[Markiii]

Originally Posted by MikkiJayne

Bilstein are a weird combination of superb dampers and really stupid spring design. For some reason they design their springs a; to lower the non-sport models only and b; for ride height to be at maximum laden weight. The front dampers are actually slightly longer than the stock sport versions, and so a full Bilstein kit actually lifts the S8 or A8 V8 Sport by about 5mm.

From a ride and handling perspective the Bilstein kit is sublime, as long as you don't expect it to lower the car. It would probably lift a 2.8 sport slightly more than a V8 too as the drivetrain is a fair bit lighter. I just checked and Eibach do a different spring kit for the V6, so buying separate springs and dampers may be the solution there, albeit an expensive route. Afaik there is only a full kit for the V8.

My S8 has Bilstein B6 and Intraxx springs which did lower it quite a bit, in fact I needed to make some spacers for the rear to get it where I wanted it. Its too low for everyday driving though. Next time I might try B6 and some generic lowering springs and see what happens.

Also worth noting that there are Sachs OE replacement springs now appearing on ebay - I'm sure they weren't around until relatively recently as I've not seen them before. Not sure what they would do with a B6 damper on the front, but you'd end up with pretty close to OE ride height on the rear with that combo since spring and damper are separate.

MJ do you know if the ebay sachs are genuine?