Advice on S-line Suspension upgrade needed

[Arjuanamo]

When i bought my car i had the S-line suspension installed on it from the factory . The height of it is not much of a problem for me. The ride comfort is pretty terrible on my car on these UK roads .

I was wondering if there are any decent aftermarket upgrades that would improve the comfort of the ride while not loosing any height . I have searched the forum and have noticed a lot of people have got the eibach pro kit . would the ride comfort be much better on these as opposed to the regular back breaking S-line set up .


any advice is appreciated

 

[Sandra]

Try @DPM for advice and options

 

[audismart]

Hi mate, I have done loads of research on this very subject and I have a box of Eibach Pro springs that are being fitted in a couple of weeks.
They are by far the best if you want to retain the ride hight of the S-Line but get rid of that horrible judder you get when you hit the smallest bit of uneven road, which is a bit unnerving if you have a bit of a trot on the back lanes and makes for a very unrefined ride.
They are a progressive spring so start soft and get harder as you push on, they work great with your S-Line dampers too, You can change the dampers if they are at the end of there sell by date, around 100k.
A good replacement for S-Line shocks are Bilstein B4, but you will be better of with Bilstein B8s which come as a kit called the B12 kit which is Eibach Pro spring kit with Bilstein B8 dampers together..
I`m sticking to my Standard S-Line dampers as they only have 62k on them and rebound is still perfect.
If you want a set you can have them foe £134 here from eBay.
Eibach Pro-Kit lowering springs for AUDI A3 AUE10150070622 30/30mm Sport springs | eBay
Or possibly a bit cheaper here where I got mine from.
Eibach, Page 3 - Car-Parts24.com Online Shop - Specialist for BMW and Mercede
Book time to fit is 3.7 hours and that is with 4 wheel alignment, and I suggest you only use a hunter wheel alignment, hunter is the best.

 

[Humpers]

I fitted some Eibachs pro springs on my s line a couple of weeks ago, the ride is so much better not so harsh and feels so much more planted in the corners.

 

[audismart]

Get some pictures up Humpers.

 

[Humpers]

Not the best pics as on uneven ground

 

[hollows wife]

the sportline springs go lower than the pro kit ,as the s-line is already lower than the SE model as standard .so the pro kit only lowers the s-line around 10mm.
the 30mm lowering is based on the SE model .

 

[Humpers]

the sportline springs go lower than the pro kit ,as the s-line is already lower than the SE model as standard .so the pro kit only lowers the s-line around 10mm.
the 30mm lowering is based on the SE model .

This is true as not noticed much on mine but is just a bit lower after measuring it from sills to floor

 

[audismart]

Not the best pics as on uneven ground

Do like that lava grey colour.
Splitter looks good too.
I have the same number plate surrounds with pressed plates on.
Are you sitting on 19s?
Sitting nice and any lower spoils the elegance of a already lower car in my opinion.

 

[audismart]

the sportline springs go lower than the pro kit ,as the s-line is already lower than the SE model as standard .so the pro kit only lowers the s-line around 10mm.
the 30mm lowering is based on the SE model .

Thats why the Eibach pro kit is such a great option if you want to retain the S-Line OEM look but improve the ride and handling.

 

[Humpers]

Yeah 19's put them on a couple of weeks ago still feels better than the 18's on s line springs

 

[Humpers]

I was thinking of getting some pressed plates, maybe after pay day

 

[audismart]

Yeah 19's put them on a couple of weeks ago still feels better than the 18's on s line springs

I was contemplating 19s on mine, same bbs rims but split as a summer option, nice to know it rides better than 18s on the s line springs.

 

[audismart]

I was thinking of getting some pressed plates, maybe after pay day

Got mine from dubmiester, £50 If I remember and there registered with dvla.

 

[Humpers]

Do it I found mine on on a Facebook page for £300 just needed refurb and tyres. Sold my old rims for £260 and the old 19" tyres for £100 I think all in cost me £400 with new tyres

 

[Arjuanamo]

Thank you guys for all the advice . I will upgrade them within the next month as I was thinking about getting some spacers as well . For some reason my wheels seem really deep in at the back .

So the eibach pro kits are 30mm lower than standard . I believe the s-line is also 30mm lower than standard so the ride height will be identical but the comfort will be improved ?


The sportlines will be lower than the s-line but I guess the ride comfort will be reduced .

I think I'm gonna go with the eibach pro-kit with the Bilstein B8's . Would you guys recommend anything else to improve the handling or ride comfort while I'm at it ?

 

[phil miller]

My sport is high to say the least, its currently on 17s but i wanna upgrade to 18s, i want to lower it but not on coil overs, would springs be ok on my sport or should i get matching dampers?

Has anyone got a link to shocks and springs?

 

[hollows wife]

the sportline springs ride better than the s-line stock springs ,alot less crashy over pot holes etc.

