Advice On Replacement Dampers For 6c GTI

[Gee40]

Just replaced discs and pads around and the lower suspension arms ( due to the 3rd world roads in Derbyshire ) at a local garage where a good friend works and I've been told a couple of the dampers are weeping and will need replacing in the not too distant future.

Whenever parts need replacing I always like to look to upgrade rather than go OE if better alternatives are available, however I wont be lowering the car or making the ride any firmer. So following this mantra, I've been looking at Bilstein B4s as I understand they are pitched as direct replacements for OE with but are higher quality, however all the VW specialists such as Awesome GTI suggest they won't fit ?

The car has non magnetic dampers (thank god as these seem to be around £250 a corner) will B6s fit my requirement or will I end up go cart like ride

Any other suggestions

[iichel]

I've been pretty happy wit Koni dampers on my 6R, back in the day they were the FSD dampers, now they are the red ones for non-lowered cars.

[Bepis]

Getting the right shocks and springs is a little bit of a minefield.

My 2017MY non sports pack (non magnetic dampers) has the following fitted for reference:
PR Code | Part Number
Front shocks G74, 6C0 413 031 BQ
Front springs L72, 6C0 411 105 C
Rear shocks 1JK, 6C0 513 025 AS
Rear springs 0YP, 6Q0 511 115 CQ

Now the issue is it seems none of the GTi part numbers are directly refferenced by the aftermarket. But those that do, options are limited.

Bilstein only show their B8 dampers for the GTi which I belive are are shortened vs their B4 and B6 and only intended for use with lowering springs. However the factory sports suspension which the GTi has is 15mm lower than standard. Ideally you'd need to compare the heights of the shocks to determine if the factory sports springs are the correct size for the B8 shocks.

For other models like those with the 1.2TSi CJZD engine, B4 and B6 options are availabe with B8 quoted as being for vehciles with sports suspension. I'm fairly certain those options would physically fit the GTi but whether they have the correct load ratings, valving etc I'm not sure. One thing to consider is that the same part number for the B8's is shown for the GTi and models with the 1.2TSi so it would suggest that bilstein aren't making changes for the same style of shock across differing engines.

B8 shocks shown for the GTi
Front 35-168577
Rear 24-067904

Shocks for the 1.2 TSi
B4:
Front 22-183705
Rear 19-109572

B6:
Front: 35-168560
Rear: 24-067898

Bilstein online catalogue:
https://web1.carparts-cat.com/default.a ... 165&12=102


The load ratings for the GTi are 960kg for the front axle and 800kg for the rear. You can find it on a black sticker inside the drivers door.
https://www.awesomegti.com/blog/suspens ... find-them/

I myself would choose B6 or B8 (whichever fits) for the sportier handling over stock but not as far as full coilover replacement. They're also an inverted single tube construction. A set of B14/16's would be nice but UK roads are horrendous at the moment. From reviews on other cars like the golf, B6 and B8's don't seem to be that much harsher but if you're happy with OE then B4's would be the logical option. You just need to figure out if they fit or not

Apologies I couldn't give you an exact answer but hopefully you understand what to look for a little bit more

[Gee40]

Thanks chaps much appreciated.

To be honest I cant find suitable upgrades from Koni/Bilstein/Sachs without changing springs I may keeps things simple and use factory OE