8v A3 lowering help

[MarcMiller]

I'm looking to lower my A3 in the next few weeks and not sure exactly which way to go. I have done my research on the H&R Sport and Super Sport springs and kinda thought I was set on the Super Sports based on the estimated drop. I'm really looking to kill majority of my wheel gap and the regular Sport springs don't seem to have the drop I'm looking for.

I do have an S-Line so I believe I'm on the sport suspension.

Currently been reading into the Neuspeed Sport Kit and that seems to be roughly 1.5" vs the Super Sports which claim to drop roughly 1.8". I've heard the SS are a rough ride (bouncy, uncomfortable). This being my daily with only 4,000 miles on it I'm trying to keep the ride as comfortable to stock as possible.

I'm coming from a B5 A4 that was on ST coilovers and also Airlift front and rear bags and those rode perfectly fine for everyday driving.


Hoping I can get some info from you guys and maybe some before and after pictures.
I do have 18" wheels, a lot of the pictures i see are 19".

[INYAUDI]

18" wheels on 40 profile tires.
Bilstein B14 coilovers maxed out. RIDES AWESOME.

vs



My bros 2015 GLI on h&r sport springs
Same wheel specs except offset. Rides worse than mine. Audi>VW

[INYAUDI]

Stock suspension wheel gap especially on the stock 17s was sooo bad

[bigxie]

Have you checked out the Emmanuele Design lowering springs? I've had them on my A3 for half a year and I'm very happy with the ride quality and height. I guess they're one of the only linear springs (like stock) available so they kind of maintain stock ride characteristics (ride quality), though it's less bouncy.

It did lower my A3 (Prestige, S-line, 18" wheels) quite a bit. Check it out.

Dropped



Stock

[MarcMiller]

Day i bought it.


After tint.

Really want to kill the gap.

[MarcMiller]

Have you checked out the Emmanuele Design lowering springs? I've had them on my A3 for half a year and I'm very happy with the ride quality and height. I guess they're one of the only linear springs (like stock) available so they kind of maintain stock ride characteristics (ride quality), though it's less bouncy.

It did lower my A3 (Prestige, S-line, 18" wheels) quite a bit. Check it out.

This is the exactly what i'm looking for. How much did you pay and where did you buy? Any noises?

[bigxie]

This is the exactly what i'm looking for. How much did you pay and where did you buy? Any noises?

I got them here: http://www.emmanueledesign.com/colle...nt=22065145927

The springs themselves are pretty cheap, the labor to install it may be pretty high though (unless you do it yourself). I haven't experienced any noises either. I think there were some issues with the first revisions of a lot of springs, but the market is pretty mature by now and those kinks should be all worked out.

[MarcMiller]

I got them here: http://www.emmanueledesign.com/colle...nt=22065145927

The springs themselves are pretty cheap, the labor to install it may be pretty high though (unless you do it yourself). I haven't experienced any noises either. I think there were some issues with the first revisions of a lot of springs, but the market is pretty mature by now and those kinks should be all worked out.

I actually work at an Audi dealership so I can pay one of the techs to install the springs for me.

[MarcMiller]

after looking up more on those springs i think these are gonna be it. The drop looks good, no reverse rake (cant stand it) and similar to stock.

this post on vortex helped a lot.

http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthrea...light=neuspeed

[EmmanueleDesign]

after looking up more on those springs i think these are gonna be it. The drop looks good, no reverse rake (cant stand it) and similar to stock.

this post on vortex helped a lot.

http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthrea...light=neuspeed

Let us know if we can answer any specific questions. Our springs have been the most popular option for those interested in preserving factory ride quality.

[MarcMiller]

Let us know if we can answer any specific questions. Our springs have been the most popular option for those interested in preserving factory ride quality.

My only problem I'm really having is getting the idea on how much these springs will lower my car. I really just want to kill the gap. I have an A3 with sport suspension on 18s. Majority of the pictures I've been seeing online are S3s, 19s, and MAG suspension.

Does anyone really have a comparison for an A3 going from sport suspension?

[INYAUDI]

What I posted is exactly what you want to see..A3 with 18s. Let me ask you this, who will be doing the install you or a shop? Keep in mind labor costs to install springs is equal or more than coilovers. Coilovers are easier to install actually. And the Bilsteins I mentioned ride pretty close to stock while having the pros of being coilovers. This is probably the most common post in the 8v section, read around. You'll find the answers/opinions to be pretty consistent. My impression of you is that you want to be on the conservative side but picky about the ride height. That screams bilsteins.I havent read a single regret about them. If bilsteins were able to drop 4" I dont think anyone would buy other brands except maybe kw,ohlins, or bags which cost much more anyway.

