arkbbq

Problem is perceived rough ride from my 2011 gas Prestige. My previous Q7 was a 2007 Q4.2, equipped very similarly to the 2011, both with air suspension.
Tires on the 2007 were the oem 275/45/20 all season Contis, and the ride on the 2007 was great, not rough, wife never complained. Air suspension was almost always set on Automatic, tire pressure kept at 36 psi. Put 71K miles on the 2007, with 3 sets of the Contis.
The 2011 came in with 275/45/20 Pirelli Scorpion all season tires, which were like riding on bricks, even at 36 psi. Dealer could find no problems with the vehicle, so I decided the Pirellis were the problem and put on a new set of Contis at 15,000 miles, same tire that was on the 2007. At 36 psi, air suspension on Automatic, the Contis are marginally smoother, but ride is still rough, wife still complains. Dealer checked vehicle and could find no problems, codes, etc. Now have 10,000 miles on the Contis.
My assumption has been that the 2007 and 2011 have the same suspension design and parameters, but maybe not?? Does the 2011 have an inherently stiffer suspension?
So, at this point I'm stuck. Wife is at her limit and thinks we should trade the 2011 for a MB GL. I was looking forward to a MY2014 all new Q. Rats!! Any suggestions will be appreciated.

-thanks/ark

thewiz

How loaded are you typically running (# of people/cargo)? The label inside the driver's door says 44psi front/49psi rear, but I believe that's if you're fully loaded, and the owner's manual suggests alternate pressures if you are more lightly loaded. I believe 36 psi is standard if you're lightly loaded. Have you tried something like 40 or 42psi to see what happens?

I don't think the 2011 suspension is different from 2007, but someone can correct me if that's not the case. Does it make a difference if your air suspension is at Dynamic or Offroad?

It sounds like your dealer has checked the usual suspects. I'm wondering how rough we're actually talking about, because these cars are usually pretty smooth, especially with the air suspension. Do you think the ride is rougher?