Bilstein B12 Pro-kit, is it a valid performance upgrade over stock?

[bayonet14]

I did notice too much w/the H&R OE springs and ADS - I think its more with the magnetic doughnut and steering feedback - I find I like steering in comfort and the rest of the settings dynamic most of the time

[Symko]

No, this is dampers AND springs, so magnetic ride would be eliminated.

Thx Vogz

[phanker]

Anyone know how much of a drop it is on a B8.5 S4?

[Vogz]

Anyone know how much of a drop it is on a B8.5 S4?

About 1.2 inches all around.

[phanker]

Thanks Vogz.
How long roughly can we expect the stock springs/shocks to last anyway given how heavy the S4 is?

[fitzydude]

At 105k miles one of my struts was blown and the springs were still good.

My Eibach springs settled to give a ~7/8 inch drop resulting in 26" fender to ground height. That's the same height people are seeing with OE springs.

[Vogz]

Thanks Vogz.
How long roughly can we expect the stock springs/shocks to last anyway given how heavy the S4 is?

Unless you drive a lot of miles, probably as long as you own the vehicle. The weight of the S4 is irrelevant. These suspension components are designed specifically for the car.

[Pawan2013]

I have the b8 shocks but not springs, should I go with the progressive eibachs or H&R OE's?

[eurotic]

For those that have the B12 kit installed but do not have adjustable control arms, what were your alignment specs after the B12 install? If you know what you were before the B12 install that would be awesome to know too.

My car stock has about -1.2 degrees of camber and I want to get more. I know lowering will increase it but it would be great to know by how much as it might be enough to not also have to do adjustable control arms.

Yeah, I'm quoting myself in hopes that someone can chime in about before and after alignment specs.

[jran76]

Yeah, I'm quoting myself in hopes that someone can chime in about before and after alignment specs.

Somewhere in the -1.6 to -1.7 range on the front. The rear is obviously adjustable to whatever you want. I personally think it's fine without adjustable control arms, but anything lower I'd probably add them.

[eurotic]

Somewhere in the -1.6 to -1.7 range on the front. The rear is obviously adjustable to whatever you want. I personally think it's fine without adjustable control arms, but anything lower I'd probably add them.

Thanks. I'm actually looking to get in the -2.5 to -3 range actually for an autocross friendly setup.

[jran76]

Thanks. I'm actually looking to get in the -2.5 to -3 range actually for an autocross friendly setup.

Adjustable control arms would be the only way to get there unless you are slammed. Getting up to -2.5 degrees would be ideal for an autocross or track setup; just probably not so much for the street. The SPC arms will give you something like +/- 1.5 degrees from your static position.

[LA_S4]

How does it compare to stock on bad/bumpy roads? Stock suspension is very uncomfortable on a very bad road near my house.

Not bad at all for me on LA roads. It actually feels more comfortable than stock. Less bounciness.

[Symko]

Is there any comparison to this system and the KW H.A.S.? I know the appeal for the HAS is that you can keep magnetic ride

[Vogz]

Yeah, I'm quoting myself in hopes that someone can chime in about before and after alignment specs.

I lost my alignment sheet, but camber was to the max negative factory spec IIRC.

[Vogz]

I have the b8 shocks but not springs, should I go with the progressive eibachs or H&R OE's?

The Eibach spring rate is supposedly matched to the B8 dampers. I know mine rides and handles fantastic. Others have said the H&Rs work well too. It seems like either spring would be a good choice.

[mintytoo]

I just had the B12 kit installed on Saturday and it's definitely stiffer than stock, which I like, and less body roll.

I considered doing the H&R springs but ECS had the B12 kit for $630 shipped so I couldn't say no.

I do have a metallic clunking sound up front but I am assuming this may be an installer issue so I am going to give them a ring.

I am also waiting for the springs to settle before I measure the drop

Have you had that clunking sound fixed yet? What was the prob and what was the fix?

Thanks,

Have the kit in the shopping cart and want to know about possible problems.

[Caymanite]

Yes, easy fix...the installer forgot to reconnect the endlink for the sway bar so it was hanging there knocking against the shock. All quiet now.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Caymanite]

Here are some picture. Wheels are 20's




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[mintytoo]

Here are some picture. Wheels are 20's




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Nice car! Forgot to reconnect huh? I'd be kinda pissed!

[Caymanite]

Thanks. Yeah, I was at first but just fixed it myself and moved on.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[eurotic]

Here are some picture. Wheels are 20's




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

What width and offset are your wheels? Also what are your tire specs?

