SQ5 2020 - Lowering Options

[Andor]

Hey everyone,

New owner of a B9 SQ5, Quantum Gray on 21”* 5-Double-Spoke wheels w/black optics package.

Vehicle is my wife’s and she doesn’t like the 4x4 look.

Unfortunately we didn’t op for the Sport Package so no air suspension.

My wheel gap is around 4” - 4.3”. We live in Florida so we have no issues on ground clearance and looking to eliminate wheel gab entirely without putting a hole in my wallet.

Had done some research and found very little options of springs and of the options below, they range from a 1”-2.5” drop.

What options are there on lower my vehicle closer to the 3”-3.5” in order to give it a nice stance with minimal wheel to fender gap?


Brand / Price / Max Lowering Setting (inches)

Springs:

1. H&R Sport Springs: $259.99: F 1.3” / R: 1.2” (50305)
2. H&R Super Sport Springs: $259.99: F 2.0” / R: 1.9” (50305-77)
3. H&R VFT Adjustable springs: $746.25: F: 2.5” / R: 2.1”
4. KW Adjustable Springs: $859.00: F: 2.4” / R: 2.4”
5. ABT HAS: $899.99: F: 2.3” / R: 2.3” (Nemesis Sale: $845.00 shipped good through 05/10/2020)
6. MTM Adjustable Springs: $899.00 F: 2.5” / 2.75”
7. ST Adjustable Lowering Springs: $737.00: F: 2.4” / 2.4”


Coilovers:

1. KW V1: $1,749.00: F: 2.5” / R: 2.3”
2. KW V3: $2,639.00: F: 2.5” / R: 2.3”

(List above is being updated as I come across more options)

Already ordered wheels spacers F: 10mm R: 15mm but need lowering options.

Was thinking of F: 15mm & R: 20mm but have read contradicting information online for the 21" wheels. (Most say 15/20mm would work for 20" but 21" would be too aggressive*or have rubbing issues, others have done 15/20 and say it's perfect)

Thank you in advance for any help & guidance

[Marzoum]

Hey everyone,

New owner of a B9 SQ5, Quantum Gray on 21” double 5 Spoke with black optics.

Unfortunately I didn’t op for the Sport Package so no air suspension.

My wheel gap is around 4”-4.3”. I live in Florida so have no reason for ground clearance and looking to eliminate wheel gab entirely.

Doing research, I’ve found very little options of springs and of the 3 options, they range from a 1”-2” drop.

What options are there to lower my vehicle closer to the 3”-3.5”?

1. H&R Sport Springs: $249: F 1.3” / R: 1.2”
2. H&R VFT Adjustable springs: $746.25: F: 2.5” / R: 2.1”
3. KW Adjustable Springs: $859.00 F: 2.4” / R: 2.4”

Already ordered wheels spacers F: 10mm R: 15mm but need lowering options.

Thank you in advance for any help & guidanceMobs recommends ABT, they have a 15mm to 45mm drop. I'm still on the fence about which option to go with. Its the wife's car and she wants it to be a little lower. Considering the times, I'm really leaning towards the H&R springs. Some of the guys have been pleased with them on their SQ5s.

Where did you find the $249 listing?

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[Andor]

My SQ5 is also my wife’s and she also doesn’t like the wheel gap but isn’t to concerned on the ride feel as she doesn’t mind it on my other vehicles which are dropped on coils etc.

I can’t seam to find the $249 but link below is $259.99

https://www.achtuning.com/h-r-50305-77-super-sport-springs-audi-b9-sq5/

[Mops@Nemesis]

Doesn't move the needle a ton, but Nemesis is running an ABT sale on the HAS kit that is good for 2 weeks from yesterday. $845 shipped.

[Andor]

Still the best price on the market! Updated og post

[Mops@Nemesis]

Good thread!

KW has the V1 and V3, both include the electronic damper cancel kit.

I'd say 10/15 is perfect. Even 12/15. For the 21" wheelset.

[dirtysoil]

I picked up the ABT HAS kit from Mops, and love the drop. It was actually closer to 3 inches front and rear. Mops and I posted pics in the what did you do to your Q/SQ5 thread.

