New [upd] | Audi A3 8v Facelift Conversion

Audi A3 8V Facelift Conversion: A Comprehensive Guide to Upgrading Your Ride

The Audi A3 8V, produced from 2012 to 2019, was a highly acclaimed compact luxury car that boasted a perfect blend of style, performance, and practicality. However, as with any vehicle, its design eventually became dated, and Audi decided to give it a facelift. The facelifted version, also known as the 8V FL or 8Y, brought significant updates to the car's exterior, interior, and technology. For owners of the pre-facelift A3 8V, the good news is that it's possible to give their car a similar makeover through an Audi A3 8V facelift conversion.

In this article, we'll explore everything you need to know about the Audi A3 8V facelift conversion, including the changes brought about by the facelift, the benefits of converting your pre-facelift A3 8V, and a step-by-step guide on how to achieve this transformation.

Audi A3 8V Facelift: What Changed?

The facelifted Audi A3 8V, introduced in 2016, received a host of updates that modernized its appearance and improved its features. Here are the key changes:

Exterior:
- New front bumper design with larger air intakes and a more aggressive splitter
- Revised headlights with LED daytime running lights (DRLs) and optional LED headlights
- Updated side skirts and door handles
- New rear bumper design with a more prominent diffuser and a restyled exhaust tip
Interior:
- Upgraded infotainment system with a larger touchscreen display (now up to 12.3 inches)
- New driver assistance systems, such as adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning
- Optional virtual cockpit digital instrument cluster
Technology:
- Improved engine lineup with more efficient and powerful options
- Enhanced safety features, including a 360-degree camera system and park assist

Benefits of Audi A3 8V Facelift Conversion

Converting your pre-facelift Audi A3 8V to the facelifted version offers several benefits: audi a3 8v facelift conversion new

Modernized appearance: The facelifted front and rear bumpers, along with the updated headlights and taillights, give your A3 8V a more contemporary look that's on par with newer models.
Improved features: By upgrading your infotainment system and adding new driver assistance systems, you'll enjoy a more convenient and safer driving experience.
Increased value: A facelifted Audi A3 8V conversion can potentially increase your car's value, making it more attractive to potential buyers if you decide to sell.
Personalization: A facelift conversion allows you to personalize your vehicle to your taste, giving you a unique driving experience.

Audi A3 8V Facelift Conversion: A Step-by-Step Guide

While a facelift conversion is a significant project, it's achievable with the right guidance. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Research and planning:
- Familiarize yourself with the facelifted Audi A3 8V's design and features.
- Determine which specific changes you want to make to your pre-facelift A3 8V.
- Create a budget and plan your conversion timeline.
Gather parts:
- Source the necessary parts, including:
  - Front and rear bumpers
  - Headlights and taillights
  - Side skirts and door handles
  - Infotainment system and dashboard trim
- Consider purchasing a facelift conversion kit, which usually includes most of the required parts.
Preparation:
- Inspect your vehicle's condition and address any existing issues before starting the conversion.
- Disconnect the battery and prepare a safe workspace.
Exterior conversion:
- Remove the pre-facelift bumpers, headlights, and taillights.
- Install the facelifted bumpers, headlights, and taillights.
- Update the side skirts and door handles.
Interior conversion:
- Remove the old infotainment system and dashboard trim.
- Install the new infotainment system and dashboard trim.
- Update the driver assistance systems and other features.
Coding and configuration:
- Use a diagnostic tool to code and configure the new features and systems.
- Ensure that all systems are functioning correctly and safely.
Final checks and testing:
- Inspect your vehicle's exterior and interior to ensure everything is properly installed and functioning.
- Test drive your vehicle to verify that all systems are working as expected.

