Need opinion on solowerks coilovers for 2014 SQ5

[Eur0th0t]

Anyone have any insight on these, I've looked on google and haven't found much I've used them before on my B5 and really enjoyed them and for SQ5 they say they fit but oddly enough I'm not convinced. Not sure if it's the price cause it may be to good to be true but solowerks is owned by KW so I assume it would be good quality. I'm pretty much just looking for coils as a means to close the gap on the SQ not really doing anything crazy that I'm looking to spend a fuck ton on V1 or anything more than that.Screenshot_20201112-143110.jpg

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[kdubaudi]

I am running the SoloWerks S1 coilovers on my 2017 SQ5. I am very happy with them and I would recommend for those on a budget. I have had the wife and kids in the SQ5 on a long trip and she never complained once about the ride. Now depending on how low you go, the ride quality changes drastically. I slammed it low with almost no wheel gap, and it look great but rode rough. I played with the ride height for about a month or so and finally settled on FTG 29.75" Fronts and 30" rears. If you want to slam your SQ5, then there is lots of room to go really low. To get to my ride height i had the rear adjustment collars about maxed out. Was thinking about adding rear spacers and I called SoloWerks support and they are awesome and they sent me heavy duty springs for the rears for free. SoloWerks support is awesome and I called them several times and they gave me lots of great advice along the way from install to adjusting. I also recently went on a 2500 mile road trip in the SQ5 with the Solowerks and it rode great, no issues. For what its worth, My buddy went for a ride in my SQ5 and said my suspension felt smoother than his stock S3 suspension. Oh and yes the internals on the Solowerks S1 are KW V1 internals. Im sure the KW V1s are better, but side by side they are very similar.

Let me know if you have other specific questions about them.

[defygravity750]

Awesome thanks for the review. I went to the site and it said my vehicle may not be eligible. I posted that on the S1 Coilover Post on the Forums and they had me email their support email. I am waiting to hear back from them. I also asked in the email if I could swap out for the heavy duty springs, thanks for the info! I hope I'll hear back tomorrow or so. I really want to lower my SQ5 and either throw on some new wheels or paint my current wheels black (since I have to sand out some curb rash anyway). On that note, I've never done anything like this before, what was the difficulty level on installing these. Did you do it yourself or have someone else do it?

[kdubaudi]

The description on my order was Solo Werks S1 Coilover Kit (A6 A7 A8 Q5). Remember if you are trying to go slammed low, then the heavy duty springs will not lower you as much. But I was happy with them and 30" fender to ground (FTP) was perfect for me. I might have room to go a .5" lower in the rear if I remember correctly. But the lower you go the more your compromise ride quality.

Yes, I installed them myself. I had done springs/suspension on a few VW Mk7s in the past, so it was similar. The hardest part in my opinion was getting the rear springs out. If you have a buddy to help with a pry bar, then its probably way easier, but I did it alone. I thought the front struts and springs were a piece of cake.

Watch some youtube videos on the B8 S4 platform to get an idea what you are getting into. If you have never done suspension before it can be tricky, so you might want to call around for a price to install and decide if it worth your time and the cost of the tools you will need. If you dont properly tighten certain suspension components then you could have a jittery ride. The Solo Werks support guys are awesome for advice on this stuff to help you.

[defygravity750]

That's exactly what the description said as well. Yeah I would like to lower just a couple of inches, I don't want to slam it to the ground just lower it more than it is now 2 to 3 inches I would guess. Awesome thanks for the info. Just curious, how much did you end up paying for the kit? Thanks again for the quickness of your response. I might just call around tomorrow and ask for quotes.

C

[kdubaudi]

I never saw it for less than $549...and that is what I paid. Good luck!

[defygravity750]

Thank you sir (or ma'am) much appreciated

[defygravity750]

I emailed them asking whether or not they would fit my 15 SQ5. They said "we reached out to our rep and he told us that there is an option from Solo werks and KW... it all depends on how low you want the car. Were you thinking of just a mild lowering or being pretty aggressive with the drop? " I told them I wasn't looking for something too aggressive, probably between 2 to 3 inches. Problem is I've never done this before and I really don't know unless I see it kind of thing. I'm not sure what to do, looking for any guidance anyone could provide. If you couldn't tell I'm a super noob. Thanks

[kdubaudi]

If they fit my 2017 SQ5, then I cant imagine why they wouldnt fit your 2015. Out of the box, I would say the Solo Werks S1 is an aggressive drop. It was about a 3" drop for me with the rear collars fully adjust to max height. But if you can get the heavy duty rear springs, then it would get you your 2-3 inch drop you are looking for since you dont want to drop too low.

