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VW Golf, GTI and Golf R Coilovers

Two MK7 Golfs that look the same may not take the same kit. Front strut tubes come in two sizes. The rear can be a torsion beam or a multi-link. Some cars have DCC adaptive dampers, electronic shocks that adjust themselves. So check your car before you order. Below are all the VW Golf, GTI and Golf R coilovers we carry, MK1 to MK8, with BC Racing first.

Not sure which strut or rear you have? Call 1-800-460-9106 with your year and trim.

Lowered red MK7 Volkswagen GTI on coilovers parked on a small-town main street on a Saturday morning

Animated illustration. It shows where coilovers sit on a car, not your exact kit. Depending on the car and the kit, coilovers can lean forward or back or stand straight up, and some cars use a separate spring and shock in the rear. Your ride height depends on the kit and how it is set up.

BC Racing coilovers for the VW Golf

BC Racing on a Golf, kit by kit

BC Racing makes these series for the Golf family: BR, DS, ER, RM and ZX. Which ones you can order depends on the exact car. On the MK6, the GTI and Golf R kit and the 54.5mm strut kit go all the way up to ZX. The 49.5mm kits top out at RM or DS. Every BC card further down shows the series sold for that car. Free shipping on BC Racing kits in the continental US.

See all BC Racing coilovers Jump to the MK7

The five BC series on the Golf

Here is what each series is, and which Golfs BC sells it for.

BR and DS: MK1 to MK8

BR is BC's street monotube (single-tube) coilover. One 30-click knob sets compression and rebound together. DS keeps that knob and adds a digressive piston, which firms up fast on small bumps. You can order both for every Golf generation BC covers.

RM: MK1 Cabriolet, MK5 to MK8

RM is an inverted (upside-down) monotube, with one 30-click knob for compression and rebound, built for MacPherson struts. The MK7 and MK8 use MacPherson struts up front. On the MK6, BC sells RM for the 54.5mm kit, the 2008 to 2013 kit and the GTI and Golf R kit.

ER: R32 and MK5 to MK8 GTI

ER is an upright shock with an external oil reservoir. Compression and rebound each adjust separately, with 30 clicks. BC sells it for the MK4 R32 and the MK5 GTI and Rabbit kit. It also covers the MK6 GTI, Golf R and 54.5mm kits, both MK7 strut sizes and the MK8 GTI.

ZX: the same cars as ER

BC calls ZX its "most track-tested" system. On the Golf it follows ER exactly, from the MK4 R32 to the MK8 GTI.

Extreme Low, MK5 to MK7

For a lower stance, BC sells Extreme Low kits for three generations. The MK5 GTI and TDI kit comes in BR and DS, and the 54.5mm MK6 and MK7 kits in BR. If you are unsure, a standard-height kit is the safer first step.

Swift Springs on a BC kit

To add Swift Springs to a BR, DS, ER or RM kit, order them through the Custom Build for BC Coilovers option. BC's MK4 R32 kit name says "Swift Front Only," so ask us what that means for your build.

Seven more brands for the Golf

Each brand has its own coilover design for this car. Here is what each one makes. To talk it through, call 1-800-460-9106.

KW has kits going back to the Golf II and III Syncro and the Golf II Rallye. From the MK6 to the MK8, it builds kits for cars with and without DCC. Each DCC kit includes the cancellation kit, EDC kit or ESC module listed in its name.

Öhlins

Öhlins has Road & Track kits for the MK5 and MK6 GTI, the MK5 R32 and the MK6 Golf R. On the MK7 and MK8, Öhlins builds for both the GTI and the Golf R.

Bilstein

Bilstein has B12 Pro-Kit, B12 Sportline and B14 PSS kits from the MK1 Rabbit to the MK7 Alltrack. Many kit names include the strut size, rear axle or suspension type, so read them closely.

Ksport

Ksport kits for the Golf and the Rabbit run from the MK1 through the MK7. Ksport adds R32 kits for the MK4 and MK5, plus an MK4 AWD kit.

Solo-Werks

Solo-Werks covers the MK1 Cabriolet to the MK7. Its four MK7 kits differ by strut tube size and by rear type, torsion beam or multi-link.

Fortune Auto

Fortune Auto builds MK7 GTI coilovers with a separate style rear, so the rear spring and damper mount apart from each other.

Feal

Feal makes a kit for the 2004 MK4 R32, the all-wheel drive V6 car.

Kits for commuters, track cars and show cars

The daily commute

A GTI that does the school run and the highway needs a sensible drop and damping that stays calm on bad pavement. Adjustable height and damping let you dial that in.

Kits to look at: BC Racing BR or DS, Bilstein B14 PSS, Ksport, Solo-Werks

Track days

A GTI depends on front grip. Separate compression and rebound adjustment and a stiff setup help a GTI or Golf R hold its line through long corners.

Kits to look at: BC Racing ER or ZX, Öhlins Road & Track, KW, Fortune Auto (MK7 GTI)

Show season

If you want your Golf low on the lawn at a VW show, BC sells Extreme Low kits for the MK5, MK6 and MK7.

