Bilstein B4 vs B8

[B6fan]

Looking at replacement options for rear shocks on my new-to-me Avant B7 with sport suspension; sport springs are fine and were replaced about 30,000 miles ago with correct OEM parts.

I understand that Bilstein offers the B4 shock as an appropriate replacement, but also the B8. I can't tell whether the difference is quality or design (damping characteristics)? I know a cup kit would be better, but at this stage just looking at rear shocks since everything else is in good working order and performing well to my taste. The only possible upgrade aside from shocks would perhaps be a thicker rear ARB.

Also, what is usually advisable to replace while changing rear shocks? Bump stops? Strut mount?

Thanks for advice,

[EvolutionArmory]

The major difference between the B4 and B8 is the valving. The B8 is a performance shock and the B4 is an OEM like replacement.

I just ordered some B4 sport shocks and H&R springs and will have them installed later this week. I like the stock S line ride so I went with the B4. A smooth ride is more important to me than performance so that’s the way I went.

Replace the shock mounts and the spring seats while you’re in there. Replace the bump stops if they are falling apart.

[All_Black_A4]

If by "sport suspension" you mean S-line then you'll want to go with the Bilstein B4 Shocks. From what I understand they're regarded as an OEM replacement for S-line shocks.
The B8 shocks are better suited if you're running lowering springs like H&R or Eibach. Some one correct me if I'm wrong though [:D]

As for what else you replace. I probably depends on the condition but for what they cost and the fact you're there doing the job already, replacing the shock mounts is easy enough to do so you might as well take care of it. Do it once, do it right [up] Nothing worse than having to redo a job again after having just done it.

[All_Black_A4]

The major difference between the B4 and B8 is the valving. The B8 is a performance shock and the B4 is an OEM like replacement.

I just ordered some B4 sport shocks and H&R springs and will have them installed later this week. I like the stock S line ride so I went with the B4. A smooth ride is more important to me than performance so that’s the way I went.

Replace the shock mounts and the spring seats while you’re in there. Replace the bump stops if they are falling apart.

^what he said [:D]
Do you just sit by the keyboard waiting for posts to reply too? [:D]

[EvolutionArmory]

^what he said [:D]
Do you just sit by the keyboard waiting for posts to reply too? [:D]

Nah. It’s just a way to entertain myself while taking a smoke break or trying to get away from my maniac of a dog. 🤣

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If by "sport suspension" you mean S-line then you'll want to go with the Bilstein B4 Shocks. From what I understand they're regarded as an OEM replacement for S-line shocks.
The B8 shocks are better suited if you're running lowering springs like H&R or Eibach. Some one correct me if I'm wrong though [:D]

As for what else you replace. I probably depends on the condition but for what they cost and the fact you're there doing the job already, replacing the shock mounts is easy enough to do so you might as well take care of it. Do it once, do it right [up] Nothing worse than having to redo a job again after having just done it.

The B4 shocks come in a sport version which is fine for lowering.

[B6fan]

My understanding is that s-line package and sports package aren't the same, here in Canada there are many B7s with s-line body parts but no sports suspension. Mine came with both, I think the handling is pretty awesome for a luxury sedan with 235 section tires, but I wouldn't want a stiffer ride. My rear shocks leaked some fluid hence the need for replacement units, sounds like the B4 is the one to go for. For reference, there is the regular B4 and sports suspension B4, I'm obviously going for the latter. My aim is to get as close to OEM as possible; I know OEM shocks would be ideal, better quality one would presume, but at 250$ a pop, not worth it on a 12 year old car IMO.

[All_Black_A4]

My understanding is that s-line package and sports package aren't the same, here in Canada there are many B7s with s-line body parts but no sports suspension. Mine came with both, I think the handling is pretty awesome for a luxury sedan with 235 section tires, but I wouldn't want a stiffer ride. My rear shocks leaked some fluid hence the need for replacement units, sounds like the B4 is the one to go for. For reference, there is the regular B4 and sports suspension B4, I'm obviously going for the latter. My aim is to get as close to OEM as possible; I know OEM shocks would be ideal, better quality one would presume, but at 250$ a pop, not worth it on a 12 year old car IMO.

All 2008s had the S line "appearance package". I believe the S-line suspension was an extra/ad on for 2008. From my understanding and countless hours of reading here and on other forums, pre 2008 A4s that had the S-line package also had the S line suspension. Mine came with both as well but it's also an '07 so I know its more than the appearance package.
The whole suspension upgrade journey can become expensive fast. It's hard to know where to start and where to stop. I know I'm going to have to do the same thing myself in the near future [:/] I'm at 97,500 miles and I'm sure I'm still rolling on original suspension components.

