Audi a3 8p - car doesn't corner as well as I would expect

[benjijames28]

I've got a 2009 audi a3 8p with the 1.8 TFSI engine.

When cornering it feels like it dips quite a bit, I believe the term is body roll and doesn't handle as well as what I would expect it to.

Can other a3 owners comment on their experience of their cars handling characteristics?

My tyre pressures are all good and the springs etc... Are all ok, no knocks or bangs.

[Dr G]

Which model (SE/Sport/S Line) is it and how many miles has it done?

The SEs are quite rolly and wallowy but Sport and S Line cars are often criticsed for being overly stiff. Depends also what you're comparing it to and there is a world of affordable, aftermarket parts to address such concerns...

[jonwm]

When I specced my S Line you could have sport, s line or normal suspension options.

Could be as above that you have the normal set up which is quite comfy but not the best at cornering

[benjijames28]

Yeah mine is SE spec not s line. It could be that. The cars done 82,000 miles.

I'm comparing it to other cars I've owned. My fiesta and old Clio felt a lot flatter round the corners. Obviously a much smaller car and the fiesta known for its handling.

[Dr G]

Well, that and you have a model with softer, more compliant suspension.

At 82k I'd be tempted to renew dampers with OE sport items so they feel fresh, fit an Eibach spring kit, and roll bars from the same if you do want to tighten it up nicely.

[benjijames28]

Dr G said:

Well, that and you have a model with softer, more compliant suspension.

At 82k I'd be tempted to renew dampers with OE sport items so they feel fresh, fit an Eibach spring kit, and roll bars from the same if you do want to tighten it up nicely.

What sort of cost do u think I might be looking at?

Bare in mind I have no tools or space to do any work myself.

[xjay1337]

About 500 quid for h&r springs and bilstien dampers. About 3 hours labour and an alignment after.

[Dr G]

Springs:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/EIBACH-Sportline-Federn-...

Dampers:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Audi-A3-8P1-2003-Bilstei...

ARBs:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Eibach-Anti-Roll-Bar-kit...

3 hours sounds conservative for 4 dampers as the struts need splitting but it isn't a difficult job and any competent, independent garage could fit those up for you. £100 on top for a proper 4 wheel alignment afterwards.

Basically for a grand you'll transform the way it feels and drives.

[xjay1337]

Dr G said:

Springs:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/EIBACH-Sportline-Federn-...

Dampers:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Audi-A3-8P1-2003-Bilstei...

ARBs:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Eibach-Anti-Roll-Bar-kit...

3 hours sounds conservative for 4 dampers as the struts need splitting but it isn't a difficult job and any competent, independent garage could fit those up for you. £100 on top for a proper 4 wheel alignment afterwards.

Basically for a grand you'll transform the way it feels and drives.

Not conservative at all. Takes about 2 to 2 and a half hours to swap all suspension.

Rears take 10 minutea each side. Fronts are easy but take longer mainly smashing the strut out of the hub.

While youre at it, put Superpro ball joints and powerflex or superpro front wishbone bushes.