2020 A3 Sport suspension

[R32-3816]

So I really want to do the Audi Sport Suspension and am wondering if any of you all know if the struts are different on the sport suspension versus the non-sport suspension?

I have looked at some OE Audi parts sites but non show sport springs or a strut that says specifically for sport suspension.

I can’t imagine there is a different strut since it is only 15mm lower and wouldn’t think the standard strut traveling 15mm out of its normal range would be that big of a deal.

Thanks for any insight. I’m sure there is someone here who’s done it. I can’t seem to narrow down with a search.


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[TreizeRXH]

So I really want to do the Audi Sport Suspension and am wondering if any of you all know if the struts are different on the sport suspension versus the non-sport suspension?

I have looked at some OE Audi parts sites but non show sport springs or a strut that says specifically for sport suspension.

I can’t imagine there is a different strut since it is only 15mm lower and wouldn’t think the standard strut traveling 15mm out of its normal range would be that big of a deal.

Thanks for any insight. I’m sure there is someone here who’s done it. I can’t seem to narrow down with a search.


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No difference in struts, just springs


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[MikTip]

https://www.audiusaparts.com/oem-par...rber-8v0413031

https://www.audiusaparts.com/v-2020-...and-components

[towerhog]

I had a 2017 A3. Instead of doing the sport suspension for the A3, I just and put the S3 suspension on it. Very easy.

[R32-3816]

I had a 2017 A3. Instead of doing the sport suspension for the A3, I just and put the S3 suspension on it. Very easy.

It’s my wife’s car and she’ll never go for that much change in a brand new car. She just wants it lower like the OE Sport Suspension.


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[Chaoscreature]

I would think it would be easy to find OEM Sport Springs. I gave mine away locally after lowering my A3 Sport.
I thought the A3 Sport suspension was basically S3 suspension? The sway bar is the same.

[R32-3816]

I would think it would be easy to find OEM Sport Springs. I gave mine away locally after lowering my A3 Sport.
I thought the A3 Sport suspension was basically S3 suspension? The sway bar is the same.

Well it’s so hard to tell from the Audi parts sites because they don’t list them specifically either way. Just the number and color of dots painted. I know the Audi site says the sport Suspension is 15mm lower but I’m not sure the S3. And I dunno if the struts are the same on all cars without the adjustable suspension. I don’t want her car riding in a range 15mm lower in the strut if it’s supposed to have a different strut to accommodate that. Like us the calving in a different spot on the 15mm lower cars?

She liked the ride of the used 2020 A3 w/SS we drove but didn’t want used. I personally think that was the better buy as it was Prem Plus with 8000miles for almost the same price. But she wanted new.

Maybe I’ll put a feeler on the classifieds looking for 2020 SS.


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[TreizeRXH]

Well it’s so hard to tell from the Audi parts sites because they don’t list them specifically either way. Just the number and color of dots painted. I know the Audi site says the sport Suspension is 15mm lower but I’m not sure the S3. And I dunno if the struts are the same on all cars without the adjustable suspension. I don’t want her car riding in a range 15mm lower in the strut if it’s supposed to have a different strut to accommodate that. Like us the calving in a different spot on the 15mm lower cars?

She liked the ride of the used 2020 A3 w/SS we drove but didn’t want used. I personally think that was the better buy as it was Prem Plus with 8000miles for almost the same price. But she wanted new.

Maybe I’ll put a feeler on the classifieds looking for 2020 SS.


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S3 suspension is NOT the same as the A3 sport suspension. It is lower, the rear sway bar is thicker, and I’m pretty sure the struts are different (we’re talking about the non-mag ride suspension)


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[VWVW]

S3 suspension is NOT the same as the A3 sport suspension. It is lower, the rear sway bar is thicker, and I’m pretty sure the struts are different (we’re talking about the non-mag ride suspension)


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That's my understanding as well.

The A3 has 3 suspensions, standard (aka dynamic), sport, and S-line.

The S-line should be the same as the S3 standard suspension, which is 25 mm lower than the base A3 suspension. The A3 sport suspension is only 15 mm lower.

The sway bar thickness goes up in 1 mm diameter increment per "step" as well.

[Chaoscreature]

My A3 sport rear sway bar had the same PN as the S3 sway bar when I removed it. I think there are only 2 variants, but VW/Audi have a lot of parts bins to pull stuff out of...

