Allroad B8.5 - Bilstein B4 (s-line spec) with H&R lowering springs

**Nut** · 11-01-2019 08:21 AM

Originally Posted by Das Ponto

A bunch of euro guys posted their H&R sport springs (on a regular B8 Avant not Allroad) and they were much lower than I am.

Trying to find out part numbers.

Photos from Europe.

Front then rear

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The plot Thickens. If that was my actual height I'd totally be happy with just springs.

If you're still after this ride height (which I find too low for the Northern climates) I'd say pick up a Bilstein B12 kit (the kit is a steal at 900$ CAD with B8 shocks and Eibach PROKIT springs). 25.75" all around. This is my car with the B12 kit (sedan spec). Which I later swapped the springs for the Avant S-Line springs to end up at where I'm at now.

The part # of the kit used in the below pic is 46-183323 (intended for A4 sedan). As you can see, my car with the sedan kit had no rake and sits quite level.

There's also a kit for the A4 avant but people said that kit introduces a rake. If for the same reasons as MacRoadie you want a little bit of rake, go with the avant kit part # 46-183354.

Both kits are available on RockAuto as of the time of this writing.

**Das Ponto** · 11-01-2019 08:30 AM

Originally Posted by Nut

If you're still after this ride height (which I find too low for the Northern climates) I'd say pick up a Bilstein B12 kit (the kit is a steal at 900$ CAD with B8 shocks and Eibach PROKIT springs). 25.75" all around. This is my car with the B12 kit (sedan spec). Which I later swapped the springs for the Avant S-Line springs to end up at where I'm at now.

Looks about perfect to me. I like being neighborly and plowing the street haha. All my cars have been coilovers and low. Never had an issue.

How was the ride in that set up?

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**Nut** · 11-01-2019 08:49 AM

It was indeed a little stiffer than the Avant S-Line springs...maybe I had a shock coming from the squishy Allroad suspension. It was also too low to clear some steeper slopes I commonly encounter and I was occasionally scraping when engaging some of the said slopes.

**djnuge** · 11-01-2019 09:34 AM

Ok. Great explanation NUT. So if I already have the 28969-1 installed and just need to replace the OEM shocks and don't want to affect the rake it has now, which socks can I go with (not OEM)?

**Nut** · 11-01-2019 10:37 AM

For sure you will need to use something similar (in length) to the Allroad front shock and not a shock designed for lowered suspension because the H&R 28969-1 was spec'd with the OEM shock.

One thing you can look into is using Bilstein B6 shocks (yellow). I think those are same internals as B8 but without being shorter/designed for lowered suspension.

Seeing how the B8 compares to the Allroad OEM shocks, you can probably go to a shop which has both B6 and B8 and just put them side by side to see how it compares.

If the B6 is longer than the B8, then you might be OK to use the B6 on the Allroad with the H&R 28969-1.

When you start to shop for shocks for the A4 B8 (sedan/avant) you will realize that every manufacturer has 2 sets of shocks for the B8 A4: One shock will be labeled for Standard suspension and another will be labeled for Sport suspension (S-Line).

This is the case with Bilstein B4 (black, OEM replacement), Koni yellows, Koni special active, etc... And in the case of the yellow Bilstein, I think B6 is the Standard suspension and B8 means Sport suspension (S-Line). I came to this conclusion simply because there's no Bilstein B6 for S-Line (sport) suspension nor there is a B8 for Standard suspension.

I think (without any personal real confirmation) that if you stay in the "standard suspension" range of products for the B8 A4, you should be within specs for the Allroad.

Bottom line is you want a shock (be it performance or OEM replacement/equivalent) that is similar in length than the OEM Allroad shock in order to avoid any additional rake on top the the existing rake of the H&R 28969-1.

**raudimarv** · 11-21-2019 12:18 PM

Originally Posted by Nut

For sure you will need to use something similar (in length) to the Allroad front shock and not a shock designed for lowered suspension because the H&R 28969-1 was spec'd with the OEM shock.

One thing you can look into is using Bilstein B6 shocks (yellow). I think those are same internals as B8 but without being shorter/designed for lowered suspension.

Seeing how the B8 compares to the Allroad OEM shocks, you can probably go to a shop which has both B6 and B8 and just put them side by side to see how it compares.

If the B6 is longer than the B8, then you might be OK to use the B6 on the Allroad with the H&R 28969-1.

When you start to shop for shocks for the A4 B8 (sedan/avant) you will realize that every manufacturer has 2 sets of shocks for the B8 A4: One shock will be labeled for Standard suspension and another will be labeled for Sport suspension (S-Line).

