The Ultimate Guide to the Audi A3 8V Facelift Conversion: How to Give Your Pre-Facelift Hatch a Modern Look The Audi A3 8V (produced from 2012 to 2020) is widely regarded as a high-water mark for premium compact cars. It bridged the gap between the raw, mechanical feel of the older 8P chassis and the hyper-digital future of the current models. However, in 2017, Audi released a mid-cycle facelift (FL) for the 8V. The changes were significant: new headlights, bumpers, grilles, rear lights, and interior tech. If you own a pre-facelift (PFL) model (2012–2016), the FL model looks noticeably sharper, more aggressive, and more modern. The good news? You don’t have to sell your car. A full Audi A3 8V facelift conversion is a popular, well-documented retrofit. This guide will walk you through why you should do it, exactly what parts you need, the cost, the complexity, and the step-by-step process. Part 1: Why Convert? PFL vs. FL – The Key Differences Before diving into the "how," let's look at the "why." The facelift isn't just a badge change. Audi overhauled the car in three key areas: Exterior Design
Headlights: PFL uses Xenon or LED (with a distinctive "straight" DRL line). The FL uses Matrix LED technology (on higher trims) with a striking "checkered flag" or sawtooth DRL signature. Grille: The PFL grille is more rounded. The FL grille is wider, sharper, and features a honeycomb pattern on S-line models. Bumpers: FL bumpers have larger, more angular air intakes, giving the car a lower, wider stance. Rear Lights: The most noticeable change. PFL lights use bulbs (turn signals) and a simple LED bar. FL lights are full-LED with a sweeping, dynamic turn signal (animation) and a distinctive double-brake light pattern.
Interior & Technology
Virtual Cockpit: The FL introduced the 12.3-inch Audi Virtual Cockpit as an option. You can retrofit this, but it’s a separate project. MMI System: The PFL has a pop-up screen with lower resolution. The FL has a higher-res screen and a revised MMI controller with a touchpad. Steering Wheel: FL models got a flat-bottom wheel with a new button layout. audi a3 8v facelift conversion
Engine & Mechanicals (Mostly Irrelevant for Conversion) Mechanically, the cars are nearly identical. The chassis, mounts, and electronics architecture (mostly) remained the same. This is why the conversion is feasible. The Verdict: If you want your 2014 A3 to look like a 2019 model, the conversion is the best value-for-money modification you can do. Part 2: The Full Parts List – What You Actually Need A "complete" conversion can be broken down into two levels: Basic (Plug & Play) and Advanced (Full Integration). Level 1: Basic Exterior Conversion (No Coding Required) This changes the look dramatically but keeps the old lighting technology. You will need:
Front Bumper (FL): Includes grille, fog light surrounds, and lower lip. You can find OEM or high-quality aftermarket (e.g., from Xenonz, Caractere-style replicas). Rear Bumper (FL): Includes diffuser. Note that the exhaust tips may be positioned slightly differently – check compatibility with your exhaust. Front Grille (FL): Must match the bumper. Fog Lights (FL): The shape is different. You can buy FL fog lights or transfer your PFL bulbs if the connector is the same (usually it is).
Cost (used/aftermarket): ~$800 – $1,500 Level 2: Full Lighting & Tech Conversion (Requires Coding & Wiring) This is the "true" facelift that everyone wants. It allows you to use the stunning FL Matrix LED headlights and dynamic rear tail lights. The Ultimate Guide to the Audi A3 8V
FL Matrix LED Headlights (Left + Right) – Expensive. FL LED Rear Tail Lights (Inner + Outer) – Get the dynamic sweep version. Adapter Harnesses: PFL uses different connectors. You cannot plug FL lights into a PFL car directly. You need custom wiring harnesses (available from specialist retrofit shops like KUFATEC, or DIY). BCM (Body Control Module): Your PFL BCM may not support the new light animations. You may need a FL BCM (Highline version). Coding Tool: VCDS (Vag-Com), OBD11, or ODIS to recode the central electronics module.
Cost (OEM parts + harnesses): ~$2,500 – $4,500 Part 3: Step-by-Step Installation Guide (Simplified) This is a weekend project for a competent DIYer, but be prepared for bumper-off work and electrical fiddling. Phase 1: Preparation
Source all parts. Use VIN numbers from a 2018 A3 to ensure correct part numbers. Read wiring diagrams. If doing the full light conversion, label every wire. Disconnect the battery. You’ll be dealing with airbag sensors and lights. You don’t have to sell your car
Phase 2: Front End Conversion
Remove PFL Front Bumper: Unscrew the top bolts (under the hood), wheel arch liner screws, and lower under-tray bolts. Unplug fog lights and parking sensors. Transfer Components: Move your parking sensors, washer nozzles (if fitted), and ambient temperature sensor from the old bumper to the new FL bumper. Note: FL sensor mounts may differ; zip ties or 3D-printed adapters work. Swap Headlights: Remove the PFL lights (3 bolts each). Unplug. Install FL headlights using adapter harnesses (plug the FL light into the harness, the other end into your PFL car plug). Install FL Grille into the new bumper (if not pre-assembled). Mount the FL Bumper: Bolt it on. Alignment can be tricky – adjust the bumper guides.