Bilstein B8 (or other aftermarket shocks) + H&R - Who's running this setup?

[riceboy22]

I've seen a couple of people have mentioned in other threads that they are running the Bilstein B8s with H&R springs. Does anyone running this setup have additional feedback on it? I've seen mostly people just recommending it, but I was hoping some folks might have more detailed reviews (I know "Imola wagon" on AudiWorld has reviewed it pretty extensively there http://www.audiworld.com/forums/q5-s...stall-2887156/). How does it compare to stock? What about in comparison to other setups such as springs-only or coilovers?

I've got the H&R springs only currently, and while I like the handling on perfectly flat roads, I've found it to be a bit bouncy and sometimes unsettled on uneven pavement (which there is a lot of around here).

[VroomVroom]

I know it doesn't answer your question, but I enjoyed scrolling through this thread...

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...-Setup-Awesome

I'm running the H&R springs myself, and with ADS set to 'comfort' I've found reasonable peace with the ride. That said, you nailed it when things get uneven, or if there's a dip taken at 50mph +.

[yakev724]

Interested as well.

Planning ahead for when my shocks need replacing - would love to pair B8s with a slightly lower spring, maybe stock Euro-spec springs, or H&Rs if those are too hard/expensive to source. Contingent on an oem-quality ride...

PSS10 is ideal but about 3x what I'd be happy to spend.

[tmoe]

I've seen a couple of people have mentioned in other threads that they are running the Bilstein B8s with H&R springs. Does anyone running this setup have additional feedback on it? I've seen mostly people just recommending it, but I was hoping some folks might have more detailed reviews (I know "Imola wagon" on AudiWorld has reviewed it pretty extensively there http://www.audiworld.com/forums/q5-s...stall-2887156/). How does it compare to stock? What about in comparison to other setups such as springs-only or coilovers?

I've got the H&R springs only currently, and while I like the handling on perfectly flat roads, I've found it to be a bit bouncy and sometimes unsettled on uneven pavement (which there is a lot of around here).

While I don't have the H&R springs I have the Bilstein's in their B12 pro kit which included Eibach springs. Stock the Q5 did a lot of floating down the road, changing to the bilsteins and lowered springs cleaned that up nicely. While its not l my r32 with kw v3's is handles very nice without any float. Hard to beat the price compared to full out coilover packages from Bilstein, KW or HR

[riceboy22]

Thanks for the replies guys.

@Jerry, I did read that thread with great interest. I learned quite a bit in between the sniping amongst people lol. You're absolutely right about the impact of dips in the road at 50+ mph. I'd really love to get rid of that in particular, as it can make a long drive down the NJ Turnpike a bit nauseating.

@yakev724, I'm pretty sure I'm going down this path. I see you're in JC. I'm in Manhattan but keep the car in JC, so I'm happy to meet up at some point if you want to get a feel for the ride afterwards.

@tmoe, I'd imagine the B12 pro kit setup will ride very similarly to the B8 shocks and H&R springs. How do you find the comfort/harshness of the ride vs the stock setup?

[yakev724]

Thanks for the replies guys.

@Jerry, I did read that thread with great interest. I learned quite a bit in between the sniping amongst people lol. You're absolutely right about the impact of dips in the road at 50+ mph. I'd really love to get rid of that in particular, as it can make a long drive down the NJ Turnpike a bit nauseating.

@yakev724, I'm pretty sure I'm going down this path. I see you're in JC. I'm in Manhattan but keep the car in JC, so I'm happy to meet up at some point if you want to get a feel for the ride afterwards.

@tmoe, I'd imagine the B12 pro kit setup will ride very similarly to the B8 shocks and H&R springs. How do you find the comfort/harshness of the ride vs the stock setup?

Just pulled the trigger on the b12 kit, will be installing in about a month. Did you end up getting yours?

[riceboy22]

Just pulled the trigger on the b12 kit, will be installing in about a month. Did you end up getting yours?

Not yet. I got sidetracked by ecodes and TEs! Any chance I can get a ride in the passenger seat once you've got them installed?

[petoria]

Would the B12 Kit work for the SQ5? I'm debating if just doing the H&R springs would be enough as I just want the car lowered, but that sale though...

Anyway, I've been reading about the H&R Spring for the SQ5, what is the final verdict? -1 or -3? It's tough as there's a lot of back and forth about which is the right one.

