New to Audi lowering springs question

[swag]

Hi, just purchased S5 cab 2 weeks ago. First thing i did was put some 20X10.5 wheels with et27 and 275/30/20 tires on. Looks pretty good but i think she need to sit a bit lower. Im looking into H&R OE and Eibach springs for a subtle drop. But do i need to grab specific cab springs or would the H&R OE do? Any recommendations or pics of cab lowered on 20s would be appreciated.

[JamesRS5]

I can recommend the Eibachs over the H&R, a really nice handling and riding spring, also take a look at KW H.A.S, another nice riding spring.

[Avantmaniac]

If your car has ADS.. KW HAS is the only way to go.

[Vanimal]

I can recommend the Eibachs over the H&R, a really nice handling and riding spring, also take a look at KW H.A.S, another nice riding spring.

Interesting you say that. I know the H&R OE's are the most "popular". I have the V8 which helps get a better drop towards the front. But what makes you like the Eibach better?

Only reason I went H&R OE is because I got them from a friend who had them sitting in his garage. He switched to coils to get lower. I just wanted to rid of wheel gap & retain OEM like comfort.


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine mobile app

[SLU_S5]

If your car has ADS.. KW HAS is the only way to go.

I second this. Love mine.

[The Punisher]

Are the KW HAS a good option for those with non adjustable suspension (ie USDM RS5)

[ironman9]

If your car has ADS.. KW HAS is the only way to go.

How do you tell if your car has ADS? is it the drive select button thing?

[ironman9]

is the H&R OE Spring only available in the US market? because I talked to the H&R over at Malaysia and they said that the OE spring is for the US market and H&R Sports spring is for the Asia market. I'm kinda confused now. My audi A5 has the drive select and I'm looking to lower my car with a nice springs which gives a nice ride. right now, my car is too "bouncy" when I drive fast. lol

[JamesRS5]

Interesting you say that. I know the H&R OE's are the most "popular". I have the V8 which helps get a better drop towards the front. But what makes you like the Eibach better?

Only reason I went H&R OE is because I got them from a friend who had them sitting in his garage. He switched to coils to get lower. I just wanted to rid of wheel gap & retain OEM like comfort.


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine mobile app

H&R are popular but quite a lot of guys report the ride is bouncy on the H&R, I've also read this on other car forums. H&R go about their lowering differently than Eibach, have a read of this thread I made last year:

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...-Sport-Springs

You make your choices and pay your monies but it depends what you're looking for, just purely lowering or lowering and keeping the ride and handling.

[Vanimal]

H&R are popular but quite a lot of guys report the ride is bouncy on the H&R, I've also read this on other car forums. H&R go about their lowering differently than Eibach, have a read of this thread I made last year:

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...-Sport-Springs

You make your choices and pay your monies but it depends what you're looking for, just purely lowering or lowering and keeping the ride and handling.

I was just asking, I went H&R because I got them free from a friend who switched to coils to go lower. So I figured I'd try them as well as him helping me out them on so can't argue free labor.

With the money saved I figured it would be smart & IMO the correct & longevity way. Is to to pair the H&R OE's with Bilstein B8 sport shocks & struts. I think with the B8 sports & struts both Eibach & H&R will give a great ride which is what I've read on here & the B8 S4 side. I didn't bother with coils because I'll never go that low & I'd have to get a upper tier coils because of PA snow & weather. Even the H&R's I think would probably rust out eventually.

I was just looking to lower about 1" to rid of wheel gap, keep a OEM ride with a little bit better cornering.


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine mobile app

[JamesRS5]

I'm not saying there's anything wrong with H&R, just given the choice I'd go with Eibach but for free, you can't go wrong. My initial response was to the thread starter who asked which springs to go for.

Bilstein chose to pair their dampers with Eibach for a reason.

[swag]

I will go with Eibach. Im new to all this so do i need springs, Bilstein shocks AND struts on the S5? Or just shocks and springs?

