Let's discuss springs for S5 with 4.2...

[Lizard 1]

I say the 4.2 because I am wondering when I hear that the H&R OE Springs are similar to a stock ride, is that based on a base model or A5 setup with a non V8? If I do the OEs on my S5 (2012), is the ride going to be softer than stock now or about the same?

Then, what is the progression of ride stiffness with the Race set?

I don't know if I want to drop to the Race height with the winters here. Not that OE is going to be any better...

Just looking for feedback as the 4.2 has to be a heavier platform than say the 2.0T of course and when I read guys saying it is like stock, one set of OEs for three different engine platforms and 3 different chasis setups, I am inclined to ask which model it seems to ride like stock?

[DreDay]

I'm on the OE Spring. I can say it's a bit stiffer than stock. The ride is fine for me! The drop is just right amount for the 4.2, especially if you pair it with 20s. I was in a similar scenario as you were when I was deciding, as I had winter to worry about. Here is a pic of OE on 20s, and as a bonus on stock wheels too. Hope that helps!




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[jwr9152]

I had H&R springs on mine and they rode ok, but they were stiff. Switch to Bilstein coilovers and it is a much better ride.

[Vanimal]

OE is the way to go on the 4.2 if you want a nice drop to rid of the wheel gap. But still keep a close to stock ride.

I have a question, how long should I expect my stock hardware to last with the OE's? Any extra premature wear on the struts? I have 74k on my 2010 S5 & I got my OE's for free from my friend. He switched to coils a few months after the springs, he's a low kinda guy. I figured if I have the car in another 15-20k I'll put a nice set of coils on.

It was a no brainer to put the H&R OE's on for free for now. In my opinion that's how the car should come, 1" lower, it's perfect ;)


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[TTRStud]

OE is the way to go on the 4.2 if you want a nice drop to rid of the wheel gap. But still keep a close to stock ride.

I have a question, how long should I expect my stock hardware to last with the OE's? Any extra premature wear on the struts? I have 74k on my 2010 S5 & I got my OE's for free from my friend. He switched to coils a few months after the springs, he's a low kinda guy. I figured if I have the car in another 15-20k I'll put a nice set of coils on.

It was a no brainer to put the H&R OE's on for free for now. In my opinion that's how the car should come, 1" lower, it's perfect ;)


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You will indeed experience premature wear on the OEM struts/shocks. They were designed and tested under a certain suspension geometry, and by lowering the car, you will be keeping those components under extra stress constantly, versus their "neutral" state. A 1" drop shouldn't be much of an issue, but given the inability to adjust camber in the front of these cars without replacing the control arms, you may also experience premature wear on the hub bearings and other suspension components such as bushings, etc. In order to do what you're trying to do the right way, you would need to go with an entire suspension setup (coilovers, or springs + struts/shocks combo), and possibly adjustable control arms to be able to align back to spec depending on the drop. Also, you will lose the Drive Select suspension capability of the car if your car is equipped with the option.