Bilstein B12 Pro Kit for B8 Avants

[Rewagon]

Understood there has been a lot posted on suspensions, kits, ftg measurements, and more. But most of that is also old and I can’t find a lot of recent reviews so I thought I would revive the subject.

My B8 Avant has non sport/sline suspension running S5 peelers and I am looking for a firmer ride for spirited commuting. I was originally looking at Lesjöfors springs with Bilstein B8 for a more OE stance and 20mm drop. The rep at FCP Euro suggested I just go with B6 strut and shocks and keep the standard springs. Of course i cant let go of the mild drop and the B12 kit is not far from the cost of the B8’s.

So, I appreciate any advice or feedback, particularly if you have the Bilstein B6 or B12 kit. Thanks!


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[Smac770]

I have a B8.0 avant with 1BA (standard suspension), and currently have B6 dampers. The body roll in the rear is much more controlled as the factory dampers were completely shot after 165k miles. But to equate the terms of firmer, sportier, or lower would all be wrong, imo. The B6 and B8 are monotube compared to the B4, which are twintube and emulate the factory design and characteristics. Now, if you changed to the 1BE springs (firmer, 20mm drop) and used the B6 dampers (B8 are more for lowering springs in the more than 25mm drop range; but people use B8 with the -20mm 1BE/1BD as well), that could well be more what you're looking for. At that point, yeah, B12 (which is just B8 dampers and Eibach lowering springs) seem to be a well regarded. It's rated at 30mm drop for that application.

The site shows two B12 Pro kits for the B8.0 A4 quattro avant. I don't know what's suppose to be different about them. 46-183347 vs 46-183354

1BA springs with 1BA dampers > factory
1BA springs with B4 standard dampers > OE grade replacement
1BA springs with B6 dampers > upgraded dampers, but still similar feel and height

1BE springs with 1BE dampers > factory, sportier, -20mm [can use 1BD dampers for S4 factory feel]
1BE springs with B4 sport dampers > OE grade replacement
1BE springs with B6 or B8 dampers > upgraded dampers, similar height, can't comment on "feel"

Eibach springs with B8 dampers > B12 Pro kit, sportier+, -30mm

So to get anywhere with lower, you need new springs, at which point you need to make a call on the factory sport springs vs the Eibach springs of the B12 kit.

[Rewagon]

I appreciate the detailed feedback.

I am scheduled to install B6 shocks and struts next week. Ive had trouble sourcing the 1BE springs but will ride the B6’s with stock 1BA springs for a bit and see how they feel. Not interested in going lower than 20mm.

Thanks again.


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[BeerBrent]

I have Eibach springs and the Bilstein sport (yellow) shocks/struts and am very happy with the height & ride.