[Miranda@Nemesis]

Hi!

We have a great sale on ABT HAS right now.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49831602838_cb7e3922e3_z.jpg

[Andor]

Just came across H&R Super Sport Springs.

On most websites, they are only showing the sport springs.

Super Sport Springs look to have a drop of 2" Front & 1.9" Rear.

Is this accurate?

Super Sport Springs:
https://www.vividracing.com/super-sport-spring-audi-sq5-1820-p-152776418.html

Sport Springs:
https://www.vividracing.com/sport-spring-audi-sq5-1820-p-152776451.html

[turbojayc]

Just came across H&R Super Sport Springs.

On most websites, they are only showing the sport springs.

Super Sport Springs look to have a drop of 2" Front & 1.9" Rear.


The super sport springs look great. They definitely were not available when I did my springs. I would have forsure went even lower. Oh well, not changing it now.

Here are my H&R "regular" sport springs.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49747045892_954a80f154_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2iMYBzN)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49747045882_93964b8cf4_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2iMYBzC)

[Andor]

The super sport springs look great. They definitely were not available when I did my springs. I would have forsure went even lower. Oh well, not changing it now.

Here are my H&R "regular" sport springs.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49747045892_954a80f154_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2iMYBzN)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49747045882_93964b8cf4_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2iMYBzC)

Beautiful car turbojayc! Love the VFF-109's!

Your car looks much lower than what the "Sport Springs" state at < 1.3".

I just placed an order for the Super Sports so we shall see how low they go. Very little information out there on springs for SQ5 and from what I've found, everything was related to the Sport Springs and nothing on the "Super Sport".

[chawski]

Mops, is there anything available for dampers yet? I want to do springs at some point but concerned for longevity on the stock dampers lowered. I’m also pretty up there on mileage, so if I’m gonna take it all apart to do springs, makes sense to do it all at once

[nandofumi]

The super sport springs look great. They definitely were not available when I did my springs. I would have forsure went even lower. Oh well, not changing it now.

Here are my H&R "regular" sport springs.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49747045892_954a80f154_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2iMYBzN)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49747045882_93964b8cf4_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2iMYBzC)

Hey Jay. Hope all is well in the GTA! Hunkered down over here in Van lurking on Audizine. Lol. Curious if your Vorsteiners are 21x10 or 21x10.5? Sidewalls fitment on those 295/35/R21 Michelins PS4S look great. No bulge. Nice and square. Also assuming those are a ET30 offset or are you running spacers?

Also curious what film was used to smoke out your tails? Is there any orange peel or is it crystal clear? Seems like Lamin-X isn't really option as it is too thick. I want to go a light smoke but having a hard time finding anyone in the Vancouver area who has the confidence to do it in one piece while on the vehicle. Most places want to remove the tails for tinting and even then they still don't think it'd be good idea to do as one piece given all the contours of the light maybe causing the film to lift in the future. Hard to commit to $90 per light when there's no confidence in the sale pitch and you feel like a bit of a guinea pig. Lol. Personally I can't see how it'd look good if there are seams where the original brightness could leak thru.

Anyhow thanks for any info and keep it real in the GTA man.

[SurfTek]

Hey Jay. Hope all is well in the GTA! Hunkered down over here in Van lurking on Audizine. Lol. Curious if your Vorsteiners are 21x10 or 21x10.5? Sidewalls fitment on those 295/35/R21 Michelins PS4S look great. No bulge. Nice and square. Also assuming those are a ET30 offset or are you running spacers?

Also curious what film was used to smoke out your tails? Is there any orange peel or is it crystal clear? Seems like Lamin-X isn't really option as it is too thick. I want to go a light smoke but having a hard time finding anyone in the Vancouver area who has the confidence to do it in one piece while on the vehicle. Most places want to remove the tails for tinting and even then they still don't think it'd be good idea to do as one piece given all the contours of the light maybe causing the film to lift in the future. Hard to commit to $90 per light when there's no confidence in the sale pitch and you feel like a bit of a guinea pig. Lol. Personally I can't see how it'd look good if there are seams where the original brightness could leak thru.

Anyhow thanks for any info and keep it real in the GTA man.

