Hi All,

As above, how soft is the suspension?

I only ask as the other day I tested by pushing my finger down on the rear bumper and could easily get about 1cm drop before it felt like my finger was going to snap!

I don't carry much weight in the car, but it's noticeably lower at the back when I have stuff in the boot; right now it's got about 50kg of stuff evenly spread across the boot floor and almost a full tank of juice, and the car's sitting low.

My previous car, a Leon Cupra 300 4Drive with DCC (I know it's a very different animal!) would hardly change ride height with that amount of weight, and more in it.

The Superb is floaty, but doesn't feel particularly bouncy, however the front suspension has the 'standard' creaking bushes, and a rattle on the nearside when going over bumps/potholes/manhole covers, so something's not right.

The car's 7 years old, just under 53k (that'll be 10k I've done in it since getting it in mid July!) and is going in to a VAG specialist next Monday for a major service, DSG service, and I've asked them to check out the suspension and report back.

Just after I bought it, the main dealer reported that one of the front shocks is misting lightly, so guessing they're all knackered, but just intrigued as to other's thoughts on whether the suspension is as soft as I've found.

I'm a bit wary to go and start fingering other people's cars...

Cheers,

Nick

That's right, the original suspension is definitely too soft!

There are several discussions about this, almost every week

especially with DCC, where the only more or less acceptable mode was sport

on my previous 2016. Mk3 220ps i replaced at fifth year

on current 2023. Mk3.FL 280ps at first anniversary

my choice was Eibach Pro springs (kit from Kodiaq to avoid lowering)

and Bilstein B6 Damptronic

browse thread in my signature

Hi MartiniB,

Thanks for your comments, and I've read many threads on the subject; I think I read your last night!

I have a 220ps too, and am getting confused as to which Eibach Pro springs are required - even Skoda Parts Direct have two sets listed.

I emailed the garage last night, as the Koni Active Specials look like a good option. Koni Australia posted a video on YouTube having replaced the DCC shocks with those and a Pro Kit.

As mine sits on stilts, I wouldn't mind it being a bit lower, but I don't want the stiffness of the Cupra. Somewhere in between would be ideal.

I checked my insurance last night, and it wold only add £13.00 to my premium for modified suspension.

Thanks,

Nick

220ps

-> https://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/485647-bilstein-b6-dcc-shock-absorbers-available-at-last/page/3/#comment-5620484

280ps

-> https://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/510961-2023-280ps-lk-replaced-2016-220ps-style/page/3/#findComment-5854160

I would recommend avoiding Konis, have seen several reports of a knocking sound

14 hours ago, CubbyQ said:

I'm a bit wary to go and start fingering other people's cars...

It would be hilarious hear the report on your conversation with an officer that inquires what are you doing lurking in the mall parking lot around other people's property 😄

Mine is floaty, bouncy, and I believe severely underdamped for such a large and heavy barge (DCC).

It would be interesting to hear if someone has had a ride on a higher-spec richer cousin of the VAG family like an Arteon to see if this is really a design shortcoming or was simply installation of cheaper components ... I suspect the latter, as the car in Sport mode is reasonably firm and very balanced (I am in Sport 90% of the time, also to prevent the dreaded DSG retarded driving mode).

I also plan to upgrade when the moment comes, pity we are still in the dark for the slider mod ... ☹️

3 hours ago, leolito said:

the slider mod ...

i have seen positive reports about Mk3,

but none about Mk3.FL ☹️

another question is quality of OEM springs and shocks -

on my previous Mk3 rear OEM springs "dropped" for 3+ cms just in 3 y

front OEM shocks were replaced first time at 44 kKm under warranty

and after another 60 kKm i replaced to Bilsteins

with current car i become smarter -

replaced to Eibach + Bilstein for me self, not next owner

Personally I like the softer suspension set up, the Superb is a great car to be covering the miles so comfort is important to me. Mine was three years old last month, just coming up to 109,000 miles, no sagging suspension, it feels as good as new.

A few cars ago I had a Passat CC with DCC, I preferred 'comfort' mode so that's what I used.

Thanks for your comments, all, very much appreciated.

@cnc I totally get where you're coming from - I did 950 miles over 5 days a couple of weeks ago, and 600+ last week, and just get out feeling refreshed every time...never had that with any other car, so don't want to ruin that.

