Not happy with the ride after Eibach Pro Kit

[RockJGC]

Need some advice....my cousin recently purchased a low mileage 2016 A4 and I helped her out by installing a set of Eibach Pro Kit lowering springs. It looks pretty good, but she doesn't like the ride at all even though the car is otherwise 100% stock (and came with 19" wheels). Will changing out the shocks help? If so, what would you guys recommend? She likes the slightly lowered look from the Eibachs, but wants a softer ride. I've got KW coilovers on my A5 and she likes the way it sits and the way it rides and handles, but she doesn't want to spend the money on the KW kit, especially after buying the Eibachs already.

[bbigskipper]

Stock shocks with stiffer springs is generally not advised from what I hear. the stock shocks will wear out faster, they're not designed for the lower ride heights and stiffer spring rate.

Whether a new pair of shocks will help in your case, I'm not sure. It could help control the springs, but either way you're in for a stiffer ride.

I have H&R OE Sport with Bilstein B8's I bought as a kit, it's just a firm ride at slow speeds and over hard edge bumps. (Good) Coilovers cost more simply because they're a proven formula, is my guess.

[Theiceman]

19 inch wheels arent helping , that would be one harsh ride.

[rcprato]

If you do lowering springs you get a shorter spring with a firmer spring rate, it’s going to be a firm ride.
Generally if you get a coil over setup you get an adjustable lower spring perch so you can still have the longer spring with more travel with a lower mount than can be adjusted down for the lower ride height.
On another note the lowering springs have a stiffer spring rate and a stronger rebound which a stock shock can’t control so you can have a bouncer ride or what some will call a harsh ride.
I have done lowering springs with stock shocks and did not like it. Then lowering springs with sport shocks designed for lowering springs, decent ride but firm. Now I have a coil over set up on current care and that is the best combo for sure, nice ride height with good handling and comfortable ride.


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[Nano909]

I have 19" wheels on 255/35 tires and it's not at all uncomfortable. Stock shocks with lowering spring is not a good idea.

[RockJGC]

So maybe we will try to upgrade the shocks. Seems like a reasonable next step.

Any recommendations for shocks that will work well with Eibach Pro Kit springs?

[JLAllroad]

So maybe we will try to upgrade the shocks. Seems like a reasonable next step.

Any recommendations for shocks that will work well with Eibach Pro Kit springs?

Maybe post it up and ask in the B9 section?


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[RockJGC]

Maybe post it up and ask in the B9 section?


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She has a B8.5 A4.

[JLAllroad]

She has a B8.5 A4.

So not a 2017?


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[RockJGC]

So not a 2017?


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Sorry, 2016. Typo.

[JLAllroad]

She has a B8.5 A4.

So…for a B8.5 I would recommend a Bilstein B12 kit (shocks/springs)yes you can buy the Bilstein B8(made for lowered applications) shock separately but it’s usually about the same price as the matched kit.

Otherwise I would look at coilovers, Vogtland or ST’s are probably the least I would spend on a set.

I put over 40K on my Vogtlands before selling them and moving to the Bilstein PSS10’s, ultimately it wasn’t worth the time and energy to do it.

Lower will generally always be firmer so there will be some compromise over stock. That said, the options above will generally handle better, just not made for comfort hitting the grocery store.


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[q5 dave]

What I learned was buy nice or buy twice. or 3 times lol. Started with lowering springs, tried height adjustable springs and ultimately went to street comfort coilovers.

[RockJGC]

What I learned was buy nice or buy twice. or 3 times lol. Started with lowering springs, tried height adjustable springs and ultimately went to street comfort coilovers.

Street Comfort on your Q5? Curious....what rebound settings are you using front and rear?

[q5 dave]

Yes. Haven’t adjusted them in 3 years but iirc it’s +1 click firmer from middle.


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[Theiceman]

i have the B12 kit and i am very happy with it .

[RockJGC]

i have the B12 kit and i am very happy with it .

And the B12 kit is just Eibach Pro Kit springs with Bilstein shocks? The B12 shocks?

[old guy]

And the B12 kit is just Eibach Pro Kit springs with Bilstein shocks? The B12 shocks?

Yep. Eibach Pro Kit springs and Bilstein B8 shocks.

I am running the HR OE Sport springs with the B8 shocks on my A5 and the ride is pretty decent.

[RockJGC]

Yep. Eibach Pro Kit springs and Bilstein B8 shocks.

I am running the HR OE Sport springs with the B8 shocks on my A5 and the ride is pretty decent.

Okay, thanks. B8 shocks then, not B12....right? Or is B12 the designation when the shocks and springs come as a kit? I just want to make sure I tell her the correct shocks to buy if she's willing to go that route.

[rcprato]

Bilstein B8 is their shock designed to be used with lowering springs or Bilstein B4 OE Sport also designed for lowering springs.

[JLAllroad]

Okay, thanks. B8 shocks then, not B12....right? Or is B12 the designation when the shocks and springs come as a kit? I just want to make sure I tell her the correct shocks to buy if she's willing to go that route.

B12 is the spring/shock(B8) kit


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