Which Suspension? Pros And Cons

B14 or Other


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Mine never leaked. One of my rear springs snapped. Vagnostics who I bought them off would no honor a warranty claim or return any calls. Basically massive cockwombles.
Bilstein wouldn't do anything warranty wise with Vagnostics input. Anyway new springs were £150 a pair ao I just bought a set.

I have nearly 60k on my Billy's. Apart from.the spring, zero issues.
Not worth getting any other suspension. Been there and done that on my old t5. B14s are vastly superior.
Out of interest where abouts did the spring break? Bottom coil?
 
the lop sided problem could be simply a spring broken or sagged . if its the heavy interior over one of the rear wheels we may need to fit a spacer to correct this as changing spring rates from side to side isn't ideal at all . could make the van unstable under harsh or emergency braking
When you say fit a spacer, are you referring to a wheel spacer? or a coil spring spacer?
 
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Spring I'd imagine, similar to winding one of the platforms up on coilovers to level it out...
 
Hello,
I am a new member of this forum. I would like to share my thoughts on the suspension. At the beginning I wanted to exchange them for B14 but my tuner offered me KW v3 for my long Caravell. It is equivalent to B16 with adjustable hardness. I have never had the opportunity to drive on the B14 but how the car changed on KW v3 is indescribable. It is "glued" to the road like a train on rails, provide better comfort than on the factory suspension. At the turns it does not tilt and does not sway, goes along the prescribed track. For now, I'm testing on 18-inch wheels (I did about 4000 km) - a completely new car. Maybe it will help others make a decision, the world is moving forward;)
 
Because Bilstein don't actually make the B 14 for the Transporter themselves , there wont be a B 16 , Its a Pity it would be a help . The KW kits are very good but quite expensive compared to the B14 . Its also dual tube technology so will be more comfortable . Out side of UK there will be lots of other offerings from the big players because the B14 is predominantly sold only in UK . The H&R / KONI coil over kit is also damping adjustable and a great performer , its very popular in the rest of the world and one of H&R s biggest selling coil over kits , Sadly at 300 quid more than the Bilstein its a hard sell here in UK .
 
When you say fit a spacer, are you referring to a wheel spacer? or a coil spring spacer?
A spring spacer on the side that is low . we cant fit a harder spring one side to the other as harsh braking will be very unstable and quite dangerous




S
 
Mine never leaked. One of my rear springs snapped. Vagnostics who I bought them off would no honor a warranty claim or return any calls. Basically massive cockwombles.
Bilstein wouldn't do anything warranty wise with Vagnostics input. Anyway new springs were £150 a pair ao I just bought a set.

I have nearly 60k on my Billy's. Apart from.the spring, zero issues.
Not worth getting any other suspension. Been there and done that on my old t5. B14s are vastly superior.
Just had a bit more look into this now I've got more time, the B14 springs look like normal lowering springs fitted to a coilovers hence the problems.

Proper coilover springs are finished differently, they are ground or forged flat at the end coils so that the load is spread evenly on the metallic platforms and spring, it sits flat basically.

Normal (cheap) springs are still round all the way to the ends, this is why on oem dampers manufacturers install big thick shaped rubber gaskets for the springs to sit in.

I've tried to have a look at their B16 kit but there's not many detailed pictures, it looks the same to me though, not good at all.

If you look at the KWs they have "proper" springs on them.

In my opinion, now more than ever, I think Bilstein are living off their name these days.

I'm just a hobbiest though, maybe crs would care to comment or not, maybe it's difficult if he sells both...
 
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Just had a bit more look into this now I've got more time, the B14 springs look like normal lowering springs fitted to a coilovers hence the problems.

Proper coilover springs are finished differently, they are ground or forged flat at the end coils so that the load is spread evenly on the metallic platforms and spring, it sits flat basically.

Normal (cheap) springs are still round all the way to the ends, this is why on oem dampers manufacturers install big thick shaped rubber gaskets for the springs to sit in.

I've tried to have a look at their B16 kit but there's not many detailed pictures, it looks the same to me though, not good at all.

If you look at the KWs they have "proper" springs on them.

In my opinion, now more than ever, I think Bilstein are living off their name these days.

I'm just a hobbiest though, maybe crs would care to comment or not, maybe it's difficult if he sells both...

RedUn Happy to comment as un biased as I can . Its a little more complex than seems . whether a spring is end ground or not isn't an indication of its quality at all, but the issue we have is that PROPER coil over springs should be completely Parallel in shape and end ground both ends . The industry has adapted racing coil overs for road applications and with out the use of Camber / castor plates on the top mounting point like a race car has . Therefore the springs have to fit a small 60 mm diameter bottom mount on the height adjuster ( as a normal coil over would ) but then it has to widen to the top to fit the standard top mount for the car which will 99 % of the time not be end ground flat and is much wider than 60 mm . A Proper parallel Race spring cant be used in standard vehicles as it wont fit the top mounting .
KW have been specialising in adapting coil overs to fit lots of cars that others don't . I refer to the DCC and other electronic adaptive suspension systems in all the popular sporty cars on the road nowadays . they can either delete the functionality or even interact with the cars electronics and maintain the original dash functionality . this separates them out from the normal main stream manufacturers . Many of their kits are hand made to order because they are so specialised .

