So before we start, I know the damper thing has been done to death. However, I wondered if there was another way?

 

I have a 68 plate 272 hatch without DCC. As we all know, it’s rather underdamped as standard. We also know the general options seem to be Koni SA or Bilstein B6. People have their own take on those and I’ve done a lot of reading. Koni is possibly the better option in terms of ride, but might have quality/longevity issues. Bilstein is the higher quality item, but is likely a touch firm for most and is more costly.

 

Has anyone tried a Bilstein B4? I know this is supposed to be an OEM replacement, so may also be too soft. 
 

Are dampers from a facelift Superb any different?

 

Are dampers from an Arteon any different?

 

I may end up going the Koni route, but wanted to see if there is another way. Everyone’s knowledge on this would be awesome.

I'm non dcc, and ive got koni's and eibach springs (same ride height), and its just perfect.

1 hour ago, rcblur69 said:

Are dampers from an Arteon any different?

 

I would suggest checking on ifinterface.com if your dampers have any different reference from Arteon ones.

1 hour ago, rcblur69 said:

Are dampers from an Arteon any different?

 

 

Not sure, likely it's the same.

 

But I know for sure Superb 3V and Passat B8 share the same suspension components.

 

Whilst the Superb is bigger than the Passat, dimensions wise, it is identical in size with the Arteon.

 

B4 is meant to give you OE comfort plus a little better

 

B6 is more harder and would require insurance to be informed I suspect

 

If it was me I’d go B4 as I prefer comfort to bang crash hardness 

Thanks for everyone’s input so far. 
 

I think B4 would seem a sensible option. But if they are still very soft like the monroes then I wouldn’t be interested. Is there anyone out there who has actually fitted B4’s though?

Hi.

If you have any issues with insurance at all for a change in suspension then please don't hesitate to drop me a line.

Regards,

Dan.

8 hours ago, Danoid said:

B6 is more harder and would require insurance to be informed I suspect

 

There are hundreds of aftermarket shock absorbers, that constantly change.

 

It would be an impossible job for an insurance company to keep a list of aftermarket shock absorbers that require them to be notified and aftermarket shock absorbers than don't require them to be notified.

 

Most owners purchase their car secondhand, not new...so won't have a clue what aftermarket shock absorbers the previous owner has fitted. They often rust, thereby hiding the markings of what make and model they are.

 

Edited 9 May, 20242 yr by Carlston

My understanding is that both B4 and B6 are considered OE replacement, so I’m not concerned by insurance. I’m concerned by getting the right ride and a quality product. So far, I’m leaning towards B4 as an improvement on OE but not too far.

 

Only issue is, no one else seems to have done the same to have any experience.

1 hour ago, Carlston said:

 

There are hundreds of aftermarket shock absorbers, that constantly change.

 

It would be an impossible job for an insurance company to keep a list of aftermarket shock absorbers that require them to be notified and aftermarket shock absorbers than don't require them to be notified.

 

Most owners purchase their car secondhand, not new...so won't have a clue what aftermarket shock absorbers the previous owner has fitted. They often rust, thereby hiding the markings of what make and model they are.

 

That’s true but insurance companies like to get out from paying anything so better safe than sorry

37 minutes ago, rcblur69 said:

My understanding is that both B4 and B6 are considered OE replacement, so I’m not concerned by insurance. I’m concerned by getting the right ride and a quality product. So far, I’m leaning towards B4 as an improvement on OE but not too far.

 

Only issue is, no one else seems to have done the same to have any experience.

If it helps I know people who have fitted B4’s to Fiat 500’s as will I be soon. They say it’s a slightly firmer ride which is a good thing.

 

One of my friends has Koni actives on his beemer and loves them, he does a lot of miles a year and been on there the last 5 or so years

10 hours ago, rcblur69 said:

My understanding is that both B4 and B6 are considered OE replacement, so I’m not concerned by insurance. I’m concerned by getting the right ride and a quality product. So far, I’m leaning towards B4 as an improvement on OE but not too far.

 

Only issue is, no one else seems to have done the same to have any experience.

