Tell me about your B8.5 Allroad suspension...

[redmcoupe]

So what prompts this? I currently have an air ride suspension on my 2013. Living with it for what 9 months. It does it's thing but it seems more show than I use or need. So now I'm thinking of switching to a good coilover set. I've looked around and saw a few different things but couldn't find a consolidated post with all suspension options, what people like or don't like.

For me, I have a Ridetech set up. I will provide more specifics shortly as I have to get them from the shop. It works great and is simple to operate, like most I imagine. I just find that the ride is not "sporty" enough for me. I prefer to take my cars in that direction and have done that in the past with my other cars. I find the ride is comfortable but I like things tighter. I feel like it gets a bit "jouncy" on things like deep highway transitions from concrete to asphalt for example. At the highest settings, probably no surprise, it sometimes feels like a pogo stick

I mean in the end, I'm being harsh because of my personal preferences. It works the way it's supposed to, just not my favorite flavor of tea as is.

So anyway...folks, share your setup. If you have air ride and you were able to get it to ride more sporty, what did you do to make it so? If you use coilovers, which one, what do you like about it? I don't mind spending on the coilovers. I would love some kind of adjustable set. I saw Bilstein has something like that. Our cars just seem to be hard to find proper setups for out of the box, i.e., you have to look up some other model or know what needs to be modified, etc. I'm finding that pretty annoying but I love my car

[pwdrskr]

I started off with a 2012 S-Line avant sport suspension back when I first bought the allroad. Ran that for a couple years with no complaints. So of course I just had to make a change (mod bug is tough to kick).

I then went to Solowerks coil overs. At first I liked them. Stiffer than the S-Line suspension and of course lower. However, I got fed up trying to level the car. For some reason the right rear corner was out of threads and yet it sat lower than the left side. There is a thread somewhere with a full explanation.

I decided to switch to a Vogtland coil over suspension earlier this year and have been very happy. Nice blend of improved stiffness and driveability. Car tracks better on the awful Seattle roads as well. I would do it again.

One note on both coil overs. I do experience clunks from the front when turning the steering wheel all the way left or right at very slow speeds (e.g. parking lots). Doesn't affect anything near as I can tell. I believe it is the coils moving slightly in the seats, but can't say for sure. I haven't done much to sort it out. I have experienced this on a prior car, a BMW 335 with KW V3s. Maybe I should look into it...

Cheers.

[audirings4]

I decided to switch to a Vogtland coil over suspension earlier this year and have been very happy. Nice blend of improved stiffness and driveability. Car tracks better on the awful Seattle roads as well. I would do it again.

I had Vogtland's on my B8 Avant and although the ride was initially great it became stiffer with time and after one winter the collars seized to the shaft so I lost ajustability. Sold it shortly after and here I stay wagonless.

[zcspec]

My 2015 AR current resides on H&R Coils. When I first bought the car, I vowed not to be cheap with coils: do it right or don't do it at all. Unfortunately, the coils I wanted (PSS10s) for the avant was cost prohibitive so I did some research and ended up with the budgeted Solowerks. In a nut shell, they were a decent set of coils for a DD, but just too soft for my taste. After 4K miles, the H&Rs were installed and I haven't looked back. They are stiffer than the Solos but performed to my expectations when I push the AR on the track. If I could do it again, I would choose the Bilstein PSS10s due to their craftsmanship and adjustability. From experience, I just think they are the best coils dollar per dolllar. Sure, you could go with a much more expensive setup, but the ROI at that point no longer makes sense.

Something to also consider, when you decide which coils you want, make sure you're buying a set for the AVANT and not for the sedan or coupe. Our avants are heavier and require a different spring rate. Sure, the sedan or coupe setup will fit and work, but the issue you'll have over time is rear end sag and the lack of height adjustment.

[moonshiner]

I have the Solowerks S1's. I've been pleased with the ride quality, but now that I'm running a 275 wide tire with 10" wheels there's a bit of rubbing. I haven't been able to adjust the control arms yet to dial in some camber to help avoid that, but I would imagine part of my problem is the spring rates. A stiffer suspension might help that, on the other hand this is my daily driver so I prefer a smoother ride with the quality of the roads here in MN. For me it came down to cost, I got the suspension for $550 shipped, and ride quality. I've had stiff suspension setups in the past and knew I didn't want that.

Other suspensions I was considering: Vogtland, KW V2, H&R

[OMGHI]

I have H&R Street performance coilovers and Euro code front and rear sway bars. I love the setup

[djnuge]

Have you considered just putting in the H & R springs?

[earhythmic]

I had ST coilovers on mine for a few months before I went air. The ride was great and held it's own on the back roads at local car meets. Currently I'm on Air Lift with their performance bags and struts that are 30 way adjustable. I have them set 8 clicks down from max firmness and the ride and handling is equivalent to my coils at my regular ride height (70psi front 55 psi rear). I'm not familiar with the specifics of Ridetech, but I'd say looking into good dampers is the best way to tune the way bags behave.

[djnuge]

Can someone provide the part number for the H&R and KW V2.

Sent from my SM-G935T using Audizine mobile app

[bluefox280]

Can someone provide the part number for the H&R and KW V2.

Based on quick search & cross-referencing:
* H&R Ultra-Low Coilovers = #29019-1
* H&R Street Coilovers = #29092-1
* KW Coilover Kit V2 - Audi A4 8K/B8 Avant = #15210097

- Erik

[BIG_ROOSTER]

I have the same bags and shocks as earythmic on my accuair E level and couldn't be happier with the performance of the bags and dampers.


IT IS KNOWN

[spliffin]

I have the Solowerks S1's. I've been pleased with the ride quality, but now that I'm running a 275 wide tire with 10" wheels there's a bit of rubbing. I haven't been able to adjust the control arms yet to dial in some camber to help avoid that, but I would imagine part of my problem is the spring rates. A stiffer suspension might help that, on the other hand this is my daily driver so I prefer a smoother ride with the quality of the roads here in MN. For me it came down to cost, I got the suspension for $550 shipped, and ride quality. I've had stiff suspension setups in the past and knew I didn't want that.

Other suspensions I was considering: Vogtland, KW V2, H&R

I understand im late to the party, I am about to get my Solowerks Installed next week. Did you purchase aftermarket control arms? Or do OEM allow for enough camber adjustment?

[oatzel]

I have H&R Street performance coil-overs and Hotchkis front and rear swaybars (and a CR-15). Overall very happy, although I rub from time to time with my current wheel and tire setup (but will probably go to a 265 width down from my 275 at some point)

[BrewDude]

Sachs Sport shocks with KW height adjustable springs.

[IamAriGold]

Interesting thread. I just bought my Allroad 36 hours ago and I'm already looking at suspension solutions. I was told that a low ride height whether coils or on air would cause the axles to buckle and cause, (something we used to say with AWD GS 350's) "the vibe". The Vibe is when you get that engine vibrationinto your steering wheel because your engine vibration makes it into the steering because the Axles are buckling and passing it up into the steering. What is your most comfortable ride height with your B8.5 Allroad?