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Audi A3, S3 and RS3 Coilovers

Start with your car's generation code: 8P, 8V or 8Y. It matters more than the badge. On the 8V and 8Y, the front strut size and the factory shocks decide which kits fit. Find your generation, then check those two things. BC Racing is listed first in each generation where it has a kit.

Not sure of your strut size? Call 1-800-460-9106.

Blue Audi S3 sedan lowered on coilovers on a mountain pass switchback in late morning sun
8P, 8V, 8Y
A3, S3 and RS3

Animated illustration. It shows where coilovers sit on a car, not your exact kit. Depending on the car and the kit, coilovers can lean forward or back or stand straight up, and some cars use a separate spring and shock in the rear. Your ride height depends on the kit and how it is set up.

Find your A3 code

Three things that decide which Audi A3 coilovers fit

Two cars with the same badge and year can need different kits. Check these three things on yours.

Front strut size

BC has kits for 49.5 and 54.5 mm struts on the 8V and 8Y. Bilstein has 50 and 55 mm kits for the 8P. KW lists a 50 mm strut for the 8Y A3.

Factory dampers

KW has different kits for cars with Magnetic ride, electronic dampers or damping control. Some include an ESC module or a cancellation kit.

FWD or quattro

Many kit names say FWD, 2WD or quattro (Audi's all-wheel drive). Match it to your car.

BC Racing coilovers for three generations

Ten BC kits, three generations

BC Racing makes Audi A3, S3 and RS3 coilovers in five series: BR, DS, ER, RM and ZX. BR comes on every BC kit here. ZX comes only on the 8P Sportback kit, and ER on that kit and both RS3 kits. Free shipping on BC Racing kits in the continental US.

See all BC Racing coilovers 8Y kits first

BR, DS, RM, ER and ZX across the A3 range

Most BC A3 kits come in BR plus DS or RM. The RS3 kits add ER.

BR and DS

BR has one 30-click knob that sets compression and rebound together. DS keeps that knob and adds a digressive piston for firmer control. One 8V kit comes in BR and RM only.

RM

RM is BC's inverted (upside-down) monotube shock, built for MacPherson strut cars. BC sells it on the 8Y A3 kits, all four 8V A3/S3 kits and the 8P Sportback kit.

ER on the RS3, ZX on the Sportback

ER is an upright shock with an external oil reservoir, with separate 30-click adjustment for compression and rebound. ZX, which BC calls "most track-tested," is sold on the Sportback kit only.

Besides the Sportback kit, BC's only 8P A3/S3 kit is an Extreme Low kit also listed for the MK5 Golf and Jetta. Talk ride height with us first. To add Swift Springs to your BC Racing coilovers, order through the Custom Build for BC Coilovers page.

KW, Öhlins, Bilstein, Solo-Werks, Fortune Auto, Feal and Ksport

Seven more brands make kits for the A3 family. Ask us about any of them at 1-800-460-9106.

KW

KW has coilovers for three generations, with different kits for cars with damping control, Magnetic ride or electronic dampers.

Öhlins

Öhlins has Road & Track kits for the 8P and 8V, plus kits to cancel DCC adaptive shocks. Some kit names also list the TT.

Bilstein

Bilstein has B12 Pro-Kit and B14 PSS on the 8P and 8V, plus B12 Sportline on the 8P. The 8P kits come in 50 or 55 mm strut sizes.

Solo-Werks

Solo-Werks has two 8P kits, 2WD and quattro, and one 8V kit that includes the S3.

Fortune Auto

Fortune Auto has one 8V A3/S3 kit with a separate-style rear (spring apart from shock). Its name says it also fits the 2015 to 2020 RS3.

Feal and Ksport

Feal has an 8V S3 kit. Ksport has kits for the 8L S3, the 8P including the Sportback, and a 2016 to 2018 A3.

Daily S3, track RS3 or an 8P project

Daily A3 or S3

Check strut size and factory shocks, then talk ride height with us.

Kits to look at: the BC 8V A3/S3 kit or 8Y A3 kit for your strut size, Solo-Werks 8V, or KW S3 (GY) on an 8Y S3
RS3 on track

Both BC RS3 kits come in ER.

Kits to look at: BC RS3 8V or 8Y in ER; on the 8V only, Öhlins RS3 Road & Track or Bilstein RS3 B14 PSS (without electronic suspension)
8P project car

Six brands make 8P kits, 26 kits in all.

Kits to look at: BC 8P Sportback (Sportback only), Bilstein B14 PSS, Solo-Werks 8P, Ksport

Every kit we carry, 8Y back to 8L

Here are all four generations, newest first. Each card shows a shortened kit name.

8Y: the fourth generation

Codes: 8Y, GY (in KW kit names)
Check first: BC has A3 kits for a 49.5 or 54.5 mm front strut, and a separate RS3 kit. KW has different S3 and RS3 kits for cars with and without electronic dampers; the kits for cars with them include a cancellation kit. BC's 8Y A3 kit names do not include the S3.

8V: A3, S3, RS3 and the sedan

Codes: 8V, 8S (shared Öhlins kit)
Check first: If you are shopping for Audi A3 8V coilovers, this generation has the most kits. BC has four A3/S3 kits, by 49.5 or 54.5 mm strut and by sedan or hatchback, plus an RS3 kit. KW has different kits for cars with Magnetic ride. Bilstein lists 55 mm kits for cars without electronic suspension.

