These Sparco sub-frames (part 00499073-A3) are designed to mount base-mount sport seats into the Audi A3 Mk1, covering the 8L-series chassis produced from 1996 to 2003. They fit to the car’s original floor mounting points without drilling or fabrication.
The A3 Mk1 in 1.8T and S3 form is a common modified road and track day car, and the standard seats are not suited to committed circuit use. A sport seat fitted at the correct height changes the driving position considerably, and direct-fit frames make it easier to get that position right compared to a universal slider setup where height and lateral placement have to be estimated.
Steel construction, 345mm x 271mm bolt pattern. Despite the Sparco branding on the part number, these frames are compatible with base-mount seats from Sparco, OMP, and Corbeau at the standard pattern. If you are fitting a Corbeau Pro-Sport or an OMP equivalent base-mount seat, these sub-frames will work.
Sold as single frames, handed by side. The driver and passenger sides are different shapes to suit the 8L A3’s floor geometry. Select the correct variant for your build: RHD driver side for the right seat in a right-hand drive car, RHD passenger side for the left.
For base-mount reclining seats only. Side-mount FIA competition bucket seats use a different mounting system and are not compatible with these frames.
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 Mk1 (8L) (8L). 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). The Compatible seats tab above lists what bolts straight on. 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 Sparco 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.
