Best Coilovers for Audi A3 8P

The A3 8P (2003-2013) is one of the cheapest cars on the road to make look and drive dramatically better. It shares the PQ35 platform with the Golf Mk5 and Mk6, which keeps parts affordable, but the 8P has its own fitment rules.

What to check before ordering

• Quattro or front-wheel drive. Quattro cars have a different rear setup and the kits are listed separately. Ordering the wrong one is the most common 8P mistake we see.
• Body style. 3-door, Sportback and Cabrio are listed separately.
• Engine and front axle load. A 3.2 V6 or an S3 puts more weight over the front axle than a 1.6.
• Height only, or height and damping?
• Documentation and corrosion protection. Coated damper bodies last far longer through UK winters.

Our A3 8P picks, JOM BlueLine at £143.73

Every 8P coilover kit we stock is £143.73, and there are 25 A3 8P kits listed. The fitment is what separates them:

• A3 8P, 1.4 TFSI / 1.6 / 1.8 TFSI / 2.0 / 2.0T / DSG, front-wheel drive
• A3 8P Sportback and Cabrio, 1.4 TFSI / 1.6 / 1.8 TFSI
• A3 8P Sportback and Cabrio, 1.9 TDI / DSG / 2.0 TDI
• A3 8P Quattro, 2.0T / 2.0 TDI DSG / 3.2
• A3 8P Sportback Quattro, 2.0T / 2.0 TDI DSG / 3.2

If you cannot tell which of these is yours, the registration or VIN settles it in seconds.

Fitment checklist for the A3 8P

1. Quattro or front-wheel drive.
2. Body style: 3-door, Sportback or Cabrio.
3. Engine and gearbox listing.
4. Front axle load against the kit specification.
5. Wheel and tyre clearance at your intended ride height.

Fitting tips from our workshop

• Replace the front top mounts and bearings while everything is apart.
• Quattro cars take longer at the rear, so budget an extra hour of labour.
• Book a four-wheel alignment straight after fitting. The 8P has adjustable rear camber and toe.
• Check that your wheels clear the strut at full compression, especially if you run spacers.

FAQs

Which kit fits an S3 8P? S3 models are Quattro, so they take a Quattro-listed kit. Send us your registration and we will confirm the exact listing.

Does fitting coilovers affect my DSG or drivetrain? No. Ride height changes do not affect the gearbox, although a very low car will change the angles your driveshafts run at.

Can I drop it 60mm? Most kits adjust through a wide range, but extreme drops need alignment and clearance checks, and they make the car much harder to live with.

Not sure which 8P kit you need? Send us your registration and we will match it to the right listing.