[VWVW]

My A3 sport rear sway bar had the same PN as the S3 sway bar when I removed it. I think there are only 2 variants, but VW/Audi have a lot of parts bins to pull stuff out of...

There are 3 rear swaybars for the 8V: 19mm, 20mm, and 21 mm.

The A3 standard suspension comes with the 19mm while S3 comes with the 21mm.

The A3 sport suspension has come with both 20 mm and 21 mm (it depends on the year and batch). I have seen posts throughout the years claiming both.

[R32-3816]

That's my understanding as well.

The A3 has 3 suspensions, standard (aka dynamic), sport, and S-line.

The S-line should be the same as the S3 standard suspension, which is 25 mm lower than the base A3 suspension. The A3 sport suspension is only 15 mm lower.

The sway bar thickness goes up in 1 mm diameter increment per "step" as well.

Our new car is an A3 Premium S-line Quattro without Sport Suspension and it is NOT lower than the same car with Sport Suspension.


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[VWVW]

Our new car is an A3 Premium S-line Quattro without Sport Suspension and it is NOT lower than the same car with Sport Suspension.


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To clarify, the North American S-line cars do NOT get the S-line suspension that Europe gets. It only gets the Sport Suspension. That's why.

The S-line suspension is only available in Europe.

[steve111b]

When I owned my 2010 8P I heard of owners installing Audi oem Eurosprings. The NA 8P car only came with two suspensions - standard and sport. All the quattro cars had sport suspension.

The first batch of 8vs to arrive in NA had a problem with the suspension. All the quattro cars did not have sport suspension, but a more firm suspension which I believe they called European. In the US they switched to the sport suspension on the next batch of cars and that was the end of it. In Canada they offered 3 suspensions - standard, sport, and European. After one year Audi Canada dropped the more firm European and once again went with two suspensions - standard and sport. I believe the Eurosprings (8P) and the European suspension (8v) are called the s line in Europe and is a no cost option on their cars.

When the S3 arrived I believe they all came with magride and sport suspension. The drive select feature could adjust the suspension so I doubt there was any reason to change the springs. All the information I saw online pointed to the S3 having the same sport suspension as the A3 quattro (which always has sport).

Along came the RS3. I own a 2018 RS3 and suspect the suspension is the same as the S3 when equipped with magride. However there is an optional fixed suspension on the RS3. That suspension is slightly lower (never heard a number) and is midway between comfort (on the magride) and dynamic in firmness. This could be an s line suspension like in Europe or maybe a hybrid NA spring. When I bought my RS3 I do not remember seeing the fixed suspension as being 25 mm lower. The fixed suspension also included 30 profile tires (35 on magride) which would have made for a more firm ride compared to the magride RS3.

Having said all that there may be things that I am missing and welcome anyone who can shed some light on the various suspensions that Audi offers in NA and Europe.

[993140]

The S-line should be the same as the S3 standard suspension, which is 25 mm lower than the base A3 suspension. The A3 sport suspension is only 15 mm lower.

I just purchased this 2020 A3 S-Line Premium in January and it came with the $250 Sport Suspension package. Audi says it's -15 mm lower and it looks it.

[993140]

To clarify, the North American S-line cars do NOT get the S-line suspension that Europe gets. It only gets the Sport Suspension. That's why. The S-line suspension is only available in Europe.

So, what exactly is different between the S-Line European suspension and the North American S-Line with the Sport Suspension option? Only 10 mm difference (25 vs. 15)?

[R32-3816]

When I owned my 2010 8P I heard of owners installing Audi oem Eurosprings. The NA 8P car only came with two suspensions - standard and sport. All the quattro cars had sport suspension.

The first batch of 8vs to arrive in NA had a problem with the suspension. All the quattro cars did not have sport suspension, but a more firm suspension which I believe they called European. In the US they switched to the sport suspension on the next batch of cars and that was the end of it. In Canada they offered 3 suspensions - standard, sport, and European. After one year Audi Canada dropped the more firm European and once again went with two suspensions - standard and sport. I believe the Eurosprings (8P) and the European suspension (8v) are called the s line in Europe and is a no cost option on their cars.

When the S3 arrived I believe they all came with magride and sport suspension. The drive select feature could adjust the suspension so I doubt there was any reason to change the springs. All the information I saw online pointed to the S3 having the same sport suspension as the A3 quattro (which always has sport).