The T5 / T6 B 14 kit isn't a Bilstein world wide product and there fore it isn't fair to criticise Bilstein based on the Transporter B 14 kit . I personally don't think it s perfect , the spring rates on the rear is my main worry in some heavier vehicles but its popularity is unquestionable in a market . KW use the same technology that KONI do ( in fact KONI helped get KW on the map initially ) so their shocks will be more comfortable than the B14 . KW is expensive however and I think this is a barrier to market in transporters . In reality the transporter is a leisure vehicle not a boy racer car so KW V 3 is probably over kill at £1700.00 before fitting . There will always be fans of the different products and when a Transporter owner spends a 1000 + quid they will naturally defend that decision they make .
 
@CRS Performance just been thinking, (dangerous I know!) do you know if the genuine Bilstein B16 kit has ground springs? Might be a middle ground option between the B14s and V3s for the transporters?

It only appears to be 1 way adjustable but I guess that's more than good enough unless people are tracking their vans! :D
 
Bilstein don't actually make coil over kits for transporters If you check their website there is nothing available , The B14 kit is made in UK for UK market and it has Bilstein dampers in it . There simply isn't s B 16 therefore .

If the height and damping adjustability excites you I would offer and suggest the KONI ./ H&R kit . its the best value kit on the market and we have had fabulous results with it , Low and comfortable . Its a dual tube damper with rebound adjustability and beautifully made by the Germans at H&R . similar to KW functionality but KONI shocks and slightly cheaper than the KW . WIN WIN PM for pricing if and more info
 
Suspension is a very interesting subject, and it's sometimes difficult to make informed judgments based on any recommendations unless you have experienced a given setup for yourself. For example, you'll get B14 fans (of which I am very recently converted to being one) recommending them, you'll get others recommending any of the cheaper options that offer a similar drop and you'll get others suggesting sport shocks matched to lower springs. There will be other options too, but in all honesty, unless you've driven the setup yourself, it's really difficult to make a judgement. It's really hard to truly know which is best for you.

Everyone's opinion of handling, comfort, ride quality etc is very subjective; what is sublime to some would be soft and wallowing to others, what would be firm, responsive, but refined to some would be harsh and unforgiving to others.

For what it's worth though, my B14s have exceeded my expectations, I went to @BognorMotors for mine and was able to test drive 2 different B14 equipped vans to understand if it would meet what I wanted from my suspension before I spent my money. That was really important for me. After reading about the Solows and discussing it with @T6180 and Andy at THQ I almost pulled the trigger on those. In the end it came down to being able to test the B14s before making my purchase, and the fact that the B14s fitted, including wheel alignment, was less than the cost to simply purchase the solow. The reason I didn't choose any of the lower cost coilover options is that I drive 30000 miles a year and need to be able to convince myself that I'm buying quality. I'm well aware that more expensive doesn't necessarily mean better quality, but I just can't get my head around how a company can design, develop, test, bring to market and sell a set of high quality coilovers that will last the test of time for less than £300, or even £500 for that matter. There are many people who have them fitted and would argue with that and perhaps I'm wrong, it wouldn't be the first time!

Whatever you choose, let us all know what you think once you've got them.


Hi Chris,

I’ve always been a fan of Eibach on performance cars and now I have my van I need to stiffen up the ride to take out the roll. Have you or anyone any experience of Eibach coil overs on the T6.... I’m struggling to find an exact part for mine being a 204 T32 LWB 4motion.

I will as you suggested contact @BognorMotors for the B14s though to get a feel.

thanks
 
Hi Chris,

I’ve always been a fan of Eibach on performance cars and now I have my van I need to stiffen up the ride to take out the roll. Have you or anyone any experience of Eibach coil overs on the T6.... I’m struggling to find an exact part for mine being a 204 T32 LWB 4motion.

I will as you suggested contact @BognorMotors for the B14s though to get a feel.

thanks
Bentley T 6 your spec of van is probably the heaviest transporter available LWB and 4 WD the rear springs on coil overs struggle with heavier applications. You have read earlier in this thread regarding rear springs breaking, strange noises are also reported on some other threads . If its very low you want ? then Coil over is the only route,. but don't discount a sport kit, "performance shocks and springs " can be supplied with a heavier duty rear spring and that will be more practical up to 50 mm drops. The Transporters have at least 4 different spring rates and a coil over kit ( all of them ) have only one that fits all . ??? in my humble opinion this is an issue that should have been address a long time ago by the manufacturers of coil over kits .
Eibach is a quality spring , however a coil over kit from Eibach comes with what shocks in it ?? . Eibach don't make shocks so they must sub contract that out and the question is to who ? I have seen cheap far east dampers in Eibach kits but the rumour mill seems to think its KW who supply the transporter kit . ( KW are a good brand )
There also seems to be different opinions on whether the Eibach kits are Factory approved . My experience with approval is that its very difficult to get a manufacture to approve a product like suspension , but often the term "Recommended for use " is normally used in these cases . VW love to repudiate drive shaft failure claims on Lowered vans and cars , and my take on this is simply this , its the height not the make of product that causes these failures so having a Recommended product fitted doesn't necessarily mean that it will ensure no warranty problems .
It would be nice to hear from owners who have had issues on warranties related to suspension . In reality of course they can repudiate regardless of what product you use or what ever height the van is .
The T 32 has a different front hub to all the other transporter models . many manufacturers don't do a kit for the T 32, I can only assume the demand world wide isn't as big as the normal vans . .
 
