Strut assembly Bilstein or GABRIEL

The struts were pretty worn with the rod having much less resistance to movement (both extension and compression than the new replacement bilsteins.

I would get these . Can't go wrong with Bilstein.

When I went to Bilstein sports, I anticipated an increase in ride harshness - but was pleasantly surprised by a reduction harshness. Because the Bils have increased damping rates rebound vs. the GR-2's, so they are better able to damp the second half of a road surface impact - the part that bounces you up.

MKIII front Bilsteins are 22mm. I use a $5 Harbor Freight O2 Sensor socket myself.

my S6 has Bilstein Sports and I have a bit of oil in them in UrS4s and S6s, if you don't you risk having water getting in there

If the shocks or struts are worn out already, and not in warranty, don't buy another set of low quality tire shop struts or shocks. Spend a little more money and get a decent set of name brand (Bilstein, Koni, or Boge Turbogas)struts and shocks with a lifetime warranty.

I have H&R race springs and bilstien sports on my GTI right now. They handle great and ride very very nice.

IMHO, Bilstein struts are better than OEM Sachs and Boge struts. The units have a lifetime warranty, and are a great replacement!

Autozone for example will sell you Gabriel brand quick struts which are easy to install - but they are not exact replacements, usually they are too floaty.

I ended up buying new bilstein struts and Vogtland springs off some guy who said they were for my FWD, but they're clearly for the AWD. And now he's not returning my messages...