Bilstein B4 shocks & KW Springs

LEK-89 · 30 Aug 2012 at 21:11

Evening all,

I've got a set of KW 40mm lowering springs on the way for my Leon, and as it is recommended I am looking into some new shocks all round too. I've been looking into the Bilstein B4's as they suit my budget perfectly and have heard good reports about them.

However, I have mixed reports from some people that Bilstein B4's are only suitable with up to 35mm lowering springs and others have suggested that I should be ok with my 40mm springs but only when using the sport version of the B4 shocks - could someone who knows more about them confirm this?

Thanks all - Liam

jellybeard999 · 30 Aug 2012 at 22:13

Is selling the springs and getting a matched set an option? It's not ideal to pick n mix suspension components.

Matt82 · 30 Aug 2012 at 22:18

Arnt b4 the equivalent of plain oe? I wouldn't be keen on using of spec dampers on uprated strings

LEK-89 · 30 Aug 2012 at 22:52

Matt82 said:
Arnt b4 the equivalent of plain oe? I wouldn't be keen on using of spec dampers on uprated strings

B4's are OEM spec but they are much more reliable and durable than stock shocks that are fitted to cars.

Unfortunately buying a shock & spring kit for my required 40mm lowering needs is £350+ for a reputable brand which is out of my price range.

The sport B4's are meant to be the best budget shocks around and are meant to work well with various lowering springs from what I have read.

Liam

Begbie · 30 Aug 2012 at 22:58

I'd check what the guys over at the Seat forums are running. Loads of the Clio owners run Eibachs and OEM suspension.

Worth the effort to fitting new shocks mind.

Matt82 · 30 Aug 2012 at 23:06

LEK-89 said:
B4's are OEM spec but they are much more reliable and durable than stock shocks that are fitted to cars.

Unfortunately buying a shock & spring kit for my required 40mm lowering needs is £350+ for a reputable brand which is out of my price range.

The sport B4's are meant to be the best budget shocks around and are meant to work well with various lowering springs from what I have read.

Liam

what are the damping rates on B4s?

paradigm · 31 Aug 2012 at 07:38

What Leon do you have? a 40mm drop on mine would mean that passing over anything larger than a golf ball would be impossible.

Shimmy · 31 Aug 2012 at 08:03

Use B4's on my Omega, work well.

LEK-89 · 31 Aug 2012 at 10:23

paradigm said:
What Leon do you have? a 40mm drop on mine would mean that passing over anything larger than a golf ball would be impossible.

MK1 52 plate 1.6.

Liam

Havana_UK · 31 Aug 2012 at 10:29

When I was into this stuff I fitted a set of Bilstein adjustable ride-height shocks with Eibach spings to my Corrado, which probably isn't a million miles away from your Leon.

It was lowered 40mm in the process. No idea what exact Bilstein shocks they were though.