Second generation A3 and Sportback

Codes: 8P, 8PA, 8P1
BC Racing coilover kit for the 2005 to 2012 Audi A3 Sportback
BC Racing kitThe BC Racing coilover kit listed for the 2005 to 2012 Audi A3 Sportback. Photo: BC Racing.
Check first: BC has a Sportback kit and an Extreme Low kit also listed for the MK5 Golf and Jetta. Ask us about ride height before choosing that one. Bilstein has kits for 50 or 55 mm struts. KW has different kits for cars with electronic damping control.

8L to 8Y in one table

Generation Years How kits differ BC Racing series
8Y 2022 to 2026 Front strut size (BC); electronic dampers (KW) BR, DS, ER, RM
8V 2012 to 2022 as listed Front strut size and body (BC); Magnetic ride (KW); electronic suspension (Bilstein) BR, DS, ER, RM
8P 2004 to 2015 Strut size (Bilstein); damping control (KW); FWD or quattro BR, DS, ER, RM, ZX
8L S3 2000 to 2003 S3 only No BC kit

Before you buy: what A3 owners run into

Here is what A3 owners run into most, from owner forums, recalls and service bulletins, and what it means for your coilovers.

Front strut noise when steering
A3 and S3 (8V), 2015 to 2018, without magnetic ride

S3 owners on Audizine report a front creak or squeak when turning the wheel at a stop, including lowered cars on coilovers. Audi bulletin 2044060 traces it to a shifted or deformed front shock bellows at the strut bearing. These upper strut parts make noise if not seated right, so install with care.

Before you install: Seat the upper mount, bearing and spring correctly, and check that the strut top turns freely before the car goes back on the ground.

Front strut cracking or rubbing when steering
8P A3, 2006 to 2013, without magnetic ride

Audi bulletin 2021724 covers loud cracking or rubbing when steering that stops with the car on a lift. Audi traces it to the bump stop chafing the strut's plastic cap, or a boot not seated in the upper mount. The same noise can follow the car onto coilovers if these parts are fitted carelessly.

Before you install: Seat the bump stop and dust boot fully at the upper mount, then turn the wheel lock to lock on the ground and listen.

Cold weather creak from front arm bushings
8P A3, 2005 to 2013

Audi bulletin 2031722 covers front axle creaking or squeaking on rough roads in cold weather. Audi says the front control arm bushing's rubber lip rubs its collar, calls the noise normal, and says to replace only bushings cracked through. On an older 8P, a front creak may be the arm bushings, not the new coilovers.

Before you install: Inspect the front control arm bushings with the car in the air, replace any that are cracked through, and note any cold weather creak before the install.

The A3 story

A short history of Audi's compact car

Audi dates the first A3, the 8L, to the 1996 Paris motor show.

  1. 1999
    S3A five-door joined the range, "and the sporty S3 was introduced."
  2. 2003
    8P"Audi introduced the second generation of the A3."
  3. 2011
    RS 3Audi calls it "the next milestone."
  4. 8V
    MQB"The first Audi model based on the modular transverse matrix (MQB)." A sedan followed in 2013.
  5. 2020
    8YThe fourth A3 generation arrived.

On this page, the kits start with the 8L S3 and run to the 8Y RS3.

Questions about strut sizes, RS3 kits and DCC

How do I tell a 49.5 mm strut from a 54.5 mm strut on my A3?

BC makes separate 8V and 8Y kits for each size, and Bilstein makes 50 and 55 mm kits. Call us with your VIN and we will help match coilovers for your Audi A3.

Which BC series can I get for an RS3?

You can get BR, DS and ER on both the 8V and the 8Y RS3 coilovers.

My S3 has Magnetic ride. Which kits fit?

On the 8V, KW sells an S3 kit for cars with Magnetic ride, with an ESC module. On the 8Y, KW sells an S3 kit for cars with electronic dampers, with a cancellation kit. Call us to confirm your car.

Is there a BC kit for the A3 Sportback?

Yes. BC lists a 2005 to 2012 A3 Sportback kit in BR, DS, ER, RM and ZX.

Do the A3 and the Golf share coilovers?

One BC Extreme Low kit is listed for the 8P A3 and S3, the MK5 Golf and the MK5 Jetta. Every other A3 kit here is listed for Audi only.

What warranty comes with BC Racing Audi A3 coilovers?

BC Racing North America currently lists a two-year limited warranty on full kit orders, subject to its warranty terms. The other brands set their own.

Related Audi and VW pages

Coilover Kits by CarEvery car page. Does Your Car Have Adaptive Dampers? Keep Them, Cancel Them or Replace ThemKeep, cancel or replace the electronic dampers on your A3. AWD, RWD or FWD: Why Drivetrain Changes the Coilover Kit You OrderWhy the drivetrain changes which kit fits your A3. Comfort and Stance on a Daily Driver: Setting Up Coilovers for BothA comfortable drop on an A3 you drive every day. How to Set Ride Height on CoiloversMeasure and set the drop on your A3. After You Lower It: Alignment Timing, Driver-Assist Calibration and Headlight AimAlignment, driver-assist and headlight checks once the A3 is lower. Audi A4 and S4The next size up. Volkswagen Golf and GTIShares one BC kit with the 8P. Adjustable vs. non-adjustable coiloversHow much adjustment to buy. How to install coiloversFitting, step by step. BC Racing for AudiBC's Audi kits.
Tell us your generation, strut size and dampers

We answer Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM Eastern, and can help you work out which kit fits your MQB car.

Call 1-800-460-9106