Has anyone lowered their B7 Passat?

[satz]

Hi all

Am looking to buy a 2011+ passat V6 sedan, and was wondering if any owners had lowered their cars?

If so, please let me know some details (cost, effect, etc)


The car looks great, especially in some colours, and so do the wheels. Just wish it was about 20mm lower, like the old R36s were

cheers

Satz

[wind]

The sports pack lowers the car by about 20 mm (I think) compared to the std, pic of my wagon:

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2012/09/IMG_14551-1.jpg

The mud-flaps do scrape when going over speed humps or when you go through a dip at freeway speeds!

How low do you want to go? I find that this height works for me (each to their own!).

[dopey]

I priced up Eibach springs for mine, they're around $600 for the set plus fitting. I eventually decided against it as a friend put the same springs into his Polo and I felt it ruined the ride.

[Hillbilly]

I wouldnt lower one They rub on awkward driveways as they are and the mudflaps rub when going over some gutters.

A nice ride as it is.

[maclean_cherry]

I wouldnt lower one They rub on awkward driveways as they are and the mudflaps rub when going over some gutters.

A nice ride as it is.

VW thought differently with the R36 :p

H&R Springs are what you want - H & R Springs - Where To Buy (http://www.h-r.com.au/where.php)

[MrWolf]

VW thought differently with the R36 :p

Urgh, my R36 scuffs on everything. Painful to say the least.

[Spaceman]

If you get some decent quality coilovers you can still retain a good ride and have increased handling and better stance.

[satz]

thanks for the responses! I didn't realise that there was a sport pack. Is that the one that includes the paddles, and bigger wheels? I'll look into that...

cheers

Satz

[drad81]

Sports pack is sports suspension (20mm lower) 18" wheels, paddles on steering wheel, Privacy glass for rear windows, Racing style seats (well worth the extra cost alone)

[wind]

Sports pack is sports suspension (20mm lower) 18" wheels, paddles on steering wheel, Privacy glass for rear windows, Racing style seats (well worth the extra cost alone)

+1. Fully agree. Ride is very comfortable and seats are great whether a short burst or a long cruise.

I had my front windows tinted to (legally) match the rears. Also, had clear (IR/UV) film put on the factory tinted rears as the tint is dark but does not block IR/UV . . . the factory privacy tint is in the glass itself and not a film.

[maclean_cherry]

Urgh, my R36 scuffs on everything. Painful to say the least.
I've owned really low cars before so maybe its just my driving style...

Mine actually goes on 3 wheels up my driveway because of how steep the curb is.. Never scrapes or rubs though.

MC

[Buzy_Robot]

Besides being 10mm, 15mm, 20mm lower (nobody seems quite sure!) - what actual changes are there to the suspension that accompanies the B7 Passat Sport Package? Does the vehicle weigh more than a regular Passat? There is absolutely no information about a lowered chassis or sports suspension given by VW and the only reason I know about it is because of this forum, albeit after signing the new car contract. To be sure, one can readily access information about the sports seats, Vincenza alloys, paddles shifts, 18" wheels, tinted rear windows via the Passat brochure, but that's it. I'm looking forward to delivery day, but I hope to God the lowered suspension doesn't cause me grief on Melbourne roads! No mudflaps for me, ay?!?!

[satz]

I was thinking along the same lines as buzyrobot. The brochure for the 2012 Passat describes the Sports Package, but doesn't make any mention of lowered suspension, nor steering wheel paddles.

Do these defintely come with the package, or are they additional again?

[drad81]

+1. Fully agree. Ride is very comfortable and seats are great whether a short burst or a long cruise.

I had my front windows tinted to (legally) match the rears. Also, had clear (IR/UV) film put on the factory tinted rears as the tint is dark but does not block IR/UV . . . the factory privacy tint is in the glass itself and not a film.

I'll have to look into the tinting, where did you go in Syd?

I can confirm that the Sports pack on the Alltrack definitely comes with the steering paddle shift and am confident that the normal Passat Sports has this too.

