I have finally installed the Bilstein B12 kit on my car. It is a kit with the Eibach prokit springs and the Bilstein B8 shocks.
Background: I have had my share of driving time in an A3 with standard suspension, sport suspension, as well as the S3 standard suspension and the S3 magnetic ride suspension.
To make it a simpler comparison, I will use a scale of 1-10 on the different aspects (10 being the best and 1 being the worst).
Harshness: The setup is surprisingly comfortable, overall it is about the same as the A3 sport suspension in terms of harshness.
A3 Standard: 10
A3 Sport: 8
S3 Standard: 7
S3 Magride in Dynamic: 6
B12 Kit: 8
Ride Quality: This setup takes away all the floating and bounciness. The rebound response is noticeably quicker. It is just brilliant. This is very subjective, so I won't give a score.
Handling: I don't track, this is all about street performance. It corners very flat. Acceleration squat and brake dive are almost completely eliminated. It is also not bouncy at all on the road.
A3 Standard: 4
A3 Sport: 6
S3 Standard: 7
S3 Magride in Dynamic: 8
B12 Kit: 8
Ride Height / Visual: the Fender to Ground measurements are both ~25.5" front and rear, so a tad lower than the S3 ride height. For those looking for a big drop, this kit is not for you. It is a rather mild drop. Visually, it looks very much OEM.
A3 Standard: ~27"
A3 Sport: ~26.5"
S3 Standard: ~26"
S3 Magride in Dynamic: ~26"
B12 Kit: ~25.5"
From the way I see it, other than the reduction in practicality (less ground clearance), cost, and suspension warranty voiding, I can only think of positives!
Superb suspension kit!
Background: I have had my share of driving time in an A3 with standard suspension, sport suspension, as well as the S3 standard suspension and the S3 magnetic ride suspension.
To make it a simpler comparison, I will use a scale of 1-10 on the different aspects (10 being the best and 1 being the worst).
Harshness: The setup is surprisingly comfortable, overall it is about the same as the A3 sport suspension in terms of harshness.
A3 Standard: 10
A3 Sport: 8
S3 Standard: 7
S3 Magride in Dynamic: 6
B12 Kit: 8
Ride Quality: This setup takes away all the floating and bounciness. The rebound response is noticeably quicker. It is just brilliant. This is very subjective, so I won't give a score.
Handling: I don't track, this is all about street performance. It corners very flat. Acceleration squat and brake dive are almost completely eliminated. It is also not bouncy at all on the road.
A3 Standard: 4
A3 Sport: 6
S3 Standard: 7
S3 Magride in Dynamic: 8
B12 Kit: 8
Ride Height / Visual: the Fender to Ground measurements are both ~25.5" front and rear, so a tad lower than the S3 ride height. For those looking for a big drop, this kit is not for you. It is a rather mild drop. Visually, it looks very much OEM.
A3 Standard: ~27"
A3 Sport: ~26.5"
S3 Standard: ~26"
S3 Magride in Dynamic: ~26"
B12 Kit: ~25.5"
From the way I see it, other than the reduction in practicality (less ground clearance), cost, and suspension warranty voiding, I can only think of positives!
Superb suspension kit!
! Yes I have done a bit of modding 
, but to be honest I just want to make the car more streetable and fun (and lose the damn bounce!) and not drop silly money when I don't track my car....so this kit looks perfect for what I want. Recently ModdedEuros had the B16 priced ridiculously low at about $1,400 but its gone now 
...and I have found one (only one!) place in the US (I live in Panama so this is where I get all my mods from...but my car is Euro spec) which sells the B12....tunershop.com...never heard of them before...am hoping they are legitt as they have the kit for $740 plus shipping which is a great deal I think...though I'd prefer to use a tried and tested seller to get exactly the right kit if you don't mind sharing where you got yours 
pray for me in these dark decision days 
). It sounds like something is loose after the shocks rebound. I very much doubt its my mechanics fault....but will have to get him to take a look at it with me.....I just can't believe it cos we replaced literally everything....
