RS grille and crash bar/sensor

[Alicia]

Audi A3 8V Sport.

I’m thinking of changing my grille to the RS honeycomb style grille, but I’ve heard a lot of people saying they just removed the foam piece that surrounds the crash bar. Am I right I’m thinking this houses the crash sensor? If so, how was the sensor fixed back into place and do you really have to remove the foam piece? I don’t really want to mess with any safety systems.

Thanks

 

[Lehn]

You don't have to remove the foam piece (actually you can't since this will trigger an airbag error if you got the pedestrian airbag system). But you may need to cut/grind a little of it off to fit a non oem grill like I did.

Take a look at this thread: https://www.audi-sport.net/xf/threads/plastic-crash-bar-cover-8v-rs3.386709/

 

[Lehn]

You can see what I did below. I removed the big plastic cover covering the foam piece, painted the metal crash bar with matt black spray paint which I also used to paint the foam piece with (NOTE I would use Hammerite paint next time for the metal crash bar because it a lot tougher than normal spray paint and you can see small stone chips where the paint has come off).

There was like three square bumps on the foam piece I cut off with the blade of a hacksaw (remember to disconnect your battery while doing this to not throw and airbag errer).

I did this around new-year and I haven't experienced any problems since during driving or when cleaning the car with a pressure washer.

 

[dp_motley]

@Lehn , as I can see from the picture, you have removed all the plastic from cover and left the bare foam only?

 

[Lehn]

@Lehn , as I can see from the picture, you have removed all the plastic from cover and left the bare foam only?

Yep, otherwise there was no room for the grill.

 

[dp_motley]

Yep, otherwise there was no room for the grill.

What do you think, would vinyl wrap stick to the foam of tha crash bar? I have to google it.

 

[Lehn]

What do you think, would vinyl wrap stick to the foam of tha crash bar? I have to google it.

I don't think so but to be honest you don't see it. Even with the license plate removed I haven't got any comments on what that foamy thing was

 

[dp_motley]

I'm wondering if all the 8Vs have the pedestrian airbag system of this is the S3 or an extra option only.