VWR springs on an american TDI?

[ROD-TDI]

too early to tell right now as springs are still settling - so far it has eliminated the floating, body roll and bouncing that developed as the stock springs broke in. after a month I can give you my final thoughts.

Interesting and I look forward to your follow-up report, at a later date.

Your 'floating, body roll and bouncing' is what I experienced on my Mk7 TDI and why I immediately installed the Bilstein B6 shocks, as I have had them on 8 prior automobiles and know well what their contribution is to a vehicle's suspension. The factory TDI springs are very complient, dealing with just about anything reasonable, but their shocks are not fast enough or strong enough to effectivly deal with large and/or fast spring movement. My opinion is that Bilstein B6 shocks should be on every Mk7.

When our Mk7 R arrives, I too will follow-up with additional observations about what the R feels/handles like, at what suspension setting compared to what our Mk7 TDI feels like with its Bilstein HD's. Should be interesting if one of the three R suspension settings is even near comparable. If so, it would certainly help others be able to experience what Bilstein B6's on a Mk7 TDI feel like.
-Rod

 

[ImADesignerd]

I am a TDI noob, just got my MK7 last week, so please don't flame me for asking this...

Would using these springs effect your overall fuel economy?

I am considering using these springs on my ride, but one of the major factors in buying the TDI in the first place was the nice MPGs.

Also, would it change how well the vehicle tows? I am considering installing a tow hitch on my car for some SUPER light duty towing. Less than 500lbs.

Thanks!

 

[RAUCHEN]

Hi ImA,

Lowering springs can theoretically increase highway mileage, due to lower coefficient of friction from a lower profile pushing the wind. In my experience, the increase in mpg is minimal. Certainly it will not get worse, however!

I have not towed with a VW, but consider that 500 lbs would be equivalent of having 4 adult passengers in the car- which I have done on lowered cars with no issues. Just be very careful over speed bumps, etc.

 

[ImADesignerd]

Thanks for the reply Rauchen!

Its nice to know that these springs wont make my mileage worse, should I decide to use them.

As far as towing goes, I wont ever be pulling a 500lb load I don't think.

I would just be using the hitch to move trash cans, luggage, and my R2 around town. =D

 

[Chris.D.TDI]

Anybody have any issues with the auto leveling of the bixenons with lighting package? I feel like my lights don't auto level like they used to...

 

[Asmerrill]

No problem here.

 

[Korab]

No problem here.

me either

 

[Chris.D.TDI]

My AFS works fine but they aren't auto leveling correctly. My fiancé has a TSI with LP and there's a huge noticeable difference in the action of leveling. I'm bringing it in to the dealer Wednesday (they put the springs on-friend is a tech and he's going to figure it out free). Hopefully he figures it out.

 

[Asmerrill]

My AFS works fine but they aren't auto leveling correctly. My fiancé has a TSI with LP and there's a huge noticeable difference in the action of leveling. I'm bringing it in to the dealer Wednesday (they put the springs on-friend is a tech and he's going to figure it out free). Hopefully he figures it out.

Keep us updated brother.

 

[Saggio]

Anybody have any issues with the auto leveling of the bixenons with lighting package? I feel like my lights don't auto level like they used to...

No issues with auto leveling. But now that I lowered my car with the VWR springs, my lights are aimed to low.

How are the headlights adjusted? Through VagCom? Or old fashioned way with a screw driver or socket?

EDIT:
Found my answer... Adjust with VagCom...

Click Select Controller
Go to 55 - Xenon Range
Go to Basic Settings - 04
Then in the drop down list, select the adaptation/adjustment option (its the only one in the drop down).
Then click the ON/OFF/NEXT button. (New Software will say "GO")

 

[ROD-TDI]

SNIP...
When our Mk7 R arrives, I too will follow-up with additional observations about what the R feels/handles like, at what suspension setting compared to what our Mk7 TDI feels like with its Bilstein HD's. Should be interesting if one of the three R suspension settings is even near comparable. If so, it would certainly help others be able to experience what Bilstein B6's on a Mk7 TDI feel like.

Made a number of runs yesterday in our new Mk7 'R' on the back roads we've been 'testing' on for the past 32 years. After 78 miles of multiple runs, we've come to the opinion that the 'R' running in 'Normal' suspension mode feels very close to what our 2015 Mk7 TDI S 6-speed with its Bilstein HD B6 shocks feels like on these same roads. Of course the TDI is running 16-inch tires and the 'R' is running 19-inch tires so its handling does feel different. But from a ride comparison and suspension feel the two are very similar on these less than perfect country back roads.
FWIW,
-Rod

 

[boy412]

I thought I'd post a photo Racingline sent me of a MK VII Sportwagen with VWR springs installed. This is a US-spec car...ignore the GTD badges on the side. This car has been dressed up to look like a GTD.

Racingline says there isn't likely to be a "wagon" specific set of springs, so there is going to be some reverse rake because of the added weight. I'm going to wait and see how the H&R springs look since I really don't want any reverse rake.

 

[Borsig]

Anyone else tried these on a sportwagen yet? Bump.

 

[FINNtheHUMAN]

Anyone have or seen a diy on doing the job yourself. Figure it's pretty standard, just interested in knowing how folks are going about it and what they are replacing as far as the nuts and bolts.

