Audi A2 8Z.
The coilover guide.
Shop the coiloversKeep the A2 useful on its new wheels. Compare the two SPAX adjustment systems, leave room for suspension movement and identify the lightweight 3L before ordering.
Aluminium construction and a small footprint.
The A2's tall roof and short body look good with a restrained drop and a wheel that suits its proportions. Leave enough tyre sidewall for the roads you use. Clearance has to work with passengers aboard and the front wheels turned, as well as when the car is parked.
The listed kits name 1.4 petrol and 1.4 TDI applications. A broad catalogue row also mentions the 1.2 TDI; that lightweight 3L needs an exact hardware check. A 1.6 FSI or a car with earlier suspension changes should come through an application enquiry.
Audi showed the production A2 in 1999 and launched it in 2000. Its aluminium Audi Space Frame, high roof and short overhangs gave a small car a roomy cabin. Production ended in 2005. The A2 still has an enthusiast following and remains in use as a daily driver.
The shape still leaves plenty to work with visually: period-style alloys, a clean body and a measured change in height. Check wheel width and offset before buying spacers. Filling an arch in a photograph tells you little about the clearance available when the suspension compresses.
The 1.2 TDI 3L pursued lower consumption with distinct lightweight parts and wheels. Treat it as its own fitment enquiry. The spring and damper mounts, wheel specification and exact kit approval need checking on the actual car.
A refreshed standard arrangement can be a sensible starting point on an older A2. If you choose coilovers, agree what you want to change in its height or response and inspect the parts that the kit will retain. More damping adjustment is useful only when you can work through the settings methodically.
Start with your A2 8Z.
Confirm the chassis, year and existing suspension before choosing your setup.
A2 1.4 petrol
Both listed SPAX references name the 1.4 petrol A2 from the catalogue's February 2000 date. Check the engine and exact kit instructions against the car. The nominal lowering figures are 35-65mm at both axles, subject to the original suspension and the permitted setup.
View the 1.4 petrol kits
A2 1.4 TDI
The separate 1.4 TDI row names the same two kit references and lowering range. Include the engine output, build details and axle ratings in the check; the broad TDI label does not settle every version's hardware or approval conditions.
View the 1.4 TDI kits
1.2 TDI 3L or 1.6 FSI: check first
A 1.2 TDI 3L needs an exact check of its lightweight specification and fitted hardware, even though the UK catalogue mentions it. For a 1.6 FSI, ask for an application check before choosing either kit. Send the engine and build details with the enquiry.
Check my A2 variant
Already lowered or running different wheels
Record the fitted dampers and springs, wheel dimensions and spacers. A previous owner's setup can change the parts and clearances the fitter finds. Include those details with the engine and build information.
Discuss my modified A2What do you want
from the car?
Road miles, circuit weekends or a car built around the lap. Start with how you drive.
Start with the height and clearance your daily route needs.
Read the buying advice
RSX929 is the single-adjustable example for a checked 1.4 application. Set a usable height before working through damping changes. SPAX's range handbook stresses the balance between ground clearance and suspension travel; use the exact supplied instructions for the finished car.
- Check the actual engine application
- Keep useful tyre sidewall
- Leave travel for passengers and loads
Separate controls need a clear setup plan.
Read the buying advice
RSX3-1858 is listed with separate bump and rebound adjustment. Consider it when you want those controls and have fitting and setup support. Confirm suitability for the intended tyres and circuit use with the supplier and fitter. More adjusters alone do not prove a better lap time or a comfortable road setting.
- Identify the bump and rebound controls
- Record one setting change at a time
- Plan tyre and brake preparation
Specify the car and tyres with the person setting it up.
Read the buying advice
A stripped car, circuit tyres or altered axle loads need a detailed suspension enquiry. Describe the actual hardware and intended use so the spring, damper and usable-travel requirements can be discussed together. The two broad catalogue rows do not specify a competition package.
- Describe the finished car
- Agree springs and usable movement
- Arrange fitting and setup support
A separate rear spring beside the damper.
On a standard Audi A2 8Z, the rear spring and damper are mounted separately.
Component layout only. Mounts, dimensions and adjusters vary by kit.Audi's original A2 drawing shows a torsion-beam rear axle with the coil spring and damper mounted separately. Check the actual SPAX rear spring hardware and height-adjustment instructions supplied for the exact kit.
Have the rear alignment measured after the height is settled. Audi describes correction of toe symmetry at the axle mounting brackets, while rear camber is not adjustable in the standard arrangement. An incorrect reading needs investigation by the fitter; lowering is not an alignment correction.
Understand height and spring adjustments
Inspect the parts the kit will keep.
Bring the wheel specification and the history of any earlier suspension work. Have retained mounts, bearings and bushes checked, then agree any additional parts before the fitting appointment. The A2's age makes the condition of those components part of the decision.
Ask the fitter to establish a running height with room for steering and suspension movement. Record the final height and damping settings, measure alignment and arrange the checks specified in the kit instructions. For a lightweight 3L, include its different equipment in the application check.