As for lowering the car, if your doing it to make it look better I think the standard height is fine. It doesn't really look high. Maybe someone can tell us if the Passat has any body roll on std suspension. I can tell you that I'm very impressed with the Alltrack. It of course sits higher and has the smallest amount of body roll. Not sure if its because of less tyre roll with the 18s or the 4motion.

What wheels do you have, 17s?

Here's a pic of my mates passat on 19s with standard suspension.

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2012/11/photo-1.jpg

[CaseySP]

The Sports kit comes with bling wheels, paddles, lowered suspension, sports seats and rear window tinting.

Here is a piccy of mine a day or two after it was delivered - still with the misaligned rear passenger window trim (replaced at the 1000km service). Also had the front windows tinted to match the rears and UV film added to the rear windows (including the cargo area).

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2012/07/a50449234729072012002-1.jpg

[wind]

I'll have to look into the tinting, where did you go in Syd?


I had it done by Dave at Reflect Effect (Parra). Do a search of this forum, plenty of tinting threads - covers everything you may want: who does it best, how dark do you go, what shade etc.

Also, I had protective film put on the rear bumper at the same time as the tint to avoid scrapes to the paint (as I move a fair amount of stuff in and out of the back on a regular basis) . . . the most 'damaging' items I carry are the kids schoolbags, which are up there with heavy boxes with sharp edges as to the damage they cause . . . mainly because the just drag them out, no matter how often I tell them to pick them up!
:cussing:

[passat123]

Here's a pic of my mates passat on 19s with standard suspension.

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2012/11/photo-1.jpg

hey, are those wheels from tempe?

do you know if your mate will be lowering it soon or will it stay that height?

[drad81]

I'm pretty sure they are from Tempe. Its his wife's car so it'll stay that height.

[passat123]

I'm pretty sure they are from Tempe. Its his wife's car so it'll stay that height.

is it a 125Tdi?

could you see if there has been any change in acceleration, mileage and braking from the stock 17s? I want to get 19s on mine too and lower it a bit but don't know if its worth the potential loss of comfort?

[drad81]

Yeah it's the tdi. He told me that the car ride is bumpier (part of the reason why it's not getting lowered) but otherwise drives the same.

[J3r3m13]

Hi all, rather than start a new thread I thought I would post here.

I've recently purchased a MY11 Passat sedan 125TDI and I'm looking at lowering it as it currently sits too high for my liking. I only want it for visual effects rather than handling so I'm only looking at springs for now and I'll change the shocks at later date if needed.
So far I've been quoted on a set of Eibach springs for $950 fitted (is that a good price?) plus a wheel alignment from a local Brisbane shop, and this will drop it by 30mm.
I've seen the H&R springs seems to be the recommendation but I can't locate a local dealer.
I can see the last update on this thread was in 2013 but was wondering if anyone had recently looked into a similar upgrade?
Any recommendations or places to check out in the Brisbane area?

Im im contacting Fulcrum Suspensions now and am waiting to hear back from them.
thanks

[passat123]

I'm in the same boat..

Have you tried the H&R website (http://www.h-r.com.au/where.php)?

The eibach don't seem low enough for me, I'm leaning towards H&R just for the rated drop of 40mm. I'm trying to organize H&Rs installed this month for myself.

Eibach offers another option which is rated to a 50mm drop but I think that would be too low and new shocks would be a must.

[R36]

Hi all

Am looking to buy a 2011+ passat V6 sedan, and was wondering if any owners had lowered their cars?

If so, please let me know some details (cost, effect, etc)


The car looks great, especially in some colours, and so do the wheels. Just wish it was about 20mm lower, like the old R36s were

cheers

Satz

Hi - I tried several different spring combinations when I bought my R36 wagon new and ended up with having a couple of sets custom made by King springs on the Gold Coast. I still have a spare set with the standard spring rate (which I found too soft!) but lowered by about 15mm from standard V6 height (or raised about 10mm from R36), as the factory R36 height (25mm lower) scraped on speed bumps and could not even get up my steep driveway. They were only used for a few days before upgrading the spring rate to suit my driving preferences. Please call me on (0434) 667 410 if you are interested in them for $300 for the front and rear set + delivery (located in Brisbane).

