Bilstein B14 Komforts Adjustment

[chappers0987]

Hi all,

I’m looking to raise the ride height of my van by 10 to 15mm, I currently have B14 Komforts fitted lowered 65mm, however the height from the floor to bottom of the front bumper (when parked on a level surface is 120mm) it is causing me kerb / speed bump anxiety!

The front coilovers I can see look straight forward to adjust but the rears look to involve unbolting bits to gain access? Does anyone have a guide on how to adjust them / bits to unbolt?

I only have a trolley Jack and don’t like the idea of using the Jack supplied with the van as doesn’t look to be sturdy at all. Will this be sufficient?

I have a t32 LWB 4m 199ps 6.1 if it makes any difference.

Apologies if this has been covered before I did do search but to no avail.

Thank you in advance

 

[Bigsidavies]

I’m all for tinkering and doing my own stuff, but I’d honestly see if CRS will sort out the ride height for you. I think jacking up one corner at a time and then trying to adjust the height to guess how it will sit under load just sounds horrific.
Give it to someone who just knows and will do it in 30 minutes so it sits properly all round while you have a brew.

 

[Campertrucker321]

Steve CRS makes a good cuppa and he’ll sort your van

 

[chappers0987]

I’m all for tinkering and doing my own stuff, but I’d honestly see if CRS will sort out the ride height for you. I think jacking up one corner at a time and then trying to adjust the height to guess how it will sit under load just sounds horrific.
Give it to someone who just knows and will do it in 30 minutes so it sits properly all round while you have a brew.

I was thinking the same to be honest but I’m pleased I’ve got a second opinion. I’ve spoken to Leighton Vans this morning who fitted them when I purchased my van and they going to sort it for me not sure if it’s going to cost me but least I won’t be worried as much about every speed bump or kerb I come across!

 

[Jeff Goodall]

Hi all,

I’m looking to raise the ride height of my van by 10 to 15mm, I currently have B14 Komforts fitted lowered 65mm, however the height from the floor to bottom of the front bumper (when parked on a level surface is 120mm) it is causing me kerb / speed bump anxiety!

The front coilovers I can see look straight forward to adjust but the rears look to involve unbolting bits to gain access? Does anyone have a guide on how to adjust them / bits to unbolt?

I only have a trolley Jack and don’t like the idea of using the Jack supplied with the van as doesn’t look to be sturdy at all. Will this be sufficient?

I have a t32 LWB 4m 199ps 6.1 if it makes any difference.

Apologies if this has been covered before I did do search but to no avail.

Thank you in advance

What splitter do you have at that measurement please.

 

[chappers0987]

What splitter do you have at that measurement please.

Hi it’s the T6.1 LV-R Front Bumper

LV-R Front Bumper Replacement for VW T6.1 by Leighton Vans

Upgrade your VW T6.1 with the LV-R Front Bumper Replacement from Leighton Vans. Blending OEM fit and finish with bold styling, this injection-moulded bumper features larger grilles, accent lines, and a Leighton splitter.

www.leightonparts.co.uk

It’s quite a bit lower than the Sportline bumper with vanstyle lower splitter I had on my previous T6. That was lowered 70mm on the same coilovers and had much more ground clearance.

 

[Jeff Goodall]

Hi it’s the T6.1 LV-R Front Bumper

LV-R Front Bumper Replacement for VW T6.1 by Leighton Vans

Upgrade your VW T6.1 with the LV-R Front Bumper Replacement from Leighton Vans. Blending OEM fit and finish with bold styling, this injection-moulded bumper features larger grilles, accent lines, and a Leighton splitter.

www.leightonparts.co.uk

It’s quite a bit lower than the Sportline bumper with vanstyle lower splitter I had on my previous T6. That was lowered 70mm on the same coilovers and had much more ground clearance.

Hi it’s the T6.1 LV-R Front Bumper

LV-R Front Bumper Replacement for VW T6.1 by Leighton Vans

Upgrade your VW T6.1 with the LV-R Front Bumper Replacement from Leighton Vans. Blending OEM fit and finish with bold styling, this injection-moulded bumper features larger grilles, accent lines, and a Leighton splitter.

www.leightonparts.co.uk

It’s quite a bit lower than the Sportline bumper with vanstyle lower splitter I had on my previous T6. That was lowered 70mm on the same coilovers and had much more ground clearance.

This is what I’m trying to work out. Got a new 6.1 coming but not sure what splitter to get for the same reason you have mentioned.

