Polybushes, Coilovers, etc
 

Thanks to the wonderful condition of our roads, my S8's suspension is beginning to feel a little loose and rattly again, despite replacing everything on the front end just a few years ago. So it's time for an overhaul again and I'm looking at the options.

I'm also about to change the rear subframe (no holes but it's heavily rusted, plus I replaced the front subframe a couple of years ago), so I'm looking to replace all of the bushes at the back too.

I fitted new Bilstein shocks when the front suspension was done, so they've probably got some life left in them yet, but I've never changed the springs so I think they might be overdue. And since the rear springs will be coming down with the subframe, I think it might be a good time to change those.

So I'm leaning towards genuine parts (where available) but wondering if there are better options. I don't want a firmer ride (in fact I'd prefer it a little softer) but I'd like to get that tight 'new' feeling back and I'd like it to stay feeling tight and new for more than a couple of years this time.

I've considered replacing every bush with polybushes but I've been told that, while they generally last longer, they usually make the ride firmer and have a tendency to squeak.

I'm also wondering if I should go for coilovers, but are there any advantages to these, other than an adjustable ride height (which I don't need)? I'm told that coilovers can also make the ride firmer (which I don't want).

Any suggestions greatly appreciated +++

My S8 had coilovers and lowered suspension when I first test drove it. It was absolutlely awful IMHO and I had standard suspension refitted before I bought it. It was not a practical rife at all and I’ve never regretted ditching the modified suspension.

Thanks Jim +++

Yeah, I certainly woudn't want to lower it; it's a hard enough ride as it is, especially with the 20" wheels.

I'll probably just replace the springs. I just wondered if there was anything a little more sophisticated available (short of air suspension) that would improve the ride without negatively affecting the handling or ride height.

When you change suspension only install all genuine Audi parts.
Otherwise you'll replace everything gain in a couple of years.

That's exactly what I did last time, a couple of years ago ;)

Which is why I figured there might be something better than genuine.

I did all my front arms a few years ago with quality, non-Audi parts (apart from the big upper arm that’s unique to the 20” wheels models). The only one I’ve had to replace again is the genuine Audi part!

Can you remember what make the quality, non-Audi parts were? I was tempted to go with Meyle parts last time but they seem to have mixed reviews.

Yes, they were Meyle. The problem I had was getting the right kit for our cars. they sent the kit with the wrong upper arms and, by that time, the car was in the garage, so I had to buy the Audi arms. As I said, only one arm has had to replaced so far - the Audi one!

I have Meyle on mine - they've lasted 3 years so far although thats only 13000 miles!

Meyle are the only decent brand who make the lower arms for the 20" cars now so you don't have a lot of choice there. They're obsolete from Audi now, and consequently also TRW who seem to have bailed as soon as they were no longer under contract with Audi.

For the rear, Meyle and Febi make one of the lower bushes as its common to a few other models, but the other lowers are still Audi only, if there are any left. Hopefully Meyle will start producing those soon, otherwise we're going to have to resort to poly for them.

I've not done upper rear arms since they don't exhibit any detectable wear. I doubt the rear subframe bushes are still available any more but it might be worth asking.

I replaced my entire Front suspension components with Meyle HD about 2 years ago and they’ve been great - that’s about 8k miles. Just had my MOT today and they all checked out just fine so I’d say they’re a pretty safe bet.

If you like a comfortable ride do not get coilovers! I moved to KW’s a few months back and they’re definitely firmer than stock. If my S8 was daily driven or my main car I wouldn’t have got them but it’s now used as a second car on weekends and lovely motorway journeys.