 

The owner of one Superb MK3 272HP/280HP 4x4 Scout (which uses increased ride height) recently replaced his shock absorbers with Bilstein B6 that Bilstein marketed for the Passat B8 Alltrack which like the Scout also has increased ride height. Increased ride height is about 15mm higher than standard ride height.

 

He said that these particular Bilstein B6 shock absorbers weren't too firm or stiff.

 

However, these were Bilstein B6 for the Passat B8 Alltrack, so probably a different version of the Bilstein B6 for the standard ride height Passat B8 that some owners have fitted to their standard ride height Superb MK3.

 

If you're looking to firm the ride up, you probably need to fit slightly firmer springs, perhaps from the Passat B8.

 

If you're interested in looking at slightly firmer springs to go with new shock absorbers (perhaps look at Sachs shock absorbers which should be similar to Bilstein B4), it's best to find out the OEM part numbers for the current front and rear springs.

 

Those that have fitted Bilstein B6 shock absorbers to their standard ride height Superb MK3 and have mentioned that they are a little on the firmly damped side, have still preferred the improved body control over their previous OE setup. One even mentioned that their family no longer got car sick...which is always a good thing.

 

Edited 10 May, 20242 yr by Carlston

Thanks for the input @Carlston.

 

With regards to stiffer springs, this doesn’t seem like the right approach. At the moment the dampers aren’t sufficient for the spring rate, hence the bouncing. I’m trying to select dampers with enough additional damping rate to be in line with the sportline springs. I’m concerned the B6 is too far the other way.  For some I’m sure it is how they like it.

 

I’m leaning towards B4 as I know it won’t be too stiff and it’s the more cost effective option. If they prove to still be underdamped, I’ll know I need to go B6.

I have B6 on my superb estate and I am very happy with the results - more specifics in my posting history. 

 

I asked my insurance company (LV now Allianz) and they said "we do not consider shock absorbers to be a modification" or words to that effect but goes without saying check with your own insurer. 

 

My post from another thread 

 

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. 

 

 

Edited 10 May, 20242 yr by Vidmor

On 8/5/2024 at 22:33, Bigeater said:

No soy dcc y tengo resortes koni y eibach (misma altura de manejo), y es simplemente perfecto.

I have KONI SA and I do not recommend them under any circumstances.  Very good advertising, very poor quality and fit.

Yes I’m decided on staying away from the Koni’s. I’m sure people have had good experiences, but I’m not prepared to roll the dice on a quality issue.

 

@Vidmor thanks for the input, I’m not sure I want it to be firmer than an Octavia VRS, especially since mine is a sportline so I’m already marginally stiffer. I’m convinced by the Bilstein quality though, so will almost certainly be putting B4’s on.

Edited 13 May, 20242 yr by rcblur69

Just thought I'd add a little of my experience. I have been in a vrs with B4 shocks and it felt very standard. I was a passenger though so the driving feel might be improved over stock. I fully believe they are no different to stock as far as performance. Quality may be better but I can't confirm that.

Koni quality is not what it should be and on that alone you are on the right track to avoid in my opinion.

B6 is by far the best quality and you'd not be disappointed with them.

As far as their performance. I'm now on my second car with them. They are firm, yes, but they are also compliant and supportive. With stock springs they are more comfortable and easier to drive the car due to the predictable support.

Final thoughts on the comparison between the konis and B6. The B6 is firm to start with but will move through it's travel when needed. Almost like a platform shock like on mountain bikes. The koni is opposite. It starts soft and firms up on impact. I'm really not a fan of that. I recently got rid of them based on this trait. Turns out they were starting to fail anyway at around 30k miles. I'll keep an eye on the life of the B6s.

On 08/05/2024 at 22:16, JR RS said:

 

Not sure, likely it's the same.

 

But I know for sure Superb 3V and Passat B8 share the same suspension components.

 

Whilst the Superb is bigger than the Passat, dimensions wise, it is identical in size with the Arteon.

 

I finally looked into this. See Bilstein part codes below.

