An OMP direct fit subframe for the Audi A3 8P. Part number HC838.
The 8P platform is shared widely
The HC838 stem also covers the Golf Mk5, Golf Mk6 and Audi S3 Mk2, which reflects how much those cars have in common underneath.
If you have seen a seat working in one of them, ask us and we will confirm whether it carries across before you order.
What you are actually changing
The 8P covers a long production run and a lot of engine variants, so the starting point differs. On an S line or an S3 the factory seat is already good, and the reason for a bucket is harness compatibility or getting the hip point down rather than comfort.
On a base car it is a genuine upgrade in support. Tell us which you have and we will be straight about whether it is worth doing.
Recaro stays on the table
Two bolt patterns rather than one: 345mm by 271mm is the Sparco, OMP and Corbeau spacing, 405mm by 290mm is Recaro. The multi-hole clusters at each corner are what allow both, and a Sparco frame gives you only the first.
That matters on an Audi more than most, because a good number of owners want to stay with the brand the factory fitted.
The detail
Steel, base mount, nothing drilled. Sold singly and handed. Doing both sides? The pair listing covers driver and passenger in one order. Mention the side airbags when you order.
Have you written anything useful for my car?
Yes: Audi A3 Vehicle Guide's. Those are written around the same car, from real fittings and customer questions, so they are worth a look before you decide.
Will this fit my car?
This frame is made for the Audi A3 8P (8P). Chassis code and years matter more than the badge, as floor pans change between generations, so if your car sits near a changeover year, send us the registration and we will confirm before you order.
Which seats does it take?
It takes seats drilled 345mm x 271mm (the Sparco and OMP seat pattern) and 405mm x 290mm (the Recaro seat pattern). If your seat is not listed, tell us what you run and we will confirm the fit.
Do I keep fore-and-aft adjustment?
Only with a sliding runner between the frame and the seat, which is a separate part on OMP frames. If more than one person drives the car, budget for the runner. Our guide to sliding runners explains the options and widths.
Base mount or side mount, and does it matter?
This is a base-mount frame: the seat bolts down through its base, the simpler stack that suits seats with a flat bottom and keeps the install low-fuss. Our guide on base mount versus side mount explains the whole fitting stack.
Is this for the driver or passenger side?
Both sides are available on this listing, pick driver or passenger side at the point of order (sides listed are for right-hand-drive cars). Left-hand-drive car? Ask us, as the sides swap over and availability varies by model.