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[Lusky]

Here is my A3 on 18x9.5 et39 255/35-18's. It is on B14 Coilovers but it shows you a 2" drop. FTG is 25" now.






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[MarcMiller]

What I posted is exactly what you want to see..A3 with 18s. Let me ask you this, who will be doing the install you or a shop? Keep in mind labor costs to install springs is equal or more than coilovers. Coilovers are easier to install actually. And the Bilsteins I mentioned ride pretty close to stock while having the pros of being coilovers. This is probably the most common post in the 8v section, read around. You'll find the answers/opinions to be pretty consistent. My impression of you is that you want to be on the conservative side but picky about the ride height. That screams bilsteins.I havent read a single regret about them. If bilsteins were able to drop 4" I dont think anyone would buy other brands except maybe kw,ohlins, or bags which cost much more anyway.

Sent from my SM-N910P using Audizine mobile app

I seen your picture but honestly it doesn't show the height very well. I work at an audi shop and have friends who will throw the springs on my car for only $100. Far less expensive them buying coilovers. I'm very set on springs.

[MarcMiller]

Lusky your height is perfect. So far the ED springs seem to be the best bet but i feel like the drop wont be enough.

[INYAUDI]

My height FTG is 24.25" so sorta similar to lusky's. For $100 then yea totally go for it. When you do springs you'll appear higher for a few weeks as the springs settle. After those few weeks if you find yourself still not liking the height you have the option of using spacers. It fills in the gap a lil bit and gives the illusion of being even lower.

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[EmmanueleDesign]

My only problem I'm really having is getting the idea on how much these springs will lower my car. I really just want to kill the gap. I have an A3 with sport suspension on 18s. Majority of the pictures I've been seeing online are S3s, 19s, and MAG suspension.

Does anyone really have a comparison for an A3 going from sport suspension?

Mag-ride will sit higher than standard suspension. In terms of the FTG, A3 and S3 will end up at the same height which is ~25". The reason for the differences in drop rate is due to the higher starting height for the A3 versus the S3.

[MarcMiller]

Mag-ride will sit higher than standard suspension. In terms of the FTG, A3 and S3 will end up at the same height which is ~25". The reason for the differences in drop rate is due to the higher starting height for the A3 versus the S3.

Okay this helps a lot. I love the look with these springs. I think I'm going to be picking these up. Thank you for help!

From what I've read the newer version removes the rubbing issue on the spring and you send a spacer for the rears so they sit even.

[Nick_Cristello]

I have had the H and R sport springs on my 2015 a3 for over a year now, they do dimminish ride a little but I don't find it that big of a deal. Still think it was a good purchase.


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[MarcMiller]

bumpppp... starting to think that the ED springs don't lower it enough. Can you guys on different springs post up some good quality side pictures with close ups on the wheel? looking to buy springs in the next few weeks with the holiday season approaching

[dbtong]

My wife's (piaadoll here on AZ) 2014 A3 with Prestige Package/S-Line on ED springs with the rear pad installed. This is a phone pic I took a few months ago. Stock 18" wheels and tires, no spacers. What you see is what you'd get.

Like you, we had the OEM sport springs first but they weren't low enough for our tastes.

[VWVW]

My wife's (piaadoll here on AZ) 2014 A3 with Prestige Package/S-Line on ED springs with the rear pad installed. This is a phone pic I took a few months ago. Stock 18" wheels and tires, no spacers. What you see is what you'd get.

Like you, we had the OEM sport springs first but they weren't low enough for our tastes.

Looks great. How is the ride vs. the sport suspension?

[Audi_Salesman]

Here's my S3 on H&R sport springs


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[Mops@Nemesis]

Both of those look perfect. I'm going to install the rear pad soon.

[dbtong]

Looks great. How is the ride vs. the sport suspension?

This is my wife's daily driver. In her opinion, it rides as smooth as the OEM sport suspension. After reading about how some other spring options resulted in harsher rides, this was the best choice for us. I think it actually came out a little lower than we expected but it looks good even with the stock wheel setup.

[VWVW]

This is my wife's daily driver. In her opinion, it rides as smooth as the OEM sport suspension. After reading about how some other spring options resulted in harsher rides, this was the best choice for us. I think it actually came out a little lower than we expected but it looks good even with the stock wheel setup.

It looks great.

Is it common to scrape with that ride height?