 

Superb Bilstein B4

Front - 22-232342

Rear - 19-232362

 

Arteon Bilstein B4

Front - 22-296245

Rear - 19-253428

 

Passat Bilstein B4

Front - 22-230539

Rear - 19-253428

 

Superb Bilstein B6

Front - 35-229872

Rear - 24-229880

 

Arteon Bilstein B6

Front - 35-229872

Rear - 24-229880

 

Passat Bilstein B6

Front - 35-229872

Rear - 24-229880

 

So interestingly the Superb, Arteon and Passat all share the same B6 struts/shocks. But in B4’s, the Superb’s aren’t the same as an Arteon/Passat at all. And an Arteon and Passat share a rear B4 but not the front.

 

Wonder if Bilstein themselves can give more details on compatibility and damping rates across all these variants?

4 hours ago, rcblur69 said:

I finally looked into this. See Bilstein part codes below.

 

Superb Bilstein B6

Front - 35-229872

Rear - 24-229880

 

Don't you mean 24-229890 for the rear Bilstein B6 shock absorbers?

 

Another surprising thing is that all versions of the Superb MK3 with standard ride height (and possibly 15mm lowered ride height) share the same Bilstein B6 shock absorbers from the Superb MK3 hatchback 1.4 125HP petrol to the Superb MK3 estate 2.0 4x4 272HP/280HP petrol.

 

Edited 14 May, 20242 yr by Carlston

7 hours ago, Carlston said:

 

Don't you mean 24-229890 for the rear Bilstein B6 shock absorbers?

 

Another surprising thing is that all versions of the Superb MK3 with standard ride height (and possibly 15mm lowered ride height) share the same Bilstein B6 shock absorbers from the Superb MK3 hatchback 1.4 125HP petrol to the Superb MK3 estate 2.0 4x4 272HP/280HP petrol.

 

Yes, thanks for the heads up on the typo!

 

Not only are the B6 used across the whole platform, but they are also used on loads of other VW models like Golf 7 and 8, as well as a Caddy California and even a Ford Tourneo MPV/van.

 

My assumption with the differences in the B4 therefore is that they are a universal fit, but must have different damping rates to match the OEM supplied shocks. But with the B6, it’s generic across the board. I guess this may work in the Superbs favour, as those shocks would surely feel stiffer on a lighter golf.

4 hours ago, rcblur69 said:

My assumption with the differences in the B4 therefore is that they are a universal fit, but must have different damping rates to match the OEM supplied shocks.

 

autodoc don't list any Bilstein B4 rear shock absorbers against the two OEM part numbers for the Superb MK3 front wheel drive with standard ride height (without DCC) and the two OEM part numbers for the Superb MK3 4x4 with standard ride height (without DCC).

 

However, there are Sachs 318202 rear shock absorbers listed against all four of these OEM part numbers as shown in the chart below, ie. 3Q0513049FP, 3Q0513049FQ, 3Q0513049FR, 3Q0513049FS.

 

If Bilstein B4 rear shock absorbers were listed against these four OEM part numbers it would probably be a similar story, ie. a one size fits all approach. So these aftermarket shock absorbers always be a close match to the original Skoda shock absorbers.

 

3Q0513049FR and 3Q0513049FS are OEM part numbers for the rear shock absorbers on the Superb MK3 4x4 lowered ride height (without DCC). The two OEM part numbers are listed against Sachs 318202 rear shock absorbers (3Q0513049FR has been previously mentioned, ie. it is shared between standard ride height and lowered ride height).

 

Sachs 318202 rear shock absorbers are sold to replace these OEM part numbers (and many other OEM part numbers belonging to various VAG cars)

3Q0513049FN (standard ride height)

3Q0513049FP (standard ride height)

3Q0513049FQ (standard ride height)

3Q0513049FR (standard ride height, lowered ride height)

3Q0513049FS (lowered ride height)

3Q0513049FT (increased ride height)

3Q0513049GA (increased ride height)

3Q0513049GB (increased ride height)

3Q0513049GS (lowered ride height)

 

Sachs 318202 rear shock absorbers are sold to replace all of the following OEM part numbers, ie. a one size fits all approach.

