Mr.Debo'sS4

From my brief review of the archives, it appears that there are three ways to modify/lower the suspension.

1. Replace springs
2. Replace springs and shocks
3. Install coilovers

What are the pro's and con's along with related costs for each of the options listed above?

RKA

spend more time researching for answers to #2 and #3.

Swank4

Depending on how you drive (daily driver versus track) you would choose between these two options.

chris84

C/O's are most expensive, but I think the best

MikekiM@PureMS

Lowering springs are a direct replacement for the factory springs. You get a stiffer and lower ride. The stiffer spring causes a slight increase in bounce in the system since stock shocks are usually underdamped for aftermarket springs.

Replacing springs and shocks is a better idea. With new shocks you get higher damping qualities which usually better match the lowering springs out there. Some shocks give you adjustable ride height (Neuspeed Bilstein), some give you adjustable damping (Koni). Koni's are generally a bit more forgiving and comfortable over Bilsteins. Bothe feature lifetime warranties, and are overall excellent products.

Coilovers always come as a matched spring/shock combination. The major difference is that these are always height adjustable. Some come with damping adjustments. These in generally are more expensive, and do require some regular maintenance/care. The threads should be tended to regularly to make sure they're clean, and not showing signs of corrosion. These are usually a performance setup, and can start around the $1k mark, and go up, sometimes WAYY up..

Hope that helps. Feel free to email if you have any questions, or need recommendations.