ExB5S4owner

I recently traded in my B6 S4 for a Q7 and the wife and I then decided to swap cars. I get her '05 A6 4.2 and she's got the Q. Since getting rid of my S4 I'm now commuting to a different location and my route is predominately over city streets full of potholes (outside of Boston) and I'm finding the sport suspension we have on our A6 is a bit jarring and too stiff for my preferences. Yes I guess this post does mean that I'm getting a bit older now as I find myself gravitating to a preference towards a softer ride.

My question: What do you think I should do to soften the suspension? I'm thinking I could change to softer springs or coilovers (if there are actually 'comfort' springs out there vs. performance) or perhaps I can drop a load of cash and see if I can have my vehicle back fitted with the air suspension (probably way too much money and I'm not sure this is even possible.)

Anyone have any thoughts? I appreciate your feedback in advance.

Thanks, Kevin

DrewT55

If you have the 18 inch you would get a much better ride from the 17's and I bet you can easily find someone on the site to trade you.

markcincinnati

You could minus zero the tires and probably get a slightly softer ride without the surgery you suggest.

You could also deflate the tires a bit closer to the lowest range of normal, too.

If you did, indeed minus zero the tires, perhaps going to an H rated grand touring tire would sofen the ride.

The suspension even in stock form is often dinged for its stiffness.

I have the non sport, and long for the sport.

. . . .to each his/her own.

ExB5S4owner

245/40/18's. I thought about going with a softer tire and smaller diameter, but I just can't stomach the look of 17's as the 18's fill out the wheel wells nicely. I guess I'm not willing to sacrifice style for ride.

Any other suggestions? I'm currently running the stock 18" Pirellis.

ebenke_A6

check out tirerack and look at tire comparo's pick the tire with the best ride quality.

Songer

I would think twice before running 18" wheels on bad roads with tires at low normal pressures. I tried that to soften the ride of a car once and ruined a set of nice BBS wheels. All rims were bent before I knew what was happening. The culprit was pot holes, so if you just have uneven roads then running at low normal pressures should be fine.

As far as the air suspension retrofit, you would be better off just looking for another car with the option. If that is out, then Drew and ebenke have good suggestions. BTW, I don't think 17" wheels look all that bad. Then again, I am old enough to remember when 16" wheels on a car were huge.

iove

and would be the best way to soften the ride cheaply... but if aesthetics trumps all, then you don't have much choice.
Most aftermarket springs/shocks are tuned for stiffer rides not softer.

But personally, I find the regular setup + continental all season tires are soft IMHO.

ExB5S4owner

I'll start out running 39psi in the front and 42psi in the rear. I was getting roughly 20mpg with 42psi in the front and 45psi in the rear. *unless it was all city driving*

I only have 12K miles on the car so replacing the tires at this point is a bit premature (and I use snow tires/rims in the winter so total miles on my summer tires are probably close to 8K.)

I'll see how things progress and let you know what I decide (assuming someone is interested. :-)