lowered q5 owners get in here!

**bozly** · 09-28-2014 10:45 AM

for those of you that went lower...

how low did you go and did you need new adjustable control arms to get alignment to spec?

if not, how bad has tire wear been?

**vegastig** · 09-28-2014 02:59 PM

H&R sport springs, installed at pdi and currently at 8000 miles. tires are still wearing normally, did not replace control arms.

**Patu** · 09-29-2014 12:55 AM

Good thread, there's a bit of info in some of the other topics but it would be good to get a collective here. I'm also planning on getting down quite low, maybe another 45mm drop on the Euro SQ5. I think I'll have a little camber to deal with but hopefully OK...

IanSQ5 has gone about as low as anyone and he's got a couple of issues he's working through including a custom upper control arm which is in development. You could PM him for some info.

Cheers

**IanSQ5** · 09-29-2014 01:12 AM

I am as low as is physically possible (whether that be air or coilovers). I have dropped approx. 150mm.

You 100% need adjustable front control arms if you are planning on going real low, I ran off a set of tyres in no time. The adjustable arms then create issues in themselves as you then catch the suspension carriers and wheel wells (if you go real low).

On the rear the upper control arms hit the frame rails, the toe arm hits the fuel tank filler pipe, the drive shafts hit the frame and also the tank........but you have to be crazy low for this.

I made some prototype upper rear control arms and was tucking a 22" wheel (the actual wheel not just the tyre)

My front upper control arms are still in development but allow me to reduce a huge amount of front camber, I still need to remove a bit more though and I have an issue of wearing out rose joints too quickly.

**IanSQ5** · 09-29-2014 01:12 AM

I am as low as is physically possible (whether that be air or coilovers). I have dropped approx. 150mm.

You 100% need adjustable front control arms if you are planning on going real low, I ran off a set of tyres in no time. The adjustable arms then create issues in themselves as you then catch the suspension carriers and wheel wells (if you go real low).

On the rear the upper control arms hit the frame rails, the toe arm hits the fuel tank filler pipe, the drive shafts hit the frame and also the tank........but you have to be crazy low for this.

I made some prototype upper rear control arms and was tucking a 22" wheel (the actual wheel not just the tyre)

My front upper control arms are still in development but allow me to reduce a huge amount of front camber, I still need to remove a bit more though and I have an issue of wearing out rose joints too quickly.

**VroomVroom** · 09-29-2014 09:50 AM

My info is documented in another thread....

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...-Sport-springs

...but I'm happy to contribute here. I was craving this kind of info back when I pulled the trigger, and now it's awesome how so many others have gone the lowering route.

I have a 2013 P+ 3.0T, with ADS. I'm running H&R Sport springs - p/n 29001-1. Advertised drop of 1.6" Front/1.5" rear, and the measurements are spot-on. My total spend was $1,100, which included installation and an alignment. I did not go with front adjustable upper control arms, and accordingly the camber is slightly out-of-spec. I had 1,300 miles on the odometer when the springs went on, and I'm currently at just over 17,000 miles. I've rotated the tires twice, and the treadwear appears to be perfectly even.

I would love to compare ride quality with those running the KW adjustable springs or various coilover sets (and the ADS cancellation trickery, not that such matters for ride quality, but to learn about whether the trick works).

The three big factors for me - ride quality, look, and performance.

Speaking of ride quality - well, it's covered in my thread, but there's no discounting the effects. I've gotten used to things, but if you cherish that OEM ride quality....watch out.

Look...pretty darn close. I'd love to go a bit lower, but I have no complaints, particularly for the dollar spent. A few times now I've heard fellow enthusiasts say, "It should've come from the factory like that," and I have to agree.

Performance. Noticeably crisper turn-in, and it seems to hang on a bit better as you increase throttle through the turn. That's about as scientific as I get these days. It brings a smile. That said, there is happily no impact on using the SUV as an SUV. I can load 250lbs of dog food & supplies, 200lbs of dogs, 150lbs of music gear, or in a pinch...five adults and their cargo, without issue. No sag, no bottoming, no complaints.

Wish list? I am still likely to purchase the Alu Kreuz and associated hardware kit, but I've pretty much ruled out anything else. In days past I would've been all over the upper control arms and more aggressive anti-sway bars and end links. Truth be told, I probably would've gone more aggressive with the drop, and bought wider wheels with a more stout offset spec. These days, though, I'm trying to be more sensible about things. I don't go to the track, I do my best to play well with others in the sandbox that is bay area traffic, and my mid-40's body actually craves a smooth ride now and then. However, I do cherish the driving experience, and I willingly admit that, to my eyes, the stock ride height cried out for cosmetic attention. Improving both gives you an idea of my goals, and honestly, both have been achieved. Good is good enough. I hope that helps anyone in the market....

