Schumi_Tampa

Guys,
The order guide for the S5 model year 2013 lists the - Audi adaptive damping suspension (requires PDU or PDD)1BL - seperately. Is this a worthwile feature? Can you really feel a big difference in the ride between an S5 with adaptive damping suspension and one without?

sixspeedbaby

there is a distinct difference between driving like grammie and senna

u080570

Check out the forums for discussion about "Audi Drive Select" and you will get all sorts of responses.

I personally love it on my car -- it gives your car multiple personality disorder (in a good way!!).....relaxed when you want to be and hyper when you don't

skylolow

It works that is for sure.

I personally like it.

Schumi_Tampa

With the adaptive damping suspension, is the height being adjusted in the different settings? Is so, to what extent eg a few inches maybe?

ChipB

No - height is not affected. The system works by changing the shock/rebound characeteristics of the dampers, so it has no effect at all on ride height.

Be careful regarding terms "Audi Drive Select" versus "adaptive damping" - Drive Select is what is offered in the US and it includes adaptive damping as well as a remap of the transmission shift points (for cars with auto tranny)and changes to throttle response. So if all you get is "adaptive suspension" you won't have those other features that people like so much.

Schumi_Tampa

Per the '13 S5 order guide, drive select and adaptive damping suspension are listed separately:

PDU AUDI quattro with sports differential (audi drive select controls and sports differential)

1BL Audi adaptive damping suspension (requires PDU)

So, you can order drive select alone (without the damping feature) but you cannot order the damping feature alone since it requires drive select.

stactum

From Audi Glossary:

Adaptive air suspension is an electronically controlled air suspension system at all four wheels with a continuously adaptive damping system. It unites sporty handling with a high level of ride comfort. In addition, the air suspension allows for speed-dependent lowering of the body – a change in ride height that results in a low center of gravity and significantly increased directional stability. The vehicle’s aerodynamics are improved at the same time.

The vehicle has air suspension struts on all four wheels. The data from sensors on the axles and acceleration sensors on the body is evaluated in the adaptive air suspension's central control unit. This computer controls the adjustment of the individual shock absorbers in milliseconds, depending on driving situation. Provided no higher damping forces are required – for instance, when driving straight ahead on good roads – the damper settings remain comfortably soft.

Controlled changes to the damping force at individual wheels help to eliminate body movements at any time which could reduce occupant comfort. The adaptive damping system automatically reduces rolling or pitching movements when cornering, braking or driving off-road. Adaptive air suspension moreover offers the advantages of a traditional self-leveling suspension system. The vehicle's suspension height remains constant irrespective of the load it is carrying.

The adaptive air suspension generally also allows the driver to influence the suspension characteristic – and thus the operating dynamics – as individually preferred. The damping characteristics and ride height can be adjusted in a single process via the MMI "CAR" menu system. Available as an option in the Audi A8 and Audi Q7.

JD15

The air suspension is different from what is offered on the A4/A5/S-lines.