Sorry guys I hadn't read the last page of posts before writing my last. Thank you Bret, Roy and fbi for your reassuring and useful comments. Encouraged, I thought I'd add a bit more. I hope I'm not high-jacking a thread but it seems relevant:
Firstly, I think the important thing is to commit to either a focused Sporty ride or a soft one, but don't try and fudge the issue by mixing, say, stiffer springs with 16" wheels and FSDs. Somehow the car doesn't hang together properly if you try and create a compromise. In other words, either fit FSDs with standard everything else or go the whole hog and commit to a tighter A2 with a firmer more focused ride: 17" 205s, lighter alloys, FSDs, lower and stiffer suspension front and rear.
I feel qualified to say this because I started off with a standard SE Tdi 75. I put on FSDs and Weitec -30s (front) but kept the 16" SE wheels, 185 Pirellis and standard rear springs. It felt all over the place. I then bought the Luxury option springs from Audi and fitted them in place of the SE items. It felt worse. I then had the Luxury springs compressed by 40mm each side which sorted out the ride height and much improved the ride control. But it still isn't right. The bouncyness was diminished by this time as I'd done over 2000 miles. Fitting my OZs made a vast improvement, and keeping at 205s kept the steering sharp.
Hi Richard,
I agree I have changed dampers AND springs at the same time, so unfortunately I cannot comment on the FSD or springs alone.
Here's the steps that I've done :
a) 1.4i bog standard (175/60-15) : comfy but not controlled, bad grip
b) same but with 17" TT rims (205/40-15) : grippy but "harsh" (could feel road surface), not very controlled (soft suspension). Heavy wheels (some slight effect on acceleration)
c) 1.4i, 17" wheels, FSD, Weitec -30/00 : firm and controlled ride. Not as comfy as I expected (as FSD's are said to be "magical", Dr Jeckyll & Mr Hyde...) but rather satisfied, though, as it suits my driving style.
d) 1.6 FSI, 17" wheels, FSD, Weitec -30/00 (the same as above, so for lighter front axle) : firm and rather controlled, but bouncy on some bumps (often or motorway, for example). Compared to the above (1.4i), this is a downgrade.
My winter tyres have just arrived (Conti TS830 195/55-15), I'm looking forward to have them fitted and see how the suspension/handling is affected by lighter rims + tyres. But I'm sure the "under-sprung" effect will still be present.
The question remains : refit std FSI springs (not sport) or other proper sport lowering springs (for FSI/TDI) ?
Note that I'm not after the sportier setup possible, the A2 is a "daily" driver. I still have the MGTF that I can "trash" if I want. RWD is more fun ...