Kits to look at: BC Racing Extreme Low (MK5 to MK7), Solo-Werks, Ksport

VW Golf coilovers by generation

Open any card to see the price, the specs and exactly which cars it fits.

Notes in BC kit names: "Swift Front Only" means the optional Swift spring upgrade is offered for the front springs only on that kit. "Extreme by Default" means the kit ships as BC's Extreme Low version as standard, built shorter for a lower drop.

2022 to 2025 Golf GTI and Golf R coilovers (MK8)

Codes: MK8, A8

Measure first: Many MK8 cars have DCC, so check yours before you buy MK8 GTI coilovers. KW lists separate kits for cars with and without DCC, and its DCC kits include a cancellation kit.

2015 to 2021 Golf, GTI and Golf R coilovers (MK7)

Codes: MK7, A7

**BC Racing kit**The BC Racing coilover kit for the 2015 to 2021 Volkswagen Golf. Photo: BC Racing.

Measure first: Check three things: DCC, the front strut size and the rear. KW lists GTI and Golf R kits with and without DCC. Brands label strut size as 49.5mm or 54.5mm (BC Racing) and 50mm or 55mm (Bilstein, Ksport, Solo-Werks). The rear is a torsion beam or a multi-link.

2010 to 2014 Golf, GTI and Golf R coilovers (MK6)

Codes: MK6, A6

**BC Racing kit**The BC Racing coilover kit for the 2012 to 2013 Volkswagen Golf R. Photo: BC Racing.

Measure first: On MK6 GTI coilovers, check for DCC first. KW has MK6 kits with and without DCC, and Öhlins sells a DCC cancellation kit. Bilstein has separate MK6 kits by front strut size and rear type, for cars without electronic suspension. BC Racing's Golf R and GTI kit is for cars without DCC. Solo-Werks names one kit "Golf TSI Quattro MK6" with no trim listed; call us before ordering it.

2006 to 2009 Golf, GTI, Rabbit and R32 coilovers (MK5)

Codes: MK5, A5, 1K

**BC Racing kit**The BC Racing coilover kit for the 2006 to 2010 Volkswagen Golf V. Photo: BC Racing.

Measure first: In the US, the base MK5 was sold as the Rabbit. Bilstein's MK5 GTI coilovers and Rabbit kits come by front strut size, 50mm or 55mm. VW sold the MK5 R32 here as a 2008 model, and it has its own kits.

1999 to 2006 Golf, GTI and R32 coilovers (MK4)

Codes: MK4, A4, 1J

**BC Racing kit**The BC Racing coilover kit for the 1995 to 2005 Volkswagen Golf IV. Photo: BC Racing.

Measure first: The 2004 R32 is all-wheel drive and takes its own kits. Several Bilstein MK4 kits fit only cars without self-leveling suspension.

1985 to 1999 Golf and GTI coilovers (MK2 and MK3)

Codes: MK2 A2, MK3 A3

**BC Racing kit**The BC Racing coilover kit for the 1985 to 1999 Volkswagen Golf. Photo: BC Racing.

Measure first: Many kits cover both generations. Bilstein has separate MK3 kits for the base axle and the plus axle, and separate MK2 GTI kits by year.

1974 to 1985 Golf and Rabbit coilovers, plus the Cabriolet to 1993 (MK1)

Codes: MK1, A1

Measure first: The US car was the Rabbit. The MK1-based Cabriolet ran to 1993. Bilstein's Rabbit kit fits only cars with rebuildable struts.

The Golf family at a glance

Generation	Years	What changes the kit	BC Racing series
MK8	2022 to 2025	GTI vs Golf R; DCC or not	BR, DS, ER, RM, ZX
MK7	2015 to 2021	DCC; front strut size; torsion beam vs multi-link rear	BR, DS, ER, RM, ZX
MK6	2010 to 2014	DCC or not; front strut size; Golf R vs GTI	BR, DS, ER, RM, ZX
MK5	2006 to 2009	GTI and Rabbit vs R32; front strut size	BR, DS, ER, RM, ZX
MK4	1999 to 2006	FWD vs R32 4motion	BR, DS, ER, ZX
MK2 and MK3	1985 to 1999	Base vs plus axle (MK3); Syncro AWD	BR, DS
MK1	1974 to 1993	Hatch vs Cabriolet	BR, DS, RM

Before you buy: what Golf and GTI owners run into

What Golf and GTI owners report most often, from owner forums, recalls and service bulletins, and what each point means for your coilovers.

Rear coil spring fracture recall

MK7 Golf 2015 to 2019 and Golf SportWagen 2017 to 2019

Volkswagen recalled about 56,000 cars (NHTSA 19V188000, VW 42J5) because rear coil springs from certain batches may fracture and damage a rear tire. Dealers replace the rear springs. Coilovers take the factory rear springs out, so check the recall status first in case you ever return to stock.

Before you install: Run the VIN for open recalls before ordering, and have the recall done if you plan to keep the factory rear springs.

