A Question About Lowering

[TheBALDpuma]

As my suspension looks like it might need a refresh soon (120k miles and some slight weeping from the front shocks at least) I am considering getting a subtle aftermarket look rather than replacing with standard units.  This would be 50/50 cosmetic and performance related - that's to say I am happy with the way the car performs and drives, so any aftermarket change to lower it would have to be at least as comfortable and competant as the standard set up, but I'm not looking to improve the handling by any meaningful amount - does that make sense?  I drive my car hard and enjoy driving for fun, but It's a golf GTI daily that I do 15-20k miles pa in so I am not looking to make it any more than that.

I am keen to avoid that lowered look - haha weird I know considering the topic - but I don't want the wheels to sit "inside" the arches, or even lower and therefore obviously recessed into the wheel arch.  I think just lowering by 20mm or so would produce that effect? to avoid this would I need to get more offset wheels (not an option for me, it's a pirelli and I want to keep the wheels on the car), or would I need to use spacers? Is there a downside to using spacers?

What should I be considering here - new shocks and performance springs pack? Seeing as the shocks are tired as they are.

[chimp400]

I did the same recently, I purchased my car with Eibach sport line springs fitted on standard shocks and it was a bit too low and crashy for my liking.
I went with the vwr kit of springs and shocks which has a more subtle drop and doesn’t compromise the ride quality.
It’s fine for my needs of a daily driver with a few blasts now and again.
I also run 10 mm spacers front and back.
At first there were nothing but positive reviews on the vwr setup but then after fitting I read one on here that was a bit less complimentary, saying the shocks were just rebranded konis and sprayed a different colour.
If I were you I’d try to meet up with someone that has one fitted, your welcome to try mine if you fancied a trip to South Wales!
Difficult to make a decision without viewing and trying out the ride quality.

[ROH ECHT]

It sounds like H&R OE Sport Springs would suit you. Retains OE spring rate and drops it mildly...very mildly.
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-h-and-r-parts/oe-sport-springs-set/54752-55/

For dampers...Bilstein B4, Koni Active & STR.T, or another oem set will pair well with near oem spring rates;
https://www.ecstuning.com/Volkswagen-Golf_V--2.0T/Suspension/Shocks/Kit/

[TheBALDpuma]

My car being a 58 player - does that mean. It will drop the car 0.2 of an inch? So 5mm?

Or is the info wrong because I didn't think there was any change in suspension at 08? It claims a 0.75" pre 08, so around 20mm?

[probedb]

I have a set of Bilstein B4s and some Eibach or other, I believe they lower the car slightly but are otherwise pretty similar. Seeing as the shocks and springs are approx 180k miles old I'm expecting them not to sit too low. Decided to replace the ABRs, some bushes, drop links, ball joints and top mounts at the same time. Well, they'll all get fitted after I settle down from buying a house 

[TheBALDpuma]

I did the same recently, I purchased my car with Eibach sport line springs fitted on standard shocks and it was a bit too low and crashy for my liking.
I went with the vwr kit of springs and shocks which has a more subtle drop and doesn’t compromise the ride quality.
It’s fine for my needs of a daily driver with a few blasts now and again.
I also run 10 mm spacers front and back.
At first there were nothing but positive reviews on the vwr setup but then after fitting I read one on here that was a bit less complimentary, saying the shocks were just rebranded konis and sprayed a different colour.
If I were you I’d try to meet up with someone that has one fitted, your welcome to try mine if you fancied a trip to South Wales!
Difficult to make a decision without viewing and trying out the ride quality.

Sounds pretty spot on. You got any photos?? I'm keen to see how the wheels sit in the arch.

Haha South Wales is a bit of a trip to check out a cars ride - I'm West Yorkshire.

[ROH ECHT]

My car being a 58 player - does that mean. It will drop the car 0.2 of an inch? So 5mm?

Or is the info wrong because I didn't think there was any change in suspension at 08? It claims a 0.75" pre 08, so around 20mm?

Those specs on drop pertain to US cars. Here the MK5 was dropped in mid-07 and again just before all of the '08s showed up. Yours would likely be dropped as I said..."very mildly" at 6.4mm. Lowering springs are nearly all with a higher spring rate. Those H&R I linked before are the closest to oem rate but do not lower much. For what you want for drop...H&R Sport or Eibach Pro may be the ones. A Racingline set may be another option for the drop and comfort; https://www.ecstuning.com/b-racingline-parts/vwr-sport-shock-absorber-kit-and-spring-kit-golf-5-6/vwr30g5gt~vwr/

[pudding]

Just refresh the OEM springs and dampers.

I know exactly what you're after, but trust me, it doesn't exist this side of 2 grand.