Current car is a 280, sportline, 245 40 19 tyres. It is used for everything daily driver, sometimes with family of four, camping trips fully loaded boot and occasional roof box etc 

 

Looking to upgrade standard non DCC shocks. As per most people's thoughts and feelings towards the wallowing feel experienced with the standard shocks and wanting a more balanced feel to the car, I would like it to feel flatter in corners and not so bouncy. I am looking to retain some of the comfort, but don't mind a little stiffer feeling. H&R ARB is getting fitted at the same time as the shocks.

 

Choice is between a set of Koni Special Active(I actually have a set in the garage) or Bilstein B6 (I would need to get these swapped by the shop).

 

I was also looking to put a lowering kit to hopefully drop the height slightly by 20mm after accounting for the 15mm drop the Sportline already has. I don't want it too low just to give it more stance, I would like it to look 'factory' lowered like the Audi S4. I was going to use the Audi TT spacer at the back  to bring the height up a touch so it is balanced out and does not drop as much when fully loaded.

 

What are peoples thoughts on the B6 vs Koni SA. From reading the Konis are a little softer than the B6?

 

I have read a little on people not being happy about the Konis longevity which concerns me.

 

Thanks in advance.

 

7 hours ago, Bobodaclown said:

El coche actual es un 280, sportline, neumáticos 245 40 19. Se utiliza para todo lo que el conductor diario, a veces con una familia de cuatro, viajes de campamento, maletero completamente cargado y cofre de techo ocasional, etc. 

 

Buscando actualizar los amortiguadores estándar que no son DCC . De acuerdo con los pensamientos y sentimientos de la mayoría de las personas con respecto a la sensación de revolcarse experimentada con los amortiguadores estándar y que desean una sensación más equilibrada en el automóvil, me gustaría que se sintiera más plano en las curvas y que no rebotara tanto. Estoy buscando conservar algo de la comodidad, pero no me importa una sensación un poco más rígida. H&R ARB se está instalando al mismo tiempo que los amortiguadores.

 

La elección es entre un juego de Koni Special Active (de hecho, tengo un juego en el garaje) o Bilstein B6 (tendría que cambiarlos por la tienda).

 

También estaba buscando colocar un kit de reducción para bajar la altura ligeramente en 20 mm después de tener en cuenta la caída de 15 mm que ya tiene el Sportline. No lo quiero demasiado bajo solo para darle más postura, me gustaría que se viera 'de fábrica' más bajo como el Audi S4. Iba a usar el espaciador Audi TT en la parte trasera para subir un poco la altura para que esté equilibrado y no caiga tanto cuando está completamente cargado.

 

¿Cuáles son los pensamientos de la gente sobre el B6 vs Koni SA? Según la lectura, ¿los Konis son un poco más suaves que los B6?

 

He leído un poco sobre la gente que no está contenta con la longevidad de Konis, lo que me preocupa.

 

Gracias de antemano.

 

Hello.
I have KONI SPECIAL ACTIVE in my TDI 190 4X4 COMBI and I DO NOT RECOMMEND THEM.

 

Many come with manufacturing faults and then the Technical Service washes its hands. In my case, as soon as the car was lowered, a shock absorber made a noise and Koni Spain said that it was within tolerances, the installer bought another one and put it on for me at no cost.

 

Right now after about 20k kms, in bumps at low speed they don't absorb anything, they sound more than the standard ones.

 

On the highway they are better than the OEMs, but they lack firmness.

 

Don't hesitate, ride B6.

On 02/07/2023 at 23:23, Gabrielem said:

Hello.
I have KONI SPECIAL ACTIVE in my TDI 190 4X4 COMBI and I DO NOT RECOMMEND THEM.

 

Many come with manufacturing faults and then the Technical Service washes its hands. In my case, as soon as the car was lowered, a shock absorber made a noise and Koni Spain said that it was within tolerances, the installer bought another one and put it on for me at no cost.

 

Right now after about 20k kms, in bumps at low speed they don't absorb anything, they sound more than the standard ones.

 

On the highway they are better than the OEMs, but they lack firmness.

 

Don't hesitate, ride B6.

Thanks Gabrielem,

 

I saw your issue with the Koni SA, how frustrating - sorry you experienced this. It has put me off the Koni's, the lack of support seems very poor from them given the issues.

 

🤯I have muddled my head up given the choices and feedback online that I can find.

 

My main concern with the B6 is will they be too firm, I keep reading that they can feel harsh (think I have been reading too many comments on BMW forums). I would like to make sure that the car is supportive when the boot is fully loaded particularly if I do put on lowering springs(although as not going extreme with them and the progressive nature of the springs coupled with the TT spring pad would help)

I watched a guy on YT suggesting B4's with Eibach springs work well together.

48 minutes ago, Bobodaclown said:

that B6 can feel harsh

absolutely not, Bilstein B6 DampTronic(DCC) are perfect

had them on my previous MY16 220ps

-> https://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/485647-bilstein-b6-dcc-shock-absorbers-available-at-last/?do=findComment&comment=5697693

 

 

and now, day by day, have been annoyed by stock DCC's softness on my MY23 280ps

where only 'Sport' mode can be more or less accepted

the degree of desperation level can be characterized by my attempt to order APR Suspension Control Unit

 

 

2 hours ago, Bobodaclown said:

Thanks Gabrielem,

 

I saw your issue with the Koni SA, how frustrating - sorry you experienced this. It has put me off the Koni's, the lack of support seems very poor from them given the issues.