[Browsky]

Yeah I’m in the same position. Just rolled over 90k and wondering if I want to get poly bushings as well when I get the rest done.


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[gtsingh91]

Suggestions on using the B4/B6/B8 with the H&R lowering springs? I currently have Koni FSDs but they are on their way out and I’m looking at a comfortable replacement for my daily.

[EvolutionArmory]

The B4 sport shocks might not be the best shocks to use if lowering more than 1 inch.

B6 shocks are not meant for lowering period. They are a more aggressive touring shock for people who want stiffer valving but at stock height.

B8 shocks would be ideal for cars lowered more than 1 inch.

I bought B4 sports shocks when I got my HR springs installed. I probably should have went with B8’s. I think a 1.7 inch drop is too much for B4 sports. The ride is decent, but a little clunky in the back. I may swap the rears out for B8’s.

[texasboy21]

B8s with performance springs. The ride and handling a fantastic. Much better than ST coils IMO.

[A4orce84]

What about with Eibach Springs? I know I'm a B6 1.8T, but I ended up purchasing B4s as a replacement shock recently as I've read Eibach has a similar drop to OEM Sport Springs (not too aggressive / low).

[macantley]

having 4 audi a4's here that are all b7's i can tell you this, if your shocks are a dirty orange color, they are sport shocks, if they are black, they are standard non-sport shocks. I've got two S-line cars here and a S4, all have orange shocks that are OEM stock, i also have an 06 model thats not an s-line car, and an 08 model that has the S-line body, but not the S-line suspension, both of those cars have Monroe shocks that are 100% OEM with the Audi part #'s on them and they are black. in color

theres about a 1.5" difference in ride height between the Sport suspension and the non sport suspension, i know this right now because i put some sport shocks/struts on the 06 models front end this week, didnt put anything in the rear yet, and the rear sits up alot taller than the front.

I have the cheap coilover set from ECStuning (JOM BLUE LINE) I'm not real happy with the ride quality, i'll probably go back to a B4 or B8 shock/strut and use some lowering springs.

matthew

[JayDog747]

having 4 audi a4's here that are all b7's i can tell you this, if your shocks are a dirty orange color, they are sport shocks, if they are black, they are standard non-sport shocks. I've got two S-line cars here and a S4, all have orange shocks that are OEM stock, i also have an 06 model thats not an s-line car, and an 08 model that has the S-line body, but not the S-line suspension, both of those cars have Monroe shocks that are 100% OEM with the Audi part #'s on them and they are black. in color

theres about a 1.5" difference in ride height between the Sport suspension and the non sport suspension, i know this right now because i put some sport shocks/struts on the 06 models front end this week, didnt put anything in the rear yet, and the rear sits up alot taller than the front.

I have the cheap coilover set from ECStuning (JOM BLUE LINE) I'm not real happy with the ride quality, i'll probably go back to a B4 or B8 shock/strut and use some lowering springs.

matthew

So you put sport shocks on a non sport suspension?

[BillyK]

Suggestions on using the B4/B6/B8 with the H&R lowering springs? I currently have Koni FSDs but they are on their way out and I’m looking at a comfortable replacement for my daily.

I put H&R springs with B4 shocks on earlier this year. Initially it was rough and the rear was bouncy but over time it has softened. I live in the city and I pick my route based on road quality but outside of shitty DC streets it rides great and handles very well.

The front dropped a bit more than expected in comparison with the rear. I didn’t do before or after measurements, but my car definitely has a slight rake. Overall I’m really happy with it considering the cost was fairly low and I expect the quality of the parts to last. 138349


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[mnvwaudiguy]

The Bilstein B4 is a fine replacement for OEM dampers, and typically they'll have a specific replacement for both Sport and Non-Sport equipped Audis. The B4 is not as high performance a damper as the B6 and B8 shocks.

The B6/B8 dampers have internal bump stops, and identical valving. The B8 Sport damper has a shorter shaft to accommodate sport lowering springs. The B6 is the correct damper for all stock springs (both sport and non-sport). If you are going to use lowering springs, get the B8.

For your application with the OEM Sport Suspension, the B6 is a great choice and over the life of the damper, the price difference between a B4 and a B6 damper becomes pretty small on a per mile basis.

[macantley]

So you put sport shocks on a non sport suspension?

i put sport struts and springs on the front of an 06 model that didnt have the sport suspension, now it sits up way to high in the rear, Going to be adding the sport rear springs to the car this week in hopes that the rear will sit normally after they are installed.