OE 5Q0 513 029 DQ — VW / SEAT

OE 5Q0 513 029 DP — VW / SEAT

OE 5Q0 513 029 GL — VW / SEAT

OE 5Q0 513 029 EQ — VW / SEAT

OE 5Q0 513 029 EN — VW / SEAT

OE 5Q0 513 029 EM — VW / SEAT

OE 5Q0 513 029 EP — VW / SEAT

OE 5Q0 513 029 FG — VW / SEAT

OE 5Q0 513 029 FE — VW / SEAT

OE 3Q0 513 049 GF — VW

OE 3Q0 512 011 JF — VW

OE 3Q0 513 049 GE — VW

OE 3Q0 512 011 HD — VW

OE 3Q0 513 049 GG — VW

OE 5Q0 513 029 EH — VW

OE 5Q0 512 011 GE — VW

OE 3Q0 512 011 JE — VW

OE 3Q0 512 011 JG — VW

OE 5Q0 512 011 GD — VW

OE 5Q0 512 011 GK — VW

OE 5Q0 512 011 GJ — VW

OE 3Q0 513 049 FA — VW

OE 5Q0 513 029 LL — VW

OE 5Q0 513 029 EG — VW

OE 3Q0 512 011 JL — VW

OE 5Q0 513 029 LM — VW

OE 5Q0 513 029 HJ — VW

OE 5Q0 513 029 FM — VW

OE 5Q0 513 029 LK — VW

OE 5Q0 513 029 FT — VW

OE 3Q0 513 049 ER — VW

OE 5QA 513 029 AH — VW

OE 5Q0 513 029 DA — VW

OE 3Q0 512 011 JA — VW

OE 3Q0 513 049 EQ — VW

OE 3Q0 513 049 GL — VW

OE 5Q0 512 011 JS — VW

OE 5Q0 513 029 JK — VW

OE 3Q0 513 049 GQ — VW

OE 3Q0 513 049 GR — VW

OE 5Q0 513 029 DB — VW

OE 3Q0 513 049 FC — VW

OE 5Q0 513 029 JR — VW

OE 5Q0 512 011 JQ — VW

OE 5Q0 512 011 HH — VW

OE 3Q0 513 049 GK — VW

OE 3Q0 513 049 FB — VW

OE 3Q0 512 011 HS — VW

OE 3Q0 513 049 FG — VW

OE 5Q0 513 029 FS — VW

OE 5QA 513 029 AG — VW

OE 3Q0 512 011 JB — VW

OE 5Q0 513 029 HB — VW

OE 5QF 513 049 T — VW

OE 5Q0 513 029 AP — VW

OE 5Q0 513 029 HA — VW

OE 5Q0 512 011 LJ — VW

OE 5Q0 513 029 HC — VW

OE 5Q0 513 029 JJ — VW

OE 5Q0 513 029 JH — VW

OE 5Q0 512 011 FA — VW

OE 5QF 513 049 AP — VW

OE 5Q0 513 029 HP — VW

OE 3Q0 513 049 JK — VW

OE 3Q0 513 049 JL — VW

OE 5Q0 512 011 LC — VW

OE 3Q0 513 049 HD — VW

OE 5QF 513 049 AL — VW

OE 5QF 513 049 S — VW

OE 3Q0 512 011 JJ — VW

OE 3Q0 513 049 ES — VW

OE 5Q0 513 029 AR — VW

OE 5Q0 512 011 GN — VW

OE 5Q0 512 011 KH — VW

OE 5Q0 513 029 GB — VW

OE 3Q0 512 011 JK — VW

OE 3Q0 513 049 HB — VW

OE 3Q0 512 011 KD — VW

OE 5Q0 512 011 GQ — VW

OE 5QF 513 049 AA — VW

OE 3Q0 513 049 HC — VW

OE 5Q0 512 011 JT — VW

OE 5Q0 512 011 GR — VW

OE 5QF 513 049 R — VW

OE 3Q0 512 011 JC — VW

OE 3Q0 512 011 JQ — VW

OE 5Q0 512 011 GS — VW

OE 5Q0 512 011 KD — VW

OE 5Q0 513 029 HK — VW

OE 5QF 513 049 AB — VW

OE 3Q0 512 011 HG — VW

OE 3Q0 512 011 HT — VW

OE 3Q0 513 049 FF — VW

OE 5Q0 512 011 HG — VW

OE 5Q0 512 011 HJ — VW

OE 5Q0 513 029 HM — VW

