Suspension Refresh - 80k miles / 8 years (15 S3 w/ magride)

**noseyp** · 11-10-2022 12:31 PM

I believe my front and rear struts are bad based on hard clunks over light bumps. Seems like this is a fairly common failure after so many miles / years. I think I could just replace the struts but I think that will only be a temporary band-aid. If I'm going to have suspension work done, I'd rather proactively address everything that is going to fail in the next 3-5 years. Just want to deal with labor once.

What do folks recommend at this point? Car is a street car so want to keep it comfortable. Don't care about lowering but not against it if required. I know my magride creates a complexity which I don't fully understand. I'm under the impression it's just a matter of time until the magride system fails and would be okay assuming it's broken now to get everything done at once.

There is a lot of info out there but so much that I'm a little lost. I appreciate anyone who can offer some straightforward advice. I'm not looking to be cheap other than thinking the aftermarket is better value than OEM.

Car is stage 2 uni tuned. I've owned since day 1 (Dec 14). No suspension work performed at all.

**twopointohtee** · 11-10-2022 05:18 PM

Went KW V1’s when my mag ride crapped out at 85k. Amazing. Rides great not too stiff not too soft. Actually like it better than with mag ride. It did drop it a bit too so consider that.

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**texasboy21** · 11-12-2022 05:16 AM

Regarding the mag ride you have three initial options:

1. replace with new / stock OEM parts.
2. replace with aftermarket - with drive mode adjustability.
3. replace with aftermarket - withOUT drive mode adjustability.

As for what to replace while you are in there - my suggestion is everything and stick with OEM/Audi where you can (for another 80K miles without service). Upper strut mounts, end links, etc.

There are a few OEM+ mods you can do:ball joint upgrade from the TTS, along with the RS3 lower control arm. Plus a handful of other control arm bushings that can be swapped.

**DumpsterRatz** · 11-12-2022 09:01 AM

Originally Posted by texasboy21

Regarding the mag ride you have three initial options:

1. replace with new / stock OEM parts.
2. replace with aftermarket - with drive mode adjustability.
3. replace with aftermarket - withOUT drive mode adjustability.

As for what to replace while you are in there - my suggestion is everything and stick with OEM/Audi where you can (for another 80K miles without service). Upper strut mounts, end links, etc.

There are a few OEM+ mods you can do:ball joint upgrade from the TTS, along with the RS3 lower control arm. Plus a handful of other control arm bushings that can be swapped.

what aftermarket dampers do people use that retains the adjustability? could you get it to work with the drive select switch? tia

**MikTip** · 11-12-2022 09:57 AM

Originally Posted by DumpsterRatz

what aftermarket dampers do people use that retains the adjustability? could you get it to work with the drive select switch? tia

Nothing aftermarket currently exists that is adjustable with the factory system...only the factory mag ride shocks.

**WAF** · 11-12-2022 09:44 PM

Another option is to replace broken strut if that's the cause and pick up a mag ride controller. Two available are DSC and APR. As KW has a DCC plug and play Coilover kit which you retain mag ride adjustability thru in cabin buttons like oem.

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