8V A3 Quattro S-Line Bilstein Shocks

[NorCalA3]

2020 A3 S-Line with only 30k miles - took in for oil change and found out front shocks have failed/are leaking. Audi may cover under warranty, but if not, looking to upgrade shocks. Not sure I’m ready to commit to coil overs and have a harsh ride since it’s my daily, but looking at some Bilstein shocks.

Which ones can I run? I have the sport suspension package, so car is already lowered from factory. B4, B6, B8? Only B4 shows as compatible on Bilsteins product search.

One site mentioned you should only use the B4 on OEM springs. Is the factory sport suspension considered a lowering spring, requiring the B8?


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[MikTip]

Lowered = Sport shocks.

Why?

They are designed for the higher spring rates of lowered springs.

Harsh ride...Bilsteins are known to be a little bit stiffer...very good shock however.

[993140]

I have the same exact car and upgraded to the B6 shocks with the stock springs. The ride became significantly firmer and of course much improved handling. The B8 shocks with shorter shafts are designed to be used with lowering springs and the B4 is designed to maintain much of the original ride quality with the OEM springs.

[Tahoe3.0]

I have the B8s on mine, they’re good

[NorCalA3]

I have the same exact car and upgraded to the B6 shocks with the stock springs. The ride became significantly firmer and of course much improved handling. The B8 shocks with shorter shafts are designed to be used with lowering springs and the B4 is designed to maintain much of the original ride quality with the OEM springs.

Do you also have the factory lowered ride height with the sport suspension?


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[993140]

Do you also have the factory lowered ride height with the sport suspension?

Yes, barely lower than stock A3. That's why I am upgrading to the Bilstein B14 PSS coilover kit.

PXL_20210320_171940658.jpg

[NorCalA3]

I have the B8s on mine, they’re good

Are you running the factory sport suspension or do you have aftermarket lowering springs?


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[MikTip]

Are you running the factory sport suspension or do you have aftermarket lowering springs?


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I have/had both. My 2015 has H&R springs and Bilsteins.



Originally had 034 springs with magride shocks.

When front mag ride shocks went bad...DIY installed Bilsteins



My 2018 had APR springs with magride.



Now the 2018 has APR springs and Bilsteins.

[NorCalA3]

I have/had both. My 2015 has H&R springs and Bilsteins.



Originally had 034 springs with magride shocks.

When front mag ride shocks went bad...DIY installed Bilsteins



My 2018 had APR springs with magride.



Now the 2018 has APR springs and Bilsteins.

Car looks clean af.

When you ran the Bilstein B6 with factory springs, did you notice a difference in ride height? Did it raise it up slightly?


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[MikTip]

Car looks clean af.

When you ran the Bilstein B6 with factory springs, did you notice a difference in ride height? Did it raise it up slightly?

At first, yes then they settled to their normal ride height..

[NorCalA3]

At first, yes then they settled to their normal ride height..

Was that with the B6 or B8? Looks like the B8 is your photo


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[MikTip]

Was that with the B6 or B8? Looks like the B8 is your photo


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Every Bilstein I have every installed did that...all the way back to my 1986 Audi Coupe.

[MikTip]

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...k+/+strut,7556

[NorCalA3]

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...k+/+strut,7556

Ok, so B8? That’s what’s coming up under 35-229919


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[MikTip]

Ok, so B8? That’s what’s coming up under 35-229919


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Yes

[MikTip]

If you look at the design of the Bilstein B8 shock...its better designed for our cars to handle the 700lb engine and DSG riding on them.

[Tahoe3.0]

Are you running the factory sport suspension or do you have aftermarket lowering springs?


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I’m running EMD springs. Looks great but they aren’t stiff enough so I’d recommend going with something else spring-wise.

https://imgur.com/a/Ohrjduq

[MikTip]

I’m running EMD springs. Looks great but they aren’t stiff enough so I’d recommend going with something else spring-wise.

https://imgur.com/a/Ohrjduq

EMD springs and what shocks?

From EMD's website:

Are you looking to lower your 8V or 8Y A3 or S3, but are concerned with diminished ride quality? Designed with the daily driver in mind, our lowering springs will provide the improved aesthetics of a lowered vehicle, without creating the harsh, bouncy ride that is all too common with typical lowering springs.

Taking our experience on the MQB platform, along with testing on our in-house S3 and MK7 GTI, we have developed what we feel is the best lowering spring option for those wishing to utilize factory dampers. Using a linear design (similar to OEM) with unique spring rates, our lowering springs are properly matched to the factory dampers, ensuring a ride quality that is slightly stiffer than stock, but predictable in nature.

https://www.emdauto.com/collections/...nt=22065145927

I had H&R Super Sport. Too low and too bouncy.

I have H&R Sport Springs. Much better.

I had 034 springs

I have APR roll control on my 2018. With Mag ride shocks and now with Bilsteins.

Shocks and springs are dependent on ones personal tastes and ride comfort they are looking for. So its all subjective...

The biggest issue is the 35 series tire harsh ride. So many RS3 drivers switched to 18" wheels and a taller side wall tire for improved ride quality...if that's what a person is looking for.

[Tahoe3.0]

B8s

I went with the EMD springs based on their description as it’s my daily but found out what I really wanted was a much stiffer spring. Absolutely just my preference but they’re too soft for my taste.

[NorCalA3]

I wanted to just change out my shocks to begin with and try them with the factory sport springs.

Since it’s really hard to figure out if the B6 or B8 are compatible with the 15mm factory drop compared to the regular A3, I may just go with lowering springs and the B8s.

The 15mm factory drop seems like it’s right in the middle of the two. Just not sure what affect the difference in pre-load between the two would have.


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[texasboy21]

Bilstein B12 kit - Eibach springs with B8s.

[ianwpb]

If you look at the design of the Bilstein B8 shock...its better designed for our cars to handle the 700lb engine and DSG riding on them.

The B8 is mounted upside down. If you loosen the nut at the bottom and pull the shock out of the housing it will look just like the B4.

[Jerryjohn]

Did you do that? I'm also looking at the Bilstein EVO S Suspension kit and would like any input about that.
Also what experiences has anyone had with tires? Whats best on an 18 A 3 S Line (8V)