OE 5QA 513 029 AJ — VW

OE 3Q0 513 049 FK — VW

OE 3Q0 513 049 HM — VW

OE 5Q0 512 011 HA — VW

OE 5Q0 512 011 JR — VW

OE 5Q0 512 011 LA — VW

OE 5Q0 513 029 HD — VW

OE 5QF 513 049 Q — VW

OE 3Q0 512 011 HE — VW

OE 3Q0 513 049 EC — VW

OE 3Q0 513 049 FH — VW

OE 5Q0 512 011 GT — VW

OE 5Q0 512 011 LB — VW

OE 5Q0 512 011 LP — VW

OE 5Q0 513 029 HN — VW

OE 5QF 513 049 AQ — VW

OE 3Q0 512 011 HF — VW

OE 3Q0 512 011 JD — VW

OE 3Q0 512 011 JH — VW

OE 3Q0 512 011 JR — VW

OE 3Q0 513 049 ED — VW

OE 3Q0 513 049 EE — VW

OE 3Q0 513 049 EF — VW

OE 3Q0 513 049 EG — VW

OE 3Q0 513 049 EH — VW

OE 3Q0 513 049 EJ — VW

OE 3Q0 513 049 EK — VW

OE 3Q0 513 049 ET — VW

OE 3Q0 513 049 FD — VW

OE 3Q0 513 049 FE — VW

OE 3Q0 513 049 FJ — VW

OE 3Q0 513 049 FL — VW

OE 3Q0 513 049 FM — VW

OE 3Q0 513 049 GH — VW

OE 3Q0 513 049 GJ — VW

OE 3Q0 513 049 GT — VW

OE 3Q0 513 049 HA — VW

OE 3Q0 513 049 HN — VW

OE 3Q0 513 049 HP — VW

OE 3Q0 513 049 HQ — VW

OE 3Q0 513 049 HR — VW

OE 3Q0 513 049 JC — VW

OE 5Q0 512 011 GM — VW

OE 5Q0 512 011 GP — VW

OE 5Q0 512 011 HM — VW

OE 5Q0 512 011 KG — VW

OE 5Q0 512 011 KJ — VW

OE 5Q0 512 011 KK — VW

OE 5Q0 512 011 KP — VW

OE 5Q0 512 011 LD — VW

OE 5Q0 512 011 LH — VW

OE 5Q0 512 011 LN — VW

OE 5Q0 513 029 DG — VW

OE 5Q0 513 029 DH — VW

OE 5Q0 513 029 DR — VW

OE 5Q0 513 029 DS — VW

OE 5Q0 513 029 GA — VW

OE 5Q0 513 029 GG — VW

OE 5Q0 513 029 GH — VW

OE 5QA 513 029 AK — VW

OE 5QA 513 029 AL — VW

OE 5QF 513 049 AK — VW

OE 5QF 513 049 AM — VW

OE 5QF 513 049 AN — VW

OE 5Q0 513 029 EC — AUDI

OE 5Q0 513 029 EB — AUDI

OE 5Q0 513 029 GM — AUDI

OE 5Q0 513 029 AS — AUDI

OE 5Q0 513 029 EL — AUDI

OE 8V0 513 029 AC — AUDI

OE 5Q0 513 029 EK — AUDI

OE 5Q0 513 029 BK — AUDI

OE 5Q0 513 029 JE — AUDI

OE 8S0 513 029 — AUDI

OE 5Q0 513 029 HH — AUDI

OE 8V0 513 029 F — AUDI

OE 8S0 513 029 A — AUDI

OE 5Q0 513 029 CJ — AUDI

OE 5Q0 513 029 GN — AUDI

OE 5Q0 513 029 CK — AUDI

OE 5Q0 513 029 HQ — AUDI

OE 5Q0 513 029 CM — AUDI

OE 8V0 513 029 E — AUDI

OE 8V0 513 029 H — AUDI

OE 5Q0 513 029 BM — AUDI

OE 8S0 513 029 D — AUDI

OE 5QF 513 049 BL — AUDI

OE 8S7 513 029 G — AUDI

OE 5Q0 513 029 ER — AUDI

OE 8S0 513 029 B — AUDI

OE 8S7 513 029 D — AUDI

OE 5Q0 513 029 JF — AUDI

OE 5QF 513 049 CD — AUDI

OE 8S7 513 029 F — AUDI

OE 8V0 513 029 J — AUDI

OE 5Q0 513 029 HR — AUDI

OE 5QF 513 049 BM — AUDI

