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Volkswagen Jetta and GLI Coilovers

Volkswagen Jetta coilovers take a little checking, because two Jettas of the same year can need different kits. From the MK5 on, the front strut comes in two sizes. On the MK6 and MK7, the rear suspension can be a torsion beam or multi-link. Start with your MK number, then check the strut and the rear. Where BC Racing makes a kit, we list it first.

If you don't know your strut size, call 1-800-460-9106.

Red Volkswagen Jetta GLI MK7 lowered on coilovers on a wet city street on a rainy evening

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.

Three things to check before you order Jetta coilovers

On the newer cars, these three things decide which kit fits.

Front strut size

BC Racing makes kits for 49.5 and 54.5 mm struts. Bilstein and Solo-Werks make kits for 50 and 55 mm struts. Order the kit named for your strut size, or call us to check.

Rear axle

Solo-Werks makes separate MK6 and MK7 kits for a torsion beam rear and a multi-link rear. Check which one your car has before you order.

Trim and body

KW's MK6 kits vary by trim. Solo-Werks has sedan and wagon kits.

BC Racing coilovers, MK2 through MK7

Thirteen BC kits, MK2 to MK7

BC Racing makes five series for the Volkswagen Jetta and GLI: BR, DS, ER, RM and ZX. Every BC Jetta kit comes in BR, and all but the MK6 Extreme Low kit also come in DS. RM, ER and ZX come on some kits only. Free shipping on BC Racing kits in the continental US.

See all BC Racing coilovers Start with the newest: MK7

Which BC series come on each Jetta

The MK7 and some MK4 and MK6 kits have more series to choose from.

BR and DS come on nearly every kit

BR has one 30-click knob that sets compression and rebound together. DS adds a digressive piston for firmer control. The MK6 Extreme Low kit comes in BR only.

RM comes on some MK6 and MK7 kits

RM is BC's upside-down, single-tube (inverted monotube) shock. It comes on both MK7 kits, the MK6 49.5 mm Jetta kit and the Golf VI and SportWagen kit.

ER and ZX come on MK4 AWD, MK7 and one MK6 kit

ER is a right-side-up shock with a separate oil reservoir, and its 30 clicks set compression and rebound separately. BC calls ZX its "most track-tested" build.

BC also makes Extreme Low kits for the MK5 and MK6, but look at the standard-height kits first. The MK4 AWD kit names say "Swift Front Only". To add Swift Springs to a BC kit, order through the Custom Build for BC Coilovers page.

KW, Bilstein, Solo-Werks and Ksport Jetta kits

Four more brands make kits, and together they cover all seven Jetta generations. We can walk you through them at 1-800-460-9106.

KW covers the MK1 to MK6. Its MK6 kits match trim and engine, including the GLI 2.0T and North American models.

Bilstein

Bilstein makes B12 Pro-Kit, Sportline and B14 PSS kits for the MK1 to the MK6. Pick by strut size, trim and rear axle type.

Solo-Werks

Solo-Werks makes coilovers for every Jetta, MK1 to MK7. On the newer cars, pick by strut size and rear axle.

Ksport

Ksport has kits named for the MK1 to MK5, plus a 2011 to 2016 kit that it also calls MK5.

Kits for the GLI, a TDI daily driver or a classic MK2

GLI

Look for kits that name the GLI.

Kits named for the GLI: BC Racing MK7 54.5 mm, Solo-Werks MK6 and MK7, KW MK5 and MK6, Bilstein MK4

TDI commuter

Several kits are named for the TDI. Check your strut size first.

Kits named for the TDI: BC MK6 54.5 mm, Bilstein MK4 to MK6, KW MK6, Solo-Werks MK6

MK2 or MK3 project

One BC kit fits both generations.

Kits to look at: BC Racing MK2/MK3, KW, Bilstein, Solo-Werks, Ksport

Every Volkswagen Jetta coilover kit we carry, MK7 back to MK1

There are six sections, newest first. Each card shows a short version of the kit name.

