Bilstein sport - H+R sport and Stoptech 332mm INSTALLED!

[kozmos]

I just fitted my car with Bilstein sport - H+R sport suspension and Stoptech 332mm slotted brakes yesterday and I'd like to give a short review for those who are considering this upgrade. Although I've only covered 100km on these upgrades, the improvements are certainly noticeable and worth sharing.

Bilstein/H+R : I bought the grooved bilstein shocks which allows for ride height adjustments. Ride height adjustments can only be done by removing the springs so decide on a ride height before installing, otherwise it can be a little time consuming readjusting. I didn't want the 'slammed' look so I opted for a 1 inch drop from stock. My car is now sitting 25' F and 24'7/8" R. The ride is much firmer than stock but very comfortable, there's no harshness or banging, and the shocks soak up bumps nicely. The dive/squat is less noticeable and body roll is also reduced. I think this is the ideal combo for street use. I only track my car max 4 times a year and I have yet to try it on the track but for those who do not track their cars often and are looking for an improved ride from stock, this set-up is definitely worth looking into.

Stoptech 332mm : I had an issue with the stock brakes from day one and having owned an E36 M3 previously, the S4 brakes were a big dissapointment. They lacked feel and was vague. At times soggy and often suffered fade on the track. I wanted to preseve my stock look and because not many big brakes kits fit the stock avus rims, my choices were limited and having read much on these brakes and for the price, it was the obvious choice. I opted for the slotted rotors and the kit comes complete with all necessary fittings and steel braided hoses. Although I'm still breaking-in the pads, first impression is the pedal feels is firm and precise and there is a lot more certainty when depressing the brake. I will give an update once they are fully broken-in and after track day. Word of caution for those using stock avus rims with these brakes. The clearance between the calipers and rims are so close (2mm) that the wheel balancing weights needs to be re-positioned and if a tiny pebble gets kicked up from the turning wheels and gets caught between the rim and caliper, expect scatches on the caliper. This is almost inevitable. With only 100km yesterday, I've already damaged one caliper. Its a superficial scatch but obvious and I'm quite upset.

Overall, it was money well spent and if there are any improvements to be done with the S4, these are the 2 upgrades which I highly recommend.

MTM chip and exhaust are next...... tune in

[Bushy]

Good write up, well done and thanks for sharing your experiences

Nice One

Bushy

[Nordschleife]

Can you explain which Bilstein shocks you fitted, Sport or Sprint or some other.
Also what weight springs did you go for, and what country are you in, as the stock S4 has different springs and ride heights in different countries.
Are your Stoptech brakes on the car's papers?

[kozmos]

I live in Singapore and my Bilsteins/H+R combo are from the U.S. www.ecstuning.com.
They are apparently matched and part number for Bilstein are F4-BE3-6214-HO and F4-BE3-6213-HO for F/R respectively. H+R part number is 29477-1. Both are commercially known as bilstein sport shocks and H+R sport springs. I don't know the weight of the springs are but from what I've read, they are slightly stiffer than stock.

My S4 is Spec'd for Asia which is similar to Europe and UK.

Don't understant what you mean when say 'stoptechs on the car's papers'??

[Nordschleife]

Kosmos
From those part numbers I can see that you have the Bilstein Sprint shock absorbers, these are stiffer than the Sport shocks, I guess the Singapore roads are not full of potholes!
I thought you were in Europe which is why I asked if the Stoptechs were 'on the car's papers', in many countries you have to have the car's papers amended if you modify it.

R+C