OE Springs, But What Dampers? OE OEM Bilstein Koni or Other?

[Budwab]

Bilstein B4's fit the OEM criteria.

[EB2019]

Thanks for the advice, the B4 look like a good OEM+ but think I'm going to head down the Ohlins R&T route when I have saved for it, I know I will regret not getting them if I don't do it to the Golf, as I think its a good candidate for subtle suspension mods but with something that rides well on the road. (I hope).

Although i'm just as likely to flip flop again and go for B4 down the line as i've never had a problem with Bilstein, absolutely terrible at making up my mind

[willni]

Probably not that helpful but I've been in an Audi R8 with the KW V3's and it rode great. I'm currently looking at the KW Street Comforts myself for that bit lower and better handling but they're meant to retain comfort completely, ideally I'd want the Ohlins but the KW's massively cheaper and also very high quality.

[EB2019]

All info is welcome 
 I contacted KW and asked them about the V2 Comfort and V2 performance and they said the valving and spring rate is different, which is a good sign. But to adjust on the rear for rebound requires the damper to be removed and that puts me off a little.  I think the KW V3 is 2 way adjustable and can be set as soft as the comforts (apparently) but only the damper so how it will feel I don't know.  KW V3 is also adjustable without removing the rear damper I understand.

Couple of things I have been reading about Ohlins puts me off. The customer service and warranty is pretty dire I have read, and a Mod of another MK6 forum who raved about the Ohlins sold them and said never again.  Also they need rebuilding every 30k and are only alloy with coating, not stainless like KW and Bilstein, both also having life time warranty.

Yeah I have too much time on my hands.

The B16 Bilstein I have used on a couple of cars and found them to be fine for road use and the adjuster is well balanced for road and light track (if a little soft on full hard damper setting on track).

But not many seem to spend lots of cash on suspension for the mk7 in the UK/Europe so its hard to get reviews.

[andygo]

i had a new 7.5R in 2017 and fitted B16 coilovers. I had been averse to coilovers thinking they world be too hard for the UK, but eventually took the plunge.

I was pleasantly suprised as they were only slightly firmer, but the much more resiliant damping transformed the car. Very easy to adjust and I left the ride height only slightly lowered as I didn't want a boy racer look. I took the car to the Nordschleif and Spa- the car was just brilliant, even over the kerbs.

I cannot recommend the B16 kit enough, my wife felt the car was much more comfy as a result as well.

[Exonian]

even over the kerbs.

Now there’s a man who wasn’t just there to soak up the ambience and admire the scenery!! 

[EB2019]

i had a new 7.5R in 2017 and fitted B16 coilovers. I had been averse to coilovers thinking they world be too hard for the UK, but eventually took the plunge.

I was pleasantly suprised as they were only slightly firmer, but the much more resiliant damping transformed the car. Very easy to adjust and I left the ride height only slightly lowered as I didn't want a boy racer look. I took the car to the Nordschleif and Spa- the car was just brilliant, even over the kerbs.

I cannot recommend the B16 kit enough, my wife felt the car was much more comfy as a result as well.

That's interesting, thanks Andygo.

Spa and the Ring are both fantastic fun, that was one of the things I liked about the B16, hopping across kerbs was better with B16 than normal suspension over rough B roads.

I have had B16 on 2 cars and really liked them as you can set it up with very minimal drop.  Wasn't too sure if it was ok on this platform but that gives me food for thought. Bilstein ThyssenKrupp (UK H/O) really helped me when I messed up a damper (I explained it was my own fault) I boxed it up returned it to them and they fixed it for free! excellent service.

I have also started looking at OE plus mods and wondering if I could get some little parts and mod without anything major.  This is some of the part numbers I have been collecting and checking against updated info and the TCR.

Highlighted is different to GTI Performance,

Was thinking of getting the front and rear wishbone from the CCS for the stiffer bushes and the springs and front bumps from the TCR as they are uprated but suitable for non dcc dampers, still amazed at how little they changed and yet how much they are better according to reviews. But the B16 could be worth it now you mention it.

I also checked some of the suspension part numbers from a RS3 2019 and it also has some of the GTI parts which just seems mad for a 50k 400 bhp car, I guess VAG do like the parts bin to cross shop and save money.

[Paul70]

Was thinking of getting the front and rear wishbone from the CCS for the stiffer bushes and the springs and front bumps from the TCR as they are uprated but suitable for non dcc dampers, still amazed at how little they changed and yet how much they are better. But the B16 could be worth it now you mention it.

I can say from experience that adding the CSS Knuckles/hubs, the CSS front LCA rear busing, CSS rear control arms and ARB together with a geometry set up made such a difference - that is on passive Clubsport suspension. Setting up the rear axle geometry together with the additional front camber from the CSS knuckles translates into a very sweet handling car!

[EB2019]

Forgot about the CS will have a look what spring/dampers come on that as standard passive setup, and see if its another little upgrade option along with CSS and TCR parts thanks Paul70 

Those CSS front hubs are £483 each now!  But still cheaper than Ohlins 

[Paul70]

If I was in your position, I would look at 034 motorsport front LCAs. Slightly increased castor, and adjustment to increase camber by up to 1.2 degrees of camber. They also have stiffer rubber bushings for increased feedback. They are pretty good value to and quite easy to change over to.

Awesome GTI sell them.