S4 Avant coilover options / recs

[Spazdoc]

The shocks on my 2001 S4 Avant are gone, and so it would make sense to just tackle the entire suspension with coilovers at once. My B6 S4 came with Solo-Werks, so not planning on going with those on the B5.

I have an Avant, so am wondering if there any units that are better for the Avant, as opposed to the sedan? It seems like a few manufacturers just use the same set for both bodies, whereas I have been told that H&R sedan and Avant coilovers are the same, aside from different part #s.

Since this car will not be tracked, I am looking at around $1000 for a set, so top of the list are Vogtland GT3 (looks like there is only one option for the B5 S4) or the H&R Street performance. Anyone have experience with these on the Avant?

[MetalMan]

Most coilovers don't differentiate between Avant/Sedan, some don't even differentiate between A4/S4.
Of course the Avant has a heavier rear end, so ideally the rear springs will have a higher spring rate. But for general use I don't think it makes a big difference since you can just increase the preload to achieve proper ride height. (if we were using these for racing, we'd probably have stiffer springs than any manufacturer offers anyways)

I have a set of Eibach Pro-Street coilovers, which were the test-set Eibach used to verify their function. They went on my 2001 A4 sedan. Since crashing that car and parting it out, I have the coilovers just sitting. Have considered putting them on my 2001 S4 Avant, and it might actually ride pretty well since they were on the stiffer side for the A4 sedan. In any case, Eibach doesn't differentiate A4/S4/sedan/Avant.
Also, shameless plug: I've had them up for sale. Dropped my asking price to $550 + shipping this week. Perhaps someone might make the decision for me on whether or not to install them on my S4.

[BDidz]

KW V1 are awesome

[avant1987]

I had KW V1s, STs and H&R streets on my b5 avant and without a doubt H&R had the best ride, comfortable but just stiff enough to hug corners and make the car feel planted. I thought KWs were a little too bouncy/soft.


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[Spazdoc]

I had KW V1s, STs and H&R streets on my b5 avant and without a doubt H&R had the best ride, comfortable but just stiff enough to hug corners and make the car feel planted. I thought KWs were a little too bouncy/soft.


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That is helpful. My shop recommends H&R, but admits that they are the same for sedan and Avant. He also never liked how the Avant handled in comparison to his sedans, so that is why I was wondering if there was a set tailored for the Avant.

[avant1987]

That is helpful. My shop recommends H&R, but admits that they are the same for sedan and Avant. He also never liked how the Avant handled in comparison to his sedans, so that is why I was wondering if there was a set tailored for the Avant.

Honestly if you want something tailored for the avant you could contact BC coilovers. They run around the same price as H&R but they offer swift springs in different spring rates and could valve the shocks accordingly to compensate for the heavier rear end. My buddy had them on his avant that he sold and really liked them. Their customer service is really helpful and they could discuss everything thoroughly with you.


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[2380S4]

I had KW V1s, STs and H&R streets on my b5 avant and without a doubt H&R had the best ride, comfortable but just stiff enough to hug corners and make the car feel planted. I thought KWs were a little too bouncy/soft.


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Any thoughts on the ST’s???

I had both the ST and H&R’s on my B7 S4 and preferred the ST’s, as I thought the H&R’s were to soft/bouncy.

Also currently hunting for a set of CO’s for my Avant.. Keep going back and forth on which direction to go..

[Spazdoc]

Any thoughts on the ST’s???

I had both the ST and H&R’s on my B7 S4 and preferred the ST’s, as I thought the H&R’s were to soft/bouncy.

Also currently hunting for a set of CO’s for my Avant.. Keep going back and forth on which direction to go..

Nothing against ST, but it seems like people tend to be more consistently happy with Vogtland, H&R, and KW V3. The price for KW V3 is a little high for the purpose of the S4 (winters mainly, have C63S for summer/track).

BC Racing also seems like a good option, although I am unsure which options I would select to fine tune it for an Avant.

I may just have to suck it up with a general S4 coilover and get a stiffer rear sway.

[avant1987]

Any thoughts on the ST’s???

I had both the ST and H&R’s on my B7 S4 and preferred the ST’s, as I thought the H&R’s were to soft/bouncy.

Also currently hunting for a set of CO’s for my Avant.. Keep going back and forth on which direction to go..

Kw V1s and STs are same same. Only difference is the galvanized shock bodys vs stainless in the case of KW.


“Suspension Techniques (ST) Coilovers are made by KW, the leading brand worldwide for height adjustable coilover systems. The ST coilover is identical in valving and technology as that of the KW Variant 1, only difference is the galvanized steel casing, opposed to the stainless steel casing of its ”big brother” KW V1.
5 Year Limited Warranty to original purchaser.”


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[Silverex]

I run BC with the stock springs riding at 24.5 GTF and I’m pretty impressed with how they ride for how low. I’m going to raise it up for winter and eventually swap the springs over to swift but for the money they are hard to beat

[VR6Bomber]

KW all day

[2380S4]

You all beat me to it. Just did research and found that again, as I remember back in the day learning that. Hmm now the question of ST or KW’s... definitely adding rear sway and end links.. Had the 034 on my B5 S4 sedan and loved the feel... Can payable do the ST’s, sway and end links for the price of the KW’s... As this will be my winter/miles car... Won’t be adjusting that much..

[DolphinV8]

IIRC, KW used to have a different kit for the Avant using progressive rear springs, but doesn't look like they offer it anymore.
On their old application guide, they only listed the V3 for the S4.

[zatch_303]

Vogtland GT3's. End of story.

[Spazdoc]

Vogtland GT3's. End of story.

There is only one Vogtland CO on their website - are these GT3s?

[2380S4]

There is only one Vogtland CO on their website - are these GT3s?

https://www.achtuning.com/vogtland-g...-b5-a4-and-s4/

[Spazdoc]

So an update. I picked up a set of BC Racing coilovers from FCP Euro, 034 rear sway bar and 034 rear subframe reinforcement kit and had them installed at my local shop, in addition to replacing the front control arms with Febi control arms. Overall about 1.5 inch drop. The shop installs different types of coilover, typically recommending H&R, but they were impressed with the BC Racing in that the height adjustment is separated from the springs. You set the spring height separately from the height adjustment, so that lowering the height will not affect the spring rate/compression.

I have been driving on this set up for about a month. My reference is original, OEM S4 suspension with 177K miles, with a lot of sway and bounce (suspect that shocks were going/gone). The new set up is fantastic, very little body roll and bore responsive over bumps. It does get a little hard on bad roads, but on the highway the car feels much better and less scary at 90+ mph. I did not do the swift springs, but that be an option later. I would happily do the same set up again.

Before coilovers a few months ago
Before coilovers.jpg

Coilovers done, pic at the shop last month
120108198_1005451846533418_3519025243476926868_n.jpg

Most recent pic (yes, finally got new mirror caps and filler plate). 17" Avus wheels, 10 mm spacers, 225/40-17 tires, no rub.
New mirrors, front plate.jpg

[happy2B5]

Beautiful imola! Looks great and good to hear you are liking the bc coilovers.

No bilstein pss9 love in this thread though? I prefer them 100% over H&R. They are a much smoother ride when turned down low over any H&R car I have owned. For reference, had both on avants and sedans.