Replacement Shock absorbers Front and Rear

[raygc]

Hi looking for recommendations on Shocks to replace the originals on my 2010 125TDI Highline Wagon. Am planning on some very long road trips and as the originals have done 130k thought I should look at replacing before I head off. Looking for comfort and obviously good handling. Any suggestions appreciated

[drjekl]

Bump!

I have a 125 TDI wagon 2011 with 95k kays and noticed that I get a knocking noise on rear pasenger strut and hitting speed bums at low speed smashes on the bump stops....

Figured some new struts wouldnt go astray, Koni FSD seem way to pricey was thinking bilstein B4's? I believe oem is sachs? which seem cheap on ebay.de?

Anyone replaced their oem struts?

[daljames]

Yep, Bilstein B4's on front only, rear seemed fine. Also replaced all ball joints and bushings at the same time. Ride and handling really good again. Replaced at 135k klms.

[Cossor]

Yep, Bilstein B4's on front only, rear seemed fine. Also replaced all ball joints and bushings at the same time. Ride and handling really good again. Replaced at 135k klms.

So never been happy with Passat 130TDI suspension. When rear goes over some bumps, sounds as if spare tyre is loose. Been back to dealer several times. When replacing tyres (Continental with Michelin Sport) tyre place considered rubber mount worn, or out of speck. Claimed it happens even with new cars. Note, I am driving over 2nd to 3rd class country roads.
Michelin performs better than Continental re quiet running and less harsh over bumps.
But would really like a more compliant suspension. Car has only done about 52000 K
So have heard much about Bilstein. Subaru in past years emphasized Bilstein as a big plus!

Now, as an elderly driver who values comfort over sports capability which shock absorbers would you recommend? Is it worthwhile?

Alternative is to buy Citroen with hydraulic suspension (The only thing I like about Citroen!)

[daljames]

Wow, sounds like roll bar links... I'm very happy with the ride/handling compromise. B4's are meant to be more comfort orientated and so next time if i have to do it i'll most likely go for something stiffer. You wouldn't be upset with Citroen C5 for comfort or reliability. But you would be for speed and fuel efficiency.

[Passat my07]

If you want comfort I'd go the Citroen c6 or ds23.

[Cossor]

Wow, sounds like roll bar links... I'm very happy with the ride/handling compromise. B4's are meant to be more comfort orientated and so next time if i have to do it i'll most likely go for something stiffer. You wouldn't be upset with Citroen C5 for comfort or reliability. But you would be for speed and fuel efficiency.

Roll bar links? This could explain why left rear wheel makes a small thump on settling after slowly passing over local shopping centre speed mounds. Looks like visit to specialist suspension mechanic.

[drjekl]

Koni FSD's are marketed for ride comfort in mind, but are quite expensive (around $1k per set I believe)