ST XA Coilovers Volkswagen Golf MK5 GTI 1K 04-17

ST XA Coilovers for Volkswagen Golf MK5 GTI 1K (2004-2017) – 10-45 mm Lower, Height Adjustable, 16-Click Rebound Damping

This ST XA kit replaces the standard springs and dampers on the Volkswagen Golf MK5 GTI 1K (2004-2017) with a height-adjustable coilover set. It lowers the car by approx. 20-45 mm at the front and 10-35 mm at the rear, which sharpens the steering, cuts body roll and closes up the wheel arch gap. The ride height is set on threaded struts, so you can go for a subtle drop or use the full approved range, and change it again later.

The ST XA adds adjustable rebound damping to the height-adjustable ST platform. ST set the dampers up for this car at the factory, and the 16-click rebound adjuster then lets you make the ride softer for comfort or firmer for tighter body control. Shaped (progressive) springs keep the car comfortable over small bumps while adding support as the suspension compresses. ST is part of the KW automotive group, and the kit is developed and made in Germany using KW engineering.

ST makes 2 versions of the XA kit for the Volkswagen Golf MK5 GTI 1K. Between them they cover the 1.2 TSI, 1.4 TSI, 1.6 FSI, 1.6 TDI, 1.9 TDI, 1.9 TDI 4motion, 2.0, 2.0 FSI and more. Use the table in the Fitment section to find the right one, then choose it from the drop-down.

Specifications

• Front lowering: approx. 20-45 mm (varies by version)
• Rear lowering: approx. 10-35 mm (varies by version)
• Height adjustment: Stepless, on threaded strut housings
• Minimum ride height (wheel hub centre to arch edge): front 320 mm, rear 325 mm
• Damping: Adjustable rebound, 16 clicks
• Springs: Shaped progressive springs
• Strut housings: Galvanised steel
• Approval: Parts certificate (German §19.3)

Lowering figures are ST's, measured against the standard car. The actual drop varies with engine, equipment and tolerances on each car, and the springs settle slightly after the first few hundred miles.

Key Features

• Stepless ride height adjustment on a coarse, dirt-resistant trapezoidal thread
• 16-click adjustable rebound damping, delivered with a base setting for this vehicle
• Shaped progressive springs for a comfortable ride with firmer support in corners
• Galvanised, multi-sealed steel strut housings for long-term corrosion protection
• Composite spring perches with stainless steel inserts that stay easy to adjust for years
• Dust covers and bump stops protect the damper seals and act as an extra spring under heavy load
• Developed and built in Germany, based on KW engineering
• Supplied with a parts certificate and fitting instructions

What's in the Kit?

• 2 x height-adjustable front coilover struts with springs
• 2 x rear dampers
• 2 x rear springs with height-adjustable spring seats
• Composite spring perches with stainless steel inserts
• Dust covers and bump stops
• Parts certificate and fitting instructions

Please note: the photos are ST's own images of the kits for this car. Choose your version to see its kit. Small details such as brackets can differ from the photos.

Fitment

• Volkswagen Golf Plus 1KP, 5M1, 521 (Dec 2004 to Dec 2013)
• Volkswagen Golf V 1K (Oct 2003 to Jul 2010)
• Volkswagen Golf V Estate 1K (Jan 2007 to Jul 2009)
• Volkswagen Golf VI 5K1, 1K (Oct 2008 to Dec 2014)
• Volkswagen Golf VI Convertible 517, 1K (Mar 2011 to Oct 2017)
• Volkswagen Golf VI Estate AJ5, 1KM (Jul 2009 to Jul 2014)

Which version do I need? Find your engine, then match the body style, drivetrain and front axle load. The axle load is on your VIN plate (door pillar or under the bonnet, the line marked "1-"). Not sure? Send us your registration and we will check.

Not suitable for: Four-wheel-drive versions; cars with a 50mm front strut clamp. Also not for other generations or body styles, which need their own kit, such as ST XA Coilovers Volkswagen Golf MK5/Golf Plus/Estate 1K 03-17, ST XA Coilovers Volkswagen Golf MK5 4Motion 1K 03-17, ST XA Coilovers Volkswagen Golf MK5 R32 1K 05-17.