[J3r3m13]

I've sourced a set of H&R springs from a local Brisbane dealer, this will lower it down 40mm. It doesn't seem that much but I still hope it won't make the ride too harsh. I didn't want to have to change the shocks just yet.
I've placed my order and they should arrive around Friday, so will get them installed next week.

[passat123]

I've sourced a set of H&R springs from a local Brisbane dealer, this will lower it down 40mm. It doesn't seem that much but I still hope it won't make the ride too harsh. I didn't want to have to change the shocks just yet.
I've placed my order and they should arrive around Friday, so will get them installed next week.

How much did the springs cost you? Whats the workshops name?
I'm having trouble finding a reputable workshop ordering the 40mm H&R for my car. (Sydney)

Could you list the part numbers for the springs, I think front and rear are different.

[J3r3m13]

I got quoted $490 for the H&R set. I went on the H&R site (H & R Springs (http://www.h-r.com.au)) and clicked on 'where to buy', it gave me 2 listings for QLD and I contacted the local Brisbane supplier which is called 'Rencal Motors', I'm not familiar with them but they seem to be a dealership that sells VW, Audis and BMWs. I was put through their service area and I ordered it directly from them. They told me there was only one set available for this model and it was definitely the 40mm drop set. I didn't ask for the part numbers, but I'm meant to pick them up on Friday so I can post the details once I have them.
They offered to install them and quoted me $600, I decided to go through Fulcrum Suspensions who quote me a similar price, but is located in a more convenient location. Although Rencal offered me a loan car it's still more convenient to select somewhere closer to the city. Fulcrum are also suspension specialists so I would rather have them do the job.

I just checked the NSW location and there seems to be a few suppliers listed there, have you tried contacting those?

[passat123]

Thanks for the info!
Yea, once you get the springs I'd appreciate if you could reply with the part number and maybe pics next week, depending how you go.

I'll call RamSpeed NSW and see what they can do for me

[passat123]

Got my 19" Lugano replicas fitted.

235/35 R19 Continental CSC5P tyres.

Waiting for the H&R springs to arrive...

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2014/08/5eja4anu-1.jpg

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2014/08/esavuvaq-1.jpg

[timbob23]

@ j3r3m13 did you get the springs fitted yet? I have a set sitting in the garage - but haven't gotten around to getting them fitted yet - be very interested to hear how they've worked out...

Tim

[passat123]

Yep! All done..
Handles slightly different, less sloppy when cornering and when exiting a turn. It's not comfortable when going over speed humps, just go really slow and it's fine though.
Got custom wheel alignment settings to my own settings for a smoother ride and increased tyre life.

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2014/09/ba9d150d7ea04d725d2765a1c493fd45-1.jpg

http://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/images/imported/2014/09/d442d92b64f159123fc4adf805d92b05-1.jpg

[timbob23]

Man that looks sooooo much better!!

Is that the 40mm drop? Who fitted them?

[passat123]

Yeah, H&R Sport Springs, rated ~40mm

I'm glad it's not covering the tyres! Looks neat as is I think.

Got RamSpeed, Seven Hills to supply and fit.

[XXX-1.8T]

Looks much better lowered less 4X4 looking.

Other brand springs i recommend are KW.

That what i have on my R36

[cru22z]

How much was everything


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[J3r3m13]

Apologies, I was meant to post photos as well after I got mine done. I've been so busy lately that I haven't had a chance. Got mine installed a few weeks ago now. It looks much better but to be honest the ride has become quite bumpy now. There must be a lot more bumpy roads around my area than I remembered. I am even looking at changing the shocks. I'm very happy with the handling (not that it's the type of car to throw around corners at high speed), but it seems to hold the road better.
Fitting the springs cost me $400 including wheel balance and alignment (I did get a discount since I used my usual mechanic).
Ive since got the windows tinted, with darker on the back windows. I wished it was darker but it's legal at least. Next I'd like to look at changing the wheels. (Nice wheels by the way passat123).
11927

[Diegothecat]

Hey

Im hoping someone can point me in the right direction, I have a b7 alltrack and there is no way it will ever be seeing the off road, bu the reasion i bought it was due to its all motion and being diesel being great on fuel.