Seized rear camber bolts block alignment

MK5 2006 to 2009 and MK6 2010 to 2014, multi-link rear

MK5 owners on mk5golfgti.co.uk report that shops could not adjust the rear because the eccentric camber bolts had seized in the bushing. One parts company says these bolts often seize, and Brake and Front End notes that worn bushings let camber and toe drift. A seized bolt can make the car impossible to align after you lower it.

Before you install: Have the rear eccentric bolts checked or freed before the install. Order new bolts, or arms if the bushing is damaged, in case they will not turn.

Auto leveling headlights need resetting after lowering

MK7 2015 to 2021 with auto leveling headlights

Grassroots Motorsports had to recalibrate the headlights with a scan tool after lowering its MK7 GTI, since the rear height sensor read the drop as squat. One MK7 owner on the OBDeleven forum says the lights aimed into the trees. The system is set to factory ride height, so a drop can leave the beams aimed off.

Before you install: Once the car settles at final height, have the headlight basic setting run with a scan tool and the aim checked on level ground.

Golf history

Eight generations from Wolfsburg

Volkswagen built the first Golf on 29 March 1974 in Wolfsburg. The GTI followed in 1976. Eight generations later, the Golf has been built in eight countries, and more than 37 million have left the line.

These are the changes that matter for suspension.

1974

The first GolfProduction began in Wolfsburg. In the US, the car wore the Rabbit name, and several brands still name their MK1 kits that way.
1976

The GTI arrivesThe first GTI turned the family hatch into a driver's car. Every generation on this page from the MK2 on has GTI kits.
MK7

Two rear axlesVW gave front-drive Golfs below 110 kW a torsion beam rear. Cars from 110 kW up, and 4MOTION cars, got a multi-link rear. That is why MK7 kits ask which rear you have.
MK8

Adaptive dampersThe MK8 brought a Vehicle Dynamics Manager that works with the optional DCC dampers. It adjusts the damping at each wheel 200 times a second.

Know your MK, your front strut size and your rear, and the right kit is easy to find in the list above.

Golf and GTI questions

How do I find the right kit for my Golf or GTI?

Start with the generation. On the MK5 to MK7, check the front strut size too, and on the MK7 check the rear: torsion beam or multi-link. On the MK8, check for DCC. Each kit page lists the exact fit, or call 1-800-460-9106.

How do I know if my front strut is the small or the large size?

Brands label the two sizes differently: 49.5mm and 54.5mm at BC Racing, 50mm and 55mm at Bilstein, Ksport and Solo-Werks. Give us your year, model and trim and we will confirm which one you have.

My GTI has DCC. Can I still fit coilovers?

Yes. For the MK6, MK7 and MK8, KW has kits for cars with DCC. Each one includes a cancellation kit, EDC kit or ESC module, as its name says. Öhlins sells DCC cancellation kits for the MK6 and for the MK7 and MK8. Several Bilstein kits fit only cars without electronic suspension, so check the kit name before you order.

Which BC Racing series fit my Golf?

BC Racing sells BR, DS, ER, RM and ZX for the Golf family. The series change by car. Every BC kit card on this page shows the series sold for that exact car.

Do you carry Golf R and R32 coilovers?

Yes. BC Racing, KW, Öhlins, Bilstein and Ksport all make Golf R coilovers. The MK4 and MK5 R32 have their own kits from BC Racing, KW, Ksport, Bilstein, Solo-Werks, Öhlins (MK5) and Feal (MK4).

Is there a kit for my Rabbit?

Yes. The MK1 Rabbit has kits from BC Racing, Ksport and Bilstein, and the MK5 Rabbit has kits from BC Racing, KW, Ksport, Bilstein and Solo-Werks.

What warranty covers a BC Racing Golf kit?

BC Racing North America currently lists a two-year limited warranty on full kit orders, subject to its warranty terms. Each of the other brands sets its own warranty terms.

More for your VW

Coilover Kits by CarOther cars in our library. Golf, GTI, Golf R and Jetta Coilover Setup: DCC, 4Motion and Daily DrivingSetup and ownership tips for the Golf. Does Your Car Have Adaptive Dampers? Keep Them, Cancel Them or Replace ThemKeep, cancel or replace the electronic dampers on your Golf. AWD, RWD or FWD: Why Drivetrain Changes the Coilover Kit You OrderWhy the drivetrain changes which kit fits your Golf. How to Set Ride Height on CoiloversMeasure and set the drop on your Golf. After You Lower It: Alignment Timing, Driver-Assist Calibration and Headlight AimAlignment, driver-assist and headlight checks once the Golf is lower. Adjustable vs. fixedWhat adjustment gives a Golf owner. VW coiloversEvery Volkswagen kit we carry, all brands. BC Racing rangeEvery BC kit we carry. Ksport for VWKsport kits from the MK1 to the MK7. Öhlins coiloversRoad & Track kits, GTI and Golf R. BC Racing series explainedWhat each BC series does. How to install coiloversAn overview of the job, start to finish.

We will check your Golf with you

Call Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM Eastern, and we will check your strut, rear and trim so you get the right Golf coilovers.

Call 1-800-460-9106