 

[downtothebone]

S Line is 25mm lower than standard and S3 is 35mm lower than standard.

 

[audismart]

Thank you guys for all the advice . I will upgrade them within the next month as I was thinking about getting some spacers as well . For some reason my wheels seem really deep in at the back .

So the eibach pro kits are 30mm lower than standard . I believe the s-line is also 30mm lower than standard so the ride height will be identical but the comfort will be improved ?


The sportlines will be lower than the s-line but I guess the ride comfort will be reduced .

I think I'm gonna go with the eibach pro-kit with the Bilstein B8's . Would you guys recommend anything else to improve the handling or ride comfort while I'm at it ?

Cool so your going for the B12 kit, you might like to look at anti lift kits and anti roll bars, ARBs might sacrifice some comfort.

 

[audismart]

My sport is high to say the least, its currently on 17s but i wanna upgrade to 18s, i want to lower it but not on coil overs, would springs be ok on my sport or should i get matching dampers?

Has anyone got a link to shocks and springs?

I`ve heard that the sport shocks can get sloppy quite quickly after lower springs being fitted especially if they are on higher mileage, Bilstein B4 are a lower cost option than the B8s and are replacement for the s-line shocks.

 

[millsy4002]

Apart from site sponser DPM, anyone found the B4's at a bargain price on the net anywhere?

 

[audismart]

Id say demon tweaks are your best bet millsy.
Car Audi A3 (03-07) [8P] 2006 2.0 Turbo | Shock Absorbers | Suspension | Performance | Home | Demon Tweeks

 

[Csaba]

the sportline springs go lower than the pro kit ,as the s-line is already lower than the SE model as standard .so the pro kit only lowers the s-line around 10mm.
the 30mm lowering is based on the SE model .

And how about the ''standard'' non s-line 3.2 sport quattro ? will it lower it down by 30mm ?
thank you

 

[millsy4002]

And how about the ''standard'' non s-line 3.2 sport quattro ? will it lower it down by 30mm ?
thank you

Yeah the two kit heights are taken from standard

 

[Gazwould]

Pressed plates are sooo yesterday ,
Utra Tek are now the Daddy .

It's best not to say a B12 Pro kit containing Bilstein B8 dampers would be better than Eibach Pro with Bilstein B4 ( just a damper difference as springs are the same Eibach Pro) unless it's based on personal experience from swapping one for the other or experiencing the same model with same wheels and same brand and model of tyres .

ARB's don't have anything to do with ride quality so it won't be affected .

 

[audismart]

And how about the ''standard'' non s-line 3.2 sport quattro ? will it lower it down by 30mm ?
thank you

The pro springs will lower 30mm from standard hight. I believe the sport is 15mm lower from standard hight already, so the pro springs will lower the car another 15mm.
The S-Line is 25mm from standard hight and thats why there isn't much of a noticeable drop from the S-Line hight about 5/10mm.

 

[audismart]

Pressed plates are sooo yesterday ,
Utra Tek are now the Daddy .

It's best not to say a B12 Pro kit containing Bilstein B8 dampers would be better than Eibach Pro with Bilstein B4 ( just a damper difference as springs are the same Eibach Pro) unless it's based on personal experience from swapping one for the other or experiencing the same model with same wheels and same brand and model of tyres .

ARB's don't have anything to do with ride quality so it won't be affected .

I looked at the ultratek and gel plates and didn't like the look or feel to them, they look cheap and dare I say it, tacky. The pressed look far more well built with a quality look to them, thats just in my opinion, so I dont mean to offend.
Well I stand corrected on the ALK and ARB, just had a good read up Gaz and thanks for that, can there be some small trade offs on handling on general road driving with the two kits fitted?

 

[downtothebone]

I looked at the ultratek and gel plates and didn't like the look or feel to them, they look cheap and dare I say it, tacky. The pressed look far more well built with a quality look to them, thats just in my opinion, so I dont mean to offend.
Well I stand corrected on the ALK and ARB, just had a good read up Gaz and thanks for that, can there be some small trade offs on handling on general road driving with the two kits fitted?

I didn't like the pressed plates either so went with the gel version.
I've got the pro kit springs with ALK and Eibach ARBs. The springs will sort out the ride quality whilst the rest will fix the boat like handling which the springs won't do on their own.

 

[audismart]

Pressed plates are sooo yesterday ,
Utra Tek are now the Daddy .

It's best not to say a B12 Pro kit containing Bilstein B8 dampers would be better than Eibach Pro with Bilstein B4 ( just a damper difference as springs are the same Eibach Pro) unless it's based on personal experience from swapping one for the other or experiencing the same model with same wheels and same brand and model of tyres .

ARB's don't have anything to do with ride quality so it won't be affected .

