Lowered SQ5...

[iconoclast]

For those of you who lowered their SQ5... Have you noticed any drawbacks in comfort or overall quality of the ride? Did you go with Coil Over or Springs?

[riceboy22]

I'd suggest starting by looking at this thread:

lowered q5 owners get in here!

There are lots of other threads as well, but in general, it's pretty hard to not lose some ride quality if you're going lower.

[iconoclast]

thanks. i missed that thread when i searched.
i understand some ride quality would be affected but i was hoping majority of it would be retained with the drive select feature and a proper coil over or OEM Euro springs.
would like to achieve the lowered look but not looking to create an audi pogo stick.

[riceboy22]

thanks. i missed that thread when i searched.
i understand some ride quality would be affected but i was hoping majority of it would be retained with the drive select feature and a proper coil over or OEM Euro springs.
would like to achieve the lowered look but not looking to create an audi pogo stick.

I had the thread link handy since I went through the same questions.

There are definitely folks who have gone with the OEM Euro setup (see this link for example: SQ5 euro ride height/TFSI engine parts question). I believe you also will need/want to switch the front shocks if you do that to get the true OEM setup.

I'll make one more general statement though that if you don't want any pogo stick effect, you're definitely going to want to go with a springs and shocks combo. I'm strongly considering getting the Bilstein B8s now to go with my H&R -3 in order to get rid of some of the bounciness at certain speeds.

[Jimminez@Nemesis]

So far I've been happy with the KW HAS set up. Running at the highest setting that sits ~30.25" FTG, and haven't felt any bounce. I'm still on winter tires so that will play a factor on how true they ride but decided to go the HAS route based on reviews others have had and how pleased they were. They aren't the firmest springs, which may be why the pair fine with the stock shocks. Otherwise I would have gone with a KW V2 set.

[Silverarrow240]

I wanted the "Euro SQ5 look" and didn;t want to slam my SQ. So I went with the -1 H&R Springs. about a 2" drop with a small "raked" look and spacers...

H&R springs are great as I have written many times here, they enable you to take off ramps at LUDICROUS speeds for a SUV... I out cornered a E60 M5 just last week. He looked at me like WTF as I ran upon his bumper while his rear inside tire smoked... HAHAHAHAHA

The trade off is that you lose some of your vertical travel; resulting in some bounce. that being said, I have yet to hear a complaint from the wife which is saying A LOT!

Now (of course) I wish I had gone lower... I'd go coilover's if you are at all worried about ride quality. The H&R street Comfort are MONEY. I may get a set in the future...

[iconoclast]

I'll make one more general statement though that if you don't want any pogo stick effect, you're definitely going to want to go with a springs and shocks combo. I'm strongly considering getting the Bilstein B8s now to go with my H&R -3 in order to get rid of some of the bounciness at certain speeds.

that was my concern. i have never been in a vehicle that had springs and stock shocks did not have some sort added bounce to it.

So far I've been happy with the KW HAS set up. Running at the highest setting that sits ~30.25" FTG, and haven't felt any bounce. I'm still on winter tires so that will play a factor on how true they ride but decided to go the HAS route based on reviews others have had and how pleased they were. They aren't the firmest springs, which may be why the pair fine with the stock shocks. Otherwise I would have gone with a KW V2 set.

let me know how it works out once you get the summer rubber back on. i would not want to lose the ADS functionality of being able to firm up suspension but if so then i believe i would do a complete coil over system on the flip side this would be my wife's primary vehicle and i am not sure she would want that kind of ride to begin with... so the euro springs seem to be the best option for my application and objective but at this point just researching to see what other options are out there.

I out cornered a E40 M5 just last week. He looked at me like WTF as I ran upon his bumper while his rear inside tire smoked... HAHAHAHAHA

what's an e40? e39 e60 f10???

[Adplaya]

I wanted the "Euro SQ5 look" and didn;t want to slam my SQ. So I went with the -3 H&R Springs. about a 2" drop with a small "raked" look and spacers...

