ST XTA Coilovers Audi A3 8L 96-06

ST XTA Coilovers for Audi A3 8L (1996-2006) – 25-70 mm Lower, Height & Rebound Adjustable, Camber Top Mounts

This ST XTA kit replaces the standard springs and dampers on the Audi A3 8L (1996-2006) with a height-adjustable coilover set. It lowers the car by approx. 25-70 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 XTA is ST's fast road and track day coilover. As well as stepless height adjustment and 16-click rebound damping, it comes with Unibal (spherical bearing) top mounts on the front axle, so you can adjust front camber after the coilovers are fitted to get more of the tyre on the road in corners and sharper turn-in. It uses a race spring system: a linear main spring for consistent, predictable behaviour, supported where needed by a helper spring that keeps the main spring seated at full droop. ST is part of the KW automotive group, and the kit is developed and made in Germany using KW engineering.

ST makes 2 versions of the XTA kit for the Audi A3 8L, split by drivetrain and front axle weight. Between them they cover the 1.6, 1.8, 1.8 T, 1.9 TDI, 1.8 T quattro, 1.9 TDI quattro, S3 quattro. Use the table in the Fitment section to find the right one, then choose it from the drop-down.

Specifications

• Front lowering: approx. 25-70 mm (varies by version)
• Rear lowering: approx. 25-70 mm (varies by version)
• Height adjustment: Stepless, on threaded strut housings
• Minimum ride height (wheel hub centre to arch edge): front 320-330 mm, rear 325 mm (varies by version)
• Damping: Adjustable rebound, 16 clicks (rear dampers fixed on some versions)
• Springs: Linear main springs with helper springs where needed
• Top mounts: Front Unibal mounts with camber adjustment
• 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

• Front Unibal top mounts with camber adjustment after fitting
• 16-click adjustable rebound damping, delivered with a base setting for this vehicle
• Stepless ride height adjustment on a coarse, dirt-resistant trapezoidal thread
• Race spring system with linear main springs for consistent, predictable handling
• 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
• 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
• 2 x front Unibal top mounts with camber adjustment
• Composite spring perches with stainless steel inserts
• Dust covers and bump stops
• Parts certificate and fitting instructions

The rear dampers are not adjustable. They are fixed-rate sports dampers with firmer damping than standard.

Please note: the photos are ST's own images of the kits for this car. Choose your version to see its kit. Small details such as brackets can differ from the photos.

Fitment

• Audi A3 8L (Sep 1996 to Sep 2006)

Which version do I need? Find your engine, then match the body style, drivetrain and front axle load. The axle load is on your VIN plate (door pillar or under the bonnet, the line marked "1-"). Not sure? Send us your registration and we will check.

Not suitable for: Other generations or body styles, which need their own kit, such as ST XTA Coilovers Audi A3 8P 03-15, ST XTA Coilovers Audi A3 Quattro 8P 03-15, ST XTA Coilovers Audi A3 Convertible 8P 08-15.

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. The Unibal top mounts replace the original front top mounts. 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.

The fitting instructions and parts certificate for each version can be downloaded from its specification table once you choose your version.

Set the front camber on the Unibal top mounts before the alignment, and start with the rebound adjusters on ST's base setting.

Before you start:

• With the factory wheels and tyres, wheel spacers may be needed to give enough clearance to the coilovers.
• On cars with a driveshaft diameter of 50mm or more, KW recommend their anti-roll bar kit (part no. 68550008) to improve clearance to the right-hand driveshaft. Clearance can vary from car to car, so check it after fitting.
• At the maximum approved lowering, the anti-roll bar must be changed to keep clearance to the right-hand driveshaft: KW kit 68550000 for cars without xenon headlights, or 68550005 for cars with xenon headlights.
• On the original wheel sizes, wheel spacers may be needed to keep enough clearance.
• Where no bump stop is supplied, the original bump stops are reused, so replace any that are worn or damaged.
• Do not shorten the original bump stops.
• 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:

• Do not go below ST's minimum height, measured from the wheel hub centre to the wheel arch edge: front 320-330 mm, rear 325 mm (see the spec table for your version).
• 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.

Upgrade Further

If you only need height adjustment, the ST X Coilovers Audi A3 8L 96-06 has fixed damping and costs less.

If you don't need camber adjustment, the ST XA Coilovers Audi A3 8L 96-06 offers height and rebound adjustment.

Which version do I need for my Audi A3 8L?

Start with your engine in the Fitment table, then match the body style, drivetrain and front axle load (on your VIN plate). If more than one row fits, or your car isn't listed, send us your registration and we will confirm the right part number.

Will this fit my Audi A3 8L?

It fits the Audi A3 8L (1996-2006) with the 1.6, 1.8, 1.8 T, 1.9 TDI, 1.8 T quattro, 1.9 TDI quattro and more. Check the Fitment section for the body styles and exclusions, or send us your registration and we will check.

How low will my Audi A3 8L sit?

ST quotes a drop of approx. 25-70 mm front and rear compared with standard, depending on the version. The exact drop varies from car to car with engine, equipment and tolerances. ST also sets a minimum: the distance from the wheel hub centre to the wheel arch edge must stay above approx. 320-330 mm at the front and 325 mm at the rear.

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. On some versions only the front dampers are adjustable.

Will the ST XTA make my Audi A3 8L ride harshly?

The XTA is the sportiest ST kit, with linear race springs, so it is noticeably firmer than standard. The 16-click rebound adjuster lets you take some of the edge off for road use, but it is aimed at fast road and track day cars.

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. With the XTA you can also set front camber on the top mounts.

Will my standard wheels fit?

On the original wheel sizes, ST says wheel spacers may be needed to keep enough clearance. Aftermarket wheels should be checked for clearance at your chosen ride height.

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.

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.