2008 R36 Suspension

[Bugsmasher80]

Hi,

I have a 2008 R36 (135,000 km) that I purchased 4 months ago. Brilliant car!

Suspension appears a little spongy. Has anyone tried any after market options when it comes to replacing them? Pedders etc.? what's best?

Thanks.

[Timlin]

Hi

If you can afford it, replace the shocks with the KW V3 coilovers. I did just that on my 2010 R36 wagon and it was worth every dollar. Massive difference in handling and drivability. Not the cheapest option, but in my opinion they are the best coilovers available at that pricepoint.


Rgd's


AT

[maclean_cherry]

H&R make some decent replacement kit for them. From memory you're looking at $400-$600 a pair for the springs.

[R36 DSG]

Hi

If you can afford it, replace the shocks with the KW V3 coilovers. I did just that on my 2010 R36 wagon and it was worth every dollar. Massive difference in handling and drivability. Not the cheapest option, but in my opinion they are the best coilovers available at that pricepoint.


Rgd's


AT

How's the ride quality compared to the standard suspension?

[ToyRacer]

I was disappointed with the spongy suspension in my R32 too!
the other option to above-mentioned KW V3 coilovers is the Bilstein B16 coilover suspension - I chose it for my R32 because it is adjustable - a dial on the bottom of each unit allows you to select from 1-reasonably soft to 10 - track.
More detail in this thread if you are interested..

http://www.vwwatercooled.com/forums/f15/tracking-my-daily-drive-golf-mk5-r32-87606.html

[brad]

OEM dampers will be tired by now.

If you're happy with spring rate & height then fit Koni Sports (the yellow ones)

[Timlin]

Hi

The ride quality is superlative... its firm, but still very comfortable. The car feels more directional and "pointy". It responds quicker to steering inputs etc

I'd say the ride quality is about 20% firmer than stock... I'd sure do it again if I had to! I also fitted K&R sway-bars front & rear - can't say I noticed any difference over the stock ones, but when you compare the stock unit to the K&R version before it gets fitted, you can see the quality difference in the thickness and spring tension when one trys to twist them a bit with your hands.

I don't track the car and I don't race around the streets either, I value my license too much for that. Its all budget dependant of course - get what you can afford I suppose!


Rgd's


AT

How's the ride quality compared to the standard suspension?

[Timlin]

I was disappointed with the spongy suspension in my R32 too!
the other option to above-mentioned KW V3 coilovers is the Bilstein B16 coilover suspension - I chose it for my R32 because it is adjustable - a dial on the bottom of each unit allows you to select from 1-reasonably soft to 10 - track.
More detail in this thread if you are interested..
http://www.vwwatercooled.com/forums/...r32-87606.html

Hi

The KW V3's are also adjustable in much the same way! I think the Koni's are a little cheaper overall too.


AT

[Bugsmasher80]

Thanks for all the replies.

Are these (KW and H&R) commonly available in Australia?

[Timlin]

Hiya

Yep, try Googling the brands and check out who the SA distributor/s are. I'm sure they'd be able to suggest a workshop to fit them too!

I'd also suggest that you replace the transmission dog-bone and all of the suspension bushes with performance versions - theres no point in doing this mod halfway!!

Good luck with it!


AT

Thanks for all the replies.

Are these (KW and H&R) commonly available in Australia?