S Line Black Edition suspension too firm, please help!

[JoolzBee]

Hi folks

I've looked in the FAQS and searched for a similar thread but not found one, apologies if I've missed it.

I recently bought a gorgeous A3 S Line but I'm finding the rubbish Norfolk roads are making me feel like a smoothie by the time I've got where I need to be. I've had all the jokes from friends about buying a better sports bra etc, but I really want to improve the comfort a bit without affecting the handling, but I don't want to lower the car too much as those Norfolk roads will not let me!!

Can anyone suggest a solution? I'm guessing changing springs/dampeners but I don't know to what or where I can buy them/get them fitted.

Please help the newbie lol x

 

[Sayam]

i would go for eibach pro-kit springs and koni FSD dampers for all out comfort or eibach pro-kit springs and bilstein b8 dampers for increased comfort with a performance edge.

this is the advice @DPM Damien gave me when I was enquiring about dampers and i trust what he says. he advised me to go with eibach pro-kit and i love them.

in your shoes i'd go for pro-kit and FSD. maybe someone could suggest standard s-line spring with FSD shock? the s-line shock isn't the best to be honest, even though i'm keeping mine until they leak

 

[JoolzBee]

Thanks for replying Sayam. It got to the point last week that I actually thought about changing my car I was THAT unhappy with the ride!!! I then got a grip and thought, there's got to be a better way!! I definitely don't want to lose too much handling but something with comfort sounds great.

The Eibach Pro Kit springs and Bilstein B8 dampers, are these the actual models/part names? I confess I know nothing about these things! Any recommendations about suppliers? I guess I can buy on the Internet and hen find someone to fit......not sure who.......Norfolk has a good many tractor specialists but not many performance specialists lol.

Anyone on here from Norfolk and might know where I can get such things fitted? There used to be a place called SCA but they have gone.....

 

[Sayam]

Yes the springs are made by Eibach and the model is Pro-Kit

The dampers are made by Bilstein with model B8

@DPM can supply everything you need. I bought mind from Damien, great guy and brilliant customer service

Sorry I don't know anyone in Norfolk, how far are you from Manchester?

Remember to take it for a 4 wheel geometry setup once you have the work done. Also check suspension bushes, etc so that you get it all done at once and only do the wheel geometry setup after all the suspension work has been completed

Don't change the car mate, they're beautiful cars and once you get the suspension sorted and retrofit the bits of technology ( contact @NHN for that) that you want trust me you'll love it!

Do speak to DPM though because he is best placed to advise you on what springs and dampers to go for. You are welcome to private message him.

 

[JoolzBee]

Norwich to Manchester is about 200 miles Norwich is miles away from anywhere!!

Thank you so much for the tips, I need it with this subject lol!! I can build an air cooled engine but know feck all about this stuff!!

I will contact DPM, cheers

Joolz x

 

[Sayam]

Damn I didn't realise Manchester was so far!

What's the closest city to you?

 

[JoolzBee]

Yeah I'm out in the middle of nowhere lol. Norwich is the closest city to where I live, I suppose the next biggest place is somewhere like Cambridge, that's about 100 miles away, or London, about 150 miles away........I am near lots of sea though lol

 

[Jet2004uk]

Cheaper option is a better sports bra oh and welcome to the forum

 

[JoolzBee]

......not as much fun though, I like shiny new car bits x

 

[batch]

Hi Joolz,
Depending on the mileage/age of your car, you may be ok just with the Pro-Kit springs. I bought my S3 BE new in April 2012, and at Xmas 2013 I had fitted these springs. On an S3 it is just the front pair, as I felt the arch gap as standard was obscene! However I also had an issue with the "crashy" ride which I felt spoilt the special car somewhat.
Without realising it, by fitting the shorter/progressive springs on the front, I improved the ride, braking, handling (obviously) and stance. Having run some form of lowering on every car I've had, I like to think I know my stuff. What it feels like here is that the Pro-Kit springs are better matched to the dampers, as now I can see that they almost did the opposite of bottoming out before. Now there's less crashiness, and bumps are nicer to deal with (the roads in South London can be atrocious too!).
Feel free to look at my progress thread or drop me a PM - hope this helped.

