'Sport' Springs On 'SE' A3

[mike170177]

Hi all,

I'm new to the forum, so go easy on me ) ....

I own a 2006 sportback SE (with 17" 16 spoke alloys). I like the car, but I considering fitting some 2nd hand good condition 'sport' model springs to my SE model, this would provide around a 15mm drop in ride height I believe.

My question is:

has anyone tried this in the past, if so, how did affect the ride over bumps. I find the SE ride compliant over our pot holed roads, I have read a few comments regarding the sport model ride being a little harsh at times. do you think the SE dampers will work well with the sport spec springs?

thanks for any comments.

Cheers

Mike

 

[Ads]

Sports springs ride fine.
You're right, they are 15mm lower than your SE springs but they are not harsh. You might be thinking about the s-line springs, as they are pretty harsh. They're about 25mm lower than SE.
The Sport springs are a nice compromise between the soft SE springs and the firm S-line springs. Its just a shame they aren't a bit lower.
As for whether they'll work well with SE dampers... i'm not sure. My guess would be that they'll be ok though, as the extra drop will only be 15mm which isn't that much really.

 

[nally]

Yeah sport ride fine mate. But in for a penny in for a pound why dont you go for the slin ones mine still looks a bit high I have 17s also.

 

[TimG]

Sport ones ride fine IMO. Do you already have some to fit? I have some wanting a new home since I fitted coilovers.

 

[FranA3]

yeah the sport isnt too bad but i did find it was a little harsh if you can get some s-line ones for better quality

 

[Ads]

Basically, if you want a slightly lower ride (15mm) that isn't too firm then go Sport.
If you want to drop a bit further than that (another 10mm) and don't mind a harsh ride then go s-line.
And if you want an s-line type drop but not as harsh/firm and don't mind spending a bit more money then go for eibach pro springs.

For s-line and eibach springs you should really look at changing your dampers though, or ride quality will probably be poor.

It really all depends on how much you want to spend and whether height, cost or comfort is most important to you.

 

[FranA3]

cough " coilovers " lol

 

[nally]

some good info there ads

 

[mike170177]

guys,

thanks for all the replies, some good opinions here. a friend of mine is getting rid of his unneeded sport springs hence the question. i am to be honest undecided still, the se rides well, handles ok (sport better i'm sure), but the se just sits too high.

i'll let you know what i decide, pays ya money takes ya choice... mmm

cheers

 

[plezz]

Hi all i was thinking of doing something similar with my SE once the 12 month dealer warranty expires - only 11 months to go

is there a rough guide price for sport springs? and is there a big price difference between sport and s line springs? I'm looking to keep everything as OEM as possible in case i want to PX the car with audi in the future, but that kind of limits me budget wise as i'll be trying to stay OEM.

 

[Ads]

Used Sport springs will sell for only a few pounds, if you can find some. There's no real demand for them.

As for the difference between sport and s-line springs, see post #6 in this thread.

 

[plezz]

hey Ads, thanks for the reply, i meant is there a big difference cost wise between sport and S line springs?

if its not a huge amount, i might as well bypass sport altogether and go straight to s line - unless there i would need to change more than just the springs etc.

i have a feeling sport springs might be easier to change. and seeing as my tool box consists of a screwdriver which doubles up as a hammer and a 'slimming world' tape measure, this might be the easier option for me...

 

[Ads]

Ah I see. Nah, the cost difference between Sport and S-line will be minimal, although used s-line springs do seem to come up on ebay more frequently.

I would seriously advise against s-line though, most people try to get away from it because its just too firm.
Audi have even made the newer s-line suspension softer, probably because they recognised it was too hard.

 

[plezz]

cool, thanks Ads. think i might stay with the sport then. i like the fact my car is comfy, and seeing as its a work car and I have to drive all over the country, i need to think of my spine.

i'm thinking of putting it on some 18s as well when fund$ allow.

 

[Ads]

cool, thanks Ads. think i might stay with the sport then. i like the fact my car is comfy, and seeing as its a work car and I have to drive all over the country, i need to think of my spine.

i'm thinking of putting it on some 18s as well when fund$ allow.

18s on Sport springs looks ok. My car (in my signature) is just that. It would look better lower (i'm going to drop mine by 40-50mm) but its still pass'able as it is.
Comfort-wise its fine, even on crap london roads.

 

[plezz]

ha, tbh Ads yours is the look i want to go for. I want it to look like a nicely decked out showroom car, and not like a modded car. Don't think my boss would like me visiting customers with the exhaust scrapping along their tarmac!

 

[Ads]

Yeah I can understand that.

The s-line height is definitely better than the Sport height but the ride isn't.
The perfect compromise are Eibach Pro springs. They are pretty much s-line height but not so hard.

You're based in Romford so not too far from Lakeside. AMD Essex will supply Eibach springs, fit and laser align your car for £300 all in.

Something to consider mate.

 

[plezz]

lol Ads, dont go giving me ideas, especially seeing as i'm due to visit lakeside this weekend anyway...

 

[Ads]

lol Ads, dont go giving me ideas, especially seeing as i'm due to visit lakeside this weekend anyway...

 

[mike170177]

Hi all i was thinking of doing something similar with my SE once the 12 month dealer warranty expires - only 11 months to go

is there a rough guide price for sport springs? and is there a big price difference between sport and s line springs? I'm looking to keep everything as OEM as possible in case i want to PX the car with audi in the future, but that kind of limits me budget wise as i'll be trying to stay OEM.

hi,

might interest you, good buy imo.... Audi A3 (8P) Sport Suspension Springs | eBay

 

[tiptronic]

Hello-
Here is my car back in 07 when it was brand new-- on base suspension (or commonly referred to as stock/premium in the US) riding on 17x7.5 et 56 Ronal/Audi wheels

Then at current (never did lowered from what you see now) on Sports' (from a 2006 sport suspension A3 in the US) and on 18x8 Ultrasports wheels. (100,000 miles later as of July 2011) and Im still loving the supple yet firm ride...

 

[The Engineer]

Yeah I can understand that.

The s-line height is definitely better than the Sport height but the ride isn't.
The perfect compromise are Eibach Pro springs. They are pretty much s-line height but not so hard.

You're based in Romford so not too far from Lakeside. AMD Essex will supply Eibach springs, fit and laser align your car for £300 all in.

Something to consider mate.

Some good info there Ads , was considering getting S Line springs for mine
as you can pick them up for fairly cheap.
would rather spend a little more on the Eibach's for a better ride. :icon_thumright:

 

[Ads]

Some good info there Ads , was considering getting S Line springs for mine
as you can pick them up for fairly cheap.
would rather spend a little more on the Eibach's for a better ride. :icon_thumright:

For £300 supplied/fitted/aligned (alignment can cost £70-£80 itself) or £160 for just the springs if you fit yourself, it's a no brainer!

I'm getting the lower Sportlines probably next week so I'll report back on the ride etc.