Hello,

I'm wondering if anyone has experience with S line suspension paired with 17-inch wheels. The reason I ask is that I’m currently in the market for a facelift A6 (C7), and most of the nicer examples with better interior options such as upgraded seats, the Tech Pack, etc. tend to be S line or Black Edition models. These usually have stiffer suspension and larger wheels with low profile tyres.

To make matters more complicated, some S line or Black Edition cars may also come with extra lowered suspension, and it’s not always easy to identify these in the second hand market. I’ve read quite a few comments about the harsher ride in these cars compared to the SE models.

I'm looking for a relaxing and comfortable ride, specially for the passengers at the back, so sporty suspension and large wheels and aggressive looks aren’t really my cup of tea. Ideally, an SE would suit my driving style best, but since most of the well equipped cars are hard to find in SE trim, I’m wondering if fitting 17-inch wheels to an S line (with S line suspension) would be a good compromise if I can't find a good example with at least 18 inch wheels.

First, I assume this combination isn’t unsafe? I don’t drive aggressively quite the opposite so I wouldn’t expect it to be an issue, but I wanted to check.

Second, is there a reliable way to identify optional extras like the extra-lowered suspension when buying a second-hand car?

Lastly, I wonder if I'm being overly obsessed with this issue, because I currently drive a Golf Mk7.5 with 16-inch wheels. The ride comfort we're used to is nothing special, but not harsh either, so any improvement in comfort would be fine for us, whether with 17 or 18 inch wheels.

Thanks

 

Hello JB ( your proper name?)

Your first paragraph certainly sums up Audi marketing - if you want the best of specs., you find them in the S Line etc., together with large wheels and low profile tyres, all aimed at road holding which of course every Audi buyer wants! Or do they? - as you are finding! 
I’m in the exact same camp as you, and I simply want a nice smooth ride, but I don’t think you will find that in the S Line - perhaps even with smaller wheels, allowing increased profiles. 
One requirement would be to look up the stats, on the ones you are interested in and check if they were available with optional 17 inch wheels. If they weren’t then it’s generally a no-go due to insurance implications. 
Another potential harsh ride consideration is to check whether the normal tyres are XL or not - if they are, that will adversely affect the ride quality. 
Build record printouts for particular cars are usually obtainable from dealers- I’d enquire at the Parts Dept. 
I really do know where you are coming from, and have been there before.

If you do find the car you want, then also ask for a copy of the service record before purchase. FHS can be elusive once you have signed the purchase paperwork! 
Regards,

Gareth. 

Please let us know how you get on. 

Thanks Gareth for tips,

That's a shame, I was hoping I could make it work with the S line and smaller wheels easily. It's bizarre that comfort options were never available in these trim lines. I wonder if that's still the case today. I've heard it's quite expensive to replace those large alloys, and they're apparently easy to damage on our pothole ridden roads, so it's puzzling why so many people opted for them when these cars were bought new.

I think the safest option would be to stick with an SE and try to find a decent example with good service history. I imagine SE seats must be at least half decent, it would be a deal breaker for me if they aren't. As for the rest of the options, I'd happily trade them for a comfortable ride.

On the plus side an SE might be slightly cheaper compared to an S Line.

JB

 

 

I see you are trying to opt for 17" wheels ... perhaps 18" would give better options ?? I have an A6 Allroad which had 20" S line wheels on it from new, I found the ride hard and uncomfortable .. so changed to 18" wheels as these were the OEM option and I find the ride is so much better.

I went for the C7 SE Executive exactly for the ride comfort as it comes with non s line suspension and 17 inch wheels. It rides perfectly.

I have the 3.0 TDI and have had to address coolant loss in the Vee.

My understanding is apart from the suspension external body kit same spec, plus comes with 4 zone climate

HI I have Avant 2012 Sline with 255/40/R19s and for low ish profile they are not bad. to be honest roughness for me is in stiffness of the car its self. I have a friend with same year non s-line and not low profile and tbh its not much difference and I live on country roads. 

I’m with you on Audis rubber band tyres & big wheels issue, so I went for an Allroad, air suspension, so no harsh ride issues, I did swap the standard 18” for 19” simply because they looked so much better but the ride seems about the same as the tyres are 245/45, so plenty of sidewall plus the air suspension, so together means it’s about as close to an armchair as I could find in a car.