B5 A4 Avant Suspension with wife in mind

[popimor]

So I currently have a 2000 a4 b5 Avant.
It was gone through by 034 Motorsports and is fast and fun. GTRS turbo etc.

It has a leaking strut up front.

It has Eibach lowering springs according to the previous owner and Bilstiens, and Eibach swaybars front and back.

Right now the ride seems too harsh on these terrible Michigan roads. My wife drives the car, and doesn't like it. I am not a huge fan either. (I don't know how much of this could have to do with the leaking right front strut.)

That said I don't want to give up the ride height so I am looking for the smoothest possible solution at a reasonable lowered height (i.e. 25-25.5 gtf).

I almost purchased the regular Vogtland's today, but am torn and would like your advice.
I know this is hard since it is rare that people have had or experienced multiple setups on one A4 B5, but it would help me a ton before I drop all the cash if you all have some advice.
Yes, I have exhaustively searched for threads on this, but most people are discussing cornering and performance, or a car being totally slammed etc.

I am looking for lowered, but as smooth as possible.

So,
- Vogtlands? (non-gt3)
- STs?
- Keep my eibach's and get new struts up front?
- Something else?

I can't go above $1,000 on the parts.

Cheers!

[Dan[FN]6262]

I am going to get flammed so hard for this, but Raceland Ultimo Series for the B5 are actually pretty good. And they're only $450. They even rock dual rated springs.

I've been running them for a few months now with zero complaints. They feel similar to stock suspension but zero bounce. I'm running them with the car pretty low right now and it still rides great and doesn't bounce.

[redline380]

I am going to get flammed so hard for this, but Raceland Ultimo Series for the B5 are actually pretty good. And they're only $450. They even rock dual rated springs.

I've been running them for a few months now with zero complaints. They feel similar to stock suspension but zero bounce. I'm running them with the car pretty low right now and it still rides great and doesn't bounce.

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...land-coilovers

[Dan[FN]6262]

Lmao that sucks man.

So far no strange clunks or noises.

Did yours have red or green springs?

[Chrisw023]

Eibachs tend to run pretty soft spring wise being a progressive spring rate. I would suggest koni shocks as you can adjust dampening and they will be less hassle than coilovers which if your happy with the drop is a better route IMO (this is the setup I have for my wife's b7). I love coilovers as well but having had quality ones and cheapy ones, you definitely get what you pay for and they are stiffer than a shock/spring combo on any car I have ever used them on.

[popimor]

So, Eibach springs are softer than the coilover springs. I guess I will have to get the most comfortable struts I can find. Konis sound good. I just looked up the adjustment on them. How to choose the adjustment?! I would have to take them off the car to back off or tighten the dampening.
Anyone with experience with Koni's vs bilstein's on lowering springs.

[Chrisw023]

If you want comfort I would leave them soft or go about half way. Bilstein sports are nice for what they do but the hp monotube design does make them harsher.

[popimor]

I went ahead and had the Koni adjustables installed and am very happy. Same ride height. Still has great handling. Not so jarring anymore. Recommended!
I went with 1/2 turn from the softest setting. It is definitely still firm, but does not get bouncy. Thanks @Chrisw023!

[Sumo337]

I ran Bilstein shocks and Vogtland springs on my S4, ran great. Solid, but not too bad.

[Chrisw023]

Glad your happy with them!

[MrSnickelsnizer]

Eibach lowering springs and any shock of your choosing. Oem shocks ride like butter, blausports ride firm but compliant (they don't last long fyi...), can't comment on konis but the setting of dampening by turning the shaft always turned me away. You will not regret ditching the coilovers. I live in Michigan as well.