This is the route I plan to go in a few months. From my research best light smoke for the taillights is actually wrap. VViViD Air-Tint Smoke Black Gloss Viny is a dry application and has air release. There is a guy in canada that has a shop ckwraps. This might meet your needs if you want a 1 piece film. Videos on youtube about it, shows brightness and all.

[chawski]

Haha I got my YouTube college education on wraps from ckwraps

[Mops@Nemesis]

Mops, is there anything available for dampers yet? I want to do springs at some point but concerned for longevity on the stock dampers lowered. I’m also pretty up there on mileage, so if I’m gonna take it all apart to do springs, makes sense to do it all at once

Only the Bilstein B4. They're more of an OE replacement vs something like the B8. Bilstein offers the B8 damper for B9 S4/5, but they cannot confirm they're proper for the B9 SQ.

[Marzoum]

Finally installed the H&R Super Sport Springs with 10/15 spacers. Loving the look. Will post more pictures after its washed.177346177347

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[Andor]

Finally installed the H&R Super Sport Springs with 10/15 spacers. Loving the look. Will post more pictures after its washed.177346177347

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Sweet!

I have my H&R Super Sport springs on there way but with COVID-19 delays, the 2-5 business days is looking more like 22-25 business days now [mad]

I also have 10/15 spacers already installed and your stance is right what i'm looking for so super happy with my decision.

Def. post more pictures to get a better idea of the stance, drop.

[Marzoum]

Haven't had a time to wash it but figured I'd send a couple more pics for your reference.

Look at that ass!

Looks way better this way, I don't doubt that you'll love it. I'm glad I accidentally purchased the super sports instead of the basic sport that I told you about [emoji28]. Looks wayyyy better with the 2" drop. Back isn't sagging and the ride feels great. Maybe even a little smoother than stock. Definitely need to be careful around speed bumps though.

Its going to drop a little more once it all sets-in in 250 miles or so but so far so good [emoji106] 177528177529

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[Andor]

Haven't had a time to wash it but figured I'd send a couple more pics for your reference.

Look at that ass!

Looks way better this way, I don't doubt that you'll love it. I'm glad I accidentally purchased the super sports instead of the basic sport that I told you about [emoji28]. Looks wayyyy better with the 2" drop. Back isn't sagging and the ride feels great. Maybe even a little smoother than stock. Definitely need to be careful around speed bumps though.

Its going to drop a little more once it all sets-in in 250 miles or so but so far so good [emoji106] 177528177529

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Looks great!

What I still find confusing a bit is there are some other members that purchased the "Sport" and their drop is 2"- 3" so I can never get a realistic idea of the actual drop.

Didn't chance it and just got the one with the biggest drop.

Interesting your saying the ride is smoother than stock as usually it'll be much more firm

[Marzoum]

Looks great!

What I still find confusing a bit is there are some other members that purchased the "Sport" and their drop is 2"- 3" so I can never get a realistic idea of the actual drop.

Didn't chance it and just got the one with the biggest drop.

Interesting your saying the ride is smoother than stock as usually it'll be much more firmIts definitely firmer around the turns. Maybe since its not bouncing as much, I feel like it's smoother? Idk how to explain, the car glides? Lol

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[triumph.man]

Reviving an old thread. What’s the consensus replacing your shocks when installing new springs?


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[triumph.man]

Hi!

We have a great sale on ABT HAS right now.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49831602838_cb7e3922e3_z.jpg

This is perfect


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[pabs]

Most folks leave them as is. Especially since I'm not aware of any performance shock yet so you aren't really getting anything out of swapping to an oe replacement assuming yours are newish or fine. When or if Bilstein b8s come out for the SQ that may be worth looking into, but at that point I'd just hold off for a full coilover solution.

[triumph.man]

Anyone have pic comparisons of the h&r sports vs super sports on 20’s?


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[triumph.man]

The super sport springs look great. They definitely were not available when I did my springs. I would have forsure went even lower. Oh well, not changing it now.

Here are my H&R "regular" sport springs.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49747045892_954a80f154_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2iMYBzN)

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49747045882_93964b8cf4_c.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2iMYBzC)

Are these sitting on 20 or 21’s?


