MonzaA5

Is it just me, or do they produce a rather harsh ride quality? I've noticed that my car is actually more comfortable and absorbs bumps better with 19" OEM wheels and Pirelli P-zero tires than it is with 18" Dunlops (you'd expect the opposite, as you obviously get more sidewall with 18" tires, plus winter rubber compound is naturally softer).

I will concede that these tires provide very good handling, especially compared to other winter tires, but the car feels "wooden" when driven on anything other than perfectly smooth pavement (and yes, tire pressure is within the recommended range).

tpt13

I have the Dunlops on my A5 (17") and the ride is smoother and quieter than the OEM A/S Pirelli's (18"). But those Pirelli's have 32,000 miles (the Dunlops have about 19,000 and this is the 4th winter for them) so that may be a factor. I did notice that the Pirelli's were getting more harsh and jumpy just before I did the winter swap so it looks like new summer tires next spring.
And the Dunlops have been great in the lousy winter weather. They go through anything and also preform quite well on dry pavement.

ChipB

I've actually been quite pleased with my Dunlop Wintersport 3D's. Remember that winter tires will naturally feel a bit "harsher" than summers, and you will probably notive less precise handling. But the advantage is you get to stay on the road pointing in generally the correct direction when it snows. For comparison my wife's car has Blizzak LM50 runflate winters, and they are incredibly harsh and noisy. They make it feel like you're driving with hockey pucks for tires.

MonzaA5

What tire pressure are you guys running?

mike1174

I have them, what is the tire pressure you are using?

MonzaA5

35 front and back

ChipB

39F/36R (per Audi guidelines as printed on the door sticker)

JBDinTX

The pressure on the door jam sticker is for a fully loaded car. Look in the book and see what the pressure is for normal load.

tpt13

I'm also doing 35 all around based on the recommendation of my installer, not Audi.

jab23

Hmmm. I actually have the Wintersports in the stock 19 inch size and the ride is noticably better with them than the stock tires. Just had them put on this morning (my third winter on them) and it was the first thing I thought. Obviously the handling isn't as good, but they are quieter and less harsh than the Sportmax summer tires. Sorry yours seem harsh. I would expect 18s to be even better than mine.