Audi A3 8V Shock Absorbers — Bilstein B4, B6, B8 & Tein

Shock absorbers and damper kits for the Audi A3 8V, 8VA Sportback and 8V7 cabriolet, 2012–2020. Bilstein B4 restores the factory ride, B6 is firmer at standard height, B8 is the shortened damper for cars already lowered, and Tein Flex Z and Street Advance Z are height-adjustable damper kits. Springs, B12 and B14/B16 kits are on the full A3 8V suspension page.

Bilstein or Tein on the 8V

The 8V is the rare chassis here stocked by both makers, so the choice is real rather than theoretical. Bilstein B4 is the OE-comparable damper and B6 the firmer version of it at the same height, both fitted to your original springs. B8 is shortened for a car already lowered 30–40 mm and will run short of travel at standard height. The Tein kits answer a different question: Flex Z and Street Advance Z replace damper and spring together and let you set ride height directly, so they compete with a B12 or B14 kit rather than with a B4 or B6 damper.

What to check before ordering

Front and rear are separate listings and belong in axle pairs. The 8V shares its platform with the Golf Mk7, Leon and Octavia, so a part number may appear under several cars — confirm against your own body style and build year rather than the model name. Quattro cars differ from front-wheel-drive at the rear. Renew strut support bearings with the damper and align the car afterwards.