Well for all those that are unsure as wether to go for Bilstein B4 or B8 dampers.
Understanding BILSTEIN's Product Line

 

[audismart]

I didn't like the pressed plates either so went with the gel version.
I've got the pro kit springs with ALK and Eibach ARBs. The springs will sort out the ride quality whilst the rest will fix the boat like handling which the springs won't do on their own.

Maybe it my age when it come to taste, I`m getting old lol.
I recon your looking at getting some Bilstein B8 dampers with that setup downtothebone?

 

[Gazwould]

I prefer Demon Tweeks explanations of B4 and B8 .

B4

Bilstein B4 Performance Gas Dampers are designed to be direct replacements, with a slight performance advantage over the original dampers. They are ideal for use with the standard ride height springs or can be used with lowered and uprated springs (max suggested lowering approx 40mm) if lowering on a budget.

The legendary Bilstein damping smooths out bumps for an excellent ride, but control and stability are maintained at speed for confidence in all conditions.

Bilstein B4 Gas Dampers offer:
Performance shock absorbers that suit standard springs or most lowered spring kits (up to approx 40mm)
High level of comfort with stable vehicle control
Gas pressure technology
Road-tested and fine tuned by Bilstein

The Bilstein B4 damper is the perfect choice for those wanting sure And stable handling at a great price.


B8

Bilstein B8 Dampers are specially designed to be used with lowered and uprated springs on lowered vehicles. They are the perfect solution for anyone that wants increased handling capabilities And a sports suspension set up. The shortened dampers provide the optimal balance when combined with lowered sports springs. The legendary Bilstein damping smoothes out bumps for an excellent ride, but gives excellent high speed road holding.

Bilstein B8 Sprint Dampers offer :

• Shortened high performance shock absorbers that suit virtually all lowering springs or stAndard springs
• Sporty approach with high level of comfort
• Precision handling and optimised vehicle control
• Gas pressure technology
• Bilstein mono-tube / upside-down technology, made in Germany
• Road-tested and fine tuned by Bilstein

The Bilstein B8 damper is the perfect choice for those wanting the highest performance, lowered suspension.

 

[downtothebone]

Maybe it my age when it come to taste, I`m getting old lol.
I recon your looking at getting some Bilstein B8 dampers with that setup downtothebone?

I'm probably older than you - no further plans on suspension for me. You get to a point where you decide it's time to start with a better car.

 

[audismart]

I'm probably older than you - no further plans on suspension for me. You get to a point where you decide it's time to start with a better car.

forty ahem six.
Yeah I know about the money spent and why do it to a car that wont benefit from anymore mods, its a labour of love.

 

[Arjuanamo]

So I rang up elite direct tyres in east London and they quoted me £785 for the B-12 Kit with fitting and alignment . I usually go to them for everything as they have one of the best tracking and alignment systems you can get .

I can get the kit for £480 on demon tweaks but this means I have to find another garage to fit them for me .

You guys reckon the £300 surplus is reasonable for fitting ,alignment and warranty ?

 

[Sayam]

So I rang up elite direct tyres in east London and they quoted me £785 for the B-12 Kit with fitting and alignment . I usually go to them for everything as they have one of the best tracking and alignment systems you can get .

I can get the kit for £480 on demon tweaks but this means I have to find another garage to fit them for me .

You guys reckon the £300 surplus is reasonable for fitting ,alignment and warranty ?

It's london so they could charge you a million quid and justify it with "london prices".

Up here in west yorkshire I'd expect to pay around £100 or maybe a touch more for fitting and around £70 for a Hunter alignment.

 

[c_w]

ARB's don't have anything to do with ride quality so it won't be affected .

No strictly true, since they reduce the level of independence each wheel has on its axle so the ride can be affected on uneven roads.

 

[Donny_DJ]

So I rang up elite direct tyres in east London and they quoted me £785 for the B-12 Kit with fitting and alignment . I usually go to them for everything as they have one of the best tracking and alignment systems you can get .

I can get the kit for £480 on demon tweaks but this means I have to find another garage to fit them for me .

You guys reckon the £300 surplus is reasonable for fitting ,alignment and warranty ?

AMD are offering free fitting....

http://www.amdtuning.com/audi/a3/8p...-suspension-upgrades-32/bilstein-suspension-0

 

[Arjuanamo]

So my car went in today for installation of the Bilstein B-12 Kit and 20mm rear spacers .

Elite direct originally quoted me a drop of 10/15mm but after reading up on the forum i was only expecting 5mm maximum drop .

They just rang me and told me the rear has gone up by 10mm ! I was shocked as I thought it would stay the same height . Has anyone else had this same experience with the kit ?


He asked me if I want to reschedule and go for the sport line kit . My main reason was to improve comfort so I told him I will just stick with the Pro kit .

I was wondering if it it is possible they were sent the wrong springs but they rang up Eibach and confirmed they are the right ones . Would it be possible that the springs would drop 10mm once they have settled in ?



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Gazwould]

Should of got Sportlines B12 kit .