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Audi A3: Suspension Modifications

There are various upgrades you can do to your A3 to really change the suspension and handling characteristics of your car. Some are easy, while some are more difficult, time consuming and expensive.

By Jeffrey Smith - March 23, 2016

This article applies to the Audi A3 8P and 8V (2004-2016).

While the Audi A3 is one remarkable car, the stock suspension is a compromise, leaving something to be desired for those who want sportier handling characteristics. While there are various modifications you can do on this car, you should be aware that with every mod, there is a trade-off between ride comfort and response. If you want a cornering monster, your trade-off is a stiffer ride and you'll feel every bump. If you want to lessen the wheel and fender gap with a lowering kit, your looks will improve, but you'll likely bottom out often and feel the road a lot more. You can find a happy medium by making few subtle changes, instead of a massive overhaul. Here are four very popular upgrades and what you can expect from them to help make your decision easier. While some upgrades are very basic and others are more intense and involved, they can all be DIY projects that you can do given the time and tools.

Suspension Upgrades

There are plenty of options when you start to mod your Audi A3 for better handling and a sicker look. Some, like adding wheel spacers to make your wheels flush with the fender, are mainly for appearance, but others, like upgrading the rear sway bar, don't change the look at all. For a little of both, you can install lowering springs or swap out your shocks and struts for adjustable coilovers.

Wheel Spacers

Wheel spacers enhance the look of your ride as well as performance

DIY Cost – $50 and up

Professional Cost – $150 to start

Skill Level – Easy; no special tools required.

Wheel spacers are a very common upgrade to these cars. The stock A3 profile will show a car with the wheels and tires lost in the wheel well. This leaves a lot to be desired when you want a sportier look, but wheel spacers are just the ticket. Cheap and easy to install, they come in various sizes to achieve just the right look on your A3, without investing in a set of larger, wider wheels, or lowering the car. They may increase handling performance a little, but they won't negatively impact your ride quality or your warranty.

Sway Bars

Upgrading your sway bar from stock can get you into the corners

DIY Cost – $200 and up

Professional Cost – $350 or more

Skill Level – Easy; just a lift or floor jacks and basic tools are all that is needed.

A popular upgrade item for those who want a little less body roll and more neutral cornering is to swap out the sway bars. Upgrading your rear sway bar in particular will really help you into the corners without making you feel every road imperfection out there. The ride quality can be much stiffer, but only in corners and not bone jarring bad.

Lowering Springs

Eibach lowering springs are probably the most sought after for the A3

DIY Cost – $250 and up

Professional Cost – $500 to start

Skill Level – Moderate; the use of a spring compressor will be needed.

Lowering springs of all types will make your A3 better looking, and stiffen the suspension for better handling. While swapping out just your springs will keep your options open, the daily drive might become the daily headache. Expect to feel every bump and pothole, and with the cheaper kits, be prepared to bottom out frequently. Get a name brand spring with a modest drop, and a stiffer spring rate to prevent bottoming, or you will make your car an uncomfortable, poor handling mess, and end up spending money later on the better parts, or coilovers.

Adjustable Coilovers

DIY Cost – $600 and up

Professional Cost – $1,500 or more

Skill Level – Moderate; it is a tricky install with a professional alignment needed afterwards.

Adjustable coilovers are the best of both worlds, with the driver able to set them for a low ride and stiff damping, or stock ride and smooth ride with just a little work. They are not for the A3 owner on a tight budget, but are the ultimate option if you can afford them, especially the electronically remote controlled Bilstein Ride Control models. These babies will set you back several large bills, and in particular, the Ride Control model will cost you over $2,000. The regular B16 coilovers, much like other brands, have varying ride settings, with a knob and pre-load accessible behind the wheel. The Ride Control struts can adjust from Comfort, to Sport from the cockpit, but the springs still need to be adjusted with a spanner behind the wheel. Even the Comfort setting is stiffer than stock, and better handling without too much of a sacrifice in ride quality.

Related Video: How to Install VW MK7 GTI Coilovers

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