H&R springs are great as I have written many times here, they enable you to take off ramps at LUDICROUS speeds for a SUV... I out cornered a E40 M5 just last week. He looked at me like WTF as I ran upon his bumper while his rear inside tire smoked... HAHAHAHAHA

The trade off is that you lose some of your vertical travel; resulting in some bounce. that being said, I have yet to hear a complaint from the wife which is saying A LOT!

Now (of course) I wish I had gone lower... I'd go coilover's if you are at all worried about ride quality. The H&R street Comfort are MONEY. I may get a set in the future...

As a fellow H&R -3 owner, this review is 100% accurate. I ran down a S3 the other day weaving VERY hard through traffic, constantly shifting directions, and I could see he was very dissatisfied when his exit came up and he was staring at my ass .

That being said I have felt the bounciness and its not terrible, but it can be very evident at times.

[riceboy22]

let me know how it works out once you get the summer rubber back on. i would not want to lose the ADS functionality of being able to firm up suspension but if so then i believe i would do a complete coil over system on the flip side this would be my wife's primary vehicle and i am not sure she would want that kind of ride to begin with... so the euro springs seem to be the best option for my application and objective but at this point just researching to see what other options are out there.

I'm assuming you have an SQ5 based on the subject. If that's the case, your ADS doesn't actually do anything to the suspension, just the steering feel and the shifting and sound. So you can go ahead and switch up the shocks. If you want a moderate drop with OEM ride quality, I think the Euro suspension is really the way to go. You'll want to make sure you get the right part numbers though, because you don't want the parts for the TDI (unless you like reverse rake). I think the previous link I posted has the Euro ride height TFSI parts if you read through it. It won't be cheap, but it will probably save you from getting yelled at by your wife about ride quality LOL.

[riceboy22]

I wanted the "Euro SQ5 look" and didn;t want to slam my SQ. So I went with the -3 H&R Springs. about a 2" drop with a small "raked" look and spacers...

You're actually on the -1 right? I think we had this discussion when I insulted you LOL.

EDIT: I'm really not trying to be a d*ck. There is a slight difference between the -1 and -3 heights in the rear, so I figured it would be good to clarify.

[kinkade]

I have a 2015 SQ5 with 21" wheels and KW comfort coilovers. I can tell you that with this set up, the ride quality is BETTER that the stock set up. These coilovers can be adjusted from very firm to plush.

[Mr. Incredible]

We have the KW HAS and are really happy with the ride. VERY VERY subtle difference and only noticeable at certain areas I drive everyday.

[Jimminez@Nemesis]

let me know how it works out once you get the summer rubber back on. i would not want to lose the ADS functionality of being able to firm up suspension but if so then i believe i would do a complete coil over system on the flip side this would be my wife's primary vehicle and i am not sure she would want that kind of ride to begin with... so the euro springs seem to be the best option for my application and objective but at this point just researching to see what other options are out there.

Like @riceboy22 mentioned, the SQ5 doesn't have the adaptive suspension like the S4 does (or like the F31 M Adaptive Suspension) and the ADS only alters steering and drive train.

Unlike other Audi platform, the KW HAS fit the SQ5 really well and I have not observed any type of rear sagging. At the highest setting, the vehicle still has a bunch of ground clearance and comfortable ride to be a great DD. When I switch to summers, I will be going none OEM so won't be the exact feedback but will provide a review when they get installed.

[R y an]

I have this same setup ^ KW V2's with the SQ5 21" wheel. Ride is great with these coils. Not like the cheap ones i had on my integra when i was 17. While they are adjustable I Keep them in and around the neutral area and while there is like 5" less wheel travel in the suspension it doesn't feel rough like you are riding with a track setup. and it doesn't feel bouncy/floaty like you are riding with old worn out OEM parts.

