I replaced all mine at 88k. A little bit before that (maybe around 85k), I started getting wheel hop with WOT in 1st and even a little in 2nd, with stock power. Bilstein B4s, and no more wheel hop :)
Just passed the 1,000 mile mark on these and thought I'd share my thoughts on this innovative shock from Koni. Marketed as a "jack-of-all-trades" sport shock with bypass valves for a smooth ride over harsh roads and flatter cornering. Initially, the ride felt slightly firmer than stock, but over time, I noticed it's smoother over bumps and rough jolts. The car feels like a more premium German Sports Car. Big jolts are ironed out noticeably, making it smoother than stock, even if not softer. Slight waves are more noticeable as they don't activate bypass valves. Koni's add stability, preventing the car from being upset by mid-corner bumps. Overall rating on KONI's: 8.5/10. They are somewhat firmer but handle rough roads better and ride "richer" and more premium overall.
The B4 is now available for both ends.
Bilstein B8 Sport is a great strut/shock. I'm using the MKV version on my 2006 GTI paired with H&R Sport and the ride is great.
Used B6s front and rear along with GTI springs, resulted in nearly as smooth and predictable ride and vastly better handling.
B4 are like oem with better control and rebound damping. B6 and B8 are the same except for length. B8 is for lowered suspension. Basically, if you going with R springs, do R B6 shocks and either shim the rear or get R variant rear springs from Europe.
B6s are probably too firm for stock springs but certainly usable if in spec for the spring length. I'd go B4 and they will be much better than stock due to better rebound damping which is the real problem with the stock ones, especially if I was keeping the stock springs.
Here’s what I’m doing about it; Spec 30 setup. H&R sport springs and Bilstein struts/shocks.
I responded to a few Bilstein HD threads when I had my EVC, recommending against them. They were just too damn firm. Now I have an EV Weekender with Bilstein HDs (installed by PO) and they are almost just right (could be a tad firmer). I can't explain it. Did Bilstein change their valving at some point in time?
Lets face it my MK4 was a wallowing garbage scowl, before I went to Bilsteins, VR6 springs and welded in my own sway bar.
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