Show and Tell your suspension setup..

[1RAudiSQ5]

Up top for new setups?

[userbbc]

Bilstein B12 kit (eibach springs, bilstein dampers)

[EYE4SPEED]

Bilstein B12 kit (eibach springs, bilstein dampers)

Any feedback on hwy driving? I had KW HAS on factory shocks and didn't like it. I was going to go H&R with the B8, but saw this B12 kit with Eibach all in one. Most people on here went H&R.


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[One Nice Audi]

From what I heard with the eibach is that they're not that low.

[Spdu4ia]

Doesn't look very low. Maybe not settled yet in pic? Here is another set of H&R.

[userbbc]

Any feedback on hwy driving? I had KW HAS on factory shocks and didn't like it. I was going to go H&R with the B8, but saw this B12 kit with Eibach all in one. Most people on here went H&R.

b12's aren't as low as the h&r's but are still noticeably lower in person and driving. Installing from a stock setup, I would actually say the b12's ride more comfortably for daily driving on highway and local roads with slightly less body roll (though I already had the ecs sways installed beforehand.)

The b12's are somewhere in between the euro spec suspension and H&R's. I'd imagine most on these forums have H&R/bilstein setups since they already had H&R's originally (or are not fans of eibach.)

Doesn't look very low. Maybe not settled yet in pic? Here is another set of H&R.

From the pics, my setup looks pretty close to what you have on h&r's - maybe you're right and they haven't settled yet. Kind of hard to tell as looks like your driveway isn't perfectly flat?

[Spdu4ia]

Your right its not flat but that was before mine settled too (day after install). I'll get some measurements ...

[DannyDeez]

Bilstein B12 kit (eibach springs, bilstein dampers)

Looks great and just the combo I came in here to see! Did you by any chance take before and after ground to fender height measurements? Curious as to how much this lowers a regular Q5.

[agautohaus]

#bags #nailedit

[Smittylube]

What did you have before bags? How do you describe the ride now?
I've been seriously considering them because I like a soft ride. While the b8 shocks are significantly smoother than stock mine is still on the too stiff side for my likings. Freeway and twisty mountains is fantastic, but shitball roads around here are terrible and I much prefer my wife's A4 comfort level to mY SQ.

[userbbc]

Looks great and just the combo I came in here to see! Did you by any chance take before and after ground to fender height measurements? Curious as to how much this lowers a regular Q5.

Unfortunately I didn't get a chance to measure before install. Right now i'm sitting at about 31" FTG.

[DannyDeez]

Unfortunately I didn't get a chance to measure before install. Right now i'm sitting at about 31" FTG.

Ok not a bad drop. For reference, my 2.0 Q5 is 32.25" rear and 32.75" front FTG

[1RAudiSQ5]

#bags #nailedit

#newhotness

[userbbc]

Ok not a bad drop. For reference, my 2.0 Q5 is 32.25" rear and 32.75" front FTG

I think i remember riceboy22 posting around 32.5" stock so between your numbers and his, it's about on par with the as advertised drop.
I went for the b12's as i wanted something lower but still high enough to clear most street curbs when necessary. As well, it makes loading/unloading a child seat somewhat easier.

as well - for anyone going with the b12 kit, i did a pretty hack job of adjusting the headlights (measured via dashcam recordings before the drop and a cluttered garage) but raised the lights exactly 1.5 turns each side. Based on daily driving and cars in front of me, the cutoff is just about where it was before the drop, maybe still a tiny bit lower.

[NYSpeedRacer]

for anyone going with the b12 kit, i did a pretty hack job of adjusting the headlights (measured via dashcam recordings before the drop and a cluttered garage) but raised the lights exactly 1.5 turns each side. Based on daily driving and cars in front of me, the cutoff is just about where it was before the drop, maybe still a tiny bit lower.

Thanks for this, I still haven't done this yet. Where was the adjustment knobs?


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[userbbc]

Thanks for this, I still haven't done this yet. Where was the adjustment knobs?


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yoshimura posted something a while back: http://www.audiworld.com/forums/q5-s.../#post24743775

There's also something about putting the lights into service mode via vagcom before you start adjusting but i didn't bother. Might be worth a look if you have time.

