See the end of the document for the Part Numbers

Cost Summary

PART ONE
     I ordered all the parts except the sway bar and rear bump stops from Russell Automotive out of Baltimore, they sell for 20% off list. Ask for Robin Miller, she will remember me, it took a while to put the order together, she was a lot of help, and the service was prompt.
     The other two parts from came from Clair Auto out of Boston, they sell for 15% off list.  These parts are not on the VWoA parts list, but he can order from the VWAG list.  Ask for Barry (BAZ) 1-800-354-5100.  He is very knowledgeable.  I was the first person ever in the US to order the sport rear bumps stops, he loved that.
    
Total delivered cost for the parts was:
- Russell Auto: Springs (front & rear), shocks(front & rear), front shock bump stops, front
   sway bar bushings----US$752.42
- Clair Auto: Front sway Bar, Rear shock bump stops:----US$180.00

These parts are all OEM, and many are the identical parts that go on sport A4's and A6's and the prices were very comparable to after market parts.  It was very important to me to keep my car all VW OEM.  If I ever sell it, I can say that every part on the car is OEM.

I purchased used 5 spoke 16" wheels from AUDI/VW of New Hampshire.  The wheels were in decent condition and came with Eagle RS-A's which have about half the tread left.  Cost US$700.00.  The wheels had some minor scuffs on the edges, but a posting on A4.org, FAQ, wheel scratches worked very well.  It took a while to clean them up, but they look real good.  Ask for Suzan she helped me.  She even sent me digital pic's ofthe wheels/tires so I can see them first, that was pretty cool.

The alignment should run $US60.00.

PART TWO

I just had the parts installed today.  The upgrade to 205/55 16's will be very soon, I'm waiting on a replacement tire.  But back to the good part.  Even with the skinny 195/65 15's the difference is dramatic.  The Car prowls like a cat.  Just point the car and it goes.  No hesitation, body lean or anything.  If you enjoy driving close to the limits, you'll more than appreciate the difference,

Comfort
I always thought the original suspension was comfortable.  But when hitting bumps the rebound action almost seemed rougher than the bumps itself.  The 1BE is somewhat rougher at impact of bumps but the rebound is much smoother.  The stiffer suspension keeps the car from excessive rebounding .  Overall the suspesion is very comfortable, my concern was that it was going to be too stiiff but it's actually very firm.  Which is good.  There is now a little bit more road noise but not enough to upset me.  Car and Driver always rated the Passat quieter than the A4.  The suspension, I'm sure, had something to do with it.

Handling
Braking is so much better, virtually no nose dive.  Turn in response is awesome.  Exiting is even better.  If your into 10/10th's driving you'll feel the difference.  The car stays flat thru the turns.  Step on the gas as you exit and the car stays flat and you can feel the tires dig in a little better.   Previously I needed to be cognizant of throttle and brake inputs during spirited driving.  Now the car feels more planted and various combinations of throttle, brake and steering inputs do not upset the suspension. 

The mechanic who did the work, had previously done a handful of A4's.  He was surprised how flimsy the original sway bar was (26mm hollow vs 29mm solid) and how soft the original springs were.  He said that to get the full benefits of the double control arm suspension everything needs to be stiff, i.e., springs, sway bars.  He said that I would notice the difference right away and he was right.

I could go on forever.  I still need to get the alignment, that'll be tomorrow.  I haven't tested it on the highway yet, also tomorrow.  Ride height,  I don't think it changed at all, if it did, it's less than a 1/4".  If anyone has any questions please let me know.  I'll provide more info after I install the 205/55 16's.

Overall I can some up the experience through "Car and Driver (CD) " quotes/test results.  My original car was a Passat, winner of CD's best handling family car.  My new Passat is now like the Audi A4 that won the best handling sport sedan or the Audi A4 that was compared head to head with a 328is.

PART THREE

I just had the alignment done today and it was a no brainer, cost me $45.00.  I had it done at NTB(Same as SEARS) and they used a Hunter rack.  They have Two Hunter racks one is a little newer than the other.  The newer one has a ton of information in it.  It scared one NTB place out of doing the work.  But another NTB was more familiar with the job and had no problem with it.  After the new parts were installed, the suspension was barely lower, maybe an 1/8".  The only alignment change was the front toe-in.  Front Camber was okay.  The rears didn't need any adjustment at all.

Before I had the suspension changed, I had the alignment checked.  I didn't want any surprizes after the install.  Everything was w/in specs except the rear camber, which can not be adjusted.  Actually the right rear camber was okay but the left was slightly out.  The rear camber was unchanged from the suspension mod. 

The entire alignment took 45 minutes.   The alignment rack was set for 98-99 Passat, except syncro, sport (1BE). 

I had an opportunity today to hit 90mph and the car felt hunkered down.  Not floaty like it did before.  If you would like to get an accurate feel of what to expect test drive an A4 w/sport suspension and your drivetrain.  It will feel almost identical to a 1BE Passat.  Hopefully my replacement tires will arrive soon and I can install the 16" 5 spokes.

VW has a well kept secret on their hands, but the cat is out of the bag.

PARTS LIST

1999 PASSAT

For spring part numbers, get the color stripes from the springs on your car, the dealer can then cross reference them to the sport versions.  Each spring has a weight class (OJJ, OJY, etc).  The regular springs and sport springs cross reference on the weight class.  The class is listed on the far right column of the parts microfiche. Each drive-train setup uses a different spring setting.  All other parts are the same for all drive-trains.

REAR SPORT SPRINGS (Stripe Colors)====$80@

FRONT SPORT SPRINGS (Stripe Colors)====$74@

REAR SPORT SHOCKS====$105@

REAR SPORT BUMP STOP====$15@

Rear sway bar is the same for both the regular and sport suspensions!!

FRONT SPORT SHOCKS=====$128@

FRONT SPORT SWAY BAR====$132

FRONT SPORT SWAY BAR BUSHINGS====$8@

FRONT SPORT HELPER SPRING (Bump Stops)====$20@