Audi S3 Suspension Mod recommendations

[bent]

For the past 30 years I've owned various muscle cars and build them for drag racing. I am familiar what to do to make the car's front end travel and getting the car to hook but when it comes to mods that enhance the handling, I need some guidance.
I am not looking to road race the car, I just want it to handle better around turns, changing lanes, and overall more responsive feel and connection with the road. My S3 with Mag-ride is very stiff, even on the softest suspension settings Of course The 19 inch rims don't help but it is what it is. One important thing to note is that I dont want to make any further suspension modifications if its going to make road bumps feel even more pronounced.

I was looking at sway bars, dog bones and end links. If anyone could shed some light on ride quality, brand recommendation, and any other suspension related items , I'd appreciate it. Below is my current and planned setup.


2016 Sepang Blue Audi S3

Mods:
Emmanuele Lowering Springs; Blacked S3 Emblems, 30% Tint, Black diffuser panel
Unitronic Stage 2 ECU & Stage 2 TCU, Unitronic Inter-cooler, CTS Turbo inlet, ECS Air Pipe, K&N Air Filter, LED Cabin Lighting
19x8.5 ET35 VMR Flow Formed 803 Rims - Powdercoated Semi Gloss Stock Vspoke black Optics rims with Conti DS06 tires for winter/fall
AWE resonated Downpipe and Cat Back Track Exhaust

Planned Mods:
Rs3 Style Front Grill
Power Stop Z23 Evolution Sport Brake Kit
Post Face Light Taillights
Suspension upgrade - TBD

[Chaoscreature]

Coming from 30 years of muscle cars, the S3 is quite a different animal! I used to drive a gasser Fairlane. It sounded mean, but was slow and boaty by todays standards.

Anything you do to decrease roll or "improve performance" is going to come with a compromise and that compromise is almost always increased NVH (Noise Vibration and Harshness).

You can get 18" wheels on your S3. That will make a big difference AND you should see a performance bump by going with a little more rubber.
You aren't doing yourself too many favors with the DS06 tires. All Seasons are compromise tires: they aren't very good in the summer and they aren't very good in the winter. If you keep your OEM wheels for the all-seasons you can put something more fun on your new wheels.

Upgrading your brakes is a waste of money UNLESS you are overheating your current brakes.

[liljonny16]

DSC Sport Controller https://www.dscsport.com/product/v4-controller-audi-2/

https://www.audizine.com/forum/showt...ler-for-S3-RS3

[lastig21]

I recently upgraded to a Bilstein B16 Ride Control system from a MagRide on 034 spring setup (2015 S3). I never enjoyed the MagRide on 034 springs. The drop was just about right for me, but it was a noisy system (especially in the cold), stiff, and had started to develop uncertainty in turns at high speeds. It was very bouncy and noisy in comfort/auto, so I've been running 100% Dynamic for a couple of years.

The B16 system is leaps and bounds better than MagRide on 034 springs, but I cannot say I remember what 100% stock felt like. My car is quieter overall (less road noise) now, which was a nice surprise. Comfort Mode on the Ride Control system is very compliant... absorbing even large bumps with ease. It is too soft out of the box for me, but I haven't dialed it in yet. Passengers prefer Comfort Mode, but I've been on my MagRide so long it feels too soft but is probably about right for a daily. Sport Mode stiffens right up, but is still a smidge softer than MagRide on the 034 springs. It handles high speeds with more certainty than MagRide did. Based on other B16 reviews, I'd guess that Comfort is a 4 and Sport is around a 6/7 on the standard PSS10 setup. I think the standard B16 kit could be dialed in for a very comfortable daily ride.

My MagRide setup would hit the bump stops easily over speed bumps, so I had to take a lot of care going over them. The B16 dampers them like a "normal" car at reasonable speeds. No complaints, and I think its a worthy upgrade if you're unhappy with MagRide. It seems like the MagRide system is pretty easy to beat. I'll not be getting MagRide in the 3 series line again, and will probably go with the basic suspension across all cars in the future. The Bilstein is great, and I wish I didn't have to purchase the cancellers to make it work. Non-MagRide would have solved that.