Along came the RS3. I own a 2018 RS3 and suspect the suspension is the same as the S3 when equipped with magride. However there is an optional fixed suspension on the RS3. That suspension is slightly lower (never heard a number) and is midway between comfort (on the magride) and dynamic in firmness. This could be an s line suspension like in Europe or maybe a hybrid NA spring. When I bought my RS3 I do not remember seeing the fixed suspension as being 25 mm lower. The fixed suspension also included 30 profile tires (35 on magride) which would have made for a more firm ride compared to the magride RS3.

Having said all that there may be things that I am missing and welcome anyone who can shed some light on the various suspensions that Audi offers in NA and Europe.

Wow! That was probably massively confusing to the consumer then. That’s great information! I think we’ve decided to just leave it as is because it sounds like the sway bars are possibly different on the Sport cars, unless I was reading it incorrectly of the information itself is incorrect. If getting the NA Sport suspension is more than just adding springs, we’re gonna pass. She likes the look and ride but not willing to tear apart a car further than that, with less than 500 miles. She’s not an enthusiast that would typically go further. I might if it were mine but my mkv R32 I just traded for my MKVII GTI had springs, dampers and rear sway from VWR and I was so tired of the ride. The ‘21 SE is soooo nice.


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[TreizeRXH]

Wow! That was probably massively confusing to the consumer then. That’s great information! I think we’ve decided to just leave it as is because it sounds like the sway bars are possibly different on the Sport cars, unless I was reading it incorrectly of the information itself is incorrect. If getting the NA Sport suspension is more than just adding springs, we’re gonna pass. She likes the look and ride but not willing to tear apart a car further than that, with less than 500 miles. She’s not an enthusiast that would typically go further. I might if it were mine but my mkv R32 I just traded for my MKVII GTI had springs, dampers and rear sway from VWR and I was so tired of the ride. The ‘21 SE is soooo nice.


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I will say this; I’ve personally owned 3 A3’s (all MQB based)

- 1.8t with s-line package and sport suspension
-2.0t quattro s-line (also with sport suspension)
-My current S3 with mag ride

After having spent 5 years between all of them, I just got an base A3 rental during a regular service visit for my S3. IMHO, you should not consider a car without sport suspension. It is the prefect balance of performance and comfort. The base suspension setup is only comfortable for local city driving but loses its composure at highway speeds (it wallows too much the faster you go and is not confidence inspiring) .

I love my S3 but if someone told me that the one car I could own was my previous A3 2.0t quattro (with the black optics package, s-line package, and sport suspension), I would have been just fine


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[VWVW]

So, what exactly is different between the S-Line European suspension and the North American S-Line with the Sport Suspension option? Only 10 mm difference (25 vs. 15)?

The North American S-line cars with sport suspension literally gets the Sport Suspension option that Europe gets (which is 15 mm lower than the base A3).

The European S-line cars when optioned with S-line suspension gets the 25 mm lower suspension. I haven't gone and check the exact part numbers, but I would imagine that the setup will be identical to the S3 base suspension, based on cost savings expectation).

In a nutshell, yes, it is 10 mm difference in height and potentially 1 mm diameter difference in sway bar thickness.

[VWVW]

I will say this; I’ve personally owned 3 A3’s (all MQB based)

- 1.8t with s-line package and sport suspension
-2.0t quattro s-line (also with sport suspension)
-My current S3 with mag ride

After having spent 5 years between all of them, I just got an base A3 rental during a regular service visit for my S3. IMHO, you should not consider a car without sport suspension. It is the prefect balance of performance and comfort. The base suspension setup is only comfortable for local city driving but loses its composure at highway speeds (it wallows too much the faster you go and is not confidence inspiring) .

I love my S3 but if someone told me that the one car I could own was my previous A3 2.0t quattro (with the black optics package, s-line package, and sport suspension), I would have been just fine


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I had a similar experience. I bought one of the first allocation of A3 2.0T quattro S-line without sport suspension. I disliked how wobbly it was. After test driving the S3 and A3 2.0T quattro with sport suspension, I realized I must upgrade the suspension. After upgrading the suspension with a proper set of Bilstein shocks and springs, I couldn't be happier with it. It is a far better setup than the OEM offerings. Given that the Canadian S-line cars get all the S3 interior belts and whistles like flat bottom steering wheel and paddle shifter, I did not miss anything that the S3 offers (I am probably one of the few that don't care much about the added power).

