TRW shock absorbers - A6 Avant 2.5TDI (2002)

**A6avantowner** · 23-08-2022,01:02 PM

Just replaced rear shocks a few weeks ago with Sachs, they looked and felt like good quality.
Cannot get Sachs front shocks (or Boge) but can get TRW. Same company I think. Audi no longer supply.

Anyone used TRW and are they as good as Sachs?

Thanks...

**Crasher** · 23-08-2022,07:06 PM

TRW are OE, I have ordered a pair for the front of a 1995 S2 Avant we are rebuilding. Sachs and Boge are the same and also OE.

**A6avantowner** · 23-08-2022,07:11 PM

OK thanks - I may order a pair before they're also discontinued.

**Crasher** · 23-08-2022,07:25 PM

Yes we are having the same issue with the S2, so much is completely obsolete. Audi Tradition in Germany have everything we need including the odd design rear dampers but since Brexit they refuse to send to the UK as they cannot cope with the tax aspect… personally I think it is bloody mindedness

**A6avantowner** · 28-08-2022,06:05 PM

You could be right, it wouldn't surprise me. I've found that I'm spending a lot of time lately sourcing parts, particularly weeding out really dodgy suppliers, who entice customers with low prices.

I've managed to find front coil springs but they're KYB. Are they any good, they're about £45 and Audi are £150?

**A6avantowner** · 31-08-2022,12:54 PM

For information:
There seem to be Sachs 557 837 front shocks available from various sources. The correct part for my car is 557 839 which are obsolete.
So, in that the 837 version was an incorrect part for my car, it's now OK according to ZF Aftermarket.
I asked them what the difference was and they said the 839 was a reinforced version.
Does this mean the 837 isn't strong enough (my car is a heavy 2.5 diesel engine)?
I've asked ZF the question, awaiting response...

**VAG-Abound** · 31-08-2022,03:22 PM

A ZF catalogue I have dated 2017 lists two options for some A6:

557 837: Sachs Super Touring
557 839: Sachs Advantage

And one or the other of those on similar VAG cars depending on sports, etc suspension.

The 2019 catalogue has no mention of the 839, so presumably it was deleted by then.

Ideally you'd get the original suspension PR code and match that to the OEM variants. Failing that I suspect you'll be OK with the 837.

**A6avantowner** · 31-08-2022,03:40 PM

Mine's a sports suspension, 1BE on the car label.
ZF just replied:
Yes these will fit the vehicle and be strong enough for the application, these have just changed the number to suit a bigger range of models etc.
(I shall save their email in case!)
Regards...

**Crasher** · 31-08-2022,04:23 PM

I won't use KYB anything... What is the KYB number and what is the VIN of the car?

**VAG-Abound** · 31-08-2022,06:49 PM

I think the original part would have been 4B0412031BN. This is a list of possible replacements. I prefer to find them in the original manufacturer catalogues and see that they have matched to PR code or suspension type, and that the same part isn't used across a wide range of original VAG applications, but that becomes rarer as time goes on and less cars need them each year.