[yakev724]

Not yet. I got sidetracked by ecodes and TEs! Any chance I can get a ride in the passenger seat once you've got them installed?

for sure! I'm down in the grove st/exch pl area.

won't have them installed for another few weeks though

[Gravy Train]

I've got a set of H&R 29001-3 springs and Bilstein B8 struts in my garage, to be installed some time next month. My hope is that it matches the driving impressions mentioned in the other thread while improving body roll and control in the corners. We'll see, I'm also getting sidetracked by wheels and E-code lights.

[jomama229]

Would the B12 Kit work for the SQ5? I'm debating if just doing the H&R springs would be enough as I just want the car lowered, but that sale though...

are you referring to the eurocode sale? if so, can someone let me know what the sale price and save me from messaging them? TIA!

[riceboy22]

Would the B12 Kit work for the SQ5? I'm debating if just doing the H&R springs would be enough as I just want the car lowered, but that sale though...

Anyway, I've been reading about the H&R Spring for the SQ5, what is the final verdict? -1 or -3? It's tough as there's a lot of back and forth about which is the right one.

It really depends on the roads by you, how particular you are, and how you drive the car. I don't push the car hard 95% of the time, but I do drive on a lot of uneven roads and also highways where the bounciness at speed is noticeable. It's enough that I'm likely to pair the B8s with my H&R -3 well before the stock shocks go. For -1 or -3, I was told by a couple of H&R reps that -3 was the proper set to go with. The early sets sent out to US-spec SQ5 owners had the wrong Euro-spec front springs resulting in a higher front end, but that has since been resolved.

for sure! I'm down in the grove st/exch pl area.

won't have them installed for another few weeks though

Awesome! I work in the Exchange Place area on Fridays. Just let me know what food and drinks you'd like as payment!

I've got a set of H&R 29001-3 springs and Bilstein B8 struts in my garage, to be installed some time next month. My hope is that it matches the driving impressions mentioned in the other thread while improving body roll and control in the corners. We'll see, I'm also getting sidetracked by wheels and E-code lights.

Have you ridden in a springs-only setup yet? I'd be interested in how you think that compares to the full combination you're going to install. And the ecodes were so worth it!

[petoria]

It really depends on the roads by you, how particular you are, and how you drive the car. I don't push the car hard 95% of the time, but I do drive on a lot of uneven roads and also highways where the bounciness at speed is noticeable. It's enough that I'm likely to pair the B8s with my H&R -3 well before the stock shocks go. For -1 or -3, I was told by a couple of H&R reps that -3 was the proper set to go with. The early sets sent out to US-spec SQ5 owners had the wrong Euro-spec front springs resulting in a higher front end, but that has since been resolved.

Thanks man, really appreciate the response regarding the part number.

[S-Fore]

All beware...Bilstien shocks DO NOT work with KW HAS. If you are interested in that setup.

[2BblkAudis]

If anyone is interested I've got my old H&R coilover setup for sale. PM me if interested.

[riceboy22]

I just placed my order with Supreme for the Bilstein B8s parts #24-145992 and #24-145985. I got a ride in a Ghibli the other day, and comparitively speaking, the ride felt as stiff but was much more settled on uneven roads. I'm optimistic based on the feedback from others (and my limited understanding of suspensions) that the B8s will help resolve the underdamped feel from the springs-only setup. I've got my appointment booked at Eurotech to install and then will share feedback!

[yakev724]

If anyone's interested in a new B12 kit, I've just listed mine for sale at a discount in the classifieds. Will have it up for a couple weeks before returning it.

[userbbc]

I just placed my order with Supreme for the Bilstein B8s parts #24-145992 and #24-145985. I got a ride in a Ghibli the other day, and comparitively speaking, the ride felt as stiff but was much more settled on uneven roads. I'm optimistic based on the feedback from others (and my limited understanding of suspensions) that the B8s will help resolve the underdamped feel from the springs-only setup. I've got my appointment booked at Eurotech to install and then will share feedback!

which eurotech are you headed to for install? is it the one in mahwah?

[riceboy22]

which eurotech are you headed to for install? is it the one in mahwah?

Yup in Mahwah.

[riceboy22]

I figured I'd share quick initial impressions after some mileage with the B8s. If you find the springs-only (or even stock) ride to be harsh and/or bouncy, adding the B8s is definitely a worthwhile upgrade. It's pretty much gotten rid of the oscillations I was getting over bumps at speed with just the H&Rs. The even better part is that they seem to soak up road imperfections way better than the stock shocks. I would describe the H&Rs paired with stock shocks as jarring over uneven pavement; the H&Rs paired with B8s seem to absorb those same imperfections with more solid (in a good way) thumps.