 

[Jet2004uk]

......not as much fun though, I like shiny new car bits x

Fun for the passenger maybe? anyway your making me go off topic I must admit I sometimes find my s-line suspension a little hard going, not the best roads in Lincolnshire, I have not got around to changing anything on mine yet so will keep an eye on this thread to see what you end up doing

 

[JoolzBee]

So just two springs works OK Batch? Shows how much I know, I thought all four had to be done at once!! Does that just 'take the edge off' the harshness or does it significantly improve the ride? I don't mind spending good money on achieving the result I want as long as it does improve it. But I do want the moon and the stars cos I can't lose that awesome cornering lol!!

Mine is an A3 S Line Black Edition 2.0TDi (180 bhp) with approx 65,000 miles on the clock. Previously owned by a man who loved his aftershave as the gear knob is impregnated with his smell!! Thankfully it's a nice one lol.

Most people I've spoken to have said the suspension on this model is too hard Jet, so watch away my friend

Thanks for your responses lovely people, I really do appreciate your help as I have no clue about this!!

 

[Jet2004uk]

I know nothing about this stuff either Joolz but saying that I have learnt alot from the guys on here, be careful though as they will try and corrupt you and get you to spend thousands on pounds on modifiying your car lol once that happens there is no turning back (welcome to the Dark side) oh and I dont like football either...and yes I am a guy, I know I know lol

 

[RobCrezz]

Might be worth seeing if you can find out the part numbers for the non s line suspension and get that swapped on there, might be cheapest option.


Another option is changing to 18" or 17" wheels (assuming you have 19"), which will have higher profile tyres, which improve comfort a lot.

 

[Sayam]

So just two springs works OK Batch? Shows how much I know, I thought all four had to be done at once!!

Mine is an A3 S Line Black Edition 2.0TDi (180 bhp) with approx 65,000 miles on the clock. Previously owned by a man who loved his aftershave as the gear knob is impregnated with his smell!! Thankfully it's a nice one lol.

Batch has a S3 where Eibach only provide the front two springs to be swapped.

You have the diesel 170BHP like mine (unless it's a 140BHP remapped) and on our cars you will get four springs and all four need to be changed.

Might be worth seeing if you can find out the part numbers for the non s line suspension and get that swapped on there, might be cheapest option.


Another option is changing to 18" or 17" wheels (assuming you have 19"), which will have higher profile tyres, which improve comfort a lot.

Factory black edition comes with 18" wheels, although i agree a higher profile tyre will make things more comfortable, it doesn't remove the "crashiness" that you get from the factory springs and dampers.

 

[nluk100]

What tyre pressures are you running as I've found that the comfort improves considerably if you lower the pressure slightly below the manufacturers recommendations.

 

[Matt R]

What tyre pressures are you running as I've found that the comfort improves considerably if you lower the pressure slightly below the manufacturers recommendations.

Agreed, try lowering the pressure, can also be tyre dependant depending on the sidewall stiffness.

 

[shadow1993]

First thing i would do is check if Tyre pressure is correct and then maybe get smaller alloys so there is more tyre between you and the road.

 

[JoolzBee]

My alloys are 19" 5 spoke gorgeous ones, you can see them in my little avatar thingy. No idea on tyre pressure to be honest. I can check this tomorrow.

 

[JoolzBee]

And no way I'm changing them, far too lush!!!

 

[Ash187]

keep the alloys, check your tyre pressure and change your springs to the Eibach Pro kit.
It won't lower it much but it will change the handling of the car immensely! it will cut down the crashy ride and not allow the car to 'roll' on corners.

 

[JoolzBee]

Thanks everyone, so much. Everyone is so friendly here!!

I think I'm going to go down the Koni FSD damper route and keep my springs. I really don't want to change my wheels and I definitely don't want to lower the car any more than it is already.

@Jet2004uk I'll keep you posted with how it handles afterwards as you have the same issue.

Thanks everyone!!!!

 

[Sayam]

speak to Damien and I'd pretty much do what he says because he will work out the best option for you in your budget

please please please replace the top mounts and bearings while you swap the dampers...the last thing you want is for them to fail in a few thousand miles and have to pay the same labour all over again. while you have the car stripped it will just cost you the price of the parts

don't forget the 4 wheel alignment afterwards!