[Caymanite]

20x9 niche misano et 38
255/30 Sumitomo's


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[AC419]

^^ Caymanite, is that with the B12 kit?

What is everyone's wheel gaps after this drop?

[Vogz]

^^ Caymanite, is that with the B12 kit?

What is everyone's wheel gaps after this drop?

I haven't measured but here's my car.




Almost identical drop to the H&R OE springs I had previously.

[AC419]

Thanks Vogz. It seems lower than 1.2" rated. Pretty nice!

[Vogz]

Thanks Vogz. It seems lower than 1.2" rated. Pretty nice!

No problem. I had the H&R OE before and didn't measure the difference from OEM but the Eibachs look to be about the same drop. 1 finger gap in the rear and slightly more in the front.

[Caymanite]

^^ Caymanite, is that with the B12 kit?

What is everyone's wheel gaps after this drop?

Yes, haven't measured gap but my fender to ground is 26" in front and 26.4" in the back.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[SteveYem]

If I want the firm yet comfortable, bump-absorbing performance of the Bilstein B12 kit (I have no first hand experience, just judging from what I have read here), but I want to have ride height adjustability so that I can go a bit lower than the B12 kit allows, what is my best option? Bilstein PSS10 coilovers? KW H.A.S. matched with some aftermarket dampers (if so, which dampers?) Other options?

I have been on H&R Street Performance coilovers for about 2 years and I'm ready for a change.

[Vogz]

If I want the firm yet comfortable, bump-absorbing performance of the Bilstein B12 kit (I have no first hand experience, just judging from what I have read here), but I want to have ride height adjustability so that I can go a bit lower than the B12 kit allows, what is my best option? Bilstein PSS10 coilovers? KW H.A.S. matched with some aftermarket dampers (if so, which dampers?) Other options?

I have been on H&R Street Performance coilovers for about 2 years and I'm ready for a change.

KW H.A.S. with Bilstein B8 dampers is my vote. The dampers account for 90% of the ride quality and the B8s are perfect for a street car IMO.

[bokiboki]

Sorry for a slight off topic question but how would the stock springs work with B8 struts/shocks? I'm not interested in the drop at all. Are the B8 shocks meant to be installed with shorter springs or the stock will do just fine? Could anybody with that combo comment on the ride quality? Thanks.

[SportVier]

Are the B8 shocks meant to be installed with shorter springs or the stock will do just fine?

They'll do just fine.

[VeNoMS4]

is the the b12 pro kit better than the H&R sports springs cup kit with the same bilstein S&S? there is about a $400 price diff.. i assume this is just because of eibach vs HR springs?

[Caymanite]

I doubt anyone would notice the difference in ride quality. I went with the B12 because the cost was so reasonable andfigured that if a shock absorber company picks springs to sell as a package it should be a good match.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[VeNoMS4]

I doubt anyone would notice the difference in ride quality. I went with the B12 because the cost was so reasonable andfigured that if a shock absorber company picks springs to sell as a package it should be a good match.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Agreed, now is your lowering by 1.2" in back and 1.4" in front? That's the amount I saw on ECS website. Why are they being lowered to different heights.

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

[GRUMPY-S4]

Agreed, now is your lowering by 1.2" in back and 1.4" in front? That's the amount I saw on ECS website. Why are they being lowered to different heights.

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

Back tends to sag more... even with that lower number in front, Vogz says he has more clearance in front fender than rear.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[SteveYem]

Back tends to sag more... even with that lower number in front, Vogz says he has more clearance in front fender than rear.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

That's exactly what I'm worried about when I consider going with shocks and springs without height adjustability. I know I'll set the height once and forget it, but the reverse-rake illusion from the front gap being more than the rear would bother me for the duration.

[Caymanite]

My front dropped about an inch and my rear a little less than an inch. I spoke to Bilstein regarding the 30 to 35mm drop on the web and he said that is the typical drop range for all models the kit fits so it's somewhat misleading as this kit also fits the A4. I am hoping my rear drops a little more as VOGZ's rear looks lower than mine. I am also going to check the springs to make sure the installer seated them properly.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[GRUMPY-S4]

That's exactly what I'm worried about when I consider going with shocks and springs without height adjustability. I know I'll set the height once and forget it, but the reverse-rake illusion from the front gap being more than the rear would bother me for the duration.

Im worried about the same! I have STs on the car now but want more OEM ride quality. So I may buy this kit. Im a set and and leave it guy... so I cant justify spending $2000 on a quality Coilover setup.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[fitzydude]

After my springs settled they are virtually the same height. 26" ftg front and rear.