Imola wagon's description over on AW is on point. I wouldn't say it's softer than the stock suspension, but it feels more composed, and the road feel gets communicated to you in a much less jarring fashion. I knew the stock shocks were underdamped for lowering springs, but I didn't realize to what degree before having a back-to-back comparison.

If this gives you some perspective, I was actually more excited about the results with the B8s than I was about the stage 2 install I had done at the same time LOL.

[VroomVroom]

Awesome feedback. Thanks very much!

Having just gone from Q5 w/ H&R's to OEM SQ5, the difference is really incredible. Everything you said above totally applies. Now you really have me thinking about what to do with the SQ. I was leaning toward KW Street Comfort, but now....hmmm. Thanks again!

[riceboy22]

I suspect if you want the closest thing to stock ride comfort, that's going to be the KW Street Comfort. The list of people who have experienced both setups is likely pretty short unfortunately (if there's a list at all). I think "Imola wagon" from AW is actually on AZ as "AWSQ5", and he's in the Bay Area also, so maybe you can sync up with him for a ride on the B8 + H&R setup.

This is obviously all very subjective at the end of the day, but I'm now happy with this setup on some rough NYC area roads. It also doesn't hurt that it runs $1k less than the KW Street Comfort.

[drumnjuny]

i tell everyone... never get springs without struts. the struts are sitting at the position you're at when you are fully compressed on regular struts. the floatiness should have gone down significantly upon getting struts made for your ride height (although this is a 4400lb suv)

[riceboy22]

i tell everyone... never get springs without struts. the struts are sitting at the position you're at when you are fully compressed on regular struts. the floatiness should have gone down significantly upon getting struts made for your ride height (although this is a 4400lb suv)

I knew better but chose to cheap out on the first go around LOL. The big thing for me is not just the floatiness being gone, but the impacts from crappy roads are much more muted. The springs-only setup felt like every time I hit something in the road the suspension would respond with a BOING and get unsettled.

[drumnjuny]

I knew better but chose to cheap out on the first go around LOL. The big thing for me is not just the floatiness being gone, but the impacts from crappy roads are much more muted. The springs-only setup felt like every time I hit something in the road the suspension would respond with a BOING and get unsettled.

yep. that's how stiff your high speed compression is when the dampers are already fully compressed LOL. its like hitting a pot hole with your outer wheel while cornering as hard as you possibly could. lol

[Silverarrow240]

I figured I'd share quick initial impressions after some mileage with the B8s. If you find the springs-only (or even stock) ride to be harsh and/or bouncy, adding the B8s is definitely a worthwhile upgrade. It's pretty much gotten rid of the oscillations I was getting over bumps at speed with just the H&Rs. The even better part is that they seem to soak up road imperfections way better than the stock shocks. I would describe the H&Rs paired with stock shocks as jarring over uneven pavement; the H&Rs paired with B8s seem to absorb those same imperfections with more solid (in a good way) thumps.

Imola wagon's description over on AW is on point. I wouldn't say it's softer than the stock suspension, but it feels more composed, and the road feel gets communicated to you in a much less jarring fashion. I knew the stock shocks were underdamped for lowering springs, but I didn't realize to what degree before having a back-to-back comparison.

If this gives you some perspective, I was actually more excited about the results with the B8s than I was about the stage 2 install I had done at the same time LOL.

Well you've sold me sir!

[riceboy22]

yep. that's how stiff your high speed compression is when the dampers are already fully compressed LOL. its like hitting a pot hole with your outer wheel while cornering as hard as you possibly could. lol

Yeah exactly haha. The stock dampers don't even fit in the Bilstein boxes.

[riceboy22]

Well you've sold me sir!

Haha hit up Mops if you're serious. Maybe I can get a referral bonus!

[drumnjuny]

Yeah exactly haha. The stock dampers don't even fit in the Bilstein boxes.

LOL yup had to compress mine to fit in the KW V1 box

[Silverarrow240]

Haha hit up Mops if you're serious. Maybe I can get a referral bonus!

Already did

[Smittylube]

Has anyone measured the bilsteins against the stock struts length wise? extended and compressed? That would be interesting to see if they would net the same effect with the euro springs height.