This is the case with Bilstein B4 (black, OEM replacement), Koni yellows, Koni special active, etc... And in the case of the yellow Bilstein, I think B6 is the Standard suspension and B8 means Sport suspension (S-Line). I came to this conclusion simply because there's no Bilstein B6 for S-Line (sport) suspension nor there is a B8 for Standard suspension.

I think (without any personal real confirmation) that if you stay in the "standard suspension" range of products for the B8 A4, you should be within specs for the Allroad.

Bottom line is you want a shock (be it performance or OEM replacement/equivalent) that is similar in length than the OEM Allroad shock in order to avoid any additional rake on top the the existing rake of the H&R 28969-1.

Nut et al,

Just installed the following B8 Avant S-Line springs on my B8 allroad while keeping my stock dampers all around. Result is 1" of reverse rake. See photo of spring colour codes and height results below (noting I'm on 20" peelers - 255/35/20)

Front: Initially 28 7/8" - Now 27" = 1 7/8 lower - Desirable
Rear: Initially 28 3/4" - Now 27 7/8' = 7/8" lower ***HERE IS MY ISSUE***

Based on my interpretations of previous comments herein, could I assume that the reason why I didn't go lower in the front is because the OEM allroad shock length is too long which affects ride height or could it be something else? Stock dampers would explain why the rear dropped to the desirable height as rear shock doesn't affect height.

I'd really love to drop the front another 3/4" to 1" in order to match the rears as I'm very pleased with the ride consistency and would prefer to continue with the springs as you have (Nut). If you think that it is in fact a shock issue, what would you recommend in order to drop an additional 1" while maintaining ride quality that's not overly stiff.

Thanks!

avant s-line springs.jpg

**MacRoadie** · 11-21-2019 03:40 PM

Originally Posted by raudimarv

Nut et al,

Just installed the following B8 Avant S-Line springs on my B8 allroad while keeping my stock dampers all around. Result is 1" of reverse rake. See photo of spring colour codes and height results below (noting I'm on 20" peelers - 255/35/20)

Front: Initially 28 7/8" - Now 27" = 1 7/8 lower - Desirable
Rear: Initially 28 3/4" - Now 27 7/8' = 7/8" lower ***HERE IS MY ISSUE***

Based on my interpretations of previous comments herein, could I assume that the reason why I didn't go lower in the front is because the OEM allroad shock length is too long which affects ride height or could it be something else? Stock dampers would explain why the rear dropped to the desirable height as rear shock doesn't affect height.

I'd really love to drop the front another 3/4" to 1" in order to match the rears as I'm very pleased with the ride consistency and would prefer to continue with the springs as you have (Nut). If you think that it is in fact a shock issue, what would you recommend in order to drop an additional 1" while maintaining ride quality that's not overly stiff.

Thanks!

avant s-line springs.jpg

You lost me somewhere. Your numbers suggest the front is already lower than the rear (27" versus 27-7/8", but then you you'd like to drop the front further "to match the rears".

**raudimarv** · 11-21-2019 09:01 PM

Originally Posted by MacRoadie

You lost me somewhere. Your numbers suggest the front is already lower than the rear (27" versus 27-7/8", but then you you'd like to drop the front further "to match the rears".

Damn it! Reverse those. So 27” is rear and 27-7/8” is front. Thanks!

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**Nut** · 11-22-2019 07:04 PM

Yea. Since you used A4 springs you should use A4 shocks for the reason I mentioned before: they are about 3/4-1inch shorter than the allroad.

Those are exactly the same springs as mine.

Swap to A4 shocks (sport suspension) and your problem will be solved and the front will come down 3/4-1inch.

These are my springs.

**Nut** · 11-22-2019 07:13 PM

You could swap them for Bilstein B4 or SACHS if you want something more OEM feel.

Note that SACHS is the OEM manufacturer. These parts can be found on RockAuto.com

Part# for Bilstein B4
FRONT: 19-171616
REAR: 19-171623

Part# for SACHS
FRONT: 313364
REAR: 313366

**raudimarv** · 11-23-2019 06:00 AM

Perfect!! I’ll look to swap out the fronts then for one of the above to bring it down accordingly and just leave the back. Incredibly helpful. Thanks!

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**Chatchie** · 11-23-2019 06:07 AM

My car has the KW HAS an Sachs sport shock. The ride is great. Would definitely go this route.