 

🤯I have muddled my head up given the choices and feedback online that I can find.

 

My main concern with the B6 is will they be too firm, I keep reading that they can feel harsh (think I have been reading too many comments on BMW forums). I would like to make sure that the car is supportive when the boot is fully loaded particularly if I do put on lowering springs(although as not going extreme with them and the progressive nature of the springs coupled with the TT spring pad would help)

I watched a guy on YT suggesting B4's with Eibach springs work well together.

Though to balance this, there are multiple users of KSAs on this site who have had 0 issues with them, and would wholeheartedly recommend them. Actually, the KSAa are probably a bit on the stiff side for urban roads and relaxed cruising; if the B6 are smoother then that's a bonus; though from everything I've read the B6 are going to provide a stiffer ride quality than the KSA

Unfortunately it's unlikely someone would try B6s and Koni Special active on the same car to give a direct comparison vs stock and everyone's perception of "firm" or "harsh" will be different. I got stuck in the same quandary deciding between the 2, went for B6 (non-BCC, stock springs) , no regrets. My thoughts from another thread for what it's worth. 

 

"I have B6s (though mine is not a sport line) on standard springs - chose these over the special actives because of the reliability concerns you mention. 

 

The B6s I would describe as firm but not harsh. I had a Octavia vRS before and I think my Superb now feels a bit firmer though it's hard to remember exactly. The wallowy feeling and pogo style bounce over speed bumps is gone and it feels much more stable 'making progress' on bumpy windy roads as well as less lean on roundabouts and slip roads. 

 

No complaints from wife or 4 year old and baby sleeps fine! 

 

I find the car much more enjoyable to drive and safer from being more stable."

 

Good luck whatever you decide - I think both have their pros and cons but likely to improve the stock set up. 

Edited 4 July, 20232 yr by Vidmor

When my SAs die I'll be swapping out for B6 so maybe I'll be the first on this platform to try both.

The issue I have with SAs is the inconsistency. They feel good when cruising. But then when below 50mph they might feel great and supportive or they go soft and wallowy. There's no telling which way they go.

The firmer B6 is far more reliable in use. Not had any mechanical issues yet and that's with lowering springs and a stiffer rear bar.

On 4/7/2023 at 23:00, MarkyG82 said:

Cuando mueran mis SA, me cambiaré por B6, así que tal vez sea el primero en esta plataforma en probar ambos.

El problema que tengo con las SA es la inconsistencia. Se sienten bien cuando navegan. Pero luego, cuando están por debajo de 50 mph, pueden sentirse geniales y de apoyo o se vuelven suaves y revolcados. No se sabe en qué dirección van.

El B6 más firme es mucho más confiable en uso. Todavía no tuve ningún problema mecánico y eso es con resortes más bajos y una barra trasera más rígida.

And I will be the second!!

 

As soon as the first sign of failure should go to the trash.

On 04/07/2022 at 09:30, Steviedakota said:

When my shocks go B6 top of the list for replacements. Can is a standard SE, my priority is comfort, not sportiness.

Can B6 drivers confirm if the comfort has been retained, or has any harshness crept in since swapping?

 

On 04/07/2023 at 08:11, Bobodaclown said:

Thanks Gabrielem,

 

I saw your issue with the Koni SA, how frustrating - sorry you experienced this. It has put me off the Koni's, the lack of support seems very poor from them given the issues.

 

🤯I have muddled my head up given the choices and feedback online that I can find.

 

My main concern with the B6 is will they be too firm, I keep reading that they can feel harsh (think I have been reading too many comments on BMW forums). I would like to make sure that the car is supportive when the boot is fully loaded particularly if I do put on lowering springs(although as not going extreme with them and the progressive nature of the springs coupled with the TT spring pad would help)

I watched a guy on YT suggesting B4's with Eibach springs work well together.

 

I fitted B6 a couple of years ago on my 2.0 TDI Combi and I noticed exactly what I wanted: More body control on high speeds but no harshness at all. I was very surprised with that, as I have a Mini R53 fitted with Eibach + Bilstein B8 and it is very fun, but very rigid and harsh, too much for a daily use. It's my weekend toy so this is not a problem. 

 

The B6 in the Skoda were, to my surprise, even too soft. I mean my wife didn't even notice something had been changed on the car.

Thank you for the feedback and advice, it is appreciated. Always great to hear people's thoughts and experiences.

 

Been pretty busy and haven't had a chance to make a decision just yet.

Getting a few other bits sorted on the car first, more just general servicing - engine oil, DSG, Haldex, diffs, brakes(pads, discs, hoses), filters etc. 

Then will decide on the suspension(it is probably in my head but feels more wallowey everytime I drive it), I am more on the side of getting the Bilstein B12 kit now. And get the ARB I have fitted at the same time.

 

I would fit one or the other first (if you can). If you fit springs/shocks and rear bar at the same time you won't know what has the desired effect. I'd go for the rear bar first as that should have the greater effect on the roll control. Then go shocks if it's still an issue. If you can afford to put it in a third time, maybe fit B6 shocks on stock springs before going for lowering springs. I'd predict that B6 shocks at stock height with a stiffer rear bar will give you 85% of what you want.

Can you guys tell me where you are buying your Bilstein shocks? I'm looking for 23-254343 and 20-267537