Bilstein B8/B12 or an alternative?

[skard]

Hi guys

Seriously considering getting B8 shocks to use with my AP 20mm drop springs, has anyone used this combination? I would consider the B12 kit but my car had H&R springs that I found way too crashy where I live, and also a bit low for me as it's just for road use.

The car also had a Koni FSD kit, don't really want them again as I read mixed reviews and the rears were leaking badly, so got binned.

It seems the Bilstein shocks get a unanimous thumbs up - is that right?

Where's the best place to get a kit from? I see them on ebay.de for a tad over £450 new, with UK websites a bit more.

Is there anywhere running any offers at the minute that would get them a bit cheaper?

Opinions welcome.

Thanks

[Hurdy]

Bilsteins are very good. I've had the B16's on my last three VW's and they have all performed superbly well. The B14 and B16 PSS10's have a mono tube construction, which make them able to take a huge amount of punishment without going soft over time. If you could stretch to the B14's you wouldn't be disappointed.

[skard]

Thanks bud, I would love a kit like that but way over budget unfortunately, maybe on the next car though 

[the bruce]

Bilstein B12 PRO - highly recommended !!  

It comes with linear Eibach Pro springs, which are far more comfortable compared to H&R springs.
B6, B8, B12 also come with mono tube dampers, but are softer than B14/B16 coilovers. If height
adjustability isn't essential there's no need for coilovers. You car will even ride better with  the B12.
Euro/UK Eibach Pro are very similar to VW Driver Gear springs, on which you'll find lots of great reviews
on US forums.

[skard]

Cheers for that.

Do you know of a B12 Pro kit with a drop of 20-25mm? The kits I see are 30mm+ which is something I don't want to go back to.

Are B6 dampers any good for 20mm lowering springs, or should I only look at B8 shortened ones?

Thanks again

[the bruce]

In reality B12 Pro is more in the 20 to 25 mm area than 30+. Bear in mind the gas pressure B6/B8
lift the car by some mm.
There are also the Volkswagen Zubehör / Driver Gear springs which are similar, but with slighly less
lowering.  They also work great with both B6 and B8.
The difference between both dampers is minimal. Just the stroke/droop is shorter. Damper bodies
and valving are the same and so is the ride and feel.
With a spring that can be matched even with stock dampers there will also be sufficient tension with
with stock length B6 (sic).
From theory with the longer stroke B6s traction will be better on really poor surfaces (e.g. off road or
spirited driving on country roads), but 99 % of the time you won't recognize any difference.

[Black9]

I had B12s on my old eddy, ride was good. If u can afford the full kit go for the B12s.

[skard]

Can anyone with a B12 kit help?

I see lots and lots of variables with the kits - most for the 55mm strut don't list the GTI. Does the GTI have a specific kit or is it ok to go with one of these?
One in particular is this...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bilstein-Eibach-B12-Pro-Kit-Fahrwerk-VW-GOLF-V-1K1-/111015193661?pt=DE_Autoteile&hash=item19d9056c3d

Cheers

[Baz300]

The gti is a 55mm strut.

The seller should ask you for the axle weight of your car when ordering so that the correct kit can be sent.

[skard]

I'm trying to find the right kit so I can shop about.

Found the codes for the GTI/ED30 so the trawling begins 

[gobbleplease]

You'll be fine with the springs you have, I'm going for exactly the same set up, I've currently got h&r and I find the car a little too Low as I'm getting a little rubbing on hard cornering, like you I was considering the full b12 kit but I would only be gaining 5mm in ride height so its a bit pointless so ill be ordering the b8 dampers and AP springs

[flashp]

I have a B12 kit on my Pirelli. It lowered it by about 10mm on the front and around 15mm on the rear. Not a big drop at all but has leveled the car out. Had a 4 wheel aligment done at the same time. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.

[skard]

You'll be fine with the springs you have, I'm going for exactly the same set up, I've currently got h&r and I find the car a little too Low as I'm getting a little rubbing on hard cornering, like you I was considering the full b12 kit but I would only be gaining 5mm in ride height so its a bit pointless so ill be ordering the b8 dampers and AP springs

I may be selling the AP springs if you're still looking in a few weeks, done about 600 miles.

[skard]

I have a B12 kit on my Pirelli. It lowered it by about 10mm on the front and around 15mm on the rear. Not a big drop at all but has leveled the car out. Had a 4 wheel aligment done at the same time. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.

Cheers, do you remember where you bought them from?

[Stanipkiss]

I would recommend the B12, i went for the sportline (30mm+ lower) but the ride is very good even loaded up with the family.



Talk to Graeme @ GNJ as he was a world of advice when I was looking. He was also the cheapest for this kit too!