Best SQ5 lowering option that maintains the "cush"

[BlackAce]

Hi all--

Just picked up a new 2015 SQ5 for my wife. We traded our '13 Q5 3.0T for it, and I was fearful that going to the SQ5 was going to be bad for her because she liked the more supple ride of our Q5. So far, though, she's had no complaints on the ride of the SQ5.

I want to lower it 1.2-1.5" to get rid of some of the stock arch gap, but have to walk a very fine line so that I don't compromise the ride quality, or else the car will go right back to stock if she doesn't like it.

Save me some time and recommend my best solution. I think the H&Rs drop looks perfect, and most posts here claim the ride "improved" but that's in our language, not hers. Tighter and sportier would be an improvement in our opinions, but she wouldn't like feeling more bumps, etc.

Thus I'm asking in this specific context for your suggestions.

Thanks!

[Silverarrow240]

Coil overs...

[chris@fifteen52]

KW HAS or coilovers

[BlackAce]

So by suggesting coilovers, should I imply that you are saying that what I want to do cannot be accomplished with springs? The ride is that much different/harsher?

[Smittylube]

Isn't there some folks on here in Florida you might be able to take a test drive in their lowered sq's?

[McTaste]

If it is her car and she likes the ride now, why even bother?

[Mops@Nemesis]

Loving the H.A.S. kit on mine. Reasonably priced too.

[BlackAce]

If it is her car and she likes the ride now, why even bother?

Guess I should be more clear. She's the primary driver (since it's her commuter car), but I drive it on the weekend since it's also our family "minivan", and I want to take both our S cars to Audi meets, etc. She doesn't care what to do to it, as long as I'm not changing things she already likes.

[BlackAce]

Loving the H.A.S. kit on mine. Reasonably priced too.

This is what I was considering as well, but didn't know if I could scoot by with just the springs.

[Mops@Nemesis]

This is what I was considering as well, but didn't know if I could scoot by with just the springs.

They are a very nice popular selection. I'm a coilover guy myself, and chose them for mine. Happy to give you a price.


Mops on the move

[snig]

Hi all--

Just picked up a new 2015 SQ5 for my wife. We traded our '13 Q5 3.0T for it, and I was fearful that going to the SQ5 was going to be bad for her because she liked the more supple ride of our Q5. So far, though, she's had no complaints on the ride of the SQ5.

I want to lower it 1.2-1.5" to get rid of some of the stock arch gap, but have to walk a very fine line so that I don't compromise the ride quality, or else the car will go right back to stock if she doesn't like it.

Save me some time and recommend my best solution. I think the H&Rs drop looks perfect, and most posts here claim the ride "improved" but that's in our language, not hers. Tighter and sportier would be an improvement in our opinions, but she wouldn't like feeling more bumps, etc.

Thus I'm asking in this specific context for your suggestions.

Thanks!

I probably have the best coilover ride. I have KW Street Comfort Coilovers. They have the same adjustability as the KW V2s, but with a different spring. They are geared towards comfort. I am pretty low (29" fender to ground), while maintaining a better than stock ride.

[nivlek]

H&R springs + Bilstein B8 shocks

[Silverarrow240]

To be more detailed...

I have the H&Rs... They are stiffer, reduce 85% of all roll, dive and squat, but they also reduce the verticle travel (it's 30% more bouncy). I love the ride, and my wife has never complained and said "it's not too bad..." Which is the equivalent to FUCKING AWESOME in my words lmao...

So I rate H&Rs springs at 8.8/10... For my daily driver. You can take off ramps at RIDICULOUS speeds, yet it's very comfy most of the time. will it be tame enough for her? YMMV man...

[snig]

To be more detailed...

I have the H&Rs... They are stiffer, reduce 85% of all roll, dive and squat, but they also reduce the verticle travel (it's 30% more bouncy). I love the ride, and my wife has never complained and said "it's not too bad..."

So I rate H&Rs springs at 8.5/10... For my daily driver. You can take off ramps at RIDICULOUS speeds, yet it's very comfy most of the time. will it be tame enough for her? YMMV man...

I can honestly say that I can take off ramps about just as fast as my E90 M3 with ZCP package, EDC, and Pilot Super Sports.

[q5 dave]

To be more detailed...