I would have to say the SQ never was even stock with 20's was a smooth ride. Sounds like these shocks are slightly softer, but possibly progressive in a way that when you need the shock to perform it is there.

[drumnjuny]

Already did

good man! I tell people, think about general safety of yourself, passengers, and other cars on the road. if you float too much and lose control on a highway bump... could be disastrous. Definitely worth spending a few hundred $$ extra to mod properly

Let me put it this way. The only difference between an Audi with shortened springs / stock strut setup and a 1990 honda civic with cut springs / stock struts is... well... the cost of the vehicle i suppose. lol!

Has anyone measured the bilsteins against the stock struts length wise? extended and compressed? That would be interesting to see if they would net the same effect with the euro springs height.

I would have to say the SQ never was even stock with 20's was a smooth ride. Sounds like these shocks are slightly softer, but possibly progressive in a way that when you need the shock to perform it is there.

if you lowered your car 2" or so (most of us do) then you are 2" of compression outside the stock strut's equilibrium position (for lack of a better vocabulary).

So even if the b8's are 1" shorter at their "equilibrium position" then they will perform leagues above when it comes to high speed compression and damping especially. 2" may not seem like a lot, but that's like riding with 500 lbs of bricks in your trunk lol

Measuring them, however, won't do you much good. Because fully extended and compressed measurements don't give you a true value for their proper positioning. you would have to look up the manufacturer's "acceptable" ride height metrics, or find some way to map the amount of pressure vs the length of the strut which would be... brutal lol.

[Smittylube]

I have the euro springs that only dropped mine an inch from US stock.

I felt the stock suspension was marginal at best comfort wise. Dropping it with the euro springs effectively tightened it up a tad. I think the overall vehicle weight as well as the seats are the saving grace as far as comfort goes. Ultimately (or currently) I am not happy with the level of comfort and this might help. But I am pretty happy with the handling.

Also I am a firm believer that travel and how soft the ride helps immensely when hitting bumps at speed and cornering. When slammed and too tight in a turn with less suspension it tends to launch and then you start to have less control not more.

[riceboy22]

I haven't found much in terms of specs for the B8s online, but it appears the generic sweet spot for lowering with these is 30-40mm (1.2-1.6") and up to 50mm (2", which is where I'm at). Not sure what the bottom range is.

@Smittylube, your ride quality I'm sure is a bit better than H&R-only cars given your rear shocks are what Audi pairs with the Euro-height springs anyway, although probably at the edge of spec given they also support the US ride height. The fronts I'm guessing would certainly benefit since Audi pairs different shocks with them. I also wouldn't be surprised if the B8s in general are more responsive than OEM.

[EYE4SPEED]

if you lowered your car 2" or so (most of us do) then you are 2" of compression outside the stock strut's equilibrium position (for lack of a better vocabulary).

So even if the b8's are 1" shorter at their "equilibrium position" then they will perform leagues above when it comes to high speed compression and damping especially. 2" may not seem like a lot, but that's like riding with 500 lbs of bricks in your trunk lol

What does this mean for those with KW HAS lowered by 2"? Will they cause premature blow out?

[riceboy22]

What does this mean for those with KW HAS lowered by 2"? Will they cause premature blow out?

I think it's pretty generally accepted that lowering springs will wear out OEM shocks faster. Now whether that's reducing 100k miles of expected life to 85k miles or the shocks blowing at 25k miles is unknown.

I don't think there's any debate though that properly (or at least better) matched shocks with lowering springs will give you better handling and improved ride quality.

[drumnjuny]

I think it's pretty generally accepted that lowering springs will wear out OEM shocks faster. Now whether that's reducing 100k miles of expected life to 85k miles or the shocks blowing at 25k miles is unknown.

I don't think there's any debate though that properly (or at least better) matched shocks with lowering springs will give you better handling and improved ride quality.

yep, this.

[Smittylube]

Did a little research today

The Bilsteins are roughly 17 mm shorter overall length

[drumnjuny]

when fully decompressed, but that doesn't give you the pressure at the same point at their usual ride level.

[riceboy22]

I did a lot of driving in NYC today and remain very happy with the B8 + H&R setup. The suspension really seems to just soak up road imperfections. I'd describe it as stiffer then stock but less harsh if that makes sense.

I also took a nice high-speed sweeper that had an unexpected dip outside of the city, and the car remained composed throughout.