]

I was waiting for the B6s to ship due to distribution issues, but the good news is I got the confirmation today that they shipped. I should get them mid-next week and I plan to have a local shop install everything as soon as possible.

While I was waiting I picked up the 034 front and rear sway bar and adjustable end links too.

I’ll do an in depth review once I get everything on the car.




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How did the B6s with H&Rs go? Any pics?

[6smith]

How did the B6s with H&Rs go? Any pics?

They're great. Zero issues and perfect for daily driving but stiff enough when you want to have some fun. Keeping in mind it's still a heavy platform... I have it paired with a few extras from 034 that may or may not be listed in the thread later on, but overall the struts and springs together are perfect. They've settled a bit more than the pics in this thread: https://www.audizine.com/forum/showt...d-Parts-Review

I'll update it once I get my summer wheels back on and now that I have some upgrades worth posting about.

- - - Updated - - -

How did the B6s with H&Rs go? Any pics?

They're great. Zero issues and perfect for daily driving but stiff enough when you want to have some fun. Keeping in mind it's still a heavy platform... I have it paired with a few extras from 034 that may or may not be listed in the thread later on, but overall the struts and springs together are perfect. They've settled a bit more than the pics in this thread: https://www.audizine.com/forum/showt...d-Parts-Review

I'll update it once I get my summer wheels back on and now that I have some upgrades worth posting about.

[Mousiee]

Thanks for the info. Your car looks great.

I'm considering changing my shocks with bilsteins also, my car has 50k miles. When switching shocks, did you lose the ability to use the Drive Select settings for suspension or does that not have anything to do with the shocks? Also, is the drop still about 1.4" F/1.2" R with the bilsteins? Thanks.

[6smith]

Thanks, appreciate it.

Not at all, I still have the function, although if I’m being honest, I never felt much of a difference. The shocks left the factory settings in-place, no faults or anything. I can still switch back and fourth between comfort, dynamic and custom without any issues, but I can’t say for sure they work. I drive the Northeast, NYC and Philly, in and out of the city. I can’t plow over roads but I can comfortably get through each city (iykyk) without any issues or feeling like I miss my stock ride.


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[Mousiee]

Thanks, appreciate it.

Not at all, I still have the function, although if I’m being honest, I never felt much of a difference. The shocks left the factory settings in-place, no faults or anything. I can still switch back and fourth between comfort, dynamic and custom without any issues, but I can’t say for sure they work. I drive the Northeast, NYC and Philly, in and out of the city. I can’t plow over roads but I can comfortably get through each city (iykyk) without any issues or feeling like I miss my stock ride.


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You just made my weekend! I'll likely place my order for the Bilsteins next week. Do you happen to have the part numbers you used for them?

Also, I know the city street you speak of very well. Born and raised in East New York, Brooklyn and also lived in North Philly in my late teens and early 20s.

[6smith]

Sure can, I’ll update the other thread too. It’s been a while, ha.

Fronts: Manufacturer Part #: 24-324540
Rears: Manufacturer Part #: 24-324557

The Fronts have .8” and the rears have a 1” gap to the top of the tire. it’s perfect in my opinion. Not slammed, but lower than the factory sport suspension. I’ve got a ton of compliments on the ride height and aggressiveness.


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[Mousiee]

Awesome! Thank you!
I was worried the Drive Select wouldn't work and that I'd get an error light. I can't stand error light. Haha.