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Hi all.

Just replied to an older post with this then realised I should have made it a thread.

I got mine (64 plate) a month ago. It's a big change coming from B9 S4. So, I feel the weight in the corners mostly and having to tell myself to take less speed into a corner. B9 was just more chuckable/adjustable in corners.

I've heard/felt a slight creak/knock sound from drivers side although to be honest, it sounds like more center. Anyway, over speed bumps and general day to day in and out of dynamic, it doesn't happen. It's just happened a couple of random times. Obviously I thought...DRC! The previous owner had shocks replaced and pressurised...I dunno, car just feels a bit unsettled.

Bumpy roads, Chris Harris was right...it's too twitchy in dynamic. I guess I haven't got any other experience with an RS4 to compare it to. This whole DRC thing just seems like a constant battle from every thread I've read on here and ASN.

Can I improve comfort AND handling with KW coilovers? There's no roll at all. Don't get me wrong, compared to B9 S4 (with sports diff) there is zero roll. It's great in that respect. Like I said, it's more the front end weight/inertia I'm feeling in quick directional change.

It's just, the maintenance costs involved with a DRC system that seems to inevitably fail every 'x' amount of miles seems crazy. I got into this knowing running costs. It's not that. Just common sense provoking me to ask the question. Most threads on this are all B7 related which seems to be a platform more prone to failure. My mates C63 with PP corners flat, turns in well and is extremely comfortable. I don't think there is any hydraulic DRC system in that is there? So, it's not like a car MUST have it to handle well. I was looking at getting some lighter wheels next year but wondering if this DRC conversion might be a better route first? It's a daily driver that I drive very hard from time to time. No track use.

Edit: The KW3 With/Without damping control. I'm not 100% on the set up difference. CLP Automotive say that if you want to keep the damping control, see DDC unit. But then it has the two options "With Damping Control" and "Without".

So, would selecting 'with' simply add the DDC unit? Absolute noob at all this. Just exploring the different options. The alternatives. I do like the Canyon Run strut brace thing that Surrey Sam brought attention to. I think that's a given considering the cost. But this DRC thing is a long term thing I'd like to nip in the bud.

Appreciate any positive input. Cheers!


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DRC and DDC are different.

Your car has both.

the DRC is a purely mechnical system, and has no specific electronic control. The Shocks also have electronic variable damping, which is what is adjusted when you select comfort/sport etc.

All RS4's have electronic variable damping, and IMO you'd be daft to fit Coilovers without the function.

MK2Golf24v wrote:DRC and DDC are different.

Your car has both.

the DRC is a purely mechnical system, and has no specific electronic control. The Shocks also have electronic variable damping, which is what is adjusted when you select comfort/sport etc.

All RS4's have electronic variable damping, and IMO you'd be daft to fit Coilovers without the function.

Yeah damping is critical. It's a daily. Might pop along to Unit 20 and see what their thoughts are.


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I would go with the kw with ddc, and get the car coded to work with it. The anti roll bars might be worth changing/up rating without drc.


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noddy wrote:I would go with the kw with ddc, and get the car coded to work with it. The anti roll bars might be worth changing/up rating without drc.


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That was my first thought. Seen a few guys with the B7 do that. Using H&R ARBs and KW or Bilstein.

Surely the DDC unit from KW should be good to go with the ecu out the box though? I reckon I'll wait until it starts to fail then I'll replace and upgrade. Just put more cash aside now as I go. Cheers guys. Be good to get some real world feedback from folk that have done that with B8.

As I say, only really seeing B7 reviews.


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All shocks unfortunately fail, the drc is an expensive replacement. However for heavy cars it makes sense to keep them nimble with a system that keeps it flat and maintains 4 wheel traction. Kw’s will give you a better setup, and you can tweak ride height.


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noddy wrote:All shocks unfortunately fail, the drc is an expensive replacement. However for heavy cars it makes sense to keep them nimble with a system that keeps it flat and maintains 4 wheel traction. Kw’s will give you a better setup, and you can tweak ride height.


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Yeah I was watching Engineering Explained on YouTube. Talking about stiff/soft suspension (naughty ) and just how important it is to keep all 4 tyres on ground at same time.

Dynamic on these is so twitchy. Great for a track I bet. So I imagine a high end coilover/dampers/ARB set up would be just as good as the factory DRC. Different approach obviously but just as focussed.


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The KW’s need no coding to make them work, that’s the point.

As is typical of Audi, they are better on aftermarket progressive wound springs. Mine is way better on the KW HAS spring kit. Ride height tweaks AND DRC, IMO the best setup.

MK2Golf24v wrote:The KW’s need no coding to make them work, that’s the point.

As is typical of Audi, they are better on aftermarket progressive wound springs. Mine is way better on the KW HAS spring kit. Ride height tweaks AND DRC, IMO the best setup.

Ahhhhh I see.

So still using factory DRC? Or use after market shocks with it? Forgive me if I dont know what I'm talking about.

You not get issues with it though? Expensive to fix man. If it was a one of thing, I'd not be put off. But it just seems like the Achilles heel of the car. Shame because its simple, effective concept.


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I find the dynamic setup improves the harder you push on, the problem is the speed you travel at when it all hooks up together is silly!


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MK2Golf24v wrote:The KW’s need no coding to make them work, that’s the point.

As is typical of Audi, they are better on aftermarket progressive wound springs. Mine is way better on the KW HAS spring kit. Ride height tweaks AND DRC, IMO the best setup.

Where did you get this fitted?


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My driveway......

noddy wrote:I find the dynamic setup improves the harder you push on, the problem is the speed you travel at when it all hooks up together is silly!


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That's actually a really good point. Something I've noticed recently but couldn't put the words together. When it hooks up. Spot on. But you start to feel that incredible surge as the revs just keep going. But you're right, at speed it does feel a bit more sorted. But then...you've got to brake haha.


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MK2Golf24v wrote:My driveway......

Excellent. I'd cream in trying to do that myself haha. So aftermarket springs with stock DRC? I dunno man. I just can't be arsed fixing DRC every time it fails haha. Sepang though


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The KW DDC for the B8 isn’t controlled by the car’s electronics (in Drive Select) and has a separate ECU and button that needs installing (or you can pay for the WLAN control and use a phone).

I’m on KW HAS on standard DRC currently but plan to go V3 soon. The KW springs are significantly better but the DRC dampers aren’t controlled enough for me. I’ll also be upgrading my ARBs to H&R to keep things nice and flat.

I’ve got to decide on whether I’ll want to run low enough that I’ll need the HLS4 lifters but I’m getting off topic now.