Author Topic: No DCC - Bilstein B16 or KW v3  (Read 4373 times)

Offline sharper

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No DCC - Bilstein B16 or KW v3
« on: 14 August 2016, 10:13 »
Have found a Golf R that has everything I want except dynamic chassis control. I don't want to keep adjusting settings but would like a nice compliant setting for comfort on the road with the option for a firmer set-up for occasional track days.  Does anyone have experience of either Bilstein B16 or KW v3? I'm leaning towards Bilstein but need to be sure that they can still provide a decent ride quality for day-to-day use.

Offline Raffe

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Re: No DCC - Bilstein B16 or KW v3
« Reply #1 on: 14 August 2016, 10:31 »
In exactly the same position as you and my gut is leading me towards the B16 kit, read a number of reviews and never seen anything negative.

2016 Golf R | 3dr | DSG | Reflex Silver | 19" Pretoria Alloys | 90% Tints | Nav | Winter Pack | App Connect

Offline sharper

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Re: No DCC - Bilstein B16 or KW v3
« Reply #2 on: 14 August 2016, 11:55 »
I know that Bilstein build quality is superb and their aftermarket support I have heard is excellent. Haven't researched prices in detail - how much am I looking and where's the best place to buy?

Offline wigit

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Re: No DCC - Bilstein B16 or KW v3
« Reply #3 on: 16 August 2016, 14:04 »
No doubt on other forums you have had the I'd go for this and that argument but for my two pence

Way to many people go over board on this and end up with a great car for track which is compromised on the road so for 5% of the time you can be a hero and for 95% your wife moans she needs a sports bra and you bounce along

If you are set on the coilover route I would always go for two adjustability so you can control the damping, I have made this mistake being going height adjustable only just the once

If you are going two way then you need to factor in are they actually easy to adjust (loads of people went mad for KW V3s a few years back and never altered them as you need to know what you are doing and why V2s in reality for most are the better option)

For me it is a case of you spend your money and get the better product, I have seen B14s mentioned but for me dismissed as damping is fixed and lots of people moan they are firm

I had B16s on my Mk6 and have driven Revo's Mk7 on them and for me a great all round product and because of their design can be adjusted when the car is on the ground in a couple of minutes

The 7 seems prone to arch catching if too low and you lower the offset or use spacers

On the spring front, I hated the H&Rs and had them removed as they ruined the cars ride (more on this later), I went then for VWR and had issues with the fronts and removed them. I then ran Eibach Pro kit for 2K and whilst the drop was not so excessive they were far better than other springs and did not feel compromised and got a work out on the roads of the Isle of Man

What I have found is the stock R (both DCC and non SCC) is what sets the car apart as a fast road car as apposed to a fast track car as the suspension set up copes rather well with the daily grind. Whilst the Eibachs were not so focused on track they made it a better fast road proposition

The I had it on my Mk5 does not mean it is great on the Mk7 in terms of ride and quirks

If you are two way on a budget then ST kit may be worth a look as you get adjustable top mounts

If you are running stock rubber then I feel this should be up on the list as the Bridgestone are obviously on these cars to tick the CO2 box but do like to under steer and easy to light up

For me it is easy to ruin what makes the R.

Given my 3 door is back to standard to make way for its replacement and Mrs W has decided to keeps hers stock the Eibachs will be up for sale when I get a moment

Offline Damian @ DPM

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Re: No DCC - Bilstein B16 or KW v3
« Reply #4 on: 17 August 2016, 11:27 »
The Bilstein is definitely the firmer option that's for sure and very handling orientated.

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Offline topher

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Re: No DCC - Bilstein B16 or KW v3
« Reply #5 on: 18 August 2016, 01:53 »
If you can extend the budget a little then the KW DDC kit may be perfect for you. It's like retrofitting DCC but better! I fitted a set to a TTRS recently and in comfort mode it actually felt nicer to drive than the factory setup. The car gets used very frequently on track and works great in sport or sport+ mode. You can even spend a little more and have the settings fully customisable using your smartphone if you wanted more than just the 3 modes switchable from a button inside the car.