Check out this thread: https://www.audizine.com/forum/showt...wering+options

And lots of guys swear by the Bilstein B8 Shock/Strusts with H&R Springs. Here is DIY with part numbers:
https://www.audizine.com/forum/showt...B8+H%26amp%3BR

[Eur0th0t]

If they fit my 2017 SQ5, then I cant imagine why they wouldnt fit your 2015. Out of the box, I would say the Solo Werks S1 is an aggressive drop. It was about a 3" drop for me with the rear collars fully adjust to max height. But if you can get the heavy duty rear springs, then it would get you your 2-3 inch drop you are looking for since you dont want to drop too low.

Check out this thread: https://www.audizine.com/forum/showt...wering+options

And lots of guys swear by the Bilstein B8 Shock/Strusts with H&R Springs. Here is DIY with part numbers:
https://www.audizine.com/forum/showt...B8+H%26amp%3BR

This was perfect, I pretty much got what I needed from the first link , I was scared the solos were going to throw some code cause I had read it in the past but turns out only the 2017 SQ will cause it's the only one that offer the electric damping, guess I will be buying coilovers here pretty soon

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[defygravity750]

If they fit my 2017 SQ5, then I cant imagine why they wouldnt fit your 2015. Out of the box, I would say the Solo Werks S1 is an aggressive drop. It was about a 3" drop for me with the rear collars fully adjust to max height. But if you can get the heavy duty rear springs, then it would get you your 2-3 inch drop you are looking for since you dont want to drop too low.

Check out this thread: https://www.audizine.com/forum/showt...wering+options

And lots of guys swear by the Bilstein B8 Shock/Strusts with H&R Springs. Here is DIY with part numbers:
https://www.audizine.com/forum/showt...B8+H%26amp%3BR

That's awesome thanks again. I went out and measured what I thought I would like my drop to be and the middle of the wheel well was about 30 inches and 30.5 inches. Looking at that it would be a drop of about 2 to 2.6 inches which it sounds like the heavy springs would be great. Thanks again for your help, I think I have made my decision. One last question, which probably should have been my first, how is the ride? I drive a lot for work, will I notice a huge difference in the stiffness of the ride? Thanks

[defygravity750]

If they fit my 2017 SQ5, then I cant imagine why they wouldnt fit your 2015. Out of the box, I would say the Solo Werks S1 is an aggressive drop. It was about a 3" drop for me with the rear collars fully adjust to max height. But if you can get the heavy duty rear springs, then it would get you your 2-3 inch drop you are looking for since you dont want to drop too low.

Check out this thread: https://www.audizine.com/forum/showt...wering+options

And lots of guys swear by the Bilstein B8 Shock/Strusts with H&R Springs. Here is DIY with part numbers:
https://www.audizine.com/forum/showt...B8+H%26amp%3BR

So I'm going to go ahead and buy these, I've had quite a few back and forths from EuropaParts, and have determined for $550, this is a great deal. I do wonder, however, what additional tools did you need to do them? Did you take them somewhere or did you do them yourself? Thanks!

[kdubaudi]

So I'm going to go ahead and buy these, I've had quite a few back and forths from EuropaParts, and have determined for $550, this is a great deal. I do wonder, however, what additional tools did you need to do them? Did you take them somewhere or did you do them yourself? Thanks!

See my answer to these questions in post #4

You will need lots of tools, watch some youtube videos and you will get a good idea. The ShopDAP guys have a good one on the S4 that would apply. Foorjack, spring compressor, strut spreader and various wrenches and other tools. Good luck!

[defygravity750]

See my answer to these questions in post #4

You will need lots of tools, watch some youtube videos and you will get a good idea. The ShopDAP guys have a good one on the S4 that would apply. Foorjack, spring compressor, strut spreader and various wrenches and other tools. Good luck!

I'm an idiot. Thanks I didn't notice up top. I appreciate the info.