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[Mops@Nemesis]

Are these sitting on 20 or 21’s?


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21x10 [emoji1360]


Mops on the Move [emoji593]

[turbojayc]

Are these sitting on 20 or 21’s?


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21's

[turbojayc]

Hey Jay. Hope all is well in the GTA! Hunkered down over here in Van lurking on Audizine. Lol. Curious if your Vorsteiners are 21x10 or 21x10.5? Sidewalls fitment on those 295/35/R21 Michelins PS4S look great. No bulge. Nice and square. Also assuming those are a ET30 offset or are you running spacers?

Also curious what film was used to smoke out your tails? Is there any orange peel or is it crystal clear? Seems like Lamin-X isn't really option as it is too thick. I want to go a light smoke but having a hard time finding anyone in the Vancouver area who has the confidence to do it in one piece while on the vehicle. Most places want to remove the tails for tinting and even then they still don't think it'd be good idea to do as one piece given all the contours of the light maybe causing the film to lift in the future. Hard to commit to $90 per light when there's no confidence in the sale pitch and you feel like a bit of a guinea pig. Lol. Personally I can't see how it'd look good if there are seams where the original brightness could leak thru.

Anyhow thanks for any info and keep it real in the GTA man.

Hey man, I totally missed your message. All my tinting is film. Amber side markers up front, lower rear reflectors and taillights. All have been holding up great but the taillights. Your shop was correct. Don't do it, they will peel. I need to peel mine off and will probably spray tint it.

[nandofumi]

Hey man, I totally missed your message. All my tinting is film. Amber side markers up front, lower rear reflectors and taillights. All have been holding up great but the taillights. Your shop was correct. Don't do it, they will peel. I need to peel mine off and will probably spray tint it.

All good man. Thanks for following up. Yeah I'm kinda over tinting the rear lights to be honest. Isn't worth it. However I am surprised that most people who smoke their rears forget to tint the high brake light too as to my eye it looks weird with the lowers cherry red and the upper bright red... Case in point check the Maxton test mule in this link...

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2665/5510/products/eng_pl_REAR-VALANCE-Audi-SQ5-Q5-S-line-MkII-8584_1.jpg?v=1571946501

Anyhow I coded the Scandinavian style rear DRLs to be turned on full time so that in itself is unique enough in my area as no one else has it. Also got the white LED bulbs for the back up lights too. Way better when you hit reverse. Lol. Next move is to get those Euro rear tail lights from Europrice so I can have the amber turn signals. Hate the red on the NA spec. Haha.

[Batman0424]

All good man. Thanks for following up. Yeah I'm kinda over tinting the rear lights to be honest. Isn't worth it. However I am surprised that most people who smoke their rears forget to tint the high brake light too as to my eye it looks weird with the lowers cherry red and the upper bright red... Case in point check the Maxton test mule in this link...

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2665/5510/products/eng_pl_REAR-VALANCE-Audi-SQ5-Q5-S-line-MkII-8584_1.jpg?v=1571946501

Anyhow I coded the Scandinavian style rear DRLs to be turned on full time so that in itself is unique enough in my area as no one else has it. Also got the white LED bulbs for the back up lights too. Way better when you hit reverse. Lol. Next move is to get those Euro rear tail lights from Europrice so I can have the amber turn signals. Hate the red on the NA spec. Haha.

I like the Scandinavian rear DRL - I’ve activated on my last 4 Audi’s. Which LEDs did you go with? I have a set that I need to install.


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[dirtysoil]

This is perfect


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Thanks, I enjoy it as well! Also, I didn't replace the factory shocks, and they are holding up well.

[nandofumi]

I like the Scandinavian rear DRL - I’ve activated on my last 4 Audi’s. Which LEDs did you go with? I have a set that I need to install.


