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Audi A7, A8 and R8 Coilovers

We carry twenty-two Audi A7, A8 and R8 coilovers. On the big sedans, the main question is air ride. On the R8, it is magnetic ride.

Not sure if your Audi has air ride or magnetic ride? Call 1-800-460-9106.

Gray second-generation Audi R8 lowered on coilovers on an airport apron at dusk
Air ride or coil springs
Audi A7, A8 and R8

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.

Pick your Audi

Three things to check before you pick a kit

These three questions decide most of the kits on this page.

Air ride

The KW and Solo-Werks A7 kits and the Solo-Werks A8 kit only fit cars without air ride.

Magnetic ride

On the R8, KW puts a cancellation unit in the box. Öhlins sells one separately.

Strut size

BC makes separate 48.5mm and 53mm strut kits for the 2019 and newer A7.

BC Racing coilovers for Audi's flagships

BC Racing has five kits for the A7 and R8

BC Racing makes these series for the Audi A7, A8 and R8: BR, DS, ER and ZX. The A7 kits come in BR and DS. Both R8 kits come in DS, ER and ZX, and the first-gen kit also comes in BR. BC does not make a kit for the A8. Free shipping on BC Racing kits in the continental US.

See all BC Racing coilovers The first R8

The four BC Racing series for these Audis

Here is how the BC series differ on these cars.

BR and DS

BC Racing BR coilovers have one 30-click knob that sets compression and rebound together. DS has the same knob but adds a digressive piston for firmer control.

ER

ER is an upright damper with a separate oil reservoir. Compression and rebound each have their own 30-click knob.

ZX

BC calls ZX its "most track-tested," and you can get it for both R8s.

KW, Öhlins, Bilstein, Solo-Werks and Ksport

Call 1-800-460-9106 and we will compare them for your Audi.

Bilstein

Bilstein has three B12 kits for the D2 A8. Your chassis number decides which one fits.

KW

KW has seven kits: four for the first R8, one for the A7 and two for the D2 A8 and S8.

Ksport

Ksport makes one kit, for the 2007 to 2014 R8 AWD.

Öhlins

Öhlins makes TTX Pro kits and magnetic ride cancellation kits for both R8 generations.

Solo-Werks

Solo-Werks makes kits for the first A7 and for the 4H A8 without air ride.

A 2015 R8 V10, a 2016 A7, a 2001 A8 4.2

2015 R8 V10, magnetic ride

Öhlins' first-gen kit is made for the V8, so look at KW.

Kit to look at: KW R8 (42) V10 with magnetic ride
2016 A7, no air ride

Three brands make a kit.

Kits to look at: BC A7 FWD/AWD, KW A7 (4G) without air suspension, Solo-Werks A7 Non-Air Ride
2001 A8 quattro 4.2

For Bilstein, check the chassis number and self-leveling.

Kits to look at: KW 1997-2003 A8 / S8 (4D/D2), Bilstein A8 Quattro 3.7, 4.2 (From Chassis # 4D-1-000001)

Every Audi coilover kit we carry, by model

We list the supercar first, then the A7 and A8. Each card shows the kit's product name.

Notes in BC kit names: "Extreme by Default" means the kit ships as BC's Extreme Low version as standard, built shorter for a lower drop.

First R8, V8 or V10

Code: 42 (in KW kit names)
Good to know: KW makes separate kits for the V8 and V10, each with or without magnetic ride. Its magnetic ride kits include a cancellation unit. Öhlins' TTX Pro kit is made for the V8, and its cancellation kit is sold separately. The BC kit name includes "Extreme by Default"; call us about ride height.

The first aluminum A8 and S8

Code: 4D, D2
Good to know: KW has two A8/S8 kits for FWD and quattro cars with any engine. Bilstein's three B12 kits fit cars without self-leveling suspension. Each Bilstein kit fits only a set range of chassis numbers ("To Chassis # 4D-Y-020000" or "From Chassis # 4D-1-000001").