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**raudimarv** · 11-23-2019 02:10 PM

Thanks for the advice and nice ride! I’m going to grab some of these Sachs and get my mechanic to do the front end all over again smh

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**raudimarv** · 11-25-2019 12:51 PM

FYI: A friend of mine who works at VW said that the system shows part #8T0413031AF for the A4 sport front struts which are in fact made by Bilstein and correspond to an “alternate part #” when I found the SACHS strut 313364 part on Rockauto (see what I mean in photo).

I’d imagine that it’s alright to move forward with the Bilstein OEM part unless otherwise advised. I’m considering this route because apart from it being true OEM I can have it in hand in two days at a great deal.

Anything about this peak anyone’s interest in any way?

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**Corydms7** · 04-04-2020 03:22 PM

So what I’ve been trying to figure out is if these fit on a b8/b8.5 S4. The sport suspension strut should work on my s4 right? Bilstein says it’s not compatible, but I thought the sport suspension on the A4 is the same as the standard suspension on the S4.

**MacRoadie** · 04-10-2020 12:01 PM

Ok, if you look up thread to post #59, you'll see my current setup and current stance. I've now decided the rear end needs to come down a little. As you can see, I currently have S4 Bilstein B8's on the rear (#24-145992) paired with the H&R 28969-1.

Since the rear shocks don't define ride height, I'm going to need a shorter rear spring (?). While I get that the front went down further because it's got the S4 shocks instead of allroad, the rears still seem high relative to other cars I've seen on here, even with S4 rear springs anh the H&R 28969 springs. It just looks like I have more wheel well exposed.

Any ideas?

**MacRoadie** · 04-24-2020 08:34 PM

Finally got the allroad leveled out today. Was as simple as swapping out the existing H&R springs for a set of Eibach Pro Kits...

**eljay** · 04-25-2020 06:57 PM

That looks perfect!
How's the ride and handling?

**MacRoadie** · 04-25-2020 09:58 PM

Originally Posted by eljay

That looks perfect!
How's the ride and handling?

Honestly, it feels no different than with the prior H&R prings, which didn't feel too much different than stock, so all good! I will say, in addition to being slightly shorter than the H&R's, the Eibachs are visible thinner in diameter as well, which made me worried about a bouncy/sloppy rear end. So far, can't feel any difference.

**MacRoadie** · 04-25-2020 10:15 PM

Original:

With Bilstein dampers and H&R springs:

With Eibachs swapped in for H&R's:

**JLAllroad** · 04-26-2020 12:07 AM

Originally Posted by MacRoadie

Original:

With Bilstein dampers and H&R springs:

With Eibachs swapped in for H&R's:

FTG? 27.5?

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**MacRoadie** · 04-26-2020 07:51 AM

Originally Posted by JLAllroad

FTG? 27.5?

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Front: 26.25" FTG
Rear: 26.75" FTG

**Das Ponto** · 05-01-2020 09:53 AM

Originally Posted by MacRoadie

Front: 26.25" FTG
Rear: 26.75" FTG

Thats damn near perfect.

**MacRoadie** · 05-04-2020 01:56 PM

Originally Posted by Das Ponto

Thats damn near perfect.

Finally...LOL

**Das Ponto** · 05-04-2020 02:39 PM

Originally Posted by MacRoadie

Finally...LOL

Haha no doubt. I'm still decently happy with my H&R. Looking at lifting the Q next for our trailer so Allroad stays as is haha

Sent from my Igloo.

**Axis** · 07-15-2020 08:31 PM

Originally Posted by MacRoadie

Finally...LOL

So if I understand righ you’re basically using the Bilstein B12 kit now?

**Peter.dupuis** · 07-28-2020 07:16 AM

Does anyone have standard a4 sedan suspension on their allroad? Picked up a set with under a thousand miles for basically free.

I understand the spring rate is different but I’ve seen some posts about using sedan suspension without issues on the allroad.

This suspension sits at 27” front and 27 1/4” rear. Will these numbers cross over to the allroad with this suspension?

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**eljay** · 07-29-2020 06:42 AM

Originally Posted by Peter.dupuis

Does anyone have standard a4 sedan suspension on their allroad? Picked up a set with under a thousand miles for basically free.

I understand the spring rate is different but I’ve seen some posts about using sedan suspension without issues on the allroad.

This suspension sits at 27” front and 27 1/4” rear. Will these numbers cross over to the allroad with this suspension?

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The rear will be pushed lower with the added Allroad hatch weight.

**Nut** · 08-06-2020 07:10 AM

If you want to use sedan springs in the rear and not have it sit lower than it should, you can get this OEM spring support with an additional 13mm lift for the rear. This was designed for the models with adaptive suspension (ADS).