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I just got these Auxito 921 ones off Amazon for the two reverse bulbs... You just have to to get ones that have the diodes at the top as well as the sides as you want the light firing of the top of the bulb as that’s the orientation of the bulb in the housing. Keep in mind the base is thicker than the glass bulbs so you gotta wiggle it a little to get it in the slot.
189376
https://www.amazon.com/AUXITO-Chipsets-Extremely-Reverse-Upgraded/dp/B0728DYR9H/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=auxito+backup+light&qid=1595824774&sr=8-2

Then I used these Auxitos for the rest... I bought the ones with red LEDs but you could just use the 6000k white ones too since lens is already red.
189388
https://www.amazon.com/brillante-incorporado-automóvil-regalo-unidades/dp/B077W8WC2C/ref=sr_1_12?dchild=1&keywords=auxito%2Bbackup%2Blight&qid=1595824774&sr=8-12&th=1

189392
Honestly the hardest part was getting the above long T25 Torx bit in the hole at the right angle to get proper connection to the screw that releases the housing without stripping the screw head. Way easier if you have the vehicle up on a hoist with light shining into the hole. It’s all blind feel from an awkward angle while you’re kneeling or laying on the ground. I suggest using a screwdriver first to feel around the hole before using a screw gun... Use a trim tool to gently pry out the light assembly as it doesn’t just slide out after you release the screw. Also when you pull out the assembly make sure pull it out straight back. Don’t swing it out left or right as you can crack the tip of the red lens off if you do that.

[DiscoDan]

All good man. Thanks for following up. Yeah I'm kinda over tinting the rear lights to be honest. Isn't worth it. However I am surprised that most people who smoke their rears forget to tint the high brake light too as to my eye it looks weird with the lowers cherry red and the upper bright red... Case in point check the Maxton test mule in this link...

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2665/5510/products/eng_pl_REAR-VALANCE-Audi-SQ5-Q5-S-line-MkII-8584_1.jpg?v=1571946501

Anyhow I coded the Scandinavian style rear DRLs to be turned on full time so that in itself is unique enough in my area as no one else has it. Also got the white LED bulbs for the back up lights too. Way better when you hit reverse. Lol. Next move is to get those Euro rear tail lights from Europrice so I can have the amber turn signals. Hate the red on the NA spec. Haha.


Coding for this?

[Chris.green]

Coding for this?

It’s easily done with Carista or obd11

[DiscoDan]

It’s easily done with Carista or obd11

I have VCDS which will definitely be able to do it. Just need the long coding, module info, etc.

[nandofumi]

I have VCDS which will definitely be able to do it. Just need the long coding, module info, etc.

On OBD11 it’s just a one-click app that turns it on. Maybe this A4/S4 thread can steer you in the right direction for VCDS...
https://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/721197-VCDS-mods-for-B9/page2

[triumph.man]

Found a used set of ABT HAS for my SQ5. Noticed that there are 2 versions of this for the vehicle. EDC & Non EDC. What is the difference and how do I know if my vehicle is equipped with this


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[dcohen5]

Just picked up a set of the H&R sport springs. I am assuming since I do not have the ability to lower/raise the suspension inside, that I do not have the bagged setup like some SQ5's? I want to make sure before taking to install. I assume, I just have springs and no air.

[subaruski]

For NorthAmerican cars if you have red calipers you have "Sport Package" with factory air ride. If you have black calipers you have static suspension.


Just picked up a set of the H&R sport springs. I am assuming since I do not have the ability to lower/raise the suspension inside, that I do not have the bagged setup like some SQ5's? I want to make sure before taking to install. I assume, I just have springs and no air.

[Chris.green]

For NorthAmerican cars if you have red calipers you have "Sport Package" with factory air ride. If you have black calipers you have static suspension.

Not totally true. In Canada air suspension and red calipers are two separate options.

I know the guy that asked the question is in the US but just wanted to point that out.

[dcohen5]

For NorthAmerican cars if you have red calipers you have "Sport Package" with factory air ride. If you have black calipers you have static suspension.

Thank you, that is the perfect response and easy to understand haha!

[dcohen5]

Not totally true. In Canada air suspension and red calipers are two separate options.

I know the guy that asked the question is in the US but just wanted to point that out.

Good to know, if I ever move north! :)

[turbojayc]

Red calipers with static suppensions. Toronto, Canada. [up]

[SQ5_613]

Red calipers with static suppensions. Toronto, Canada. [up]

Same here - Bought the TGK links and then found out I have no air suspension (duh) - Oh well. One last thing to not worry about breaking lol!