Notes in BC kit names: "Swift Front Only" means the optional Swift spring upgrade is offered for the front springs only on that kit.

MK7 Jetta and GLI

Codes: MK7, A7

BC Racing coilover kit for the 2019 to 2021 Volkswagen Jetta VII — **BC Racing kit**The BC Racing coilover kit listed for the 2019 to 2021 Volkswagen Jetta VII. Photo: BC Racing.

Measure first: Two things decide the kit: front strut size and rear suspension. BC makes 49.5 mm and 54.5 mm kits, and the 54.5 mm kit is named for the GLI. Solo-Werks makes 50 mm and 55 mm kits, each for a torsion beam or multi-link rear.

MK6 Jetta, GLI and SportWagen

Codes: MK6, A6 (in BC kit names read V6)

BC Racing coilover kit for the 2010 to 2014 Volkswagen Golf — **BC Racing kit**The BC Racing coilover kit listed for the 2010 to 2014 Volkswagen Golf. Photo: BC Racing.

Measure first: MK6 Jetta coilovers come in more kits than any other generation. Strut size decides the BC kit (49.5 or 54.5 mm) and the Bilstein and Solo-Werks kits (50 or 55 mm). Solo-Werks also has separate kits for torsion beam and multi-link rears. KW kits are made for specific trims and engines. BC's MK6 Extreme Low kit also fits the Golf, but look at the standard-height kits first. Five Bilstein A5/A6 kits that also cover MK6 years are listed under the MK5.

MK5 Jetta and GLI

Codes: MK5, A5, V5

BC Racing coilover kit for the 2005 to 2013 Audi A3 and S3 — **BC Racing kit**The BC Racing coilover kit listed for the 2005 to 2013 Audi A3 and S3. Photo: BC Racing.

Measure first: BC's standard MK5 Jetta coilovers are for 49.5 mm struts. BC's Extreme Low kit also fits the MK5 Golf and the Audi A3, but look at the standard-height kits first. Four Bilstein kits cover 2005 to 2018 cars with 55 mm struts. The 50 mm B14 PSS kit covers 2005 to 2012.

MK4 Jetta and Bora

Codes: MK4, A4, IV

BC Racing coilover kit for the 1999 to 2003 Volkswagen Bora — **BC Racing kit**The BC Racing coilover kit listed for the 1999 to 2003 Volkswagen Bora. Photo: BC Racing.

Measure first: For MK4 Jetta coilovers, BC makes FWD and AWD kits, named for the Jetta IV and for the Bora. Bilstein kits depend on trim and on whether the car has sport or standard suspension. Solo-Werks makes sedan and wagon kits.

MK2 and MK3 Jetta

Codes: MK2, MK3, A2, A3

BC Racing coilover kit for the 1985 to 1999 Volkswagen Jetta II and III — **BC Racing kit**The BC Racing coilover kit listed for the 1985 to 1999 Volkswagen Jetta II and III. Photo: BC Racing.

Measure first: One BC kit fits both, named "Fits All FWD MK2/MK3 Chassis". Bilstein makes separate MK3 kits for "Base Axle" and "Plus Axle" cars.

MK1 Jetta

Codes: MK1, A1

Measure first: BC does not make a kit for this car. KW's kits also fit the MK1 Golf, and one is for the Golf I and Jetta I Convertible. Bilstein's MK1 kit only fits cars with rebuildable struts.

Every Jetta generation side by side

MK	Years	What decides the kit	BC Racing series
MK7	2019 to 2021	Front strut size (BC, Solo-Werks); rear axle (Solo-Werks)	BR, DS, ER, RM, ZX
MK6	2010 to 2018	Front strut size; rear axle; trim (KW)	BR, DS, ER, RM, ZX
MK5	2005 to 2010	Front strut size (Bilstein); BC kit is for 49.5 mm; sedan or wagon (Solo-Werks)	BR, DS
MK4 and Bora	1998 to 2005	FWD or AWD (BC); trim and suspension (Bilstein); sedan or wagon (Solo-Werks)	BR, DS, ER, ZX
MK2 and MK3	1985 to 1999	MK2 or MK3; base or plus axle (Bilstein)	BR, DS
MK1	1974 to 1993	Convertible (KW); rebuildable struts (Bilstein)	No BC kit

Before you buy: what Jetta and GLI owners run into

These are the problems Jetta and GLI owners report most often, from owner forums, recalls and service bulletins, and what each one means for your coilovers.

