it's been beaten to death but can anyone who actually has this set up for a while give me some real feedback? Have springs already. Should I bother with the sports shocks or just go straight to coilover? My biggest concerns are durability with rough roads and control. I've heard that the race spring are too stiff for even the Bilsteins and they wont last too long.

I've never done it on an audi but on my VW I went through shocks like crazy

What kind of shocks were you using? Have you ever done coilovers?

back then I had neuspeed springs and used both bilstein and tokico shocks
both failed before their time..

Wow. That's bad news. I have the H&R races on now w/stock sport shocks. I know... it sucks - no control whatsoever. I did feel good about getting the Bil Sports but now not really. I guess Im screwed either way. Did they at least replace for free w/ the bils?
Thanks V

yeah they did twice after a complaining
then I got rid of the car.

I hear that. I read somewhere that Bilstein will revalve their shocks to match whatever springs you get. I may call them on that, but I don't understand why on sites like ECStuning.com they sell them together like theyre the perfect match when they dont even last.

the ride is a little on the rough side, but the car handles great. just avoid potholes like it's your job and you will be ok

Hi, I bought my Race + grooved Bilstein sports from ecs a couple years back for my 99 A4 1.8Tq, originally had the sport pkg. I honestly don't think they ride that rough. Yes they are stiff, but in a tight, controlled manner... not a bone jarring type of thing. After 2 years, my only complaint is that it is too low (my grooves are set to the second lowest setting, I plan on raising it soon). If I remember correctly, I think the spring rates were 450lb/in.

If I were to do it again, I would, I'd just keep it an inch higher.

if u live on the east cost the weather here is really bad. i did an H&R Coilovers system on my A6 4.2 it lasted 2 yrs and the adjusters rusted on. i went with KW Coilovers V3 Stainless steel they don't rust and the ride is soooo much better...my car sits 25.75 from the fender to thye ground...check out my pics tell me what u think