Quick comparison table

Model Years What decides the kit BC Racing series
R8, second gen 2016 to 2024 Brand, and magnetic ride (Öhlins sells an add-on) DS, ER, ZX
R8, first gen 2006 to 2015 V8 or V10, and magnetic ride BR, DS, ER, ZX
A7, second gen 2019 to 2025 Strut size, for BC kits BR, DS
A7, first gen 2012 to 2018 Air ride or not BR, DS
A8, 4H 2010 to 2017 Solo-Werks only, for cars without air ride No BC kit
A8 and S8, D2 1994 to 2003 Chassis number and self-leveling, for Bilstein kits No BC kit

Before you buy: what A7, A8 and R8 owners run into

These three Audis rarely end up on owner forums for suspension trouble after lowering. The A7 and A8 are mostly highway cars, and R8 owners tend to keep things close to factory. The point that does repeat, on the older A8, is worn front upper arm bushings. Our own call log on these cars is short, so if you are planning a coilover suspension build, talk to us first.

Worn front upper control arm bushings
A8 and S8 (D2 and D3); Audi bulletin covers 2002 to 2016 models

A8 owners on AudiWorld report upper arm bushings that clunk or fall apart. One said the car rode like new after renewing all four upper arm bushings, end links and sway bar bushings. Another warns that the arms must be tightened at ride height or the bushings tear early, and that goes for any coilover install.

Before you install: Inspect the upper arms during the install, replace worn ones in pairs, and torque arm bolts with the suspension at ride height.

Audi history

Audi's aluminum sedan and mid-engine supercar

Audi says the A8's "launch in 1994 marked Audi's entry into the luxury class."

  1. 1994
    Aluminum bodyAudi notes that "the sedan pioneered the Audi Space Frame, a body made entirely of aluminum."
  2. 2006
    R8 revealedAudi Australia says the production car "was revealed to the world in 2006"
  3. V8
    Mid-engineIt had "a V8 FSI engine sitting behind the driver and passenger"
  4. 2003
    The conceptThe 2003 Le Mans quattro study used "the then-new Audi magnetic ride suspension concept."

Questions about air ride, strut size and the R8

My A7 or A8 has air suspension. Is there a kit?

None of the kits here is made for air suspension or sold as an air-to-coil conversion. The KW and Solo-Werks A7 kits and the Solo-Werks A8 kit are for cars without air ride. Call us with your VIN.

Which BC kit fits my 2019 or newer A7: 48.5mm or 53mm?

It depends on the strut size. BC lists both for the AWD car. Send us your VIN and we will confirm.

My R8 has magnetic ride. What do I need?

KW's magnetic ride kits come with a cancellation unit. Öhlins sells cancellation kits for both R8 generations as separate items.

Which BC series can I get for the second-gen R8?

You can get DS, ER or ZX. It is the only BC kit on this page that does not come in BR.

Is there an S8 kit?

Yes, for the D2. Both KW D2 kits list the S8. We do not carry a kit for later S8s.

What warranty comes with BC kits for these Audis?

BC Racing North America currently lists a two-year limited warranty on full kit orders, subject to its warranty terms. KW, Öhlins, Bilstein, Solo-Werks and Ksport set their own.

More Audis and guides

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 A7. AWD, RWD or FWD: Why Drivetrain Changes the Coilover Kit You OrderWhy the drivetrain changes which kit fits your A7. Comfort and Stance on a Daily Driver: Setting Up Coilovers for BothA comfortable drop on an A7 you drive every day. How to Set Ride Height on CoiloversMeasure and set the drop on your A7. After You Lower It: Alignment Timing, Driver-Assist Calibration and Headlight AimAlignment, driver-assist and headlight checks once the A7 is lower. Audi A4 and S4The mid-size sedans. Audi Q3 to Q8The SUVs, including an air-to-coil kit. Setups by disciplineFrom road car to track car. How to install coiloversIncluding cars with electronic dampers. BC Racing for AudiBC's Audi kits.
Air ride, magnetic ride or strut size: we will check the Audi kit with you

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Call 1-800-460-9106