Audi A3 8V Shock Absorbers & Suspension

Which variants this covers

The 8V generation ran from 2012 to 2020 and is listed here in its three main forms: the 8V1 three-door hatch, the 8VA five-door Sportback and the 8V7 cabriolet. Front-wheel-drive and quattro cars take different rear components, and S line sports suspension changes the part numbers again. For earlier or later A3 generations, use Audi A3 suspension.

Choosing between the ranges

This chassis is well served for complete kits. Bilstein B12 supplies shortened dampers with matched lowering springs as one package and is the cleanest way to lower an 8V without mismatching components. For standard height, Bilstein B4 is the OE-comparable replacement that restores the original ride, and Bilstein B6 is the firmer option at the same height. Tein EnduraPro Plus is the adjustable alternative to B6, keeping OE height with 16 damping levels. Tein S.Tech springs lower the car on its existing dampers. For adjustable ride height, B14 and B16 coilovers are stocked alongside Street Advance Z and Flex Z. Bilstein B8 is not listed for the 8V. Dampers on their own, with the Bilstein and Tein options compared side by side, are listed on Audi A3 8V shock absorbers.

What to check before ordering

Buy front and rear separately and fit in axle pairs. Renew strut support bearings and protection kits with the dampers; on a car of this age both will have done the same mileage as the part being replaced. Align the car afterwards. The 8V caveat worth knowing: quattro models use a multi-link rear axle where front-wheel-drive cars use a torsion beam, so the rear parts are not interchangeable between them.

Common questions for this chassis

Do quattro and front-wheel-drive 8V cars share rear dampers? No — the rear axle differs between them, so confirm drivetrain before ordering.

Will 8P parts fit the 8V? No. The 8V is a different platform and uses different struts and mounts.

Can I lower an 8V on its original dampers? Yes, with S.Tech springs, provided the dampers are still healthy.