[defygravity750]

So I think instead of trying to install myself (I've never done anything like this before), I was going to try and have someone else do it, ie a shop or dealership. So far the only estimate I got was for $1500?! Does that sound reasonable or am I the only one that their jaw hit the floor. I mean Audi's are notoriously expensive, but ... damn! Thanks!

[Eboyy]

So I think instead of trying to install myself (I've never done anything like this before), I was going to try and have someone else do it, ie a shop or dealership. So far the only estimate I got was for $1500?! Does that sound reasonable or am I the only one that their jaw hit the floor. I mean Audi's are notoriously expensive, but ... damn! Thanks!

Lol don't bring it to a dealership. That's crazy. I got quotes for $300 from a reputable guy that does it in his garage and $600 from a reputable indy shop around my area who actually have a mechanic garage.

[defygravity750]

Lol don't bring it to a dealership. That's crazy. I got quotes for $300 from a reputable guy that does it in his garage and $600 from a reputable indy shop around my area who actually have a mechanic garage.

The problem is, that quote isn't even from the dealership, it's from a Sports Car place in town! It's nuts

[defygravity750]

Question for everyone with the Solowerks. Did anyone else have to put Camber Control kit on their SQ5 or Q5? My guy is telling me I'm -2.0 degrees I guess, out of alignment in the front and I'm going to need new Control Arms for Camber correction in the front. Anyone?


edit: honestly after reading others with the same issue, it seems that the fronts just might wear a little quicker so I think I will just rotate the tires more often, thoughts?

alignment.jpg

[kdubaudi]

Yeah I posted the same question in the forum after I did mine. -1.8 to -2.0 is normal for our SQ5s and no one seems to worry about it enough to get front camber plates to adjust. So yeah, just rotate tires every so often is what my plan is.

[defygravity750]

Yeah I posted the same question in the forum after I did mine. -1.8 to -2.0 is normal for our SQ5s and no one seems to worry about it enough to get front camber plates to adjust. So yeah, just rotate tires every so often is what my plan is.

Awesome thanks! Another SQ5 owner said the same thing. He said he's been running at -2 for over a year and no significant tire loss. Thanks, this definitely makes me feel better. For those wondering, here she is:

lower.jpg

[kdubaudi]

Looks great!

[Eur0th0t]

I ended up pulling the trigger on the solowerks and this is the result , not bad. I would recommend for sureIMG_2371.jpgPXL_20201203_200321144.jpgPXL_20201203_001719345.jpg

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[defygravity750]

Anyone notice a difference with their headlights? I know obviously lowering changes the perspective, but it really seems like I've lost a lot of distance after lowering. Thoughts?

[Eur0th0t]

Anyone notice a difference with their headlights? I know obviously lowering changes the perspective, but it really seems like I've lost a lot of distance after lowering. Thoughts?

Now that you mention it , I think you're right

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[kdubaudi]

Yes, the headlights will point lower after lowering. Its easy to adjust them up with the adjustment knobs on each headlight. If remember i might have gone 8 turns up on each side. If I remember right I had to use and allen hex key wrench. I adjusted mine in front of the closed garage door in the evening so I could see turning them which way was up/down. The up/down adjust knob is the only one you will see on each light. There is a side to side adjustment knob but I believe its under a rubber boot cap, so you will not mix them up.

Oh and @Eur0th0t your SQ5 looks awesome!

[defygravity750]

Thanks dude! I just installed my new grille last night and I thought I messed something up when I did that, because stupid me forgot to plug a foglamp back in *SMH*

[Static_Q5]

Team Solowerks 🤙🏻


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[Static_Q5]

cosentino-20200717-_c735451.jpg


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[sudo]

I ended up pulling the trigger on the solowerks and this is the result , not bad. I would recommend for sureIMG_2371.jpgPXL_20201203_200321144.jpgPXL_20201203_001719345.jpg

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Congrats dude looks incredible.

[fob99705]

Love the look!!! It’s been six months since installing these- still recommending them? How is the ride comparing to stock. Quality still good?

[dUbVADER]

- - - Updated - - -

I ended up pulling the trigger on the solowerks and this is the result , not bad. I would recommend for sureIMG_2371.jpgPXL_20201203_200321144.jpgPXL_20201203_001719345.jpg

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I'm thinking about getting a set of these

@Eur0th0t, in your photos, what is the approximate setting on these? Did you get the heavy duty rear springs like kdubaudi?
I'm curious how it looks maxed out at the highest setting without the heavy duty springs.

[mmobley82]

One thing I noticed on the website was that even though they are both made by KW, the Solowerks only had a 1yr warranty, and the KWs have a lifetime warranty. So that is also something to think about. Not that you couldn't just buy replacement parts and still be cheaper but I'd only want to install this thing once and be done with it.

Still curious how everyone is feeling after having them for a year now.

[kdubaudi]

1+ year and 10K miles later with Solo-Werks on my SQ5. No complaints or issues to report.

[dUbVADER]

1+ year and 10K miles later with Solo-Werks on my SQ5. No complaints or issues to report.

Does one "need" to get the heavy duty springs to get your ride height?
Solowerks says the minimum drop is 0.5" for an SQ5, were you able to achieve that with the original springs?
I'm not looking to slam my SQ5, I like how yours turned out.

TIA

[kdubaudi]

IMG_2647.jpg
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IMG_2636.jpg


Here are some fairly recent pics of how my SQ5 sits on the Solo-werks with rear heavy duty springs. This ride height is achievable with the stock springs in the kit, but your rear adjustment collars will be at max thread height.

.5" min drop is not at all accurate...I would say 2.5" minimum is more like it. The front springs/collars had plenty of adjustment high/low so no worries, for me it was just my rear height I was over the max thread limit to get my desired rear ride hight and was going to get spacers for the collars, but the Solo-werks guys said dont do that and they would send me heavy duty rear springs. With the heavy duty rear springs I can now adjust the ride height higher in the rear, which most folks installing lower springs would not want or they would just get ROW stock SQ5 springs etc.

Its probably best to see what the other guys who installed Solo-werks have to report on their ride heights without using the heavy duty rear springs.

[miggity02]

IMG_2647.jpg
IMG_2642.jpg
IMG_2636.jpg


Here are some fairly recent pics of how my SQ5 sits on the Solo-werks with rear heavy duty springs. This ride height is achievable with the stock springs in the kit, but your rear adjustment collars will be at max thread height.

.5" min drop is not at all accurate...I would say 2.5" minimum is more like it. The front springs/collars had plenty of adjustment high/low so no worries, for me it was just my rear height I was over the max thread limit to get my desired rear ride hight and was going to get spacers for the collars, but the Solo-werks guys said dont do that and they would send me heavy duty rear springs. With the heavy duty rear springs I can now adjust the ride height higher in the rear, which most folks installing lower springs would not want or they would just get ROW stock SQ5 springs etc.

Its probably best to see what the other guys who installed Solo-werks have to report on their ride heights without using the heavy duty rear springs.

I've been following this thread for a bit now trying to decide between JHM springs that are supposedly lower than the H&R sports I currently have, and these solo werks. Is there a way to get a measurement from the center of the wheel to the fender? I'm trying to get to 2 finger gap in the back and 1 in the front. I also talked a bit with Justin at solo werks and it sounds like a good one and done option for a DD. He also told me to once the desired ride height is dialed in to loosen and retighten the control arms bolts under load to alleviate any twisting on the joints. I already ordered the JHM springs...but maybe I'll order a set of solo werks too and then decide lol. Thanks for the help!

[dUbVADER]

I've been following this thread for a bit now trying to decide between JHM springs that are supposedly lower than the H&R sports I currently have, and these solo werks. Is there a way to get a measurement from the center of the wheel to the fender? I'm trying to get to 2 finger gap in the back and 1 in the front. I also talked a bit with Justin at solo werks and it sounds like a good one and done option for a DD. He also told me to once the desired ride height is dialed in to loosen and retighten the control arms bolts under load to alleviate any twisting on the joints. I already ordered the JHM springs...but maybe I'll order a set of solo werks too and then decide lol. Thanks for the help!

I actually have the JHM springs on and I find them a bit too low for me which is why I am switching to the Solo Werks. With the JHM I have maybe a 1 finger gap in the rear (I have a 2016 SQ5).

[miggity02]

I actually have the JHM springs on and I find them a bit too low for me which is why I am switching to the Solo Werks. With the JHM I have maybe a 1 finger gap in the rear (I have a 2016 SQ5).

That's good to know! I ended up returning my JHM springs and ordered the Solo Werks S1s. I saw a JHM spring Q5 and the front looked higher than the rear so decided to just get something adjustable.