Hi Chris,

I’ve always been a fan of Eibach on performance cars and now I have my van I need to stiffen up the ride to take out the roll. Have you or anyone any experience of Eibach coil overs on the T6.... I’m struggling to find an exact part for mine being a 204 T32 LWB 4motion.

I will as you suggested contact @BognorMotors for the B14s though to get a feel.

thanks

We look forward to hearing from you.

Suspension is very subjective and different people like and accept different setups. We run a SWB 4Motion DSG with T32 B14’s and ARb’s. You are more than welcome to come and have a drive and see for yourself, and see if it’s for you or not. We also run a Caravelle on B14’s only at full height which give you the best comfort setup from Bilsteins.
 
Bentley T 6 your spec of van is probably the heaviest transporter available LWB and 4 WD the rear springs on coil overs struggle with heavier applications. You have read earlier in this thread regarding rear springs breaking, strange noises are also reported on some other threads . If its very low you want ? then Coil over is the only route,. but don't discount a sport kit, "performance shocks and springs " can be supplied with a heavier duty rear spring and that will be more practical up to 50 mm drops. The Transporters have at least 4 different spring rates and a coil over kit ( all of them ) have only one that fits all . ??? in my humble opinion this is an issue that should have been address a long time ago by the manufacturers of coil over kits .
Eibach is a quality spring , however a coil over kit from Eibach comes with what shocks in it ?? . Eibach don't make shocks so they must sub contract that out and the question is to who ? I have seen cheap far east dampers in Eibach kits but the rumour mill seems to think its KW who supply the transporter kit . ( KW are a good brand )
There also seems to be different opinions on whether the Eibach kits are Factory approved . My experience with approval is that its very difficult to get a manufacture to approve a product like suspension , but often the term "Recommended for use " is normally used in these cases . VW love to repudiate drive shaft failure claims on Lowered vans and cars , and my take on this is simply this , its the height not the make of product that causes these failures so having a Recommended product fitted doesn't necessarily mean that it will ensure no warranty problems .
It would be nice to hear from owners who have had issues on warranties related to suspension . In reality of course they can repudiate regardless of what product you use or what ever height the van is .
The T 32 has a different front hub to all the other transporter models . many manufacturers don't do a kit for the T 32, I can only assume the demand world wide isn't as big as the normal vans . .


Eibach and Bilstein used to be based on the same industrial estate near where I live - literally a stones throw from each other. Read into that what you like. Bilstein have since moved to bigger premises but still only 15mins away.

Ian
 
Ian Yes its quite an incestuous industry I can confirm that , I do believe however the so called B 14 kit that is sold in UK is actually a German assembled product ( which isn't what I initially thought ) it doesn't come from Bilstein Germany though . \ I have no idea who is making the springs for that kit but I would have guessed at Eibach .
 
IMG_4640.PNG IMG_4639.jpg I fitted B14's just yesterday. Mines a SWB T32 Kombi on 20's. It was running standard shocks and 40mm lowering springs and tbh I thought the ride was 'acceptable' for the light work and family use it undertakes. The key word there is 'thought' because not 5 miles into my drive home I reset the sat nav to a customers address some 85 miles away and just kept going - what a difference! I absolutely love them. The ride is compliant and controlled and I'd honestly say its right up there with the ride quality of my previous BM 640 - and that was fantastic. I put over 200 miles on it and could have happily done another 200 had i the time. £1.2k incl fitting , 4 wheel alignment & vat...and the best money I've spent on it by far.
For me the cons would be that body roll could be improved just a tad more, and [to set it level the fronts are now full height while the back is full low] I noticed the fronts do graze the inner arch if I'm an mph or so too quick over a speed bump.
Notwithstanding that I'm completely sold on them. Its fair to say that 10+ years ago, Yes i would have gone fully adjustable but for me now and at that price they get an A+
 
That looks great, As from previous posts I was trying to get Eibach, having previous experience but from the sounds of people’s comments these look a great way to go.
Where did you get them fitted?

great pics too!

Andy
 
No problem, Supplied, fitted & alignment at Demon Tweeks Nr Wrexham - i was there around 2.5 hours so take a pack lunch with you :)
 
That looks great, As from previous posts I was trying to get Eibach, having previous experience but from the sounds of people’s comments these look a great way to go.
Where did you get them fitted?

great pics too!

Andy
I should maybe add that I'm running Vredestien Quadtrac all-season tyres specifically because i think a slightly softer sidewall works better with 20's on a van. I'd expect they have some part to play in the ride quality
 
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