[agautohaus]

What did you have before bags? How do you describe the ride now?
I've been seriously considering them because I like a soft ride. While the b8 shocks are significantly smoother than stock mine is still on the too stiff side for my likings. Freeway and twisty mountains is fantastic, but shitball roads around here are terrible and I much prefer my wife's A4 comfort level to mY SQ.

Ride isn't THAAAT much softer than the KW V1's before it. These are performance oriented bags! But also idk I think I need to dial in the settings tbh. You can adjust the base height front and rear which will affect how inflated the bag is at your desired ride height (and I think therefore springrate) and also you have a damping/compression adjustment knob on each corner with 32 clicks.

#newhotness

Thanks bruh!!

[staticuxo]

I think i remember riceboy22 posting around 32.5" stock so between your numbers and his, it's about on par with the as advertised drop.
I went for the b12's as i wanted something lower but still high enough to clear most street curbs when necessary. As well, it makes loading/unloading a child seat somewhat easier.

as well - for anyone going with the b12 kit, i did a pretty hack job of adjusting the headlights (measured via dashcam recordings before the drop and a cluttered garage) but raised the lights exactly 1.5 turns each side. Based on daily driving and cars in front of me, the cutoff is just about where it was before the drop, maybe still a tiny bit lower.

damn, i had to do about 10 full turns to get back to stock cut off level

[Mops@Nemesis]

damn, i had to do about 10 full turns to get back to stock cut off level

That DeTillio rake ;)

[mtp04]

Hey guys!

I upgraded my suspension last week with the Bilstein B12 kit and I'm getting the feeling that I'm riding on the bump stops. Its pretty harsh/stiff, even on small bumps. I did the work myself and didn't trim the bump stops since it didn't say so in the Bilstein documentation.

So for those of you that have installed lowering springs on stock or aftermarket shocks, did you trim the bump stops? After searching around the forum I've seen people on both sides of the fence(trim/don't trim). Any input would be appreciated.


Here is a pic of how shes currently sitting. FTF is just under 31" for the front and 31.5" for the rear.

[BG SQ5]

The B12 kit is one of the 3 I'm looking at (euro and KW Street the other two), but I'm concerned that the eibach springs offered aren't specific to the different models/weights.

[mtp04]

@BG SQ5, assuming that you have a SQ5, I don't think Bilstein makes a specific B12 kit for your car but they do make a 46-188090 kit that applies to 3.0T and TDI Q5's. My kit is the 46-188083 which is for the 3.2 engine and possibly 2.0T.

[BG SQ5]

Yeah, maybe I was just confused as to what kits were offered and whether it was for the SQ5 or not. I was going off of riceboy22's comments in his thread that I just read the other day...and I probably took them out of context. I guess that's one less suspension option for me them.

[riceboy22]

Yeah, maybe I was just confused as to what kits were offered and whether it was for the SQ5 or not. I was going off of riceboy22's comments in his thread that I just read the other day...and I probably took them out of context. I guess that's one less suspension option for me them.

I'm not positive but they may have actually added that 46-188090 part relatively recently. It shows up as new on the Tire Rack website now where it wasn't there before. The last Bilstein application guide that I had downloaded didn't show it as an option (granted that was 2014).

Did you PM @userbbc on the part # he installed? He's in our area as well, so you might be able to even check it out in person. People seem to be using the Q5 3.0T and SQ5 suspension setups interchangeably given the relatively similar curb weights (see the H&R 29001-1 vs -3 saga).

[BG SQ5]

No, I haven't. I haven't considered it seriously enough to reach out at this point. I do wonder what springs come with the different kits at this point though. A number of the pics of the B12 kits do appear to have the rear sitting higher than the front. Maybe that's angle of the pic, slope of the ground, non-settled springs, or simply a product of more of a one-size fits all spring.

Then, the other min drop option, the euro suspension, appears to sit a little lower in the back than front in some pics. I just haven't found an idea setup for the 1" drop.

The H&R drop is money, but I just don't want to be quite that low. To H&R's credit- they did have different springs designated for the different models since day one...even if they couldn't get the right one in the right kits.

[BG SQ5]

Anyone have a pic of KW Street Comfort at it's highest setting?

I keep coming back to the KW SC but am reading conflicting drop ranges. I would hate to spend up for it to be limited to a 1.5+" drop. If the rear is a true 1.2", I can live with bringing the front down 1.4" to match. Ideally, I'm looking for 1"/1.2" for r/f though. Having the adjustability for the future is a bonus as well.

