S3 Suspension upgrade options

[Breezey]

Hi all,

So i thought my S3 handled ok but after being a passenger in a spanking new 8P ive relised its a bit of a tank so whats the best option for upgrading coilovers?, one thing i dont want is the the ride height to change i like it just how it is but i suspect the stock suspension and bushes maybe a little tired, also wanting it to remain as oem as possible and ive been thinking would replacing with oem shocks/springs improve it much as all the components are getting on for 10 years old now.

Had a look at some coilover kits and after reading other threads am i right in saying most people go for H&R ?

Sorry bit of a noob when it comes to suspension just want the handling improved really, any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers

 

[Dane]

Bilstein b8s with eibach springs gave me a fairly standard ride height and improved things, but the apex springs that I currently have on give a sportier feel. The car now sits a bit lower but this has made it handle better.

Replacing everything with oem parts I'm sure will make an improvement as the current items are probably tired, but might be as expensive as the above.

Coil overs can get you low but you can choose the ride height, I don't have any experience of these though.

 

[S3BAM]

H&R Coilovers on mine even with 19's and H&R Anti-roll bars still rides well

 

[cecilthesausage]

You will probably be surprised how f@@ked your standard springs and dampers, I've just fitted coilies on mine today 1 of my front dampers was shagged and this was what my rear springs looked like

 

[s3dave]

great stuff, you will feel more in control then.....

 

[cecilthesausage]

Ye the difference is amazing mate... It's like a totally different car... Everything nice and tight just how I like it

 

[Breezey]

Thanks guys, as much as id like billsteins theres no way im gonna be able to afford 1.3k on suspension atleast thats what i saw them for, going to phone audi and just enquire as to how much new OEM stuff would be if its going to make an improveent but if its gonna be anywhere near a reasonable set of coilovers i dont think theres much point, i should of said a budget in the OP hoping for about 5-600 quid which puts H&R out of budget aswell anyone have any experiance with Weitec kits? Worth doing poly bushes/thicker anti roll bars that in itself isnt gonna be cheap.

I know absoloutly nothing about handling mods so relying on you guys dont want to go mega cheap like JOM/Jamex but in the middle whats gonna be the best bang for buck mod with regards to handling.

Cheers

 

[Dane]

Dude where did you get 1.3k from? Last time I looked they were c. £500 for the b8s and apex springs were c.£100 plus fitting. I'll check this now though and post links

B8 Bilstein B8 Damper / Shock Absorber Kit S3 8L 1.8T Quattro 01/99> - £510.64 : The premiere online mail order VAG suspension and performance specialists. We offer a wide range of all the best branded suspension and performance parts for all VAG vehicl

Apex springs Apex 20mm Lowering Suspension Springs S3 8L 1.8T Quattro 01/99> - £102.68 : The premiere online mail order VAG suspension and performance specialists. We offer a wide range of all the best branded suspension and performance parts for all VAG vehicles

 

[Breezey]

Ahhh right i was on coilovers and saw the B16 kit didnt realise you could go separate springs.

 

[Dane]

Yeah man! That's what Im running and it's all good.

 

[Breezey]

Could I bug you for a pic I your car so I can see the ride height and compare it to mine, what size wheels have you got 18" ?

Thanks

 

[Dane]

Sorry dude I've only got my iPad at the mo, I've got some good pics on my camera but no way to get them on to the bucket. I'll take one on my phone tomorrow. I only have avus' at the mo so it'll be on 17s

 

[mk1chopper]

Was quoted just shy of £800 for TT s-line dampers, new top mounts, eibach springs, fitting and alignment.

 

[Breezey]

Sorry dude I've only got my iPad at the mo, I've got some good pics on my camera but no way to get them on to the bucket. I'll take one on my phone tomorrow. I only have avus' at the mo so it'll be on 17s

No probs mate, thanks

Was quoted just shy of £800 for TT s-line dampers, new top mounts, eibach springs, fitting and alignment.

Cheers, i will be fitting myself so should save a nice amount of money on that price.

 

[Dane]

A quick mobile pic this is on Apex springs

 

[JS1500]

I can also recommend Bilstein B8s and H&R springs;

If you didn't want to lower it at all I believe Bilstein also do standard-height dampers (B6s?), but then you'd need OEM springs which the dealers charge £££ for.
If I were you i'd go for B8s and Apex springs for around £600 - cheaper and superior to the original equipment in every way.

 

[mk1chopper]

No probs mate, thanks



Cheers, i will be fitting myself so should save a nice amount of money on that price.

Price for parts came to £550 (springs, dampers, top mounts), i can give you part no. for the dampers if you want

 

[Dane]

and this was the height on Eibachs, different angle I know

 

[Dane]

That sits nice JS I hope mine ends up along those lines!

 

[DPM]

The Bilstein B8 dampers matched with the H&R springs is a very good option and tried and tested on the S3.

Damian @ DPM Performance

 

[JS1500]

Thanks Dane.
That pic was taken after they'd been on for about a week, I think the fronts have settled a bit more now.
I'm very happy with them; looks, ride & handling.

 

[Breezey]

Thanks alot guys the apex and h&r are just a smidge lower than what I wanted to go but the eibaacks look perfect, cheers JS nice to know what it looks like with the same wheels.

 

[Breezey]

How it looks at the moment, looks like eibacks should be about the same: