Q5 3.0T Springs on SQ5 and Stock Shocks

**Aloha-boy** · 10-07-2019 03:15 PM

Wife doesn't like the stiff ride on her SQ5. Has anyone installed the softer Q5 3.0T springs on an SQ5 with the stock shocks?

**SDV325** · 10-07-2019 03:31 PM

Haven't seen too much regarding the springs but I have read bumping up the profile to 265 from 255 does add some comfort (either 20" or 21" wheels)

**VroomVroom** · 10-07-2019 04:58 PM

I'm not sure the springs are different between the two. However, the electronically controlled shocks available on 3.0 Q's certainly make a difference. I haven't heard of anyone making a swap, so it'd probably take some knowledgeable research to find where the controller goes, and of course how to install, plumb, and program everything.

FWIW, an unexpected benefit of installing the H&R/Bilstein setup on my SQ was improved ride quality over stock. Might be something to consider if it's a showstopper.

You don't mention what tires & wheels you're running. Tires with more sidewall - which could include swapping 21's for 20's - is probably the easiest path to follow. What psi are you currently running? That can have a noticeable impact as well. If you're not already there, dropping to the mid 30's range will help.

**Aloha-boy** · 10-07-2019 06:17 PM

Originally Posted by SDV325

Haven't seen too much regarding the springs but I have read bumping up the profile to 265 from 255 does add some comfort (either 20" or 21" wheels)

She has the 21” wheel option. I’ve been searching for 20’s, but she really likes the look of her stock 21’s. Next tire replacement we will go up in size. Hopefully it makes that little difference she’s looking for.

Originally Posted by VroomVroom

I'm not sure the springs are different between the two. However, the electronically controlled shocks available on 3.0 Q's certainly make a difference. I haven't heard of anyone making a swap, so it'd probably take some knowledgeable research to find where the controller goes, and of course how to install, plumb, and program everything.

FWIW, an unexpected benefit of installing the H&R/Bilstein setup on my SQ was improved ride quality over stock. Might be something to consider if it's a showstopper.

You don't mention what tires & wheels you're running. Tires with more sidewall - which could include swapping 21's for 20's - is probably the easiest path to follow. What psi are you currently running? That can have a noticeable impact as well. If you're not already there, dropping to the mid 30's range will help.

She has a 2014 SQ5. As for electronically controlled shocks, correct me if I’m wrong, I don’t think it has that.

She has the stock 21” wheels and she said she likes the look. Like mentioned above, next tire replacement, we will go one size bigger. I’ll try the lower PSI and see how that goes.

Thanks for the recommendations guys!

**djn876** · 10-08-2019 04:49 AM

No electronic damping on the SQ5, expensive to install (kw makes a system, not sure how difficult factory retrofit would be, probably not worth the cost) and may not address your concerns. Ride comfort is very qualitative and can vary a lot from person to person.

I agree with above, the h&r/Bilstein B8 combo is a better ride overall.

I would get a 20" wheel rather than try and find a taller tire for the 21". Keep in mind clearance to the upper part of the spindle/UCA mounts in the front is tight as it is, verify you have enough clearance before ordering, though I'm guessing with stock wheels you'd be OK. Not sure it's going to make enough difference overall though which is why I agree with going down a size.

You can get hartmann replicas that have the same style in a 20" size. Otherwise you might have to pick between look and comfort.

**pablolizarraga** · 10-08-2019 07:43 AM

Not sure if they come in 21”, but this past summer we replaced the stock continentals on the SQ5 with the CrossContact LX Sport. The Tire Rack video reviews were spot on as I was looking for a tire that would still retain sport characteristics but would be more quiet and comfortable than the stock continentals. After tires were installed, wife didn’t even finish driving down the block before she called me to say how quiet and smooth the ride now was.
I’ve taken it on spirited drives and I’m very impressed by how it handles. However, I was more impressed by how well it smooths out road imperfections. Highly recommended tire.

Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

**scottst** · 10-08-2019 06:46 PM

I went down to 19s for DD with my SQ5 and the ride has improved. BUT these shocks have incredibly tight damping stock. Causes you to get thrown around a lot. IIRC the SQ is slightly higher than the other Q5s, and it's heavier, which would mean (to me) that its likely running different (and stiffer) springs. My SQ rides a ton rougher than our departed 3.2 s-line. I'd prefer the s-line's suspension for the daily grind, personally. Especially after I threw Bilstein B6s on it.

**djn876** · 10-09-2019 03:36 AM

Originally Posted by scottst

I went down to 19s for DD with my SQ5 and the ride has improved. BUT these shocks have incredibly tight damping stock. Causes you to get thrown around a lot. IIRC the SQ is slightly higher than the other Q5s, and it's heavier, which would mean (to me) that its likely running different (and stiffer) springs. My SQ rides a ton rougher than our departed 3.2 s-line. I'd prefer the s-line's suspension for the daily grind, personally. Especially after I threw Bilstein B6s on it.

The SQ5 rides the same height as the regular Q5 in the US, for the ROW it sits about 1" lower.

SQ5 is less than 100 pounds different than a Q5 3.0t after some googling, and that might be less depending on options. Stick a 180 lb driver in one and 250 lb one in the other and there is basically no difference at all.

For the OP, springs do look like different part numbers, but without knowing the rates, and the fact that there are a number of different damper part numbers for the S/Q5, just changing springs without matching the right damper could make it worse.

**scottst** · 10-09-2019 10:02 AM

Originally Posted by djn876

The SQ5 rides the same height as the regular Q5 in the US, for the ROW it sits about 1" lower.

SQ5 is less than 100 pounds different than a Q5 3.0t after some googling, and that might be less depending on options. Stick a 180 lb driver in one and 250 lb one in the other and there is basically no difference at all.

For the OP, springs do look like different part numbers, but without knowing the rates, and the fact that there are a number of different damper part numbers for the S/Q5, just changing springs without matching the right damper could make it worse.

IIRC the ride height of the SQ is actually slightly taller than the Q in the US. I'd have to dig up the table I saw. I do realize that the ROW SQ is lower. Regardless, these springs are damn stiff :)

**djn876** · 10-09-2019 10:28 AM

According to this article, it might already have the regular Q5 springs. Also, they are the same height, vehicle total height and ride height specs are the same. Also stated in the same article. Of there is a tenth of an inch or so difference, it could just be from the larger standard wheel. But it is not a suspension change that makes it any taller

https://www.digitaltrends.com/cars/2...di-sq5-review/

**Aloha-boy** · 10-09-2019 01:21 PM

Originally Posted by djn876

No electronic damping on the SQ5, expensive to install (kw makes a system, not sure how difficult factory retrofit would be, probably not worth the cost) and may not address your concerns. Ride comfort is very qualitative and can vary a lot from person to person.

I agree with above, the h&r/Bilstein B8 combo is a better ride overall.

I would get a 20" wheel rather than try and find a taller tire for the 21". Keep in mind clearance to the upper part of the spindle/UCA mounts in the front is tight as it is, verify you have enough clearance before ordering, though I'm guessing with stock wheels you'd be OK. Not sure it's going to make enough difference overall though which is why I agree with going down a size.

You can get hartmann replicas that have the same style in a 20" size. Otherwise you might have to pick between look and comfort.

Oh OK... I'll go check it out, thanks.

Originally Posted by pablolizarraga

Not sure if they come in 21”, but this past summer we replaced the stock continentals on the SQ5 with the CrossContact LX Sport. The Tire Rack video reviews were spot on as I was looking for a tire that would still retain sport characteristics but would be more quiet and comfortable than the stock continentals. After tires were installed, wife didn’t even finish driving down the block before she called me to say how quiet and smooth the ride now was.
I’ve taken it on spirited drives and I’m very impressed by how it handles. However, I was more impressed by how well it smooths out road imperfections. Highly recommended tire.

We have the touring version of that tire on her Odyssey minivan. I too am impressed with the tire. Even in the touring version, it handles the turns really well in the mountain twisties. I looked up the Sports and they do come in 21" sizes for our SQ's, but are a bit pricey at $322 per tire on the rack.

Originally Posted by scottst

I went down to 19s for DD with my SQ5 and the ride has improved. BUT these shocks have incredibly tight damping stock. Causes you to get thrown around a lot. IIRC the SQ is slightly higher than the other Q5s, and it's heavier, which would mean (to me) that its likely running different (and stiffer) springs. My SQ rides a ton rougher than our departed 3.2 s-line. I'd prefer the s-line's suspension for the daily grind, personally. Especially after I threw Bilstein B6s on it.

19's are an option, but will most likely do 20's instead. So the shocks could be the biggest difference between the Q and SQ's suspensions.

Originally Posted by djn876

The SQ5 rides the same height as the regular Q5 in the US, for the ROW it sits about 1" lower.

SQ5 is less than 100 pounds different than a Q5 3.0t after some googling, and that might be less depending on options. Stick a 180 lb driver in one and 250 lb one in the other and there is basically no difference at all.

For the OP, springs do look like different part numbers, but without knowing the rates, and the fact that there are a number of different damper part numbers for the S/Q5, just changing springs without matching the right damper could make it worse.

Hmm... good point.