I have DDC, you may have a bad contact in the rear left shock. Also check the big connector that goes into the controllor unit. My switch kept blinking after installation, and found out that connector was not plug in correctly

 

I'll check those connectors. Thanks.

 

Not had any issues, but sounds like a good call by alipapa.

 

KW replacement shock - finally

One shock has been replaced and the DDC system is now back to working after not working for two months.

Ends up the electronic switch in the left rear shock went bad. This caused the entire system to go in to limp mode which means it is stuck on the middle setting or Sport Mode. Sport is slightly stiffer than the OE RS5 shocks. This was OK and worked for three different track days as well as street driving.

The big disapointment is that it took two friggin months to work through the KW bureacracy and have it shipped from Fichtenburg, Germany. I know another guy that has been waiting even longer for a replacement.

Love the system and what it does for the car. I just pray that I don't need a replacement part again. KW needs to get a sense of urgency when it comes to replacement parts for their very expensive kits.

 

I know exactly what you mean. I bitched and moaned until KW sent me 2 new front dampers because I couldn't send the ones on the car then I would have nothing temporarily on the car to drive. The shop I had my car at would lose a lift until the repairs were done which meant they would be losing $$$. Experience makes me want to look elsewhere for my Q7 or any future projects I plan.

 

Yes, it does cause me to pause when it comes to future projects. KW cannot expect that people should disable their cars for two months waiting for parts.

Bilstein has a similar coilover kit to the KW DDC that is supposed to fit the A5 platform. May give that a try next time.

 

So from experience also had a kW strut break durring installation not fault to kW but because I bought it through eurostatusparts .com kris handled all the leg work and I had my parts in hand the next day. So conclusion you might save some $ in the shirt term but spend bigger in the long if you buy incorrectly

 

Unfortuneately, I ordered the KW's before knowing about Kris. He was a big help with the brake upgrade.

 

Can't believe they find that turn around time acceptable for owners with issues. Shame as they make some decent kit.

Given what's involved (effort & cost wise) to install / set up can understand the reluctance to switch out for Bilstein.

If anything happens to my ADS dampers over time this is the route I'd take rather than replacing with factory, so will be looking to Bilstein on the grounds of the above.

Good luck getting it sorted (quickly)

 

Apart from the issues stated above the Kw's really do provide a nice stiff ride, I assume Bilstein are good as well but I'm very satisfied with the KW

It is sorted out now.

To Scott's point, the KW system is really great. The handling of the car is tranformed. It is more about replacement part issues for me.

 

Apart from the issues stated above the Kw's really do provide a nice stiff ride, I assume Bilstein are good as well but I'm very satisfied with the KW

 

i have the same issue with the ddc on my car. the blinking red signifies left rear or are there any other diagnostics that need to be done? been driving me nuts for months and the local distributor is useless

 

My understanding is that the blinking red light indicates a general problem with the system. I was told by the KW distributor that the system goes into service mode when there is a problem which puts the system in sport mode. Have you checked the LED indicator lights on the KW DDC control box? There is an LED (FL, FR, RL, RR) for each of the DDC dampers and one for the CAn BUS connector. All of these should be on if the connections are working correctly. When my system was not working the RL indicator was off. We replaced the rear left damper and now the system works fine. If any of the LED's is off, check that all of the connections and wires are as they should be. If that does not work something may need to be replaced.

 

More issues with KW DDC

More problems with this KW DDC systems. Blew the left front KW damper on the DDC system. Looks like the seal went since their is thick oil that has leaked down the shock and all around the area below where the seal is. No damping happening there, just bouncing. Contacted KW and was was told after two weeks that they have a replacement in stock in Germany. Waiting to hear if it has shipped...

 

Wow, two failed shocks in a relatively short period of time, this has been a bit of a disaster for KW!
How long is the warranty?

 

Well, love it while it is working. But, having 2 dampers go bad twice in one year is taking all the fun out of it. The warranty info says it has a "limited lifetime warranty." They did warranty the first damper where the electronic value that controls the settings went bad. We will see where it goes with this one.

In both cases my choices were:
1. Ship damper to KW for eval - if yes they ship it at no cost. If no, ~$700 and then ship. Car disabled for a month or put OE system back on and then pur KW back on when the replacement arrives...
2. Deposit of $700 and then ship in the bad damper

I chose #2 since #1 is unworkable for me.

 

I'm wondering how much differently (if at all) Bilstein would be handling the same situation with their product....hopefully they would give top-tier service and attention for a top tier (and price) product.

 

Note that there are other people who have not had any issues with the KW DDC here on A5oc. Perhaps I just have bad luck with this kit...

 

Yes, I for one, did notice. Having said that, if you happen to be one of the unfortunate peeps that has problems with this product, it doesn't bode well for those in how KW is handling it. Having your car out of service for weeks or more while KW determines whether they will honor the warranty is completely unacceptable and unrealistic. Hope this works out well and expeditiously for you.

 

I currently have an issue with mine - flashing light on front left and in limp mode. Had it checked out and an issue with the loom for that corner. Have a new one incoming (allegedly).

 

Received the replacement KW damper for the blown one. Took a month to get the replacement in my hands. System back to normal. Now the return for the warranty claim...

Since this is the second problem with this system in 7 months if anything else goes wrong I will switch to somethig else.

Looking at this newly available PSI/Ohlin set-up: PSi Raceline Audi B8 A4/A5/S4/S5/RS4 suspension system [PSi.B8.TTX2.02] - $5,295.00 : Performance Shock, Inc Very expensive, but serviceable (e.g. blown seals can be replaced) , reduces weight due to aluminum shock body. Suspension porn. Only worth it if you track the car a lot.