OE 5Q0 513 029 ES — AUDI

OE 5QF 513 049 CE — AUDI

OE 3Q0 513 049 FN — SKODA

OE 3Q0 513 049 FR — SKODA

OE 5Q0 513 029 FL — SKODA

OE 3Q0 513 049 FT — SKODA

OE 5Q0 513 029 GC — SKODA

OE 3Q0 513 049 FQ — SKODA

OE 3Q0 513 049 FP — SKODA

OE 5Q0 513 029 DF — SKODA

OE 5Q0 513 029 EF — SKODA

OE 5Q0 513 029 FB — SKODA

OE 5Q0 513 029 FN — SKODA

OE 3Q0 513 049 GA — SKODA

OE 5Q0 513 029 FQ — SKODA

OE 5QF 513 049 AS — SKODA

OE 5QF 513 049 AT — SKODA

OE 5Q0 513 029 ED — SKODA

OE 5Q0 513 029 KB — SKODA

OE 3Q0 513 049 GB — SKODA

OE 5Q0 513 029 GD — SKODA

OE 5Q0 513 029 KC — SKODA

OE 5Q0 513 029 FC — SKODA

OE 5QF 513 049 AH — SKODA

OE 5Q0 513 029 FD — SKODA

OE 5Q0 513 029 EE — SKODA

OE 5Q0 513 029 DD — SKODA

OE 5Q0 513 029 DL — SKODA

OE 5Q0 513 029 FP — SKODA

OE 5Q0 513 029 KD — SKODA

OE 5Q0 513 029 KL — SKODA

OE 3Q0 513 049 FS — SKODA

OE 5Q0 513 029 DE — SKODA

OE 5Q0 513 029 DN — SKODA

OE 5Q0 513 029 DT — SKODA

OE 5Q0 513 029 KE — SKODA

OE 5QF 513 049 AJ — SKODA

OE 5Q0 513 029 FF — SEAT

OE 5Q0 513 029 LF — SEAT

OE 5Q0 513 029 CT — SEAT

OE 5Q0 513 029 DK — SEAT

OE 5Q0 513 029 HT — SKODA / SEAT

OE 3Q0 513 049 HE — VW / SKODA

OE 3Q0 513 049 GS — VW / SKODA

OE 5QN 513 049 AR — VW / AUDI

 

Notice in the below chart for the Bilstein B4 19-232362 rear shock absorbers that the only Skoda OEM part number is an increased ride height rear shock absorber.

 

Bilstein B4 19-232362 rear shock absorbers are sold to replace the following OEM part numbers

OE 5Q0 513 029 EC — AUDI (lowered ride height)

OE 5Q0 513 029 EB — AUDI

OE 5Q0 513 049 BF — AUDI

OE 5Q0 513 029 GM — AUDI (lowered ride height)

OE 5Q0 513 029 AS — AUDI (standard ride height)

OE 5Q0 513 029 BK — AUDI (lowered ride height)

OE 5Q0 513 049 FE — AUDI

OE 5Q0 513 029 CJ — AUDI (increased ride height)

OE 5Q0 513 029 ET — AUDI

OE 3Q0 513 049 FT — SKODA (increased ride height)

OE 5WD 513 029 — AUDI (FAW)

OE 5WA513029 AD — CUPRA

OE 5WA513029 AE — CUPRA

OE 5WA513029 AH — CUPRA

OE 5WA513029 AJ — CUPRA

OE 5QF 513 049 BS — VAG

 

Edited 15 May, 20242 yr by Carlston

That is very interesting. So the B4 part numbers aren’t listed as replacement for the OEM items. But AUTODOC does list them as compatible with the Superb and they are the numbers that Bilstein themselves list for the Superb. They are also different from the Passat and Arteon.