[JamesRS5]

If your current shocks are good with not too many miles on them then they should be fine with just the springs. If you want to upgrade the shocks you could go for Bilstein but then you're getting in to KW coilover territory money.

[Gonzoe11]

@Swag I've been there before. I installed a set of 20 x10" et27 wheels on my '11 cab and looked for the best way to achieve a subtle drop. I'll caution you that the cab weighs approx. 400lbs more than the coupes. I tried a set of the H&R Street Coilovers and the highest setting I was WAY too low. Rub city! The part number is the same for both cabs and coupes so choosing a cab for the application doesn't mean you are getting a product specifically designed for the cab. I'm not sure which spring H&R uses but I swear it wasn't designed for the extra weight of the cab.
I switched out the H&R setup for the Bilstein PSS10 setup. The PSS10 offers greater flexibility in ride control and height adjustment. With this application the cab sat perfectly at the highest setting and eliminated the wheel gap but I wasn't able to go any higher as needed. The ride was good overall but have to admit, in colder temperatures I felt the "bounciness" and did rub from time to time.
My opinion is the H&R OE and Sport springs will sit too low. My cab is now gone and replaced with an RS5 coupe, where I'm currently trying the KW H.A.S.. So far so good. This may be a happy medium for you in the cab as you mentioned a "bit of a drop". My vote is to give the H.A.S. a try as you'll get more flexibility in ride height adjust.

[bknewtype]

I was just asking, I went H&R because I got them free from a friend who switched to coils to go lower. So I figured I'd try them as well as him helping me out them on so can't argue free labor.

With the money saved I figured it would be smart & IMO the correct & longevity way. Is to to pair the H&R OE's with Bilstein B8 sport shocks & struts. I think with the B8 sports & struts both Eibach & H&R will give a great ride which is what I've read on here & the B8 S4 side. I didn't bother with coils because I'll never go that low & I'd have to get a upper tier coils because of PA snow & weather. Even the H&R's I think would probably rust out eventually.

I was just looking to lower about 1" to rid of wheel gap, keep a OEM ride with a little bit better cornering.


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine mobile app

I had eibachs on my v8 s5 and it road a bit like oem, but a tad bit rougher

my other buddy had oe springs and he said it rides like shit

really depends how one defines " rides like shit" or "feels oem"

this is mine on eibachs and 19's

[JamesRS5]

This is mine on Eibachs

[DreDay]

Here's mine on OE's with drive select. It's a tad stiffer than OEM, but they gave me the 1inch drop I was looking for with my wheel set up. I would have gone with Bilstein struts, but my car only had 25k when I installed the springs so I said I would ride out the OEM struts until they are done. I'm at 50k miles now and so far so good. I'll upgrade to the Bilstein struts when these are done.

Another note on comfort...they could be a tad more comfortable, and if the road is super bumpy, I put it on "comfort" and it makes a huge difference. Overall I am happy with the drop and the ride for the price.

Hope that helps!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Wilbur]

Here's mine on OE's with drive select. It's a tad stiffer than OEM, but they gave me the 1inch drop I was looking for with my wheel set up. I would have gone with Bilstein struts, but my car only had 25k when I installed the springs so I said I would ride out the OEM struts until they are done. I'm at 50k miles now and so far so good. I'll upgrade to the Bilstein struts when these are done.

Another note on comfort...they could be a tad more comfortable, and if the road is super bumpy, I put it on "comfort" and it makes a huge difference. Overall I am happy with the drop and the ride for the price.

Hope that helps!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

THAT looks perfect to me.

[Vanimal]

I had eibachs on my v8 s5 and it road a bit like oem, but a tad bit rougher

my other buddy had oe springs and he said it rides like shit

really depends how one defines " rides like shit" or "feels oem"

this is mine on eibachs and 19's

That drop looks awesome. That's the exact drop in after. I know ride quality is subjective, but perhaps I will look into the Eibach springs. I see so many people go H&R OE you'd think that's the best choice. Maybe those are the 3.0T guys?