[TreizeRXH]

I had a similar experience. I bought one of the first allocation of A3 2.0T quattro S-line without sport suspension. I disliked how wobbly it was. After test driving the S3 and A3 2.0T quattro with sport suspension, I realized I must upgrade the suspension. After upgrading the suspension with a proper set of Bilstein shocks and springs, I couldn't be happier with it. It is a far better setup than the OEM offerings. Given that the Canadian S-line cars get all the S3 interior belts and whistles like flat bottom steering wheel and paddle shifter, I did not miss anything that the S3 offers (I am probably one of the few that don't care much about the added power).

The differences between the A3 and S3 go beyond power; it’s an entirely different animal


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[Chaoscreature]

The differences between the A3 and S3 go beyond power; it’s an entirely different animal

You can't forget the "S" badges all over the place I think it's more like a different breed than a whole other species.

Personally I prefer handling over power, and with some minor tweaks you can get an A3 to outhandle a stock S3. I know mine will.
Power isn't everything, I have had my a** handed to me by way too many Miatas on the track to think otherwise (and likewise gotten around a lot of cars that I shouldn't have).
Of course I would have preferred an S3, or of course an RS3, but the A3 Quattro is a perfectly capable.

[R32-3816]

Our 20 A3 has the final edition pkg which has the flat bottom wheel, sport seats Audi beam rings and a few other bits. So pretty nicely equipped.

So having read all this so far, is it thought that the Sport suspension on a Quattro for NA is only springs then?? Like to get the same results as OE, I’d just need to change springs and that’s it??


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[Chaoscreature]

Our 20 A3 has the final edition pkg which has the flat bottom wheel, sport seats Audi beam rings and a few other bits. So pretty nicely equipped.
So having read all this so far, is it thought that the Sport suspension on a Quattro for NA is only springs then?? Like to get the same results as OE, I’d just need to change springs and that’s it??

Haha, I don't think the group has come to a full consensus on this yet. I would recommend calling your local audi dealer and double checking the part numbers for struts/shocks from an A3 Sport and a regular A3 just to be sure.
It makes sense to me that if you put shorter springs with a different spring rate on a car, you should change the shock valving too...
Honestly though, it won't hurt anything to just slap some A3 Sport springs on your car. I am sure the car will ride fine. In about 30-60k miles you will probably want to change things up anyways.

[R32-3816]

Haha, I don't think the group has come to a full consensus on this yet. I would recommend calling your local audi dealer and double checking the part numbers for struts/shocks from an A3 Sport and a regular A3 just to be sure.
It makes sense to me that if you put shorter springs with a different spring rate on a car, you should change the shock valving too...
Honestly though, it won't hurt anything to just slap some A3 Sport springs on your car. I am sure the car will ride fine. In about 30-60k miles you will probably want to change things up anyways.

Well that is the problem. I can call a great Dealer source for stuff for my Cayman. They’re enthusiasts and are in to that kind of stuff. The Audi on the other hand is all by VIN. And even then they have no idea if X from a sport suspension car is the same as X on a non sport suspension car. It’s all just numbers to them. And springs are not listed that way. It’s based on replacing what is on the car with what is on the car. Deviate from that at an Audi dealer and you will get a blank stare. Online dealer parts sites are confusing at best. And yes, they do show a different damper for sport suspension(or should I say they don’t actually show one for sport suspension but rather cars without sport suspension) but no way of telling if it’s actually a different part or one packaged that way for a car with sport suspension with just a different number.

Your point that the dampers *should* change with a shorter spring, even only 15mm, is one point I was making above. It seems only proper. And this being a brand new car, driven by my wife, I’m not doing anything unless I know for certain it’s the way it came from the factory too. I think anyone married would get what I’m putting down.

I’m not about to swap $1200-1500 in parts on a brand new car for an option that costs $250. Which brings up another point. If it’s only a $250 option, it kinda makes sense that it is JUST springs.


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[Quegma]

Sorry to drudge up an old thread, but did you ever end up finding any answers, as to the difference between standard and sport A3 suspension, or either of those two compared to S3?
I'm picking up a 20' A3 today, S-Line quattro, Premium Plus, Navi, Final Edition; it's fully loaded to my knowledge except for I think the sport suspension, and maybe the Driver's Assistance Package.
I'm planning on touching the car tbh, so I don't really care too much about what's on currently, but I would like to know where I stand currently in terms of the options that were available and what they each offer.