 

[D15SEL]

Stock dampers with VWR don't cut it at 30k

ROD TDI is absolutely correct in that the VW MK7 needs the Bilstein B6 shocks....
I had the VWR springs installed in 04/15, now at 30k miles the car was "slamming" or "banging" into and out of the smallest pavement changes or manholes covers. Created a sidewall "bubble" even on the smallest pot hole (1.5" max). (the rim was not bent) My fears were confirmed after my wife and I had a new GTI as a loaner for 1200 miles. The GTI went "kahdunk, kahdunk", over bumps and undulations, while my VWR clad TDI was harsh over the same road. We did this back to back many times over the three weeks with the GTI. So, I bit the bullet and purchased Bilstein B8 (a shock 1" lower than the stock designed B6 for a lower sping). Just by seeing the B8 out of the box next to the stock was eye opening.
The piston of the front stock shock is 1/2 the diameter of the Bilstein. The rears are very similar in size. The change in my car is outstanding. Solid, not harsh, and no more "banging" over the same roads. I am really happy with the handleing of this car. The $500 card will go towards the Malone tune.

 

[Chewyeti]

The piston of the front stock shock is 1/2 the diameter of the Bilstein.

This is because bilstein struts are an inverted design.... hence the massive size difference in what you thought was the piston.

 

[D15SEL]

thanks for the info on my post....I had heard that they were inverted. However, the B8's looked exactly like the stock shock it replaced as far as orientation. The housing is larger and the "item" that I assumed was the piston was beautiful and shiney and looked like a piston, yet twice the size of the stock.....maybe I'm just dense.
But, the bottom line is that the ride and handleing is awesome and I'm very happy I made this mod.

 

[andyrooski17]

thanks for the info on my post....I had heard that they were inverted. However, the B8's looked exactly like the stock shock it replaced as far as orientation. The housing is larger and the "item" that I assumed was the piston was beautiful and shiney and looked like a piston, yet twice the size of the stock.....maybe I'm just dense.
But, the bottom line is that the ride and handleing is awesome and I'm very happy I made this mod.

So to sum up, you have VWR Sport springs and Bilstein B8's front and rear? Did you install yourself?

 

[D15SEL]

No, Synergy Lab, in NH. The same guys who will be installing my Malone tune in the not too distant future.

 

[andyrooski17]

No, Synergy Lab, in NH. The same guys who will be installing my Malone tune in the not too distant future.

Cool, they look like a solid outfit. My parents live in Hampstead, I may have to check them out. I'm planning to do some of these mods in the near future, but don't have the facilities or experience to do much of the work myself.

 

[IndigoBlueWagon]

FWIW, Koni is re-establishing its relationship with Eibach as a spring supplier for their sports sets. They assured me at SEMA this year that they'll have a lowering kit for the MKVII Golf very soon. Might be a good alternative, as Eibach has made many springs for VW in the past.

 

[Nu2TDI]

I thought I'd post a photo Racingline sent me of a MK VII Sportwagen with VWR springs installed. This is a US-spec car...ignore the GTD badges on the side. This car has been dressed up to look like a GTD.

Racingline says there isn't likely to be a "wagon" specific set of springs, so there is going to be some reverse rake because of the added weight. I'm going to wait and see how the H&R springs look since I really don't want any reverse rake.

Have the H&R springs been released yet? Are there any MK7 GSW spring kits available?

 

[Chewyeti]

Have the H&R springs been released yet? Are there any MK7 GSW spring kits available?

Yes
super sport = LOW
Sport = nice

I put H&R Sports on mine

 

[Nu2TDI]

Yes
super sport = LOW
Sport = nice
I put H&R Sports on mine

Where'd you find them, please?

 

[Chewyeti]

http://bfy.tw/3Eol

(Or ECStuning, or TireRack, or many other vendors)

 

[Nu2TDI]

http://bfy.tw/3Eol

(Or ECStuning, or TireRack, or many other vendors)

Super cool!

 

[Nu2TDI]

These springs are attractive to me:

http://www.ngpracing.com/newstore/v...prings-30mm-drop-mk7-golf-with-rear-beam.html

 

[DanCsTDI]

Hi. Just curious how the springs have been holding up for everyone. Both the vwr and the h&r. Has anyone had luck with any of be coilovers that are available? Thanks!

 

[TenaciousTDI]

Having always been a staunch advocate for only purposeful car modifications, I recently took the plunge and put a set of sport springs (5G4-071-677-E) on my 2015 SEL. I really liked the car's original setup, but in corners it left me feeling like the 18" wheels and Pirelli P7's were far more capable than the suspension. I also didn't want to spend a small fortune updating the entire suspension so springs seemed like a good place to start. So far the update has been a pleasant surprise. The ride feels firm but not too much so. The rebound limit on deep undulations is fairly linear as the suspension keeps the car planted and cornering is greatly improved. As far as looks, which are not a big concern of mine, the car appears a bit more buttoned down and serous which is indeed the case.

 

[Chewyeti]

Still digging the H&R Sport springs I installed. However, damping leaves some to be desired. If VW makes some stupid deal for me to keep the car, then I'll put some bilstein B6 sport shocks on it and enjoy it even more.

TLDR: spring change requires a change in damping for optimal performance.