**Patu** · 09-29-2014 10:21 AM

Hey Vroomster, nice info. The drop you've got there is about the same as the Euro spec, possibly a touch lower. I was considering HAS but have decided on V2's from KW as 'apparently' you can achieve a softer ride and a lower drop than the HAS..

I'll post my pics and a brief bit of feedback once they're fitted...

**subsonique** · 09-29-2014 07:20 PM

nice thread! mine dropped 45mm via H&R springs. somehow it feels better than the stock springs. of course the performance is way better than stock, but it's still comfortable if you asked me.

**Patu** · 10-01-2014 12:48 AM

Hi Everyone,

I've been thinking about this some more and I think the drop I'm really looking for is around 80mm.. I know the Variant's are rated for up to 45mm but can go further.. I wouldn't want to put the system at risk so not sure I should push it..

I know Ian has gone down 150mm odd, but has anyone dropped in the 80mm region, what setup and did you have any problems?

Thanks

**IanSQ5** · 10-01-2014 01:26 AM

Patu

Speak to Si at Still Static, he can build you an H&R kit that will fit your needs or alternatively if you really want to stick to KW contact Andy at Gepfeffert who can bulid a low KW set up

**bozly** · 10-01-2014 07:30 PM

glad to get this info all in one thread! anybody on coils care to chime in too?

**Patu** · 10-02-2014 02:19 PM

Originally Posted by IanSQ5

Patu

Speak to Si at Still Static, he can build you an H&R kit that will fit your needs or alternatively if you really want to stick to KW contact Andy at Gepfeffert who can bulid a low KW set up

Thanks Dude! It's looking more and more like KW won't go low enough without manipulating the setup majorly, so I'm going to ask StillStatic about an H&R kit. Probably also need some adjustable upper control arms much like KG.

Your cars both look wicked!

**bozly** · 10-07-2014 05:14 PM

bumping for more users to see and/or add info!

**Simans82** · 10-11-2014 03:05 PM

I lowered my wife's Q5 on the H&R springs last July, and we've been very pleased with the look and ride quality. To keep things in perspective, I've had my last 3 cars on adjustable struts and air ride, but I feel as though the spring only drop on her Q5 still maintains a nice ride quality. Our goal was to eliminate some of the wheel gap with still being able to clear curbs with the front bumper. This was the perfect setup for her daily driver.

Stock:

H&R:

Stock:

H&R:

Stock:

H&R:

Stock:

H&R:

Stock front measurement (ground to fender through center of wheel):

H&R front measurement:

Stock rear measurement (ground to fender through center of wheel):

H&R rear measurement:

**Phantom2010** · 10-12-2014 09:52 AM

Thanks to VroomVroom's write up and picture results, I decided to also install some H&R springs as well. The ride is very close to stock and the wheel gap or lack there of looks much much better!

**Cody Maverick** · 10-13-2014 08:59 AM

Where did you guys order the H&R? also do they make the Super Sports or just the Sports of our cars? (2 Days into owning the 2015 SQ5 and ready for a drop)

**Phantom2010** · 10-13-2014 10:12 AM

TireRack shipped directly to installer as they were out of stock at the time and H&R was backordered themselves, great price from them. I didn't see a super sport option as that might be too low for the stock struts? Yeah don't wait! I had them do the alignment same day, they loosened the control arms etc in order to accommodate "settling".

**Cody Maverick** · 10-13-2014 11:45 AM

Does the 29001-3 work for 2015 SQ5? I am thinking it should

**VroomVroom** · 10-13-2014 11:55 AM

hrsprings.com has a configurator tool that will tell you exactly what's available for your vehicle. There are numerous forum advertisers who sell the springs at very attractive prices. I'd recommend you at least consider buying from the shop doing the install. That way you have no warranty he-said-she-said concerns. and it's always nice to throw a bone to the folks doing the work.

**Pnyaudi** · 11-27-2014 12:28 AM

Here's mine on KW V1 lowered by approximate 2.5 inch front and 2.75 inch rear. I still have to get alignment. For those who went KW V1 route, what ride height are you now and do you have to install adjustable upper arms? What is the acceptable height and what camber reading you got without adjustable arms?