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine mobile app

[Vanimal]

This is mine on Eibachs

Here's mine on OE's with drive select. It's a tad stiffer than OEM, but they gave me the 1inch drop I was looking for with my wheel set up. I would have gone with Bilstein struts, but my car only had 25k when I installed the springs so I said I would ride out the OEM struts until they are done. I'm at 50k miles now and so far so good. I'll upgrade to the Bilstein struts when these are done.

Another note on comfort...they could be a tad more comfortable, and if the road is super bumpy, I put it on "comfort" and it makes a huge difference. Overall I am happy with the drop and the ride for the price.

Hope that helps!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Those drops look perfect as well! @ Dre yeah at 25k i wouldn't have upgraded the shocks & struts yet either, i have read people have gone 50k and still going on mild drop springs, guess it depends where you live.

@ James, I did notice Bilstein makes a B8 shock & strut kit that comes with the Eibach springs not H&R, maybe they pair very well with them.

[bknewtype]

That drop looks awesome. That's the exact drop in after. I know ride quality is subjective, but perhaps I will look into the Eibach springs. I see so many people go H&R OE you'd think that's the best choice. Maybe those are the 3.0T guys?


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine mobile app

ppl don't venture out of brands much. when they think german, they think h and r automatically. eibach is more of a jdm brand I feel, they were very popular in the infiniti world, so I gave em a try. they were priced almost 100 less than h and r's, so I gave it a shot, and glad I did.

[Vanimal]

This is mine on Eibachs

Here's mine on OE's with drive select. It's a tad stiffer than OEM, but they gave me the 1inch drop I was looking for with my wheel set up. I would have gone with Bilstein struts, but my car only had 25k when I installed the springs so I said I would ride out the OEM struts until they are done. I'm at 50k miles now and so far so good. I'll upgrade to the Bilstein struts when these are done.

Another note on comfort...they could be a tad more comfortable, and if the road is super bumpy, I put it on "comfort" and it makes a huge difference. Overall I am happy with the drop and the ride for the price.

Hope that helps!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

ppl don't venture out of brands much. when they think german, they think h and r automatically. eibach is more of a jdm brand I feel, they were very popular in the infiniti world, so I gave em a try. they were priced almost 100 less than h and r's, so I gave it a shot, and glad I did.

That does make sense. I never even considered Eibach until you guys mentioned it, just because with Audi H&R is just all over the place and what most use. I am not bias on brand though, so long as it does the job!

[swag]

Thanks for the pics and insights into which springs to get. I think the Eibachs are best for my need since they do have cab specific springs. Part#155103.140 drop about 1" fronts and 0.6" rears. I do have 3years 3rd party warranty on the vehicle so if i paint them black they're will look like stock if my struts go im still covered.

[CG3D]

For what its worth to add this to the comparison pile - H&R Sports with 20" CH-R's

[JamesRS5]

Thanks for the pics and insights into which springs to get. I think the Eibachs are best for my need since they do have cab specific springs. Part#155103.140 drop about 1" fronts and 0.6" rears. I do have 3years 3rd party warranty on the vehicle so if i paint them black they're will look like stock if my struts go im still covered.

They come in black and look 100% stock, only the small Eibach writing will give the game away but you could polish that off the springs if you wanted to be ultra thorough.

[swag]

Perfect drop

[JamesRS5]

If you want that drop but keep the ride nice, go for the KW H.A.S.

[swag]

For what its worth to add this to the comparison pile - H&R Sports with 20" CH-R's

Perfect drop on your coupe but i have a cab

[swag]

Yea but the KW H.A.S. costs 3X more than the Eibach. I can put that $ towards installation

[JamesRS5]

The KW H.A.S kit for the cabrio should be part number 25310078

http://www.kwsuspensions.net/kw-hohe...html?typ=25647

Same part number for S5 Cab


http://www.kwsuspensions.net/kw-hohe...html?typ=20825

[Vanimal]

The KW H.A.S kit for the cabrio should be part number 25310078

http://www.kwsuspensions.net/kw-hohe...html?typ=25647

Same part number for S5 Cab


http://www.kwsuspensions.net/kw-hohe...html?typ=20825

The only reason to go with the KW's is to take full advantage of the drive select right? So if someone's S5/RS5/A5 didn't have drive select there would be not point to get the KW HAS right?