[buggravy]

Anyone have a pic of KW Street Comfort at it's highest setting?

I keep coming back to the KW SC but am reading conflicting drop ranges. I would hate to spend up for it to be limited to a 1.5+" drop. If the rear is a true 1.2", I can live with bringing the front down 1.4" to match. Ideally, I'm looking for 1"/1.2" for r/f though. Having the adjustability for the future is a bonus as well.

No pics, but I spent a lot of time obsessively looking at drop ranges when I was looking to go lower (I have driveway clearance issues so I couldn't even consider anything over 1.5"). The SCs were at the top of my list, and from what I can gather the 1.2"/1.4" F/R starting points listed on the actual KW site are accurate for US cars. I got confused because some online sellers listed the starting point at like .2", but it became apparent that they were basing that off of the already lower Euro heights.

[BG SQ5]

Yeah- I usually pick up on their specs not considering the higher US height. However, if it comes down 1.4" in the rear, that means the front has to come down a little more than that up front, and then I'm well past my ideal 1" drop. I don't know who would ever drop 1.2/1.4 for f/r. That just seems like a stupid min spec...dropping more in the rear than front. The rear already will tend to sag a little due to full tank of gas, cargo, etc... Why would anyone ever drop it more than the front?

[riceboy22]

Yeah- I usually pick up on their specs not considering the higher US height. However, if it comes down 1.4" in the rear, that means the front has to come down a little more than that up front, and then I'm well past my ideal 1" drop. I don't know who would ever drop 1.2/1.4 for f/r. That just seems like a stupid min spec...dropping more in the rear than front. The rear already will tend to sag a little due to full tank of gas, cargo, etc... Why would anyone ever drop it more than the front?

I assume they probably reuse parts out of their parts bin that might not have been originally engineered for the specific application. You're not into the reverse rake look?

[userbbc]

@BG SQ5 - I have the 46-188090 installed which should be the b12 kit for the 3.0t / tdi engines. tmoe originally pointed me to the updated kit before i ordered - i believe he has the previous 46-188083 kit. Main difference between kits should be higher spring rates in front for the heavier engine in the newer kit.

@mtp04 - i didn't have to trim bump stops and I definitely feel ride quality is the same if not better than stock on my end (immediately after install.) looks like you are currently using 18" oem's so it seems even stranger you're experiencing a harsh ride.

[buggravy]

Then, the other min drop option, the euro suspension, appears to sit a little lower in the back than front in some pics. I just haven't found an idea setup for the 1" drop.

I'm probably telling you something you already know, but I believe most of the pics with reverse rake are the actual Euro kit, i.e. stiffer front springs for the TDI in the Euro SQ5. I'm on the ROW kit, so Euro height but no reverse rake. If you go that route, AGautohaus has all the proper part numbers sorted out.

[SQive]

No, I haven't. I haven't considered it seriously enough to reach out at this point. I do wonder what springs come with the different kits at this point though. A number of the pics of the B12 kits do appear to have the rear sitting higher than the front. Maybe that's angle of the pic, slope of the ground, non-settled springs, or simply a product of more of a one-size fits all spring.

Then, the other min drop option, the euro suspension, appears to sit a little lower in the back than front in some pics. I just haven't found an idea setup for the 1" drop.

The H&R drop is money, but I just don't want to be quite that low. To H&R's credit- they did have different springs designated for the different models since day one...even if they couldn't get the right one in the right kits.

Just bite the bullet and get the B16 coil-overs. I have a 1.5" drop, just slightly lower than the Euro-height, and the ride is great. The ride height can still be raised or lowered, and the dampers are still at their middle-of-the-road setting. I'm going to raise the rear up a little since the springs have settled, and firm up the dampers a bit in the front. They were a little pricey, but after hearing all of these stories about rough and bouncy rides on various springs, I decided to just get the good stuff and I couldn't be happier.

[BG SQ5]

I'm sure I could search, but are you running the A6 p/n's? I have a little trouble spending top dollar for a non-specific fitment. I haven't gotten an official price, but I assume it's a little more than $2k.

What do you think is the FTG height on the highest setting?

[mtp04]

@mtp04 - i didn't have to trim bump stops and I definitely feel ride quality is the same if not better than stock on my end (immediately after install.) looks like you are currently using 18" oem's so it seems even stranger you're experiencing a harsh ride.