Part number you want to look for is 8K0512141G and it should not be confused with part 8K0512149C as this is the version without the 13mm spacer.

8K0512141G
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...te/8k0512141g/

8K0512149C
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...ch/8k0512149c/

See this thread
https://www.audizine.com/forum/showt...-sagging-issue

2020-08-06_10h05_08.png

**Peter.dupuis** · 08-06-2020 01:41 PM

Originally Posted by Nut

If you want to use sedan springs in the rear and not have it sit lower than it should, you can get this OEM spring support with an additional 13mm lift for the rear. This was designed for the models with adaptive suspension (ADS).

Part number you want to look for is 8K0512141G and it should not be confused with part 8K0512149C as this is the version without the 13mm spacer.

8K0512141G
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...te/8k0512141g/

8K0512149C
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...ch/8k0512149c/

See this thread
https://www.audizine.com/forum/showt...-sagging-issue

2020-08-06_10h05_08.png

Thanks. I’ll probably go this route since I have this brand new sedan suspension laying around. I’ll post up results once I get it on

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**ROOSTER1050** · 12-06-2021 04:33 PM

2015 B8.5 allroad prestige plus -- currently on staSIS Engineering sport springs that I got used (obviously) around the first week I had the car - so a little over 1 year ago. I'm pretty sure they were close to "End of Life" when I got them, and now 1 year later they are completely spent (imho) and just sag waaaaaaayyyyyy too much.(the upside is at least its same on all 4 corners and generally even, no reverse rake )
I need new springs now. All the *poop* talk on the H&R's has me passing those over , straight away. So what are the other CONFIRMED spring sets that fit our particular avant/wagon?(or that will work) .... I def want to keep it low, just not THIS low

.... I'm hoping to find something that will settle in about maybe a 2-finger-gap or so.... I currently have a ZERO finger gap

P.S. edit: she's on koni yellow adjustables on all 4 corners, 3 clicks back from full firm....

as she sits today

**ROOSTER1050** · 12-08-2021 05:58 PM

Originally Posted by Chatchie

My car has the KW HAS an Sachs sport shock. The ride is great. Would definitely go this route.

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old, old a$$ thread and post -- but on your allroad with the K/W Height Adjustable Springs -- did you have to use the (noted many times elsewhere on here) K/W 30mm spring spacer out in the rear to achieve that level and overall height?

**beefington** · 03-14-2022 11:02 AM

What wheel and tires specs ?

**ROOSTER1050** · 03-17-2022 09:38 AM

Originally Posted by ROOSTER1050

2015 B8.5 allroad prestige plus -- currently on staSIS Engineering sport springs that I got used (obviously) around the first week I had the car - so a little over 1 year ago. I'm pretty sure they were close to "End of Life" when I got them, and now 1 year later they are completely spent (imho) and just sag waaaaaaayyyyyy too much.(the upside is at least its same on all 4 corners and generally even, no reverse rake )
I need new springs now. All the *poop* talk on the H&R's has me passing those over , straight away. So what are the other CONFIRMED spring sets that fit our particular avant/wagon?(or that will work) .... I def want to keep it low, just not THIS low

.... I'm hoping to find something that will settle in about maybe a 2-finger-gap or so.... I currently have a ZERO finger gap

P.S. edit: she's on koni yellow adjustables on all 4 corners, 3 clicks back from full firm....

as she sits today

sooooooooo...not much luck for H.A.S. kits, if you are already running (most) aftermarket dampers such as KONI -- they wont fit

... so Ive combed over spring related psots over and and over, but cant seem to find any that are also using KONI's (And not Bilstein, S-line or stock) ...from eveything I can gather, the H&R SPORTS for our rigs suppsosedly offer the most lowering range -- they rate at 1.4" to 2" inch drop -- Eibach & any other static set I can find is usually 1.2" to 1.5" max drop.... AND, they have updated the rear springs set more recently, compared to the rear set that previously caused reverse rake if I understand correctly (2018/19-ish I think) ...
so I'll be going sticking with the KONI yellows (they're pretty new

) and trying out the H&R's to replace my EOL staSIS springs....... anyone got a guess on what kind of look I'm in for? Im hoping to gain a finger gap back at least, with no reverse rake or overly pronouced rake in general , maybe around 27" FTG? .....

I'm currently into the fender liners at about 26- 1/4 or 1/8 on all 4 corners at the moment

**Axis** · 03-29-2022 06:49 AM

I was too low with the H&R Sport and Bilstein B8 combo after the 3.0T swap so I just installed 034 S4 springs. Went up half an inch and I dont rub anymore. (Macan S front wheels on 4 corners)

**ROOSTER1050** · 04-07-2022 11:35 AM

FAIL.

