Bilstein TC 22-045751 Suspension Strut Assembly

Ok, there's a bit of negative "buzz" out there about these struts. Yes, they are a bit stiff...if you want plush ride, look to sensa-tracs, or maybe gabriels. These are made in Germany, just like my W-code '01 GTI is. My car uses the "stiffer" sport versions of these, being a GTI. They are light-weight, well built, and ride smoothly, in my opinion. My car is not lowered, stock springs, stock 23mm anti roll-bar, stock 16" Montreal 2 rims. No suspension mods except for solid Lemforder front control arm bushings (see my other reviews).Never, ever use an impact gun on a strut shaft! My previous set of these...failed at 9k miles. The previous owner blew them in with an impact, the hammering clearly damaged something in the valving. My front left collapsed, while on a 900 mile road-trip to Portland. Upon removal, something was clearly broke-off inside, rattling around in there. The chrome shaft slide up-and-down erratically...almost like nothing was attached to it, internally. Not Bilstein's fault. I was not the original purchaser, so no warranty claim could be submitted to Bilstein. I shelled-out the cash for a brand new set.With the original damaged set, the car rode horridly stiff since day one. I simply thought that's how they were! After 9k miles of way-to-harsh ride quality with the first damaged set, these new replacements, installed correctly, ride substantially better. I am very pleased, so far. The included nyloc nut is 22mm, unflanged and rather cheesy. I used new OEM VW 21mm flanged "stover-nuts" (mechanical lock nuts). Buy a 7mm allen wrench to hold the shaft.My only gripe is the quality of the black paint used. Rather trivial, but it does flake-off easily and get a bit scratched-up when fitting them into the knuckle. Always use a new TTY bolt-set. Oh, and the strut being "loosely" boxed is lame, as the spring-perch always rips through the cardboard (sadly typical of all struts).

I paired these sport struts with Moog springs and it transformed my 2003 Jetta TDI's handling. (Also did the rear end.) No more US mush and now 100% more Euro handling. Hard to describe: it feels stiffer but rides smoother at the same time. Glued to the road and not floating along above it. Granted that's compared to the factory struts and springs after 14 years and 120K miles but it corners much better than it did when new and seems to have less under steer, too.

I have put Bilstein Touring class sports on two of my MK IV VWs and have been supper happy, the handle is much better with minimal reduction in ride quality. I have a TDI with entry level Koni's on it, and while there is really no problem with them, the Bilsteins are cheaper, a little tighter on the handling( admittedly a little rougher). Bilstein is the only thing I will but on my cars.

I haven't installed them yet, but good so far.

Provides a firm sporty ride. The original struts are very mushy. These feel very stable. The car should have come with these from the beginning. Even better with Suplex springs.

Love these struts and shocks

Perfect fit on 2000 GTI

Not just a better ride but better handling..