Thanks for the input userbbc. One thing that might be making it feel harsh is that my Q5 has just over 200K km's on it and other areas like control arm bushings and sway bar links/bushings might be due for a change as well. Even though they looked OK while I was changing the suspension, the rubber in them might be getting hard and that's the reason for the harsh feel. I'm going to have another look at the suspension this weekend. I'll report back if anything changes.

[riceboy22]

I'm sure I could search, but are you running the A6 p/n's? I have a little trouble spending top dollar for a non-specific fitment. I haven't gotten an official price, but I assume it's a little more than $2k.

What do you think is the FTG height on the highest setting?

C7 A6 kit. Check out the original (lively) thread on it.

New Suspension Setup = Awesome

[BG SQ5]

C7 A6 kit. Check out the original (lively) thread on it.

New Suspension Setup = Awesome

Oh, I read it. I didn't see SQive post in there, and there was speculation about the Macan fitment being a possibility too. Not to mention, I'm not trusting older posts regarding Bilstein p/n's...no matter how reliable and well informed they happen to be, haha. Seriously- are all S/Q5s on the B16s are running the C7 A6 kit then?

I'm probably telling you something you already know, but I believe most of the pics with reverse rake are the actual Euro kit, i.e. stiffer front springs for the TDI in the Euro SQ5. I'm on the ROW kit, so Euro height but no reverse rake. If you go that route, AGautohaus has all the proper part numbers sorted out.

Actually I hadn't put two and two together regarding the reverse rake on Euro and not ROW. I'll have to go back through with a more keen eye as to which is which inputted pics. I've been in contact with AG already, so good to know I got the proper stuff priced though. Has yours settled any more in the rear since this pic? Any idea of FTG measurements?

[riceboy22]

Oh, I read it. I didn't see SQive post in there, and there was speculation about the Macan fitment being a possibility too. Not to mention, I'm not trusting older posts regarding Bilstein p/n's...no matter how reliable and well informed they happen to be, haha. Seriously- are all S/Q5s on the B16s are running the C7 A6 kit then?

LOL I forgot that once you're on a topic you read pretty much every related thread from the past five years.

I know @ThunderDent is on the same C7 setup as @S-Fore. I kind of wish I had that option when I did my suspension, because I could really use the adjustable damping.

[SQive]

I didn't see SQive post in there. . .

Okay. . .check again:
http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...1#post12296358
I remember reading that thread, but it wasn't my inspiration for getting the B16's. I actually ran across the info somewhere completely different.

[jaboki]

Anyone have a pic of KW Street Comfort at it's highest setting?

I keep coming back to the KW SC but am reading conflicting drop ranges. I would hate to spend up for it to be limited to a 1.5+" drop. If the rear is a true 1.2", I can live with bringing the front down 1.4" to match. Ideally, I'm looking for 1"/1.2" for r/f though. Having the adjustability for the future is a bonus as well.

TLDR: I have the KW SC+Spacer @ 30.5" FTG and I can go about another 0.75"ish higher from what I remember. I love the setup.

What's SQ OEM Height? I forget.

Just a quick heads up, out of the box the highest I could get out of the rear was 30.25"ish, but in the front I had enough room to be at 31.25"ish. From the AZ forums I think in the A4 section, they mentioned you can add a KW supplied spacer in the rear to go higher to match the front strut threads. Why they couldn't just make the rear threads match the fronts, I have no idea. I bought the spacer because I wanted to be at 30.5". The spacer doesn't affect the ride as I drove for about 1 month without it before I decided to get it. Now that I've had the setup for about 3 months, I sort of want to go back down to 30-30.25". LOL. Good thing I have the luxury to adjust. :]

[buggravy]

Actually I hadn't put two and two together regarding the reverse rake on Euro and not ROW. I'll have to go back through with a more keen eye as to which is which inputted pics. I've been in contact with AG already, so good to know I got the proper stuff priced though. Has yours settled any more in the rear since this pic? Any idea of FTG measurements?

That pic is kind deceiving (ground maybe not as level as it appears). This is a shit pic, but from a few days ago and a decent representation of how everything sits now. http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...1#post12284629. I'm right at 31.75 all the way around, and that's on 295/40/20s which are .3" taller than stock tires, so I'd be a hair under 31.5 on stock rubber.