Wheels, tyres and spacers
Record wheel width, offset, tyre size and spacers. Check both inner clearance and the outer arch through steering and compression. Choose a tyre and height that leave the A2 useful on uneven roads.
Retained mounts and bushes
Have the components reused by the kit inspected before fitting. Establish the required mounts, bearings and spring hardware from the exact instructions. A range photograph may show different components from those supplied for the A2.
Variant and axle details
Confirm the engine, build details and axle ratings. The lightweight 1.2 TDI 3L needs a separate hardware check. Ask about a 1.6 FSI application before choosing either kit.
Geometry at the finished height
Measure alignment after settling the intended height. Audi's A2 description allows rear toe symmetry correction at its mounting brackets; standard rear camber has no adjustment. Investigate wear or damage when readings are wrong.
The current A2 8Z range.
Compare the controls and hardware included in each range.
RSX929 supplies the single-adjustable option; RSX3-1858 is listed with separate bump and rebound adjustment. The listed A2 applications give nominal 35-65mm lowering at each axle. Confirm the exact engine and supplied hardware, particularly for the 1.2 TDI 3L. The ordinary RSX handbook is range guidance and does not replace RSX3-specific instructions.
View SPAX A2 8Z kitsFind your A2 8Z coilovers.
Prices include UK VAT. Choose an application and brand, then open a kit for its current options and availability.
2 listings
Match the engine, body style and axle-load limits on the product page before ordering.
SPAX · RSX3-1858
SPAX RSX Double Adjustable Coilover Kit for Audi applications - RSX3-1858
A2 1.4 petrol / A2 1.4 TDI
SPAX · RSX929
SPAX RSX Coilover Kit for Audi applications - RSX929
A2 1.4 petrol / A2 1.4 TDI
Before you order.
Identify your car
Identify the A2's engine and build details. Ask for a separate application check for a lightweight 1.2 TDI 3L, a 1.6 FSI or a car with earlier suspension changes.
Match the kit
Match the exact SPAX reference to the engine and current fitting conditions. Check the car's axle ratings against the kit's approval.
Check what’s included
Establish which mounts, spring hardware and other parts the kit supplies. Inspect the retained mounts, bearings and bushes before booking fitting.
Check your modifications
Record wheels, tyres and spacers. Confirm inner and outer clearance through steering and suspension movement at the intended height, with usable travel for the loads you carry.
Plan fitting
Confirm current timing before booking fitting. Retain the instructions and final settings, and follow the specified post-installation checks.
See what the adjustments do.
Choosing coilovers for road and track
Compare the kit against your roads, tyres and setup plans before counting adjusters.
Ride height and spring preload
Understand the two adjustments before choosing a lowering range.
What spring rate tells you
Compare force and movement, read the units and choose a spring with the damper in mind.
Spring rates and top mounts
Read the front/rear figures and check which mounts come with your kit.
Questions about Audi A2 8Z coilovers.
Check the details before choosing your kit.
Which coilover kits are listed for the Audi A2?
The current selection contains SPAX RSX929 and double-adjustable RSX3-1858. The listed applications name the 1.4 petrol and 1.4 TDI, with a broad row also mentioning 1.2 TDI. Check the exact engine and kit conditions before ordering.
How do RSX929 and RSX3-1858 differ?
RSX929 is listed as single adjustable. RSX3-1858 is listed with separate bump and rebound adjustment. Choose the controls you need and can set up, then follow the instructions for the exact kit; the ordinary RSX handbook is not an RSX3 setup sheet.
Can I order these for a 1.2 TDI 3L?
The UK catalogue row mentions 1.2 TDI, but Audi identifies the 3L as a distinct lightweight specification. Have the actual suspension and wheel hardware checked against the exact kit approval before ordering. Send the build details for an application enquiry.
Can I choose either kit for a 1.6 FSI?
Ask for an exact application check first. The current UK applications do not name the 1.6 FSI. Send the engine and build details so the supplied kit and its approval can be checked.
Does the A2 have separate rear springs and dampers?
Yes. Audi's original technical drawing shows separate coils and dampers on a torsion-beam rear axle. Check the actual rear spring hardware and height instructions supplied with the chosen kit.
Can the rear alignment be adjusted?
Audi describes correction of rear toe symmetry at the axle mounting brackets. Rear camber is not adjustable in the standard arrangement. Have the alignment measured at the finished height and investigate an incorrect reading with the fitter.
How low can the listed kits go?
The A2 rows give nominal 35-65mm lowering at both axles. The car's original suspension and the exact kit conditions affect the result. Agree a permitted height that leaves tyre clearance and usable suspension travel.
What information should I send before choosing a kit?
Include the engine, build details and axle ratings, wheel width and offset, tyre size, spacers and earlier suspension changes. State whether the car is a 1.2 TDI 3L or 1.6 FSI. The registration finder helps identify it but cannot establish those details alone.
Let’s talk suspension.
Find your A2, then add the exact engine, wheel specification and earlier suspension changes. Tell us if it is a lightweight 3L so we can check the hardware before you choose a kit.