 

[Ash187]

The s-line springs are worse than the s-line shocks... Just replacing the shocks won't get you want you want

 

[JoolzBee]

Oh

Damien recommended just the dampers as I said I didn't want to lower the car, but I don't want to just do those if it won't actually help much....

 

[Sayam]

i guess the idea behind asking is to get a range of views, and that's what you have...you need to decide what's best for you and within your budget

suspension is hard to make a solid recommendation because a setup i like you might hate etc

 

[Jet2004uk]

Yeah.... so JoolzBee hurry up and make a decision lol

 

[Ash187]

If Damien has said that would be better then I'd trust Damien, maybe double check and explain exactly what you want so he can be sure... If you dont explain properly you can easily end up with a different setup which you may need to go back and change some more.
There is nothing wrong with changing dampers, it's always a good thing. It just may not result in what you are looking for

 

[hollows wife]

that what i need just springs , whats the difference if anyone knows between the quattro and front wheel drive springs ? . drive is harsh with the standard spring setup

 

[JoolzBee]

I'm going with the Eibach springs and Koni dampers. Even found a guy a couple of miles from me who specialises in fitting them!! I'll keep you posted chaps, thanks for all your help

 

[Sayam]

I'm going with the Eibach springs and Koni dampers. Even found a guy a couple of miles from me who specialises in fitting them!! I'll keep you posted chaps, thanks for all your help

Which Eibach springs and which dampers?

Don't forget a 4-wheel alignment once everything has been fitted. Try find someone local with the Hunter system as it's a good setup.

 

[JoolzBee]

the Eibach Pro Kit and Koni FSD......Damien said I needed 55mm dampers......I'll get the alignment, cheers but what's the hunter system?

 

[Sayam]

Very good choice on both springs and dampers there buddy! Don't forget to report back on your thoughts. The suspension will need a week or two to settle. Do the alignment after that time has elapsed rather than straight away.

Hunter is a company that makes the equipment used to do the 4-wheel alignment. Their equipment is really good so I was just saying try and find someone local who has the Hunter setup to do your alignment.

 

[JoolzBee]

Ah, OK, cool. Thanks x

 

[curlo]

Very good choice on both springs and dampers there buddy! Don't forget to report back on your thoughts. The suspension will need a week or two to settle. Do the alignment after that time has elapsed rather than straight away.

Hunter is a company that makes the equipment used to do the 4-wheel alignment. Their equipment is really good so I was just saying try and find someone local who has the Hunter setup to do your alignment.

Ah, OK, cool. Thanks x

Follow the below link to find the nearest Hunter machine to you: http://www.alignmycar.co.uk

 

[JoolzBee]

Fantastic, there are three places not too far from me, thanks

 

[Buxton2901]

Fantastic, there are three places not too far from me, thanks

Hi @JoolzBee

did you get your suspension sorted? im in the same boot with my A4 Avant S-Line, the rise is shocking

Paul

 

[JoolzBee]

Unfortunately an unexpected bereavement has left me lighter in the purse so I've put it on hold for now. I still need to do something though, it's driving me nuts. My original issue of not wanting to lower the car has reared its head again though making me concerned about the end result. Some of the roads I have to go down for work have more grass growing in the middle of them than Glasgow has in the whole city and if I lower it too much, I'm going to be using my front splitter as a grass plough

What I'd really like to do is get a ride in an A3 that's had the suspension done to see if it's worth the pennies but there's no one local to me that I know of.

 

[Jet2004uk]

Pop over JoolzBee I will let you drive mine would be a good drive over lol

 

[Buxton2901]

Unfortunately an unexpected bereavement has left me lighter in the purse so I've put it on hold for now. I still need to do something though, it's driving me nuts. My original issue of not wanting to lower the car has reared its head again though making me concerned about the end result. Some of the roads I have to go down for work have more grass growing in the middle of them than Glasgow has in the whole city and if I lower it too much, I'm going to be using my front splitter as a grass plough

What I'd really like to do is get a ride in an A3 that's had the suspension done to see if it's worth the pennies but there's no one local to me that I know of.

Sorry for ya loss mate.
I've just ordered my shocks so will let u know if the rides any better when I get them fitted.
In hoping it will be less bouncy and less harsh