rx794

The front right air spring finally broke on my 2002 Audi Allroad. It's got 126k miles, the shocks are also worn and in need of replacement. I want to replace all of the air springs and the shocks with Arnott/Bilstein replacements. So here's my question, I've been doing some research about the Arnott air spring replacements. I know they all have a lifetime warranty, they also come in two different versions. Gen1 which is a stock like ride and also a Gen2 which is about 30% stiffer. I've read in a few places that even though the Bilstein shocks are stiffer than the stock shocks, the Gen2 air springs are too stiff and are in a way, mismatched to the Bilstein shocks due to this. Can anyone that has Bilstein shocks and either Arnott Gen1 or Arnott Gen2 air springs please chime in on this. I also plan on installing Hotchkis sway bars as well. I know a suspension has to be well matched to perform properly. Any advice, suggestions or opinions on this? Thanks in advance.

all_Kobiwon

You'll hear a lot of varying opinions here, however, this is my experience...

In May I went went with the new Gen 2.5's in the front, and Bilsteins all around, keeping the OEM air springs on the rear. The overall ride is smoother then previous, however, I wouldn't say it a whole lot stiffer. I have no clunk, however, a small "squelching" sound on one rear side when in level 1, when going over a significant bump. I don't drive in level one very often, so no big deal to me. Only 4 months into this set-up, but so far, I'm happy with the overall performance of the car.

09mehashaw

https://www.audiworld.com/forums/sho....php?t=2832797

ericbky

I have two allroads. One with Gen2, bilsteins and Hotchkis and the other with 2Bennett coilovers. The Gen2 setup is very stiff, but handles well. I have not had a high opinion of the bilsteins. The first set, I blew one out quickly and had the bad clunk. Arnott replaced it right away which was great, but I still don't really care for them. Both sides currently make a consistent popping sound(maybe re-seating?) over even small bumps and it translates into the car. The next time I have a reason to get at the suspension, I think I will go back to the stock shocks with the Gen2s. The 2Bennetts were new on the other car when I bought it. I have to say the ride is much, much smoother than the Gen2 setup, but I think that is to be expected.

GTA_Driver

How high does your car sit with 2Bennets? Is it 402 mm (level 2) or slightly lower? Researching coilovers that ride at L1.

ericbky

I haven't measured the height yet. When I bought the car it was set at about level 2 or slightly below. I didn't use the 2Bennett key to try to lower the car more because it felt so good. I have to say that I love the ability to raise and lower the car with the pneumatics and I always thought that it was one of the things that made an allroad an allroad, but the 2Bennetts have a much nicer ride feel.

GTA_Driver

do you mean that 2Bennet are adjustable, albeit manually?

JustMtnB44

http://www.2bennett.com/allroad_suspension.html

GTA_Driver

Thanks for the link. Should've looked it up.

It's amazing that in my months researching this, not once did I come across adjustable coilovers for the AR. Many people are adapting A6 coilovers from ST or H&R, manufacturing own adapters with the help of CAD tools, or else having the car sit very low...

It's pricey, for 2 grand, but you do get shocks + springs in that package. And it's adjustable.

09mehashaw

No need for cad tools here.
Just some ***** and some A6 supplies.

https://www.audiworld.com/tech/wheel41.shtml