I have the H&Rs... They are stiffer, reduce 85% of all roll, dive and squat, but they also reduce the verticle travel (it's 30% more bouncy). I love the ride, and my wife has never complained and said "it's not too bad..." Which is the equivalent to FUCKING AWESOME in my words lmao...

So I rate H&Rs springs at 8.8/10... For my daily driver. You can take off ramps at RIDICULOUS speeds, yet it's very comfy most of the time. will it be tame enough for her? YMMV man...

this 100%

[Silverarrow240]

I can honestly say that I can take off ramps about just as fast as my E90 M3 with ZCP package, EDC, and Pilot Super Sports.

Off topic man... Pic of said E90 please!

[03RSTT]

Spot on

H@R street coilovers may be a better choice.

She will notice a difference with the H@R springs. Esp if you have 21s

To be more detailed...

I have the H&Rs... They are stiffer, reduce 85% of all roll, dive and squat, but they also reduce the verticle travel (it's 30% more bouncy). I love the ride, and my wife has never complained and said "it's not too bad..." Which is the equivalent to FUCKING AWESOME in my words lmao...

So I rate H&Rs springs at 8.8/10... For my daily driver. You can take off ramps at RIDICULOUS speeds, yet it's very comfy most of the time. will it be tame enough for her? YMMV man...

[arrrrrs4]

Air ride will ride just as "cush" as factory if not more so. Probably a little more than you'll want to spend on your wife's DD though.

[AWSQ5]

H&R springs + Bilstein B8 shocks

I highly second that !!!!!

[B_Boy]

Air ride will ride just as "cush" as factory if not more so. Probably a little more than you'll want to spend on your wife's DD though.

true...I am seriously thinking of this also since I just did KW HAS.

[q5 dave]

true...I am seriously thinking of this also since I just did KW HAS.

How is the ride on HAS?

[B_Boy]

How is the ride on HAS?

Ride is great actually. It is only marginally harsher but mainly because I have 22's.

Going aesthetically lower is my only motive.

[brad281]

H&R springs + Bilstein B8 shocks

I'm getting this setup installed on my 2013 Q5 on Tuesday. Hoping the ride is still somewhat comfortable. How long have you been on this setup?

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

[petoria]

How is the ride with the H&Rs on the stock SQ5 shocks?

[hale2theyea]

H&R springs + Bilstein B8 shocks

Do you get an error every time you start the vehicle or did you install a damping cancellation kit?

[Smittylube]

I recently installed the euro SQ springs and say it is stiffer than US version. I'd rate it at about 10-15% stiffer. Looks MUCH better, handled better for sure, still have clearance for the parking blocks. 32.5" before 31.5" after- same results as Vic .
I have 20's so you 21" folks are stiffer already. It is stiffer for sure but not too bad.

[snig]

Do you get an error every time you start the vehicle or did you install a damping cancellation kit?

SQ5 does not have a dampening option like the 3.0T and Diesel. Static suspension only.

[Beast]

Accuair

[kinkade]

Yesterday I had KW SC coil overs installed along with Stasis 21x10 forged wheels. Ride comfort is the same as stock but better handling i used Michelin PSS 285/35/21 tires.

[SQive]

Yesterday I had KW SC coil overs installed along with Stasis 21x10 forged wheels. Ride comfort is the same as stock but better handling i used Michelin PSS 285/35/21 tires.

Pics?!

[colby7]

The street comforts have the most appeal for me. They seem too be the best combination of lowering, and comfortable ride.

[snig]

Yesterday I had KW SC coil overs installed along with Stasis 21x10 forged wheels. Ride comfort is the same as stock but better handling i used Michelin PSS 285/35/21 tires.

Had these installed a few months back. They are perfect. Takes a while to have them built, but worth it.

[snig]

Pics?!

Here's how it looks with stock 21s.

[SQive]

I see...like a ghost in a snowstorm?

[snig]

I see...like a ghost in a snowstorm?

https://instagram.com/p/9O8YoQIQVU/

[Smittylube]

I've had a chance to drive mine a bit more and have to say that it feels better if not a lot better than stock in terms of handling.
For sure a bit stiffer, but I had the family in the car and it drives sooo good now. Feels more like a better fit for car. I can imagine the HR sports are even a bit better in terms of handling and Fun locked in feel.

To anyone on the fence about doing this I say you won't be disappointed if you do.