[dbtong]

It looks great.

Is it common to scrape with that ride height?

Before the springs, scraped the bottom of the front bumper on a very steep driveway.

After the springs, scraped the bottom of the front bumper on a parking block.

Since the front bumper is now lower than most parking blocks, that's the only real concern...but that's going to be the same with most all lowered cars. Other than that, haven't had any scraping of the undercarriage like from speed bumps or anything.

[MarcMiller]

Here's my S3 on H&R sport springs


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How do these ride? Wish i seen more cars with 18s

[MarcMiller]

My wife's (piaadoll here on AZ) 2014 A3 with Prestige Package/S-Line on ED springs with the rear pad installed. This is a phone pic I took a few months ago. Stock 18" wheels and tires, no spacers. What you see is what you'd get.

Like you, we had the OEM sport springs first but they weren't low enough for our tastes.

This actually doesnt look bad. The ride quality like you said on the ED springs is really steering me that direction.

[dbtong]

This actually doesnt look bad. The ride quality like you said on the ED springs is really steering me that direction.

Sounds like you're also hoping for it to be a tad lower though? I like this ride height...on the stock wheel setup, at least. I'd like to see pics of the same with wheel spacers but like you said most people are on 19's.

[MarcMiller]

Sounds like you're also hoping for it to be a tad lower though? I like this ride height...on the stock wheel setup, at least. I'd like to see pics of the same with wheel spacers but like you said most people are on 19's.

After much debate i ordered a set of H&R Sport springs. They seem to be a perfect balance of drop and ride quality.

[VWVW]

After much debate i ordered a set of H&R Sport springs. They seem to be a perfect balance of drop and ride quality.

H&R offers different springs for the A3 and the S3. The drop on the A3 with H&R is less than that of the S3 springs and the ED springs.

You might want to search up a thread on vwvortex...someone switched from A3 H&R to A3 ED springs. He got a larger drop on the ED springs.

http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthrea...-on-A3-Quattro

The A3 H&R springs also led to reverse rake. That's why that member switched to the ED springs.

[ihop]

Day i bought it.


After tint.

Really want to kill the gap.

BEAUTIFUL car! Is that a "Season of Audi" edition? I leased a Season of Audi edition in July. Went for the larger 19" wheels at last second. I love the car. Just waiting to see how they handle in winter conditions. I live in central Jersey so weather is similar to yours. Please post what springs you end up with because I seriously think I will do it too. Do u have any ideas how much the costs is to install - I know it's not
Going to be anywhere what your paying but if you have an idea I'd greatly appreciate knowing
Thanks and once again that car is Smokin!

[Audi_Salesman]

They ride fine no complaints here. I only had here stock height for like a week before dropping it

[MarcMiller]

BEAUTIFUL car! Is that a "Season of Audi" edition? I leased a Season of Audi edition in July. Went for the larger 19" wheels at last second. I love the car. Just waiting to see how they handle in winter conditions. I live in central Jersey so weather is similar to yours. Please post what springs you end up with because I seriously think I will do it too. Do u have any ideas how much the costs is to install - I know it's not
Going to be anywhere what your paying but if you have an idea I'd greatly appreciate knowing
Thanks and once again that car is Smokin!

yup my dealership got 2 of these season of audi a3s and i grabbed the last one. i'll keep you posted on what i end up doing.

[MarcMiller]

H&R offers different springs for the A3 and the S3. The drop on the A3 with H&R is less than that of the S3 springs and the ED springs.

You might want to search up a thread on vwvortex...someone switched from A3 H&R to A3 ED springs. He got a larger drop on the ED springs.

http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthrea...-on-A3-Quattro

The A3 H&R springs also led to reverse rake. That's why that member switched to the ED springs.

Taking your word for it and ordering these ED over the H&R.

[VWVW]

Taking your word for it and ordering these ED over the H&R.

Mind you, I have no experience with either. I was just sharing info that is available in other forums. :)

[ihop]

yup my dealership got 2 of these season of audi a3s and i grabbed the last one. i'll keep you posted on what i end up doing.

I got the black. Blacked out everything- rings etc. Just love it and thought with the options it was a no brainer

[MarcMiller]

Mind you, I have no experience with either. I was just sharing info that is available in other forums. :)

That thread you posted did show the ED being lower yet their websites states only a .75" drop on sport suspension vs h&r that states an1.5" drop.

[ihop]

I also installed a flat bottom steering wheel with paddles. It's all plug and play. Works great and adds a very nice sport feel to the car