Confused about B8 S4 suspension options

[alex_123_fra]

Hi all,

I used to own a B7 RS4 and thinking of getting back into audis so looking into a B8 S4.

I'm a little confused about the suspension options and not sure what to pick. The audi website isn't a huge amount of help. Any owners out there who can recommend what to go/not to go for?

? Damping control
? Drive select
? Dynamic steering
? Sports differential (I can't believe this isn't standard!)

Which of the above are useful?

Thanks,

Alex

[Scotty]

If you believe the Audi brochure then the S4 has the same suspension as the A4 SE models but I think this is just a brochure over sight. As far as anyone has been able to tell the S4 gets "Sports" suspension which has a 20mm drop over standard. I have a B8 S-line which as standard gets the "Sports" suspension but I went for the optional Damping Control hence it's believed to be the same suspension as you'd get on the S4.

Having the choice of modes works very well for me as it's often a family car and hence "Comfort" is a nice option. The Sports suspension as firm as on the B6 and B7 but does convey minor bumps. It's is much more compliant but at the same time I found it also a little rolly when pushing hard. Having "Dynamic" as an option means to can firm it up more than the Sports suspension giving the best of both worlds. With this option it's the best of both worlds. It's like having two cars. However having said that if you're just driving around normally then some people claim the difference in modes isn't wife enough. The comfort certainly removes some of the Sports suspension's minor crashing but it's not like having a Jaguar.

I didn't go for any of the other options as I didn't buy this car with a view to fully exploiting it's abilities. If I had been going for another S4 then I'd have added the fulll works. The B8 handles better than any of the B6 or B7 variants in my option which is a lot to do with not having the V8 but also to do with it not being so far over the front wheels. The 5" longer body also helps the weight distribution . I had a play in the snow and the 40/60 quattro is much more fun than my 50/50 B6 S4.

With the performance mods for th S4, you could really surprise a lot of RS4 owners and even as standard I think it would be a battle particularly on the twisties.

As always get yourself down to a dealer and get some test drives.

[Pete.S]

Hi Alex

There's quite a succinct description of Drive Select here

As to what's useful, depends on what you'll use the S4 for. I've got the whole lot (ADS with dynamic steering & damping control) plus the diff, and for for the varied types of driving I do, I find the options very useful (long m/way hauls = comfort, town driving = auto, spirited driving = dynamic)

Coming from an RS4 I'm guessing means you enjoy the odd bit of exuberant driving so I'd recommend the ADS. You'd need to test drive one with the whole lot to see what difference the dynamic steering and damping systems make and whether you'd need them. I like the 2 additional options personally because they vary the driving experience so much, which equals more enjoyment from driving the thing.

As for the diff, on the public road you have to drive like a maniac for it to intervene. I do give it some on a regular basis on empty roads but have only felt the diff doing it's work twice. Amazing bit of kit though, you can feel the back end stepping in on it's own accord. It's probably akin to airbags - you never know when it might save your ass!

If you were thinking of track use for the S4 it'd be an invaluable addition.

HTH

[worsy]

I have the full works too, as said previously, comfort on motorway, dynamic for a bit of fun. I tend to leave it in Auto most of the time.

[alex_123_fra]

Thanks everyone. Very useful info. Sounds like I will go for all these options to allow for more flexibility in the drive. I'll try to find some S4s to test drive with these options installed.

Thanks again,

Alex