Question about lowering with Adaptive Dampening Suspension
08-27-2013, 04:45 AM
#1
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Question about lowering with Adaptive Dampening Suspension
I'm awaiting delivery of a MY14 Q5 TDI with S-line. One thing I'm worried about is the wheel gap so I'm likely to explore lowering the vehicle. Since this is my first Audi, I'm not at all familiar with Audi's adaptive dampening suspension technology.
What aftermarket technologies for lowering are compatible with Audi's ADS system? What kind of drop are you guys seeing with those products?
I'm not looking to slam it, just make it look more symmetric with the S-line 20" wheels. I live in Florida, drive mostly on highways and rarely travel north to winter wonder-pothole-land.
What aftermarket technologies for lowering are compatible with Audi's ADS system? What kind of drop are you guys seeing with those products?
I'm not looking to slam it, just make it look more symmetric with the S-line 20" wheels. I live in Florida, drive mostly on highways and rarely travel north to winter wonder-pothole-land.
08-27-2013, 06:34 AM
#2
AudiWorld Super User
I'm not sure that there are aftermarket technologies for lowering are compatible with Audi's ADS system.
For your information one shock absorber for the ADS system costs over 800 EUR, approximately $ 1,100 (4x1100$ + installation)
For your information one shock absorber for the ADS system costs over 800 EUR, approximately $ 1,100 (4x1100$ + installation)
08-27-2013, 08:42 AM
#3
OP: Lowering is possible with springs but can't be too aggressive, because the lower you go, the more it will change the control region of the damper. I've seen some folks who lowered their ADS equipped S4's using KW adjustable springs (KW claims to be ADS compatible), however the ADS functionality will be altered and will no longer function in the same range, so there will be less difference between comfort and dynamic modes. Another option would be to remove the ADS suspension completely and replace it with coilovers.
08-27-2013, 09:39 AM
#4
AudiWorld Super User
Sounds like he's not looking for ADS retrofit, but wants to slightly lower his ADS equipped car, so no need to buy dampers.
OP: Lowering is possible with springs but can't be too aggressive, because the lower you go, the more it will change the control region of the damper. I've seen some folks who lowered their ADS equipped S4's using KW adjustable springs (KW claims to be ADS compatible), however the ADS functionality will be altered and will no longer function in the same range, so there will be less difference between comfort and dynamic modes. Another option would be to remove the ADS suspension completely and replace it with coilovers.
OP: Lowering is possible with springs but can't be too aggressive, because the lower you go, the more it will change the control region of the damper. I've seen some folks who lowered their ADS equipped S4's using KW adjustable springs (KW claims to be ADS compatible), however the ADS functionality will be altered and will no longer function in the same range, so there will be less difference between comfort and dynamic modes. Another option would be to remove the ADS suspension completely and replace it with coilovers.
Complicated and expensive and only feasible in the Audi dealer,
08-27-2013, 10:02 AM
#5
You disable the ADS suspension sensor via VAG-COM. Any Audi shop and many forum members have the device and it's a very easy procedure. Alternatively, KW sells a cancellation device, though a more costly approach than VAG-COM.
08-27-2013, 10:51 AM
#6
AudiWorld Super User
I have VCDS (vag-com), VAS and ....
Good luck
08-27-2013, 11:10 AM
#7
Who said it comes with one sensor? All I'm saying is that people who installed coils have successfully disabled the suspension sensors via VAG-COM or with KW cancellation device:
. That said, it's a waste of money no matter how you slice it. From the extra upfront cost of ADS, to coilover or lowering spring parts and installation, it's much better to not opt for ADS in the first place.
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08-27-2013, 05:41 PM
#8
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The ADS system is just the shocks, and uses conventional springs. My Q5 is equipped with ADS, and I have the STaSIS suspension, which simply replaces the springs, keeping the stock adaptive shocks. ADS remains fully functional. The resulting height is quite similar to the SQ5 TDI told in Europe and elsewhere, and to me, it looks perfect with 20" wheels.
08-28-2013, 04:04 AM
#9
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The ADS system is just the shocks, and uses conventional springs. My Q5 is equipped with ADS, and I have the STaSIS suspension, which simply replaces the springs, keeping the stock adaptive shocks. ADS remains fully functional. The resulting height is quite similar to the SQ5 TDI told in Europe and elsewhere, and to me, it looks perfect with 20" wheels.
http://www.stasisengineering.com/pro...g-rear-swaybar