2016 3.0 - basic suspension replacement

[redline9k]

2016 Premium Plus 3.0T w 50k miles on the clock. Everything is stock except an EPL stage 1.

Got a loaner the other day (23 Q5) and noticed the suspension was way smoother even on lower profile tires w bigger rims, so thinking the suspension might be getting a little beat after 7yrs. What would be your choice for replacing all four corners if I just want to improve the ride - i dont need to lower it and definitely dont want it stiffer (all city driving and pothole surfing). What is a good quality oem-like setup without being junk (and not oem price)?

[S4'ed]

The Gen-2 Q5s (2018 plus) have softer suspensions than the Gen-1 Q5s, hence the more comfortable ride, at the expense of sharper handling.

[S4'ed]

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/aud...ttro-19-171609

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/aud...ng-8k0413031al

These Bilstein "B4" models are OEM valved for comfort.

[Smac770]

Without denoting the actual PR code for the suspension, it's "some suspension, no idea which". Could be steel springs or air springs, could be fixed dampers or adaptive dampers, could be standard components or sport components, etc.

You need to know your PR code when going to look for parts anyway. It'll be on the vehicle identification sticker in the documentation. Three character code of 1B? or 2M?.

[spijun]

2016 Premium Plus 3.0T w 50k miles on the clock. Everything is stock except an EPL stage 1.

Got a loaner the other day (23 Q5) and noticed the suspension was way smoother even on lower profile tires w bigger rims, so thinking the suspension might be getting a little beat after 7yrs. What would be your choice for replacing all four corners if I just want to improve the ride - i dont need to lower it and definitely dont want it stiffer (all city driving and pothole surfing). What is a good quality oem-like setup without being junk (and not oem price)?

Believe it or not, the Q5 has 16 different spring and 11 different shock absorber

[redline9k]

ah sorry, just the standard 1BA suspension - all 1* codes -

PRCode: 1AT = Electronic stabilization program (ESP)
PRCode: 1BA = Standard suspension/shock absorption
PRCode: 1LE = Disc brakes front
PRCode: 1SH = Additional engine and transmission guard
PRCode: 1XX = Leather trimmed multi-function sports steering wheel w/ Tiptronic

[Smac770]

I presume that's your Q5. But was the loaner also 1BA. If they're both 1BA "standard coil spring suspension", then the difference is not due to different suspension configurations. And if wheel/tire/pressure config was the same, then possibly due to aged vs new, or more likely simply an 8R (B8 Q5) to FY (B9 Q5) difference, as S4'd presented.