Pics of the blown damper and oil leaking from the blown seal:

 

Just out of interest, are these various kits only suitable for cars that had the ADS damper control option? Just wondering as we have ADS, but not the damper control. Would be nice if an aftermarket option could be linked to ADS and MMI so it feels 'factory' when you swap between settings. I'm guessing running the loom will be the biggest hassle?

 

In USA we do not have the OE damper control option so not an issue for us.

The wiring loom is the biggest hassle, but not a huge problem for a decent tech. If you had access to a car lift it is probably not that hard to do yourself.

 

KW concerns

I've been doing my due diligence on the KW DDC ECU system for my 2009 S5; ever since I discovered Cuppa's thread (they should pay him for all the exposure he gives those desirable products!). What a car!

I too spoke with Alen H. in the UK and Tom H. here in the US and I am confident the system will work out on my S5 . But now I'm having some concerns regarding the mechanical issues that I've discovered on this and other threads ; man, I may have to purchase one set to install and another for a "back up". !!!

Originally, I was concerned about the CAN bus hook up and having electrical error problems (since no R&D on US spec S5's), but now after seeing this I need to reconsider. I love the technology of the whole W lan Iphone capabilities and the adjusting by the push of a button, but I didn't even consider mechanical issues. I presumed for that amount of money QC would not be a big deal. I do my own wrenching and don't feel like changing a strut in the middle of February !!!

rraustin, you know the "R" in RS5 doesn't stand for Rally right! (just kidding)

Please keep the updates coming as they are very helpful. Stefan

 

I've been doing my due diligence on the KW DDC ECU system for my 2009 S5; ever since I discovered Cuppa's thread (they should pay him for all the exposure he gives those desirable products!). What a car!

I too spoke with Alen H. in the UK and Tom H. here in the US and I am confident the system will work out on my S5 . But now I'm having some concerns regarding the mechanical issues that I've discovered on this and other threads ; man, I may have to purchase one set to install and another for a "back up". !!!

Originally, I was concerned about the CAN bus hook up and having electrical error problems (since no R&D on US spec S5's), but now after seeing this I need to reconsider. I love the technology of the whole W lan Iphone capabilities and the adjusting by the push of a button, but I didn't even consider mechanical issues. I presumed for that amount of money QC would not be a big deal. I do my own wrenching and don't feel like changing a strut in the middle of February !!!

rraustin, you know the "R" in RS5 doesn't stand for Rally right! (just kidding)

Please keep the updates coming as they are very helpful. Stefan

Rennsport only - no rallying...

Got my replacement shock after a month and I am now back to normal with the DDC. Now waiting to see if they cover under the warranty. At first KW said my rear ride height was too low and that would cause the front shock to blow and therefore - no warranty. When I pointed out my rear ride height was as high as the adjustment allowed and gave them the right height measurement (again) they said OK we will reconsider. Ugh. Love it when it works.

Note messy1 has DDC on his RS5 and has had no problems since install 3 or 4 months ago.

If the DDC system blows again I will probably go with this new PSI/Ohlin TTX36 setup. PSi Raceline Audi B8 A4/A5/S4/S5/RS4 suspension system [PSi.B8.TTX2.02] - $5,295.00 : Performance Shock, Inc Expensive! But, rebuildable, light aluminum, custom spring and ride height, adjustable on the car. Would have to run one setting on the street and another on the track. Suspension porn.

I could then sell you my remaining 3 good shocks to put into your damper backup inventory

 

Bag it

 

Got mine sorted today (Thanks Luke) and KW supplied a replacement loom and control box as the issue was electrical - looks like they have upgraded the sheathing on the cable so perhaps they have had longevity issues with the early sets of cables.

 

Good to hear. Mine continues to work properly.

 

Hmm, hope these issues are all sorted now.

I will sleeve the cables on mine like I did with my Bilstein B16 RideControls using the motorsport braid we have here at work.


Any other issues to look out for?

 

Hola. He instalado kw ddc y desafortunadamente también tengo problemas. Después de 5 años de trabajo realmente perfecto, hace tres meses comencé a escuchar un ruido al pasar por baches como "click click clack", un sonido fuerte, todos los días sonaba más fuerte, pero solo en carreteras con muchos baches, en una carretera suave con buen asfalto ni un solo ruido. Ayer toda la suspensión del auto se volvió muy dura, la luz roja siempre parpadea y efectivamente me falla en el amortiguador delantero izquierdo. ¿Que crees que deberia hacer? compra uno nuevo lo antes posible? ¿Le sucedió algo así a alguien?

 

Google translate is a fantastic thing, try it!

Mine has given me the steady flashing light on a couple of occasions, both times it was due to a broken cable or connector at the damper side. The DDC damper defaults to either the comfort/sport or sport+ setting but I forgot which one. You could possibly try your local dealer or KW direct to seek out a replacement cable if this is your case. As for the mechanical click/clack sound...I wouldn't know or even if it is related to the damper red flashing light or it could be you're having a different issue to me but perhaps something as simple as a loose bolt or a worn bushing could be the culprit here.

I think your best bet it is to investigate, start with the signal cable and see if it's broken and take it from there. I think the comfort of the KW damper is excellent, but it is an advanced damper and it's not infallible to neither faults nor wear and tear so you might also simply just be due a rebuild of the damper.

Good luck!