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine mobile app

[JamesRS5]

Nope, the KW's give you the adjustment flexibility of a coilover but retaining your original dampers. Don't get wrapped around the axle on drive select and these springs, yes they work well with ADS because you get to keep the factory adjustable damper but that's not essential, they work just as well with normal dampers.

I just posted it up because you liked the drop of the H&R Sport but I don't think you'd want the harsh ride that comes with the H&R's. Stick with the Eibachs, you'll love them.

[swag]

@Swag I've been there before. I installed a set of 20 x10" et27 wheels on my '11 cab and looked for the best way to achieve a subtle drop. I'll caution you that the cab weighs approx. 400lbs more than the coupes. I tried a set of the H&R Street Coilovers and the highest setting I was WAY too low. Rub city! The part number is the same for both cabs and coupes so choosing a cab for the application doesn't mean you are getting a product specifically designed for the cab. I'm not sure which spring H&R uses but I swear it wasn't designed for the extra weight of the cab.
I switched out the H&R setup for the Bilstein PSS10 setup. The PSS10 offers greater flexibility in ride control and height adjustment. With this application the cab sat perfectly at the highest setting and eliminated the wheel gap but I wasn't able to go any higher as needed. The ride was good overall but have to admit, in colder temperatures I felt the "bounciness" and did rub from time to time.
My opinion is the H&R OE and Sport springs will sit too low. My cab is now gone and replaced with an RS5 coupe, where I'm currently trying the KW H.A.S.. So far so good. This may be a happy medium for you in the cab as you mentioned a "bit of a drop". My vote is to give the H.A.S. a try as you'll get more flexibility in ride height adjust.

Got a question for u since u already own a B8 cab. Is there a drop difference in the rears when the top is up/down? "RubCity" only appears when ur riding with the top down right?

[Gonzoe11]

Got a question for u since u already own a B8 cab. Is there a drop difference in the rears when the top is up/down? "RubCity" only appears when ur riding with the top down right?

Rubbed either way with the H&R coilovers. Top up/Down didn't matter. I suspect the coils were not designed for the extra weight of the cab.

[mufflerman]

We've installed all of the mentioned brands for customers, my opinion of the ride difference between them is nominal. I don't spend a huge amount of time out side of a short test drive in them however.

IMO, if ride is paramount with a drop do a full coil over setup, it's a lot more money but you get infinite adjustability in height and an researched and developed spring/damper setup that works well together. If you don't want to spend the money on coil overs do the KW H.A.S., it's the best in quality and you get the adjustment factor as well.

[swag]

Rubbed either way with the H&R coilovers. Top up/Down didn't matter. I suspect the coils were not designed for the extra weight of the cab.

Does it sit lower when the top is down? Reason i asked bc im going with the Eibachs cab springs. 1" drop fronts and only 0.6" rears. I figure the rears will drop a little more when the top is down?

[swag]

Just ordered a set of Eibachs from Tire Rack for only $234. Will post pics of before and after installation.

[JamesRS5]

Give them a few weeks to settle in after install before you take those "after" pics, I know mine took a while to settle to their final height.

[Gonzoe11]

Does it sit lower when the top is down? Reason i asked bc im going with the Eibachs cab springs. 1" drop fronts and only 0.6" rears. I figure the rears will drop a little more when the top is down?

I never noticed a change in ride height with top up or down. That drop seems reasonable for the cab. +1 on JamesRS5 comments. The H.A.S. kit settled 1/4" lower after a few weeks.
Good luck. and don't throw away the OEM parts in case you're not happy with the result.

[swag]

I alway kept my oem parts just in case if i want be stock to sell/trade a few years down the road. Well should i get the alignment done right away or wait a few weeks for the springs to fully settle?