Conclusion

The Audi A3 8V facelift conversion is a rewarding project that can breathe new life into your pre-facelift vehicle. With careful planning, the right parts, and attention to detail, you can give your A3 8V a modern makeover that rivals the facelifted version. While it's essential to consider the costs and challenges involved, the end result is well worth the effort. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast or a professional mechanic, this comprehensive guide should provide a solid foundation for your Audi A3 8V facelift conversion project.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is a facelift conversion worth the investment? A: A facelift conversion can be a worthwhile investment, as it modernizes your vehicle's appearance and improves its features. However, it's essential to consider the costs and your personal preferences. Audi A3 8V Facelift Conversion: A Comprehensive Guide

Q: How much does an Audi A3 8V facelift conversion cost? A: The cost of a facelift conversion varies depending on the parts and labor required. A rough estimate for the conversion can range from $2,000 to $10,000 or more.

Q: Can I perform a facelift conversion myself? A: While it's possible to perform a facelift conversion yourself, it's recommended that you have some mechanical and DIY experience. Additionally, coding and configuration may require specialized tools and expertise.

Q: Will a facelift conversion affect my vehicle's warranty? A: If your vehicle is still under warranty, a facelift conversion may void the warranty. It's essential to consult with Audi or a trusted dealership before making any modifications.

Q: Are there any potential issues with a facelift conversion? A: Potential issues may arise during the conversion process, such as compatibility problems or faulty parts. It's crucial to research and plan carefully to minimize these risks.

Upgrading your Audi A3 8V (2013–2016) to the sharper, more modern facelift (2017–2020) look is a popular project for enthusiasts. This "facelift conversion" involves replacing key exterior components like the bumper, grille, and headlights to match the updated design language. Key Components for the Conversion

To achieve a complete facelift look, you will need to source specific parts. While some aftermarket kits simplify this process, using genuine OEM parts ensures a better fit. Go to product viewer dialog for this item. Exterior:

Complete Front Bumper 8V5807065AE 8V5807065AF Compatible With AUDI A3 Limousine (8VS, 8VM) | A3 / S3 (2016-2020) Tag No.4

Step 1: Planning and Budgeting

Research: The first step is to research the parts needed for the conversion. This includes the front and rear bumpers, grille, headlights, taillights, and any interior components you wish to update.
Budgeting: Once you have a list of the parts needed, research their costs. Prices can vary widely depending on the supplier and the specific part. Make sure to budget for both the parts and the labor if you plan to have a professional perform the conversion.

Visual Differences: Pre-FL vs. FL

Before sourcing parts, you must understand what changes. The 8V facelift is not a simple bumper swap; it involves a complete optical redesign.

Headlights: Pre-FL uses a "boomerang" LED daytime running light (DRL) design. FL uses a “light signature” of three horizontal, chevron-like LED strips. The FL units are slimmer and more angular.
Grille: The singleframe grille on the FL is wider, lower, and features a double chrome bar (or honeycomb on S-line) versus the single bar on the Pre-FL.
Bumpers: The front bumper has larger, more sculpted side intakes. The rear bumper features thinner, trapezoidal exhaust trims (fake on standard cars, real on S3).
Lighting Technology: Pre-FL offered Xenon or Halogen. FL introduced full LED headlights as an option (Matrix LED on higher trims) and dynamic (sweeping) rear turn signals.

Phase 3: Electronics & Coding (The Hard Part)

Wiring: You need to run new wires for the DRL sweep function and possibly the matrix high beam shutter.
Coding (VCDS/OBDeleven): You must tell the car’s BCM (Body Control Module) that it now has LED/Matrix lights. Without coding, you will get hyper-flash, bulb out errors, or no light function.
Tail lights: The FL tail lights use a different pulse width modulation. You need an adapter loom with resistors to prevent errors.

Audi A3 8V Facelift Conversion — Full Post

Legal & safety

Ensure headlights are aimed and compliant with local regulations after conversion.
If structural parts are modified, get an inspection if required by local vehicle authority.

Part 2: Why Perform the "New" Conversion?

There are three common reasons owners pursue this conversion:

Aesthetics: The facelift looks aggressive, modern, and closer to the current Audi design language. It removes the "dated" look of the early 2010s.
Lighting Performance: Matrix LEDs offer significantly better night visibility than pre-FL Xenons.
Resale Value (Debatable): While you won't recoup full costs, a well-done conversion makes the car more desirable to private buyers than a stock pre-FL.