Looks bad ass too

[iconoclast]

thanks for the clarification i thought the ADS on this vehicle operated the way it did on my B8 A4 Avant.

I'm assuming you have an SQ5 based on the subject. If that's the case, your ADS doesn't actually do anything to the suspension, just the steering feel and the shifting and sound. So you can go ahead and switch up the shocks. If you want a moderate drop with OEM ride quality, I think the Euro suspension is really the way to go. You'll want to make sure you get the right part numbers though, because you don't want the parts for the TDI (unless you like reverse rake). I think the previous link I posted has the Euro ride height TFSI parts if you read through it. It won't be cheap, but it will probably save you from getting yelled at by your wife about ride quality LOL.

not yet, i was debating on trading the Q7 for an e63 wagon and buying an sq5 for my wife. i like to shop options and upgrades before i purchase to see what my overall cost of ownership would be after the fact. as far as the euro springs going i am not looking for the cheapest solution i am looking for the option which offers the best of both worlds. if it costs a little more and achieves both of my goals then it is worth every penny. if i save a few bucks and i hate the ride it will wind up costing me more than just going with a proper coil over set up to begin with.

[riceboy22]

not yet, i was debating on trading the Q7 for an e63 wagon and buying an sq5 for my wife. i like to shop options and upgrades before i purchase to see what my overall cost of ownership would be after the fact. as far as the euro springs going i am not looking for the cheapest solution i am looking for the option which offers the best of both worlds. if it costs a little more and achieves both of my goals then it is worth every penny. if i save a few bucks and i hate the ride it will wind up costing me more than just going with a proper coil over set up to begin with.

When I previously priced out all the parts needed for the complete "Euro-spec" suspension (using non-North America TFSI front springs as opposed to the TDI springs), it came out to just a little more than $1500. I dug up the email I have with the part numbers:

Rear:
- 8R0 512 131 K stop buffer PR-1BD (x2)
- 8R0 511 115 DB coil spring rear (green,yellow) PR-1BD+0YD (weight range 3) with a glass roof coil spring (x2)
1 paint mark
2 paint marks
- No new rear damper required

Front:
- 8K0 412 131 E rubber stop for shock absorber 81MM 2 PR-1BD (x2)
- 8R0 413 031 AP gas shock absorber PR-1BD (x2)
- 8R0 411 105 DG coil spring PR-0JB+1BD (x2)

If you're just looking for a moderate drop, I can't imagine there is a better option than this if you want to maintain true OEM ride quality.

[Smittylube]

I did just the springs alone. rides good but slightly stiffer than US stock.

[iconoclast]

When I previously priced out all the parts needed for the complete "Euro-spec" suspension (using non-North America TFSI front springs as opposed to the TDI springs), it came out to just a little more than $1500. I dug up the email I have with the part numbers:

Perfect! Thank you very much.

[Silverarrow240]

that was my concern. i have never been in a vehicle that had springs and stock shocks did not have some sort added bounce to it.



let me know how it works out once you get the summer rubber back on. i would not want to lose the ADS functionality of being able to firm up suspension but if so then i believe i would do a complete coil over system on the flip side this would be my wife's primary vehicle and i am not sure she would want that kind of ride to begin with... so the euro springs seem to be the best option for my application and objective but at this point just researching to see what other options are out there.



what's an e40? e39 e60 f10???

E60... The V10 one... Had my ass straight line, but I schooled him on the off ramp...

[Silverarrow240]

You're actually on the -1 right? I think we had this discussion when I insulted you LOL.

EDIT: I'm really not trying to be a d*ck. There is a slight difference between the -1 and -3 heights in the rear, so I figured it would be good to clarify.

Lol... You're right... It is the -1's! Lol.. Man all that morphine last week fried my ass lol. Good memory my man!

[S-Fore]

I did Bilstein PSS10 which came out to just a little more than rice boy....and I wouldn't change a thing. I switched from KW H.A.S..