O.E.M. versus aftermarket front shock absorbers for Allroad C5 2.7t

[Hobartian]

I am considering replacing the eighteen month old Arnott front shock absorbers on my Audi Allroad C5 2.7t.

What I do not understand is why there is such a huge price difference between OEM and aftermarket components.

The existing shock absorbers have only done about 12,000 kilometers (7,500 miles) and I don't feel like using them again and would like to use genuine parts but balk at having to pay over two and halves times the price.

I have read other posts on this site where the opinion is expressed that OEM shocks are considered superior to Chinese products. Have I any options?

[Kaane]

Zero good options, no one makes any good shocks for the allroad. OEM or get rid of Air suspension. You can try the bilstein Arnotts for the front, the rears suck.

[4rings2turbos]

I think what was discovered what the OEMs from Audi are bespoke and is not offered anywhere else. All other options are adapted to be used on the allroad, but not designed for it. If you go OEM one thing for sure is you'll be really happy about the ride.

[G0to60]

Are there companies that rebuild the originals or can they even be rebuilt?

Maybe if they can be rebuilt the OP can buy a set of used ones from someone who has ditched the air suspension and send them out.

[glennda5id]

I have done a lot of research on this. I have not seen a source for rebuilding the OE shocks. I really wanted to keep the OE system but could not stomach the cost of new front and rear OE shocks. I currently have a set of coilovers from BC racing on order. They now have kit for the allroad (I may be the first to order). With the BC kit you can pick your spring rates and cost ~$1000 or $1300 with Swift springs. You can also rebuild them.

[V1nny]

gen II Arnot with Billstein shocks are not that bad

[glennda5id]

gen II Arnot with Billstein shocks are not that bad

The bilstein shocks are no longer available for sale through official channels. I'm not sure how people are getting them if Arnott is not making them anymore. People also say the bilsteins are not very good in the rear.