Rear trailing arm recall after a rear impact

MK6 Jetta with torsion beam rear, 2011 to 2013

Volkswagen recalled about 400,000 2011 to 2013 Jettas (NHTSA 14V656000) because torsion beam trailing arms bent in a rear or side-rear crash may later fracture without warning. Dealers fit a sheet metal inlay. Coilovers bolt to this rear axle, and new dampers do nothing for a crash-bent trailing arm.

Before you install: Run the VIN for open recalls and look over the rear beam for bends before the install, especially if the car has crash history.

Rear coil spring fracture recall

MK7 Jetta, 2019

Volkswagen recalled 2019 Jettas, along with some Golf, SportWagen and Tiguan models (NHTSA 19V188000), 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.

The Jetta story

A short history of the Jetta

Motoring Research says the first Jetta "was launched in 1979," built to appeal to the American market, with more trunk space than the hatchback Golf.

1980

GLISold in European markets from 1980 as the range-topping model.
MK6

Its own stylingThe sixth generation "ditched any family resemblance to the Golf." Its GLI had a 2.0 liter turbo making 200 hp.
2018

MK7The seventh-generation Jetta launched.

There are seven generations, and we carry kits for each one. The MK7 kits cover 2019 to 2021.

Struts, rears and other Jetta questions

How do I know my Jetta's front strut size?

Many kits are made for one strut size: 49.5 or 54.5 mm at BC, 50 or 55 mm at Bilstein and Solo-Werks. Call us with your VIN and we will help you check it.

Does my MK6 or MK7 Jetta have a torsion beam or multi-link rear?

Both exist on these generations. Solo-Werks sells separate kits for each, so check before you order.

Which BC series come on the Jetta kits?

Most BC Jetta kits come in BR and DS. RM, ER and ZX come on both MK7 kits and some MK6 kits, and ER and ZX also come on the MK4 AWD kits.

Is there a coilover kit made for the GLI?

Yes. For MK7 GLI coilovers, BC's 54.5 mm kit names the GLI, and KW, Solo-Werks and Bilstein name GLI fitments on the MK4 to MK7 cars.

Do Golf and Jetta share coilovers?

Some do. A few BC, KW and Solo-Werks kits are named for both cars. The rest of our Volkswagen Jetta coilovers are made for the Jetta only.

What warranty comes with a BC Racing Jetta kit?

BC Racing North America currently lists a two-year limited warranty on full kit orders, subject to its warranty terms. KW, Bilstein, Solo-Werks and Ksport set their own.

More VW pages and coilover guides

Coilover Kits by CarEvery car page. Golf, GTI, Golf R and Jetta Coilover Setup: DCC, 4Motion and Daily DrivingSetup and ownership tips for the Jetta. AWD, RWD or FWD: Why Drivetrain Changes the Coilover Kit You OrderWhy the drivetrain changes which kit fits your Jetta. How to Set Ride Height on CoiloversMeasure and set the drop on your Jetta. After You Lower It: Alignment Timing, Driver-Assist Calibration and Headlight AimAlignment, driver-assist and headlight checks once the Jetta is lower. Volkswagen Golf and GTIThe hatchback the Jetta grew from. Audi A4 and S4The VW group's sport sedan. Adjustable vs. non-adjustable coiloversPicking the right level of adjustment. How to install coiloversInstall basics. Volkswagen coiloversAll VW fitments.

Call us and we will check your MK number, strut size and rear axle

Phones are open Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM Eastern.

Call 1-800-460-9106