S-Line - should it be lowered?

[khan637]

Hi All

1st day of driving my T FSI 2006 S-Line A3. As nippy as it is, I think the handling is not great when driving into corners etc.

I was hoping with an S-Line that I would not have to lower it.

What have you guys done to enhance the drive in relation to handling?

Sitting on OEM 18" alloys at the moment.

 

[leeds2592]

IMO, even at S Line height, with a bit more of a drop, whether it be by coilovers or springs, it will look and handle better.

 

[Ash187]

If you dont want the car looking any lower but want improved handline then get some Eibach pro kit springs, otherwise i would recommend you go for the Eibach sportlines, lowers the car nicely and still maintains a comfortable ride quality.
The pro-kit will maybe lower your car like 10mm so it's not noticeable... The sportlines however will give you like a 30mm drop which will make it look better

 

[khan637]

If you dont want the car looking any lower but want improved handline then get some Eibach pro kit springs, otherwise i would recommend you go for the Eibach sportlines, lowers the car nicely and still maintains a comfortable ride quality.
The pro-kit will maybe lower your car like 10mm so it's not noticeable... The sportlines however will give you like a 30mm drop which will make it look better

Hi Mate,

Just for clarification, the first suggest is just changing springs which I understand.

The second option - is that a full pack (coil overs and springs? or just springs?)?

 

[jayc94]

I fitted coilovers to mine the other week and it improved the handling loads, not sure on springs though but i have some eibach 50mm springs forsale brand new

 

[khan637]

Hi Jayc94

I have a S-Line, therefore I am persuming this sit lower than a standard A3 already?

I am interested in lowering it, but not with a view or ruining the drive. I have always lowered my cars previously and want this to remain comfortable. I think 50mm will be too much, I think 10 or 20mm on top of the S-Line stance would be adequate.

 

[rOb_A]

my BE S Line is now on eibach sport lines, sits and rides just great
well worth the $$$

 

[khan637]

my BE S Line is now on eibach sport lines, sits and rides just great
well worth the $$$

so you remove the original springs and replace with what mm?

 

[rOb_A]

50mm at the front/40mm at the back, pic will help
therefore its 25mm/15mm lower than the S Line. as mentioned above, looks and ride improved

 

[khan637]

thanks mate the pic really helps, the A3 is new to be, only owned mine for 2 days. How does your handle road humps?

 

[rOb_A]

all good, had no problems at all :thumbsup:

 

[westers]

50mm at the front/40mm at the back, pic will help
therefore its 25mm/15mm lower than the S Line. as mentioned above, looks and ride improved

I like that a lot, although the front looks a smidge low, however I guess that's down to weight distribution and the need for the suspenders to be set accordingly.

I've got a a standard s-line and it handles fine - well, compared to a MK V Golf GT Sport 170 TDI, which bounced across every country road and, going into corners, pitched and yawed like a **** head on his drive home from the pub. Good fun though, and taught me how to drive smoothly. Oh, and running Kumho tyres - they taught you how to drive with no grip, lol.

My problem with the S-line is lack of feedback from the front, but that's probably due to the tyres I inherited - Bridgestones. They stick, but don't really tell you what's going on (a lot like Kumho tyres).

I dunno why I posted the above ramble

 

[GNJ_Motorsport]

If you are going for just springs then I'd get either Eibach Sportlines

Eibach Sportline 50/40mm Lowering Springs A3 8P Sportback 1.6 TDi, 1.8T FSi, 2.0T FSi, 2.0TDi FWD (09/04-) - GNJ Motorsport

Or H&R

H&R 50mm Lowering Springs A3 8P / A3 8P Sportback 1.6, 1.9TDi, 2.0FSi, 2.0T FSi, 2.0TDi FWD (05/03-) - GNJ Motorsport

Coilover wise the AP kit is popular and would allow you to set the height how you like

AP Coilover Suspension Kit A3 8P / A3 8P Sportback 1.8T FSi, 2.0T FSi, 2.0TDi FWD 55mm Strut (05/03-) - GNJ Motorsport

The standard S-Line suspension isn't the best as you have found out.

 

[GNJ_Motorsport]

50mm at the front/40mm at the back, pic will help
therefore its 25mm/15mm lower than the S Line. as mentioned above, looks and ride improved

That looks great

 

[chazd]

Mine on coilovers

 

[Bramley]

Eibach sportlines! Love mine

 

[khan637]

Thanks for the help and pics. Coilovers cost too much, will probably just get some eibach 40mm springs.

 

[WilkyA3]

I've just started a post with pics of my sline lowered. I think it's a must!

 

[Audi27]

Looking at those s lines lowered I think mine needs some coilovers. Didn't think would make much difference but does by far

 

[khan637]

Springs? 40mm?