**Pnyaudi** · 11-27-2014 12:28 AM

**Pnyaudi** · 11-29-2014 11:33 PM

Guys,

Did you adjust your headlights after lowering your q5. I noticed my headlights is more on the low side and the reach is shorter after a long night drive. I dont know if it's just in my head.
Another thing and i dont know if this was discussed already but i'll ask it anyway...can you adjust rear camber of q5?

**Simans82** · 11-30-2014 06:25 AM

Originally Posted by Pnyaudi

Did you adjust your headlights after lowering your q5. I noticed my headlights is more on the low side and the reach is shorter after a long night drive. I dont know if it's just in my head.

We experienced the same thing, and adjusted ours upward to compensate.

**Pnyaudi** · 11-30-2014 07:58 AM

Simans82...how did you adjust it?

**Simans82** · 12-01-2014 03:47 PM

Originally Posted by Pnyaudi

Simans82...how did you adjust it?

The adjustment screws located on the top of the headlight housing make for a quick fix. Just follow the various how-to guides online.

**Pnyaudi** · 12-01-2014 11:11 PM

Thank you Simans82. I'l look into it.

**plum** · 12-04-2014 02:48 PM

This thread is going to cost me money come spring! I think the factory 20" would look great tucked up a little higher in the wheel well.

HR springs and an alignment seem to be the popular choice!

**03RSTT** · 12-04-2014 04:04 PM

See my thread about the -3 springs on US spec SQ5s

I would choose -1

Originally Posted by Cody Maverick

Does the 29001-3 work for 2015 SQ5? I am thinking it should

**Qumag** · 12-11-2014 08:09 AM

People running h&r spings do guys upgrade your strut/shocks? I'm curious if the oem is capable of handling the spring rate of the aftermarket lowering springs?

**rcastillejos** · 12-12-2014 05:21 AM

im currently running H&R coilover kit for close to a year which initially measured about 29" from ground to fender all around. Since then, I've raised it up since it was too bouncy for me almost launching my mom through the moonroof from the backseat lol..ok little overexaggerated but not far from it. I had a shop raised it so that its 31" from G to F which initially improved the ride like night and day. It was riding fine at this new height for several months, then recently the car started to feel bouncy once more just like it did when I had it at the previous lowered height. The H&R is not absorbing bumps or slight road imperfections and feeling every bit of it now. It's been less than a year since purchasing them. Probably need to get them replaced or rebuilt, but don't have that $$ at the moment, so I'll see how long I can ride it out. Also I have SPC front adjustable control arms to accomodate the drop. If I can go back, I would have just purchased the KW variant 2 or 3 with the ability to be able to adjust for right comfortability. Just my experience.

**Dreboog** · 12-12-2014 09:47 AM

[IMG]

[/IMG]

Lowered on H&R coilovers

**Dreboog** · 12-12-2014 09:48 AM

This is slammed all the way front and rear
[IMG][img=http://s4.postimg.org/nsafjljl5/image.jpg][/IMG]

**B_Boy** · 01-12-2015 09:10 PM

Originally Posted by Dreboog

This is slammed all the way front and rear
[IMG][img=http://s4.postimg.org/nsafjljl5/image.jpg][/IMG]

Fixed for you...

**jng23** · 01-20-2015 06:05 AM

How would the ride be if you don't have S-line?

I'm looking to lower however I'm scared how bouncy the ride would be

**bozly** · 01-20-2015 08:09 PM

lower with confidence to around 2.5-2.75 inches before ride gets to bouncy IMO

**1LEThumper** · 01-24-2015 07:30 AM

I did the H&R -01 spring kit on my SQ5 this month along with new tires and an alignment. I would say it rides more like what I thought the SQ should have stock, stiffer than stock but not a lot. Turn in is better, but could have been a combination of the tires and alignment too. Much reduced body roll. Doesn't seem like it is going to be to hard on the shocks. Although, like you I still want to compare bump travel with the US spec vs Euro spec vs aftermarket shocks and bump stops.

**03RSTT** · 01-26-2015 08:38 AM

-1 springs on my SQ5

I agree with the ride comments.

Originally Posted by 1LEThumper

I did the H&R -01 spring kit on my SQ5 this month along with new tires and an alignment. I would say it rides more like what I thought the SQ should have stock, stiffer than stock but not a lot. Turn in is better, but could have been a combination of the tires and alignment too. Much reduced body roll. Doesn't seem like it is going to be to hard on the shocks. Although, like you I still want to compare bump travel with the US spec vs Euro spec vs aftermarket shocks and bump stops.