DS5 suspension

[JB85]

DS5 Tyre / Shock Absorber Update
After much consideration we managed to improve the transmission and the wife decided she wanted to keep the DS5.

A quick recap:
Unhappy with the ride quality we swapped to 225/50-18 Michelin Primacy 4 tyres all round that improved the ride considerably. But it was still hash over pot holes (a regular feature of our Australian roads) and any sharp bumps in the road. The 50 series improved the ride quite a lot but it still was harsh and unforgiving.

Bilstein A4 Shocks
A few months ago we replaced all four shock absorbers with Bilstein B4's all around. These have made an enormous change to the ride quality. It now rides very well, just like a normal car rather than a billy cart.
The Bilsteins have a typical Germanic feel. Small bumps can be felt but are not intrusive or jarring, think Audi A4 - firm and controlled but not harsh in any way. The initial jiggling at low speeds settled after about 1kkm. Even before it wan't intrusive or uncomfortable in anyway. No crashing over pot holes, rough edges or road patches.
Rear comfort is considerably improved too. Sitting in the back is no longer some form of torture. Ride in the back seat is now quite comfortable.

Handling is very sharp, it points and steers well. Is confidence inspiring in corners - not that my wife will drive it that way. There is less body roll feeling well balanced at all round. There is still that typical french (all fwd) understeer but its not pronounced and you'd need to be pushing quite hard to notice it. In normal driving it handling is very neutral.

The 50 profile tyres and Bilsteins have completely transformed the DS5 from being one of the worst riding modern cars I've experienced into good, comfortable car that is a pleasure to own and drive. Its not silky smooth like a hydro-sprung C5 but comfortable, controlled and handles nicely.

Finally, the DS5 a nice thing to be in.

Hello - I am also in Australia and trying to source B4's for my 2013 2.0 HDi 163HP DS5. I have used the part numbers in one of your earlier posts but the online stores show the shocks are compatible with BlueHDi engines or petrol only. Can you tell me where you got your shocks and did you replace the bushes or springs as well or only the shock?

It is very confusing how one 2.0 diesel engine (HDi) could not theoretically use the same shocks from another 2.0 diesel engine (Blue HDi).

Cheers

[wurlycorner]

Hi JB
That user (CC1701) hasn’t logged into the site since April this year, so it might be a little while before they see your reply - might be worth you dropping them a DM to try and draw attention to your question on this thread. A DM should send them an email to let them know they have a DM on the site and hopefully prompt them to log in.