 

I wonder what it all means? 🤣

10 hours ago, Carlston said:

 

Don't you mean 24-229890 for the rear Bilstein B6 shock absorbers?

 

Another surprising thing is that all versions of the Superb MK3 with standard ride height (and possibly 15mm lowered ride height) share the same Bilstein B6 shock absorbers from the Superb MK3 hatchback 1.4 125HP petrol to the Superb MK3 estate 2.0 4x4 272HP/280HP petrol.

 

why is this a surprise? good damping with softer springs will deliver a better ride than with stiffer springs.

Spring rate changes will be the key part for the axle weights. Weight differences aren't that big across the range IMO.

I have B8s elsewhere and really like them. I would have gone B6 on the Superb, specifically to give more body control. I would also have added a rear ARB to slow the roll. With 18" I would expect a decently compliant ride from anything other than a sportline. 17" and standard with rough road package was floaty and did not inspire confidence on twisties, but I didn't use the car for that and won't use the Kodiaq for that, either; that's why there are 3 cars in the fleet. I used the Superb for the 800km round trip to the office in one day and did that yesterday in the Kodiaq.

The sport setting on DCC on the Kodiaq also doesn't harmonize here on back roads at all. Looking to switch to 19" to make "normal" better in the summer before messing with dampers unless there's another reason to do it.

 

The question remains "what are you looking for"? Compliance? Lack of roll? Slidability? Control when drifting? Better body control? High speed stability? Long drive comfort? Back road hoonability? WAF? A car that "breathes" with the road, rather than fighting it into submission?

 

What tyre size is on the car? That will make a significant difference.

That Skoda part number for the B4 is with the rough road package, not sold in the UK.

Bilstein catalog and pricing for the 272:

 

 

Looks like the difference in part codes is just the two letters at the end.

 

Does anyone know what these letters refer to or indicate about the shocks?

2 minutes ago, brettikivi said:

why is this a surprise? good damping with softer springs will deliver a better ride than with stiffer springs.

Spring rate changes will be the key part for the axle weights. Weight differences aren't that big across the range IMO.

I have B8s elsewhere and really like them. I would have gone B6 on the Superb, specifically to give more body control. I would also have added a rear ARB to slow the roll. With 18" I would expect a decently compliant ride from anything other than a sportline. 17" and standard with rough road package was floaty and did not inspire confidence on twisties, but I didn't use the car for that and won't use the Kodiaq for that, either; that's why there are 3 cars in the fleet. I used the Superb for the 800km round trip to the office in one day and did that yesterday in the Kodiaq.

The sport setting on DCC on the Kodiaq also doesn't harmonize here on back roads at all. Looking to switch to 19" to make "normal" better in the summer before messing with dampers unless there's another reason to do it.

 

The question remains "what are you looking for"? Compliance? Lack of roll? Slidability? Control when drifting? Better body control? High speed stability? Long drive comfort? Back road hoonability? WAF? A car that "breathes" with the road, rather than fighting it into submission?

 

What tyre size is on the car? That will make a significant difference.

That Skoda part number for the B4 is with the rough road package, not sold in the UK.

Bilstein catalog and pricing for the 272:

 

 

I’m after a ride that can control the wheels on rebound and doesn’t bounce the body over speed bumpers. I’m not after a sports car, cos it isn’t one anyway.

 

The standard dampers are crap at rebound and generally underdamped. 
 

I understand the B6’s add significant damping, but it perhaps might be too much for my tastes. I was originally querying if the B4 has enough additional damping rate over OEM to fix the general issues.
 

There appears to be no conclusive answer from someone who has fitted the B4 to a superb. Only people who have fitted B4s to Octavia VRS and say it’s the same. But this isn’t really an indication of how they will be on the Superb. There are also good reports of B6 on Superb, but again, this may be a little far for me.