So Iv been trying to get it lowered but cant find any dealers that can get wagon springs. got a quote for a set of king custom springs but including fitting the price was near $1750 and that is absolute bull for a set of springs.

Anyone know where to get wagon springs from?

Cheers

[dero]

Interesting thread. I'd been thinking what could happen to my Passat if I lowered the springs.

I've got the Adaptive Chassis Control option in my car and it's a great drive when going round country roads with the stiffer Sport settings engaged and when just cruising down the M1, having it in Comfort mode definitely smooths out the rough top of the concrete road.

However - swapping for shorter and stiffer springs - will this affect the ACC's management of the car? Would it require re-tuning as a consequence?

[Adamg]

Interesting thread. I'd been thinking what could happen to my Passat if I lowered the springs.

I've got the Adaptive Chassis Control option in my car and it's a great drive when going round country roads with the stiffer Sport settings engaged and when just cruising down the M1, having it in Comfort mode definitely smooths out the rough top of the concrete road.

However - swapping for shorter and stiffer springs - will this affect the ACC's management of the car? Would it require re-tuning as a consequence?


I have a set of Eibach springs lowered about 35mm. Improves the handling and sits really nice. I have a 1.8tsi with no ACC all I had to do was a wheel alignment.14911

[passat123]

Yeah, the Eibach's drop it just a touch. They are rated to 35mm but according to Eibach (when I rang them) they said 25mm.

I prefer the H&R as fitted to my B7 Sedan. They are rated to a 40mm drop, doesn't bottom out and looks cleaner, the tyre to guard gap is pretty much eliminated.

[dero]

Yes, but in getting different springs and lowering the height of the car - does this affect the ACC and does it then require a software retune for it to line up nicely to the new lowered/stiffer springs?

[brad]

Hey

Im hoping someone can point me in the right direction, I have a b7 alltrack and there is no way it will ever be seeing the off road, bu the reasion i bought it was due to its all motion and being diesel being great on fuel.

So Iv been trying to get it lowered but cant find any dealers that can get wagon springs. got a quote for a set of king custom springs but including fitting the price was near $1750 and that is absolute bull for a set of springs.

Anyone know where to get wagon springs from?

Cheers

I'm not sure what you mean by "dealer can't get wagon springs". Of course they can get them - they just need a VIN from whatever type of wagon you want springs from. Or search the number yourself at partsbase.org

The King Springs quote sounds insane - there must be something wrong (distance / communication?)

Try K-mac Springs. I've had them do custom work for me before & it wasn't OTT - about $300/pr. They are in Sydney so you might have similar issues to King Springs.

Heasemans in Sydney is worth a try

Have you tried someone local to BNE like Fulcrum, Lovells, Carrolls, SSA,


You've got plenty of options for lowering:

1) adjustable height coilovers

2) Eibach Springs (about $600 delivered ex-USA); H&R springs , etc

3) Found these on eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Merwede-Lowring-spring-for-VB-Passat-3B-/291401389761?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_15&hash=item43d8e056c1) Not sure if that's your model.

4) Skoda Superb or Octavia & VW Golf springs will fit. you just have to take a bit of a logical punt. eg: I run Eibach diesel wagon springs on my petrol Octavia sedan - they work well.

5)look for an international seller on ebay UK or Germany

6) Look at ECS tuning

7) wrecked cars like
Volkswagen R36 Passat 4D Wagon 2010 V6 3 6L 6SP Auto Wrecking FOR Parts | eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/VOLKSWAGEN-R36-PASSAT-4D-WAGON-2010-V6-3-6L-6SP-AUTO-WRECKING-FOR-PARTS-/141078598696?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_15&hash=item20d8f09428)

or

Volkswagen Passat Right Rear Door Shell MK6 Wagon 03 06 06 07 08 09 10 | eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/VOLKSWAGEN-PASSAT-RIGHT-REAR-DOOR-SHELL-MK6-WAGON-03-06-06-07-08-09-10-/271625103611?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_15&hash=item3f3e1e28fb)