Making a decision on coilovers

[A4A4A4]

So, I'm about to get a set of coilovers on the A4 but need some help deciding which c/o's to get. The main reason I'm getting the coilovers is for the stance, I also am looking for improved handling but that seems to come second. This car may or may not be taken to the track, however saying that I am a somewhat aggressive driver so I do need some performance out of it. I'm buying from a local shop and these are the options I'm choosing from.

-Bilstein PSS9
-Tein SS Coilovers
-Tein Type Basic Coilovers

So, what do you guys think? which coilover would you guys recommend for me? oh btw price is a slight concern, but not too big of a deal.

TIA

[davis449]

I've never ridden on Tien's, but I have on the other two plus my Stasis CO's and I have to say Bilstein owns all. There's nothing better for performance vs. ride quality IMO.

[Obvis07]

between those. i would go wid either the bilsteins or teins SS. mainly because they have adjustable damper settings and stuff like that.

[Rotond0000]

None....talk to Jeremy@matrix and get urself some STaSIS SS coils itll be a much better decisiion

[AudiWxGuy]

I've been on Bilistein PSS9's and STaSIS SS and I have to say, that the ride quality was very similar. If you're going be tracking the car a lot, go with the PSS9's b/c of shear adjustability. IF you just want to lower the car, and pretty much just leave it at that height, STaSIS SS are the way to go. The STaSIS SS are height adjustable while on the car, but from what I've heard you can't really get to the backs while on. And rebound (damping) adjustable when off the car. STaSIS Sets them to height and damping that makes the best ride for fun/dd.

[edkwok]

+1 on Pss9, I do track my car sometimes.
Tein is designed for Japanese car mostly.
Like what AudiWxGuy said is probably right, Pss9 if you going to track,
otherwise get Stasis for look

[r3dcloud]

KW V2 FTW!

[toothysaw2]

bilstein quite a bit more expensive but supposed to be awesome. probably could go with the cheaper stasis/koni if you're most concerned with stance.

[dj_dub]

I'm using TEIN SS...and I would highly recommend them! Great stance...and even better, great ride quality!

[GhostSquadGarage]

Tein is second to none in the suspension world.
Not to mention the EDFC with on the fly adjustable dampening etc..

[A4A4A4]

I'm using TEIN SS...and I would highly recommend them! Great stance...and even better, great ride quality!

wow that stance is perfect!

what is your ride height front/rear (ground to fender)?

[INTEGRATION]

Tein is second to none in the suspension world.
Not to mention the EDFC with on the fly adjustable dampening etc..

Second to none? I think you need to get that statement rechecked. Japanese coilovers have shocks that are valved for the perfectly flat roads in Japan, therefore their ability to absorb bumpsteering tendencies due to road imperfections is among the worst compared to a lot of other shocks out there. Not to mention Tein's low-end of coilovers are matched with springrates that have virtually no R&D behind it- only slightly stiffer than stock.

Not to mention, Tein's lower end of coilovers are barely on par with OEM strut assemblies in terms of manufacturing quality.

[Slo.Mo.Shun.]

I recommend Vogdlands, they are TUV approved, quality is exceptional, ride really nice, and can dump the car on its frame. (It actually sits on the trans mount, but they go that low)

[MOFSTEEL]

Tein is second to none in the suspension world.
Not to mention the EDFC with on the fly adjustable dampening etc..

You're kidding right?

[4flow]

Bilstein PSS9

[Cronogr]

Why not koni ?

[AudiWxGuy]

Koni/Stasis/Bilistein/KW V2---I've heard good things about all. I haven't heard good things about Tein Basic. I've heard the Tein SS are ok though.

[peta8368]

Tein is second to none in the suspension world.
Not to mention the EDFC with on the fly adjustable dampening etc..

EDFC actually do not fit on our cars. The top of the strut mount is sealed on our cars. Unless you are willing to drill a hole (at LEAST 2 inch in diameter if you can find the perfect spot), there is no room for EDFC.



Peter

[CardNation]

All the auto-x people around here, swear by the PSS9.

[GhostSquadGarage]

Well he said he's definately NOT going to track the car, and pricepoint is a concern.
That would rule out all the features that the PSS9's (Phoenominal product though) brings to the table.
I have Stasis SS on my car and love em.
I've had Eibach\Teins\Koni's in the past and Tein was by far superior to the others.
The basics I ran even ran on my Supra (Because I didn't need the adjustability of the SS) and they did hard cornering and smoothe ride quality to perfection. It's all about corner balancing your car after you select the height you want.
You can't say a product is good or bad unless you've personally driven it for an extended time period, regardless of what the listed spring rates are, and I'm confident none of the negative Tein people have been on them over a time period.

[ibiski]

The only product I have had experience with is PSS9 on my M3 and I must admit that I'm somewhat disappointed. Handling was decent, however there was a lot of knocking noises coming from the front and no one was able to figure out what's causing it. The installation along with corner balancing was performed by a very respectable BMW tuner shop and they told me that they had a lot of noise complaints with coils. Coilovers require maintenance and if you're just looking for a "drop it and forget it" setup with improved handling and comfort, I'd advise springs. A set of Eibachs or H&R should communicate well with your sport package shocks. If you have your mind set on coils, I think that a proper installation, adjustment and corner balancing are more important than the brand of coilovers, especially if you don't track your car. From what I've found out, many (if not most) guys here run Stasis coils, but I'm sure they're all great products.

[Bllzll]

yea i agree with the above. although if he has the money for the coilovers, theres no point to buy just springs and risk his stock shocks. i would just get a good spring/shock combo and call it a day

[GhostSquadGarage]

^^This is true also.
If all you're looking for is a drop and better handling you can get some nice springs for $500 installed and you'll be good for 50k miles+ without any headaches.
Coils do require maintenence and alot send them in for rebuilds etc.. after 30k miles, especially true with gas shocks.

I've run Eibachs sportlines on a previous GTI and on my Lexus have had them on for over 90k miles and am just now getting ready to change them out as they're getting a bit bumpy and harsh. By far the best bang for your buck though. I needed nothing but to get rid of the 4x4 look on the lexus and that's what it accomplished nicely.





Also ran them on my B6 A4 and it was PERFECT:

[Bmeister]

I was advised on Vogtlands for their decent ride, adjustability, and durability. I haven't bought anything yet but am trying to achieve a 2" drop for a stock non-sport suspension. Any opinions on the Vogtlands from those who have "been there, done that?"

[Slo.Mo.Shun.]

This is vogtlands on 19s and still plenty to go




Same car different wheels coils untouched

[INTEGRATION]

You can't say a product is good or bad unless you've personally driven it for an extended time period, regardless of what the listed spring rates are, and I'm confident none of the negative Tein people have been on them over a time period.

You're right about the not being on Teins for a while part. I went from Teins to Zeals on my previus Japanese cars. A few friends of mine with from Teins to Koni/Stasis-Ohlins/KW/Bilstein/etc.

I'm surprised no one else on here has mentioned KW. I basically went from PSS9 to KW V3...haven't looked back yet.

[GhostSquadGarage]

^^^Those I have heard nothing but good things about, but have yet to experience myself.
Maybe one day I'll give them a shot.