Dynamic / Adaptive chassis control (DCC / ACC)

[WhiteJames]

Aftermarket suspension suppliers are now making electronic coilovers that simply plug in and are able to run via the standard factory OE control module. This Bilstein PSS B16 version is a direct fit for Porsche and Nissan GTR. Simply plug-in & play.

BILSTEIN B16 DampTronic^®

Only a matter of time before Sachs-Boge develop an aftermarket version for Volkswagen.

Cheers
WJ

[G-rig]

Aftermarket suspension suppliers are now making electronic coilovers that simply plug in and are able to run via the standard factory OE control module. This Bilstein PSS B16 version is a direct fit for Porsche and Nissan GTR. Simply plug-in & play.

BILSTEIN B16 DampTronic^®

Only a matter of time before Sachs-Boge develop an aftermarket version for Volkswagen.

Cheers
WJ

That's great to hear WJ, it may mean you can be lowered and enjoy good ride too (particularly with 18" or 19" wheels).

[Cossor]

There is enough pictures on the net and the module that is sticking out of the strut looks too sophisticated for it to be just an accelerometer or an electromagnet.
But hey, it is a safety componnent and if it saves you once, it's worth it.

I have not seen the pictures you mention. Is it possible to post one here?
I understand the shock absorbers, instead of standard oil, use Ferrofluid. The viscosity increases when passed through a magnetic field. This field is provided by a form of electromagnet, possibly similar to a solenoid? (Guessing) However would not be surprised if in an external module.
Would also need some power transistors to control current in the magnetic coil. Perhaps this is what you are looking at. However the system still has to be controlled by a computer, possibly also getting input from the ESP unit.
BTW, from looking at wikepedia, China may have purchased from USA! Not clear who produces what!

[Corey_R]

Hi Cossor. I think that you're thinking of the Delphi system which is electromagnetic (which Ferrari and Audi etc use) rather than the electromechnical system that VW use (uses valves etc). You can read about it more on this forum in the ACC vs Audi Magnetic Ride thread and in a link from that thread:
Scirocco Central • View topic - ACC vs Audi Mag Ride

As for a picture of the VW ACC struts, Guy_H posted pictures as part of his Stage III Golf R project, one of them including the ACC strut:


There's also this one of the original ACC suspension next to the non-dynamic aftermarket suspension he's replacing the stock ACC suspension with:

[Maverick]

I have not seen the pictures you mention. Is it possible to post one here?
I understand the shock absorbers, instead of standard oil, use Ferrofluid. The viscosity increases when passed through a magnetic field. This field is provided by a form of electromagnet, possibly similar to a solenoid? (Guessing) However would not be surprised if in an external module.
Would also need some power transistors to control current in the magnetic coil. Perhaps this is what you are looking at. However the system still has to be controlled by a computer, possibly also getting input from the ESP unit.
BTW, from looking at wikepedia, China may have purchased from USA! Not clear who produces what!

The shock is a twin tube design with with the piston in chamber 1 and an additional gas cushion in chamber 2.

Oil flows between the chambers under the control of an adjustment valve.

There are three level sensors, one on each side of the front and one on the left rear side. There are three acceleration sensors in the same location. A CAN bus interface is under the dash which is used as a gateway for comms, the control unit is behind the trim on the drivers side of the hatch behind the wheel.

Each of the three modes of operation have a range in which they can operate so there is additional adjustment.

If the system fails the shock absorbers go into a fail safe mode.

I have a heap of information I'll be posting on my website in the next week.

[Maverick]

I don't know guys if it was mentioned here or not, but there is something to keep in mind that if you keep the car with ACC for long time and you would need to replace shockers for whatever reason (worn out, leaking or bent after you hit a curb), they will be very expensive items since the strut contain microcontroller.
So what is today $1500 option might be $4,000 + repair if you need all 4 when you done 100-160,000 km. If you drive a lot, consider extended warranty.

Retail from spare parts for a single rear shock complete with electronics is under $500. Trade will be under $400. Front are under $500 for a set of two and under $400 for trade.

Two rear springs are under $140 and front under $160.

Acceleration sensor (rear and front) are under $200 each. Leveling sensors (front) are under $200 each.

So you should be able to replace all the shocks for ~$1200-1500 which is reasonable given the cost of decent standard shocks.

[Cossor]

Many thanks Maverick and Coreying
Yes, I was thinking of Delphi unit. Especially as it was reported to have been previously used by Audi, plus the claim by VW of "millisecond" adjustment response, combined with "Auto" mode. Anyway, still happy to have ordered it, as roads here are, well, agricultural to say the least.

[Transporter]

Retail from spare parts for a single rear shock complete with electronics is under $500. Trade will be under $400. Front are under $500 for a set of two and under $400 for trade.

Two rear springs are under $140 and front under $160.

Acceleration sensor (rear and front) are under $200 each. Leveling sensors (front) are under $200 each.

So you should be able to replace all the shocks for ~$1200-1500 which is reasonable given the cost of decent standard shocks.

That's good know, and what a very pleasant surprise. I expected the price to be much higher than that.

Thanks Maverick.

Now I wish that the topic came up before I ordered our Tig, ... well next time than.

[dave_r]

I expected the price to be much higher than that.

Same here but that'd be the 2nd or 3rd owners problem anyway

[irossiter]

Chassis control is brilliant on my new Mk 6 GTI (now 2 weeks old and 1400km's!). Have 18 inch Detroits so that swayed my thinking as is the same with a few people. It makes such a difference in town on crashy, broken, lumpy roads to leave it in comfort, makes a big difference on the same roads comparing it to my dearly departed Mk 5 (traded not crashed!). You can notice a bit of bobbing back and forward though on big bumps, just like my Hydrolastic suspended 1967 Mini. Sport definitely rides harder than the Mk 5. I like the steering firming up as well. I would get it for any Golf if available, $1500 is not much compared with the purchase price. If I was getting an R with 19's it would be a must. Dad is picking up an R with standard suspension and 18 inch wheels in a few weeks, couldn't convince him so I can at least compare them.