Fitting Bilstein B12 Pro Kit (Eibach)

[andylef]

Hi I'm considering buying the Bilstein B12 kit for my A4 Avant 2.0 TDI 58 regn and getting it professionally fitted with a full wheel alignment after fitting.

Question - Fitting by the garage is clearly no probs but it seems that there is some concern over whether the garage can carryout more than just the tracking; i.e they are not sure if they can do the camber as part of the wheel alignment. Anyone have any idea what the potential problem might be and how to overcome it? Additionally anyone know if my date car has adjustable camber settings?

many thanks

Andy

[AGW82]

As I understand it the car possibly has to go on a rig (possibly called a bizerba or that's what it sounds like, don't know if that's how its spelt) and also has to be weighted down in each foot well to be able to set the suspension geometry properly. Audi/VW dealers obviously have all the required equipment, and I dare say so would a good independent. However most tyre centers where you might typically get suspension stuff done can't do it.

This was the information given to me when I needed to get my suspension alignment checked on a B6 A4 with Sports Suspension, this was a few years ago now so Audi may have completely changed the suspension setup on subsequent A4 models. The information was given by a local branch of National Tyres and they had nothing to gain by advising me to go to Audi or VW, they we're quite clear they were not able to carry out the work for me.

Hopefully someone who knows more will be along soon to tell you if I'm talking rubbish.. :D

[AGW82]

Just found what the alignment rack is actually called... it's a Beissbarth rack..

[AGW82]

This might also be useful..

APS | Independent Specialist | Audi | Volkswagen | Porsche (http://www.autops.co.uk/alignment.asp)

[AGW82]

Possibly more useful as they have a depot in Leatherhead

Wheel alignment available at all our Merityre branches (http://www.merityre.co.uk/wheel-alignment)

They use Hunter Engineering kit but apparently that's as good as Beissbarth..

[AGW82]

To try and answer your other question, I don't believe the front upper control arms on the B8 are adjustable so there will be no camber adjustment at the front, but I think aftermarket arms are easily available.

You should have camber adjustment at the rear.

[andylef]

AGW82

Great job and many thanks for all the useful info.

I have done some checking around and spoken to the tyre shop in Leatherhead and it seems that whilst the rear wheels can be adjusted for camber et al the front wheels cannot be (as AWG82 stated). If there is a need to adjust the front then it may be case of getting AUDI to change the length of bolts or something?! (Edit - I know you've answered this question AGW82)

Will I actually need to adjust the front after fitting?

Sadly my tech knowledge runs out at this stage.

Next step is to get a better feel for the how and where and to a get better idea about the issues around alignment for the the new kit once fitted unless the are some more good ideas.

[andylef]

Just a quick update on where I am, for those who may follow downstream -

DPM performance can provide at - £655.00 inc VAT and delivery
Details of equipment required for A4 Avant 2.0TDI 143 (08 on) confirmed with Bilstein as -


B12 Pro-Kit -

46-183323

Fitting Position Front Axle, Lowering ca. 35 mm, to axle load 1105 kg;

Fitting Position Rear Axle, Lowering ca. 30 mm, to axle load 1160 kg, for vehicles without ride height control;

Fitting - Garage quote about 4'ish hours to fit.+ alignment of rear wheels and check of front (they cannot be realigned with out changing bolts.)