@leolito , I don't want to have that conversation with The Plod, so won't be caught touching anybody else's cars in dark corners...at least not in public 🤣 I did have an Arteon Shooting Brake PHEV company car with DCC, and the suspension was lovely in that; for covering long distances I usually had it set to just softer than comfort (it had the full adjustment, rather than three presets), and to sharpen things up, occasionally set it to sport. It was one of the only good things about the car, apart from its looks, as it was a proper VW parts bin and lockdown lack-of-development piece of junk! It's gone through two of my successors and both hated/hate it and can't wait for the lease to end!

@MartiniB Thanks for your in depth detail on the suspension upgrades, much appreciated.

I had a response from the garage earlier today after sending them a link to the Koni Special Actives, and I have even more confidence in their credibility as they don't want to do or advise on anything until they've actually inspected the car, and if we do look at changing the suspension, they want to be sure they match the shocks and spring rates correctly.

I'm hoping that it's just tired and needs refreshing, and my head says just do something like new bushes and go OEM+ with something like Bilstein B4, but my heart says otherwise...

Will update next week.

We wait for developments! I believe with better components, as many have done replacing, this aspect of the car can be much improved!

@cnc I also like comfort, but the bounciness is not really desirable, besides being uncomfortable, it stresses many components in an unneccessary manner... the Superb's suspension - at least mine with DCC - allows too much body movement, i had a similar case on one of my earlier Audis and it was not very pleasant, especially when towing 🫣

22 hours ago, leolito said:

It would be hilarious hear the report on your conversation with an officer that inquires what are you doing lurking in the mall parking lot around other people's property 😄

Mine is floaty, bouncy, and I believe severely underdamped for such a large and heavy barge (DCC).

It would be interesting to hear if someone has had a ride on a higher-spec richer cousin of the VAG family like an Arteon to see if this is really a design shortcoming or was simply installation of cheaper components ... I suspect the latter, as the car in Sport mode is reasonably firm and very balanced (I am in Sport 90% of the time, also to prevent the dreaded DSG retarded driving mode).

I also plan to upgrade when the moment comes, pity we are still in the dark for the slider mod ... ☹️

Same reports on Golf and Audi forums. Only difference is VW and Audi were made like KYB which seem less prone to leaking like the Monroe ones on Seat and Skoda.

KW gave 30% off so if you wanted to get some replacements it’s a good time for them

I’ve got the SEL, so standard suspension, yes it’s soft but in UK it’s perfect because nearly all road surfaces crap and you can at least have a conversation

Father in laws Audi A4 black edition has mix firmer suspension and can’t talk in it because it’s such a harsh ride

Until roads are built and maintained properly I’ll always go with softer suspension

Update as promised!

Garage reported that front near side shock is leaking, which would explain the symptoms I reported.

Of course it was raining yesterday so the creaky bushes were quiet when I drove to them, but they know it’s an issue with the MQB cars.

We had a good chat about what I want from the car, and decided to stick with standard suspension, rather than upgrade it.

They’re going to price up a few options (genuine/OEM shocks) and give me a worst case scenario price including bushes, drop links, etc.

They gave the car a full once over, and other than the suspension, gave it a clean bill of health, which was a relief!

Will report back again once it’s done!

On 05/11/2025 at 19:47, cnc said:

Personally I like the softer suspension set up, the Superb is a great car to be covering the miles so comfort is important to me. Mine was three years old last month, just coming up to 109,000 miles, no sagging suspension, it feels as good as new.

A few cars ago I had a Passat CC with DCC, I preferred 'comfort' mode so that's what I used.

The same here, it's the reason I bought the car with DCC and I ride around in comfort mode most of the time. I'm amazed so many people complain about the suspension as the car is a big boat and it would be a surprise if the suspension was set up differently.

2 hours ago, j.hanratty said:

The same here, it's the reason I bought the car with DCC and I ride around in comfort mode most of the time. I'm amazed so many people complain about the suspension as the car is a big boat and it would be a surprise if the suspension was set up differently.

Well it’s funny you say that…

This is the most softly sprung wagon I’ve owned, simple as that, and it has taken some getting used to.

That being said, the shocks were replaced on Thursday, along with top mounts and springs, and it was obviously well worn, considering how it feels now (and the removal of clatter and rattles).

I’m glad I did stick with standard replacements, as it’s definitely stiffened up, however is still supple but now doesn’t feel like it’s wallowing about of bumps and undulating surfaces.

The only problem is that now I’m thinking the rear must be in a similar state as the front was, so should get the rear shocks done sooner rather than later…

Cheers,

Nick