Bilstein B8 struts w/ 034 springs bad idea?

[deejayh]

I know the 034 springs were developed for OEM struts, and the bilstein b8 struts were developed for lowering spring applications...

does this really matter? I'm sure the ride will be a bit firmer than 034 + stock struts, but I'm assuming it will still be pretty OEM+ feeling.. not super harsh.

Anyone run this combo or know someone that has?

[deejayh]

034 wouldn't give me a straight answer so I'm returning the springs. Purchased H&R Sport Springs instead, and now I'm back to waiting for parts

[Nillious]

The 034 springs are designed to be used with stock dampers. Bilstein B8s are the only recommended damper from Bilstein for stock S4 springs. Common sense would suggest they would be fine. I can’t believe they couldn’t tell you. For them to sell a spring untested on Bilstein dampers is kind of ridiculous. They are by far the most popular damper for this platform.

[bass_lover1]

The 034 springs are designed to be used with stock dampers. Bilstein B8s are the only recommended damper from Bilstein for stock S4 springs. Common sense would suggest they would be fine. I can’t believe they couldn’t tell you. For them to sell a spring untested on Bilstein dampers is kind of ridiculous. They are by far the most popular damper for this platform.

No, the B8s are designed for lowering springs. Bilstein only recommends B8 dampers for the S4, full stop. They don't officially sell any other type for this platform. The dampers for the A4 will fit though, but I don't know why Bilstein doesn't officially sell them for the S4.

[deejayh]

No, the B8s are designed for lowering springs. Bilstein only recommends B8 dampers for the S4, full stop. They don't officially sell any other type for this platform. The dampers for the A4 will fit though, but I don't know why Bilstein doesn't officially sell them for the S4.

This is what I've read as well. You can put B6 struts on the b8s4 with stock springs supposed to be more of an OEM replacement. B8s are made for lowering springs, 034 springs made for OEM struts. Weird blend.

[grovlet]

Interesting - I have the 034 springs with Koni Yellows - works out great - not sure why the Bilstein B8s wouldn't work just fine.... If anything I would expect a better ride than Koni - and the Koni / 034 combo is pretty damn good.... [wrench][drool]

[CardFan]

I’ve had the Bilstein B8 / 034 spring combo installed for close to 60k miles now. Been very happy with it performance wise (occasional aggressive driving around town). Only issue I had was that I didn’t get the full 1” drop, but that didn’t bother me enough to change anything. There are others that have done it as well, probably some older threads out there discussing it.

[Slvrbul8]

I’ve had the Bilstein B8 / 034 spring combo installed for close to 60k miles now. Been very happy with it performance wise (occasional aggressive driving around town). Only issue I had was that I didn’t get the full 1” drop, but that didn’t bother me enough to change anything. There are others that have done it as well, probably some older threads out there discussing it.

I added the 034 springs to oem struts and didn't get the 1" drop either. I don't think anyone does. More like 1/2 - 3/4in, but is still looks good.

[deejayh]

I added the 034 springs to oem struts and didn't get the 1" drop either. I don't think anyone does. More like 1/2 - 3/4in, but is still looks good.

H&R Sport springs will look better [race]