Adaptive dampers: if your car has electronically controlled dampers, the system must be switched off with a cancellation kit (sold separately) to stop warning lights and fault codes: Audi Magnetic Ride: KW cancellation kit (part no. 68510124).

Installation

Fitting means removing the original struts, springs and dampers and fitting the ST units in their place. We recommend a qualified workshop experienced with coilovers. A spring compressor is needed to strip down the original front struts. The original top mounts, bearings and fixings are reused, so check them for wear and replace any that are worn. Set the ride height within the approved range, tighten the suspension bolts with the car's weight on its wheels, and torque everything to the manufacturer's figures. A four-wheel alignment is required once the car is at its final ride height. Re-check the height and alignment after the first few hundred miles, once the springs have settled.

The fitting instructions and parts certificate for each version can be downloaded from its specification table once you choose your version.

The dampers arrive on ST's base setting for this car. Make small changes to the rebound adjuster and test before going further.

Before you start:

• Disconnect any ride height sensors (headlight levelling or self-levelling) before removing the old struts.
• Clean the threads before adjusting, and start with the height adjusters in the middle of their range.

After fitting:

• Do not go below ST's minimum height, measured from the wheel hub centre to the wheel arch edge: front 320 mm, rear 325 mm.
• Expect the car to settle a further 5-10 mm once it has been driven, then re-check the height.
• Check there is at least 5 mm clearance between the tyres and the suspension through the full steering and suspension travel.
• Have the headlight aim reset, along with any other height-dependent systems.
• ESP/ABS warning lights can appear after fitting. Some clear after a short drive, others need full steering lock both ways or a reset with a diagnostic tool.
• On cars with radar or camera driver assistance systems, have the calibration checked after lowering.

Upgrade Further

If you only need height adjustment, the ST X Coilovers Volkswagen Golf MK5 GTI 1K 04-17 has fixed damping and costs less.

For track days, the ST XTA Coilovers Volkswagen Golf MK5 GTI 1K 04-17 adds camber-adjustable top mounts and a race spring system.

Which version do I need for my Volkswagen Golf MK5 GTI 1K?

Start with your engine in the Fitment table, then match the body style, drivetrain and front axle load (on your VIN plate). If more than one row fits, or your car isn't listed, send us your registration and we will confirm the right part number.

Will this fit my Volkswagen Golf MK5 GTI 1K?

It fits the Volkswagen Golf MK5 GTI 1K (2004-2017) with the 1.2 TSI, 1.4 TSI, 1.6 FSI, 1.6 TDI, 1.9 TDI, 1.9 TDI 4motion and more. Check the Fitment section for the body styles and exclusions, or send us your registration and we will check.

How low will my Volkswagen Golf MK5 GTI 1K sit?

ST quotes a drop of approx. 20-45 mm at the front and 10-35 mm at the rear compared with standard, depending on the version. The exact drop varies from car to car with engine, equipment and tolerances. ST also sets a minimum: the distance from the wheel hub centre to the wheel arch edge must stay above approx. 320 mm at the front and 325 mm at the rear.

Can I adjust the damping?

Yes. The rebound adjuster has 16 clicks and the kit arrives on ST's base setting for this car. Turn towards firm for tighter body control or towards soft for a more comfortable ride.

Will the ST XA make my Volkswagen Golf MK5 GTI 1K ride harshly?

It doesn't have to. The progressive springs keep small bumps under control, and the 16-click rebound adjuster lets you soften the ride for daily use or firm it up for a spirited drive.

Do I need an alignment after fitting?

Yes. Changing the ride height changes camber and toe, so a full four-wheel alignment is needed once the car is at its final height, and again after any later change.

My car has adaptive dampers. Will this kit fit?

Only with the correct KW cancellation kit, which switches off the electronic damper control so no warning lights appear. The kit number is in the Fitment section. Some versions are not suitable for adaptive dampers at all, so contact us if you are unsure.

Is it road legal in the UK?

Yes. It is designed for road use and comes with a German parts certificate. Keep the ride height within ST's approved range and tell your insurer about the modification.

Is it covered by a warranty?

Yes, ST covers it against defects in materials and workmanship. If a part ever needs replacing, contact us with your vehicle details and order number.