ST XTA Coilovers Audi A3 8P 03-15

ST XTA Coilovers for Audi A3 8P (2003-2015) – 40-65 mm Lower, Height & Rebound Adjustable, Camber Top Mounts

This ST XTA kit replaces the standard springs and dampers on the Audi A3 8P (2003-2015) with a height-adjustable coilover set. It lowers the car by approx. 40-65 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 8P, split by front strut diameter. Between them they cover the 1.2 TSI, 1.4 TFSI, 1.6, 1.6 FSI, 1.6 TDI, 1.8 TFSI, 1.9 TDI, 2.0 FSI and more. Use the table in the Fitment section to find the right one, then choose it from the drop-down.

Specifications

• Front lowering: approx. 40-65 mm (varies by version)
• Rear lowering: approx. 40-65 mm (varies by version)
• Height adjustment: Stepless, on threaded strut housings
• Minimum ride height (wheel hub centre to arch edge): front 325 mm, rear 320 mm
• Damping: Adjustable rebound, 16 clicks
• Springs: Linear main springs with helper springs where needed
• Top mounts: Front Unibal mounts with camber adjustment
• Strut housings: Galvanised steel
• Approval: Parts type approval

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

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 8P (May 2003 to Dec 2013)
• Audi A3 Sportback 8P (Sep 2004 to Dec 2015)

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: Four-wheel-drive versions. Also not for other generations or body styles, which need their own kit, such as ST XTA Coilovers Audi A3 Quattro 8P 03-15, ST XTA Coilovers Audi A3 Convertible 8P 08-15, ST XTA Coilovers Audi A3 8L 96-06.

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: Audi Magnetic Ride: KW cancellation kit (part no. 68510124).

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:

• 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 325 mm, rear 320 mm.
• 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 8P 03-15 has fixed damping and costs less.

If you don't need camber adjustment, the ST XA Coilovers Audi A3 8P 03-15 offers height and rebound adjustment.

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

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 8P?

It fits the Audi A3 8P (2003-2015) with the 1.2 TSI, 1.4 TFSI, 1.6, 1.6 FSI, 1.6 TDI, 1.8 TFSI 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 8P sit?

ST quotes a drop of approx. 40-65 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. 325 mm at the front and 320 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.

Will the ST XTA make my Audi A3 8P 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.

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.

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.