......

finally bit the bullet (after tons and tons of searching and researching) and bought a set of H&R' SPORTS -- they offered the most RANGE on drop & travel, showing average of 1.5" to 2" overall. Wanted to keep my KONI yellows , which are on all 4 corners and essentially new.
those old staSSis Engineering springs were soooooooo low now at EOL , i rubbed and scrapped on everything and anything.

BUT..... immediately bitten by the TOO MUCH RAKE on the rear end, day one

.... I HATE IT.
as low as it was, and a PITA over bumps, highway joists, dips in the road, etcetc -- it LOOKED fantastic and it looked sleek and FAST. ..... now, it looks GOOFY AF ....
Sunday 04/04/22 -- low low low (granted, too low ....but still)

day one , morning after install of H&R sports , coupled with koni yellows, all 4 corners ..... in these shots, I have 2 spare wheels/tires in the boot along with my original springs in a box (for weight back there) .....

....so digging around even further, it's seems that using BILSTEIN B8's or AUDI S-LINE rear shocks(if you can find them) might correct the rake, and drop it down about 1/2 inch further, due to overall shorter size/length? is this correct or plausible??

**JLAllroad** · 04-10-2022 10:47 AM

Originally Posted by ROOSTER1050

....so digging around even further, it's seems that using BILSTEIN B8's or AUDI S-LINE rear shocks(if you can find them) might correct the rake, and drop it down about 1/2 inch further, due to overall shorter size/length? is this correct or plausible??

What you’re suggesting would only work if you are resting on the bump stops, if so trimming half the length might rectify your height issue, might not ride well. Meaning your current resting height is from virtually zero shock travel.

Are the Konis you are running made for stock Allroad height? Ideally you would want shocks for “lowered applications” Bilstein B8’s as sold with their B12 kit in sport and pro variants, some opt for the sedan vs Avant springs.

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**ROOSTER1050** · 04-11-2022 10:56 AM

Originally Posted by JLAllroad

What you’re suggesting would only work if you are resting on the bump stops, if so trimming half the length might rectify your height issue, might not ride well. Meaning your current resting height is from virtually zero shock travel.
I have been looking into maybe ordering a couple new upper-spring perches, and seeing if I can whittle them down about 1/2 inch (dremel tool? or maybe old school chisel? ) and try that out first

like these:

Are the Konis you are running made for stock Allroad height? AFAIK .... they were fine with the staSSis Engineering springs , but ideally ended up TOO low due to the springs hitting End Of Life

Ideally you would want shocks for “lowered applications” Bilstein B8’s as sold with their B12 kit in sport and pro variants, some opt for the sedan vs Avant springs. yeah that's what I've been seeing (if I dig around hard enough) that some of the Bilsteins's are made specifically for lowering springs .... may end up trying to swap in a set in the rear as a last resort ... just seems like even though these H&R's offer the most expansive height/travel (was repped at 1.5-2.0"overall lowering range) , they have a taller starting point

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just wondering if anyone else has had similar issues with the H&R's not settling down even all the way , and what their particular fix may have been (other than going to coilovers -- which is precisely what I'll [probably do next years 2023 tax return, LOL) ...it is not lost on me, that I am an IDIOT

...and @JLallroad - yours' lookin PERFECT

**MK_TT** · 04-26-2022 10:37 AM

Did you use the H&R sport springs for the Avant, or Sedan models?

**ROOSTER1050** · 04-29-2022 01:14 PM

Originally Posted by MK_TT

Did you use the H&R sport springs for the Avant, or Sedan models?

Avant ... hunted down AVANT/Allroad specific springs via H&R's website for part#'s ....I stayed away from sedan springs , due to worrying about how the load/weight rating and spring ratios wouldnt be correct.
I have now sourced a pair of the "shorter" Bilstein B8 performance dampers for the rear .... if this doesnt fix the rake and hideous looks issues , I think I might just put the old STASSIS rear springs back in, but add the Audi top perches with the 13mm "extenders" on it , that would likely fix the visual problem ....
this really is maddening.
I used to LOVE walking out to my car in the morning, and just looking at it stanced out there in the driveway as I walked up on her .....now, I cant even stand to look at it. The massive gap is the first thing I see coming around the corner bushes to my driveway ..... GLARING at me. Taunting me. LAughing at me.
I'm going insane with visual height obsession.