Uprated suspension but no lowering - what to get?

[Tricki]

I would like to improve the handling of my car, but I don't really want to lower it due to road conditions and snowy winters at my parts.

So, what products should I go for? I've been looking at Koni FSD and Bilstein B6, though I've been somewhat put off the Bilsteins as there has been some reported issues with the quality lately, so basically; any good alternatives to the FSD's?

Not sure if I can get better springs at stock length either?

 

[boostina3]

You could always get coils and keep them all the way up. I have had both Bilsten and Koni's and liked both. However, Koni's were better for dailys.

 

[DPM]

I'd say the Bilstein B6 dampers and standard springs and then maybe also think about changing the ARBs.

We sell a lot of Bilstein products and never had any problems or issues with the quality.

Damian @ DPM Performance

 

[HEKTOR]

I agree with damian, the bilstein products are great, i use their pss9 coilover on my car and it rides way better than stock and the quality is great. Their b6 damper is a very good option.

To get the handling better then the best option would be the anti roll bar's. Im sure damian can recommend the best suited ones.

 

[Tricki]

I'd say the Bilstein B6 dampers and standard springs and then maybe also think about changing the ARBs.

We sell a lot of Bilstein products and never had any problems or issues with the quality.

Damian @ DPM Performance

Ok, here's a (potentially stupid) question: For lowering springs, is the stated lowering of XX mm measured from stock A3 or is it specifically for the S3? I don't understand how it can possibly work to lower a S3 by for example 40 mm?? My car is stock and there is no more than 25 mm space from tire to arch. Is there something I'm missing here? Or do I have to subtract the S3's lowered stance from the stated lowering of the different kits available?

 

[Alais DJA]

Dont knock the Eibachs....

 

[DPM]

The S3 specific lowering springs quoted drops will be on top of the standard S3 height - DPM - Audi S3 8L Lowering Springs

Damian @ DPM Performance

 

[Tricki]

The S3 specific lowering springs quoted drops will be on top of the standard S3 height - DPM - Audi S3 8L Lowering Springs

Damian @ DPM Performance

I'm still not totally convinced when I find that H&R states this in their notes for the springs for my specific car:

12. Vehicles fitted with BMW M-Technic, MB-Sportsline, Audi Sportsuspension etc. will show less lowering as they are already factory lowered.

That is actually what I thought may be the case, but then again, this may be different from brand to brand. Confusing stuff this...
As it happens I discovered today that one of my rear springs is broken, so I'm thinking getting a lowering springs all around now, and by what H&R put in this note I'm quite confident it won't drop that much.

 

[Tricki]

Actually the part number for H&R springs are the same (

29438) ​

for A3 1.8TQ/1.9TDI Q and the S3 Q on your site, and it is the only number at H&R's site.

S3: H&R 25mm Lowering Suspension Springs S3 8L 1.8T Quattro 01/99> - £193.00 : The premier 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

A3: H&R 25mm Lowering Suspension Springs A3 8L 1.8T Quattro, 1.9TDi Quattro 01/99> - £193.00 : The premier online mail order VAG suspension and performance specialists. We offer a wide range of all the best branded suspension and performance parts for a

H&R site:

29438-1

Audi A3 Quattro + S3 Quattro, type 8L, 4WD color H&R blue, lowering [mm] 25, year: from 03.1999 | Notes: 12

So my conclusion is that those specific springs would lower the A3 by 25 mm, but for the S3 you would get whatever difference there is between original lowering and the H&R springs. I believe the S3 is originally dropped 20 mm compared to the A3? So an extra 5 mm down then .

 

[VeVeX]

Actually the part number for H&R springs are the same (

29438) ​

for A3 1.8TQ/1.9TDI Q and the S3 Q on your site, and it is the only number at H&R's site.

S3: H&R 25mm Lowering Suspension Springs S3 8L 1.8T Quattro 01/99> - £193.00 : The premier 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

A3: H&R 25mm Lowering Suspension Springs A3 8L 1.8T Quattro, 1.9TDi Quattro 01/99> - £193.00 : The premier online mail order VAG suspension and performance specialists. We offer a wide range of all the best branded suspension and performance parts for a

H&R site:

29438-1

Audi A3 Quattro + S3 Quattro, type 8L, 4WD color H&R blue, lowering [mm] 25, year: from 03.1999 | Notes: 12

So my conclusion is that those specific springs would lower the A3 by 25 mm, but for the S3 you would get whatever difference there is between original lowering and the H&R springs. I believe the S3 is originally dropped 20 mm compared to the A3? So an extra 5 mm down then .

Try fit the S3 springs to the A3 or vise versa and come back to comment.

An S3 has a different suspension setup to an A3. The H&R quoted lowering amounts are specific to the S3 and have zero bearings in comparrison to an A3.

 

[Y83OLK]

^^ HUH, Since when has an s3 had a different suspension sutup to an a3q?

I think your right Tricki, however i dont believe the standard s3 is 20mm lower than an a3, unless its got the optional gmbh suspension fitted.

 

[Tricki]

Try fit the S3 springs to the A3 or vise versa and come back to comment.

An S3 has a different suspension setup to an A3. The H&R quoted lowering amounts are specific to the S3 and have zero bearings in comparrison to an A3.

I'm not with you here? Considering the part number for H&R springs are the same for the A3 TQ and the S3, are you saying there are some shims or spacers or what you call bearings that you use for the A3 but not for the S3? Did you check H&R's webpage? Says nothing like that on there...

 

[Tricki]

^^ HUH, Since when has an s3 had a different suspension sutup to an a3q?

I think your right Tricki, however i dont believe the standard s3 is 20mm lower than an a3, unless its got the optional gmbh suspension fitted.

I don't know if I have the gmbh suspension, but my car is bought new in Norway and it is on original springs (with 3 purple dots on the springs) and looks like this:

You tell me, is that the same height as an A3? I don't think so, from what I've read all S3's are 20 mm lower than standard A3, but that may not be the case for the UK since you are talking about gmbh suspension. I guess we got the gmbh sus here in Norway.

Anyways, does that look lower than an A3 to you? Would like your opinion