 

[CRS Performance]

Hi all,

I’m looking to raise the ride height of my van by 10 to 15mm, I currently have B14 Komforts fitted lowered 65mm, however the height from the floor to bottom of the front bumper (when parked on a level surface is 120mm) it is causing me kerb / speed bump anxiety!

The front coilovers I can see look straight forward to adjust but the rears look to involve unbolting bits to gain access? Does anyone have a guide on how to adjust them / bits to unbolt?

I only have a trolley Jack and don’t like the idea of using the Jack supplied with the van as doesn’t look to be sturdy at all. Will this be sufficient?

I have a t32 LWB 4m 199ps 6.1 if it makes any difference.

Apologies if this has been covered before I did do search but to no avail.

Thank you in advance

This might turn out to be a bigger job than you anticipate. The B14 adjusters are often adjusted to the highest setting and the vans still sit too low ( way below the 40 mm it says on the tin) . This is because the springs aren't sufficiently rated for many vans particularly heavy vans campers and 4 motions . This means mods maybe need to be done to get the van higher . Ideally the spring needs to be stronger but sadly there arent any stonger springs that fit the B14 adjuster . We usually change the spring adjuster and spring to get the correct results . Better ride and better height adjustment .
The picture was a camper van fitted weeks before the photo was taken with the B14 Komfort kit . The spring is blocked out with only a few mm of travel left and as you can see adjusted to the 40 mm setting but the van was 75 mm down , .

If you can call me ill explain what we can do to correct it ,

PS if your van is light ie empty panel van there will be some adjustment left and then its easy to sort out .

steve

 

[chappers0987]

This might turn out to be a bigger job than you anticipate. The B14 adjusters are often adjusted to the highest setting and the vans still sit too low ( way below the 40 mm it says on the tin) . This is because the springs aren't sufficiently rated for many vans particularly heavy vans campers and 4 motions . This means mods maybe need to be done to get the van higher . Ideally the spring needs to be stronger but sadly there arent any stonger springs that fit the B14 adjuster . We usually change the spring adjuster and spring to get the correct results . Better ride and better height adjustment .
The picture was a camper van fitted weeks before the photo was taken with the B14 Komfort kit . The spring is blocked out with only a few mm of travel left and as you can see adjusted to the 40 mm setting but the van was 75 mm down , .

If you can call me ill explain what we can do to correct it ,

PS if your van is light ie empty panel van there will be some adjustment left and then its easy to sort out .

steve

View attachment 176468

Thanks Steve for your message, I’ve since booked the van back in with Leighton Vans who fitted the B14’s originally to adjust them.

All being well they’ll sort me out but I’ll give you a call if I’m not satisfied and see how we move from there.

Thanks again Alex

 

[CRS Performance]

We are working on a replacement B14 spring to help the many customers who are struggling with the rear springs , either not working or breaking .

steve

 

[John86T5]

Hi,

Just found this thread since I recently bought the B14 Komfort kit on a discount deal at Vanstyle. I'd initially read good things and being far better than OEM. Now I've read quite a few posts regarding using this kit on a heavy van and likely bottoming out the springs. I have a T5.1 4 motion with camper furnitire, bed and pop top. Currently on raised +35mm suspension which I'm less keen on, bought the van with this.

I haven't had the Bilstein kit fitted yet, and am still within the return period. Am I better returning this and looking at another option, and what would that option be? Me intention is to have approx standard ride height but with better ride quality and handling.

 

[CRS Performance]

Hi,

Just found this thread since I recently bought the B14 Komfort kit on a discount deal at Vanstyle. I'd initially read good things and being far better than OEM. Now I've read quite a few posts regarding using this kit on a heavy van and likely bottoming out the springs. I have a T5.1 4 motion with camper furnitire, bed and pop top. Currently on raised +35mm suspension which I'm less keen on, bought the van with this.

I haven't had the Bilstein kit fitted yet, and am still within the return period. Am I better returning this and looking at another option, and what would that option be? Me intention is to have approx standard ride height but with better ride quality and handling.

The Bilstein Cant do standard ride height at all ! it cant cope well with the weight of your van either and will sit around 70 to 80 mm lower , return them if you can !! and dont buy any coil over kits as these type of kits cant do standard height at all . It isnt what they were designed for !

YOU need a bespoke solution to suit what you have said you want to do and that is ideally why we have our modular Definition kit , we can tailor this to suit what ever you need and make sure you have the best ride / handling available .

 

[John86T5]

Hi,

I was assuming when it said -40mm that it would do that which I could accept but I've read several posts showing the springs bound and not suitable for a heavy camper van. Seems a bit strange they can rate it for a T32... I bought it in a bit of excitement due to the special offer but I should have waited.

I'm taking the steps to return the kit, then can discuss something that suits my needs.

 

[CRS Performance]

Hi,

I was assuming when it said -40mm that it would do that which I could accept but I've read several posts showing the springs bound and not suitable for a heavy camper van. Seems a bit strange they can rate it for a T32... I bought it in a bit of excitement due to the special offer but I should have waited.

I'm taking the steps to return the kit, then can discuss something that suits my needs.

Dont worry , many have made the same mistake , we wouldn't expect you to have the inside technical knowledge of the goings on with transporter suspension but sadly many sellers of these kits also dont know the limitations

 

[Stu Hutton]

Hi. I’ve got B14 Komforts too and as @CRS Performance says, the rear springs don’t seem up to the job when it comes to a VW California.
My rear springs sagged badly and Bilstein replaced them out of warranty but I can see things going the same way.
I have this much left on the front coilovers (see pic - much upwards adjustment left?) but I’m told the rears are maxed out.
I think I’m running about 60mm drop but would love to raise the van by about 20mm or more . I’ve had spring spacers suggested but I’m not sure I like the sound of those too much. I don’t mind standard ride height but I’m reluctant to go back to the standard suspension as that’s known for sagging on 4Mo vans and there’s no adjustability if it does.
I was wondering if there are any different springs that could be mated to the B14 K’s to give a bit less drop - seems a shame to ditch the whole setup.
Any suggestions or opinions welcome.

 

[CRS Performance]

Hi Stu

Very few people who sell B14 kits realise that there are limitations with these kits , and the weight they can carry . spring spacers on the rear wont help or fit because the issue you have isnt actually the height its the spring not coping with the weight and we dont use spacers on height adjustable springs anyway ,

the only sensible thing we can do for you is to supply a complete replacement rear spring and adjuster £295.00 incl vat , the adjusters are not compatible with B14 sadly .
The B14 CANNOT do standard height so a complete change of kit would be needed to do this ,, At standard height our Active dampers are superb and the most comfortable ride you can get from a Transporter with out exception . let me know if you need info on these ?
SH

 

[BognorMotors]

Hi. I’ve got B14 Komforts too and as @CRS Performance says, the rear springs don’t seem up to the job when it comes to a VW California.
My rear springs sagged badly and Bilstein replaced them out of warranty but I can see things going the same way.
I have this much left on the front coilovers (see pic - much upwards adjustment left?) but I’m told the rears are maxed out.
I think I’m running about 60mm drop but would love to raise the van by about 20mm or more . I’ve had spring spacers suggested but I’m not sure I like the sound of those too much. I don’t mind standard ride height but I’m reluctant to go back to the standard suspension as that’s known for sagging on 4Mo vans and there’s no adjustability if it does.
I was wondering if there are any different springs that could be mated to the B14 K’s to give a bit less drop - seems a shame to ditch the whole setup.
Any suggestions or opinions welcome.

View attachment 268074

Hi @Stu Hutton

As a bilsteain dealer we may be able to help you with this. I've actually just been on the phone with Bilstein, and brought this up in discussion. We could well have a spring solution for you, but need some more details. Could you DM me your contact details and we can have a chat. Many thanks Oli

 

[Stu Hutton]

Hi Stu

Very few people who sell B14 kits realise that there are limitations with these kits , and the weight they can carry . spring spacers on the rear wont help or fit because the issue you have isnt actually the height its the spring not coping with the weight and we dont use spacers on height adjustable springs anyway ,

the only sensible thing we can do for you is to supply a complete replacement rear spring and adjuster £295.00 incl vat , the adjusters are not compatible with B14 sadly .
The B14 CANNOT do standard height so a complete change of kit would be needed to do this ,, At standard height our Active dampers are superb and the most comfortable ride you can get from a Transporter with out exception . let me know if you need info on these ?
SH

Thanks for this, I’m about to head to France so will be in touch when I get back!

 

[JumpShip]

France looks quite cold at the mo , where you heading ?
We're hoping to be off that way very soon .

 

[Stu Hutton]

We go to Sainte Foy Tarentaise. Think we all need more snow in our lives! Where you thinking of going?