ST XA Coilovers Audi S3 GY 20+

ST XA Coilovers for Audi S3 GY (2020 onwards) – 25-50 mm Lower, Height Adjustable, 16-Click Rebound Damping

This ST XA kit replaces the standard springs and dampers on the Audi S3 GY (2020 onwards) with a height-adjustable coilover set. It lowers the car by approx. 25-50 mm front and rear, which sharpens the steering, cuts body roll and closes up the wheel arch gap. The ride height is set on threaded struts, so you can go for a subtle drop or use the full approved range, and change it again later.

The ST XA adds adjustable rebound damping to the height-adjustable ST platform. ST set the dampers up for this car at the factory, and the 16-click rebound adjuster then lets you make the ride softer for comfort or firmer for tighter body control. Shaped (progressive) springs keep the car comfortable over small bumps while adding support as the suspension compresses. ST is part of the KW automotive group, and the kit is developed and made in Germany using KW engineering.

This kit is for the Audi S3 GY (Sportback, Saloon, 4WD, 55mm Strut) with the 40 TDI quattro, 40 TFSI Mild Hybrid quattro, 40 TFSI quattro, 40 TFSIe, 45 TFSIe, S3 TFSI quattro, up to a 1095 kg front axle load. Check the Fitment section below before ordering.

Specifications

• Front lowering: approx. 25-50 mm
• Rear lowering: approx. 25-50 mm
• Max front axle load: up to 1095 kg
• Max rear axle load: up to 1110 kg
• Height adjustment: Stepless, on threaded strut housings
• Damping: Adjustable rebound, 16 clicks
• Springs: Shaped progressive springs
• Strut housings: Galvanised steel
• Approval: Parts certificate (German §19.3)

Lowering figures are ST's, measured against the standard car. The actual drop varies with engine, equipment and tolerances on each car, and the springs settle slightly after the first few hundred miles.

Key Features

• Stepless ride height adjustment on a coarse, dirt-resistant trapezoidal thread
• 16-click adjustable rebound damping, delivered with a base setting for this vehicle
• Shaped progressive springs for a comfortable ride with firmer support in corners
• Galvanised, multi-sealed steel strut housings for long-term corrosion protection
• Composite spring perches with stainless steel inserts that stay easy to adjust for years
• Dust covers and bump stops protect the damper seals and act as an extra spring under heavy load
• Developed and built in Germany, based on KW engineering
• Supplied with a parts certificate and fitting instructions

What's in the Kit?

• 2 x height-adjustable front coilover struts with springs
• 2 x rear dampers
• 2 x rear springs with height-adjustable spring seats
• Composite spring perches with stainless steel inserts
• Dust covers and bump stops
• Parts certificate and fitting instructions

Please note: the photos are ST's own images of this kit. Small details such as brackets can differ from the photos.

Fitment

• Audi A3 Saloon GY (Mar 2020 on)
• Audi A3 Sportback GY (Nov 2019 on)
• Engines: 40 TDI quattro, 40 TFSI Mild Hybrid quattro, 40 TFSI quattro, 40 TFSIe, 45 TFSIe, S3 TFSI quattro

Not suitable for: Cars with a 50mm front strut clamp. Also not for other generations or body styles, which need their own kit, such as ST XA Coilovers Audi S3 8V 13-21, ST XA Coilovers Audi S3 8P 07-15, ST XA Coilovers Audi S3 8L 99-06.

Adaptive dampers: if your car has electronically controlled dampers, the system must be switched off with a cancellation kit (sold separately) to stop warning lights and fault codes: electronic damping: KW cancellation kit (part no. 68510342).

Installation

Fitting means removing the original struts, springs and dampers and fitting the ST units in their place. We recommend a qualified workshop experienced with coilovers. A spring compressor is needed to strip down the original front struts. The original top mounts, bearings and fixings are reused, so check them for wear and replace any that are worn. Set the ride height within the approved range, tighten the suspension bolts with the car's weight on its wheels, and torque everything to the manufacturer's figures. A four-wheel alignment is required once the car is at its final ride height. Re-check the height and alignment after the first few hundred miles, once the springs have settled.

Download ST's documents for this kit: Fitting instructions (PDF), Damper adjustment guide (PDF).

The dampers arrive on ST's base setting for this car. Make small changes to the rebound adjuster and test before going further.

Before you start:

• Disconnect any ride height sensors (headlight levelling or self-levelling) before removing the old struts.
• Clean the threads before adjusting, and start with the height adjusters in the middle of their range.

After fitting:

• Expect the car to settle a further 5-10 mm once it has been driven, then re-check the height.
• Check there is at least 5 mm clearance between the tyres and the suspension through the full steering and suspension travel.
• Have the headlight aim reset, along with any other height-dependent systems.
• ESP/ABS warning lights can appear after fitting. Some clear after a short drive, others need full steering lock both ways or a reset with a diagnostic tool.
• On cars with radar or camera driver assistance systems, have the calibration checked after lowering.

Will this fit my Audi S3 GY?

It fits the Audi S3 GY (2020 onwards) with the 40 TDI quattro, 40 TFSI Mild Hybrid quattro, 40 TFSI quattro, 40 TFSIe, 45 TFSIe, S3 TFSI quattro. Check the Fitment section for the body styles and exclusions, or send us your registration and we will check.

How low will my Audi S3 GY sit?

ST quotes a drop of approx. 25-50 mm front and rear compared with standard. The exact drop varies from car to car with engine, equipment and tolerances.

Can I adjust the damping?

Yes. The rebound adjuster has 16 clicks and the kit arrives on ST's base setting for this car. Turn towards firm for tighter body control or towards soft for a more comfortable ride.

Will the ST XA make my Audi S3 GY ride harshly?

It doesn't have to. The progressive springs keep small bumps under control, and the 16-click rebound adjuster lets you soften the ride for daily use or firm it up for a spirited drive.

Do I need an alignment after fitting?

Yes. Changing the ride height changes camber and toe, so a full four-wheel alignment is needed once the car is at its final height, and again after any later change.

My car has adaptive dampers. Will this kit fit?

Only with the correct KW cancellation kit, which switches off the electronic damper control so no warning lights appear. The kit number is in the Fitment section. Some versions are not suitable for adaptive dampers at all, so contact us if you are unsure.

Is it road legal in the UK?

Yes. It is designed for road use and comes with a German parts certificate. Keep the ride height within ST's approved range and tell your insurer about the modification.

What is the difference between ST and KW coilovers?

ST is part of the KW group and its coilovers are made in Germany using KW engineering. ST uses galvanised steel strut housings and offers fewer adjustment options than KW's stainless steel Variant range, which keeps the price lower.

Is it covered by a warranty?

Yes, ST covers it against defects in materials and workmanship. If a part ever needs replacing, contact us with your vehicle details and order number.