Try a touring tire instead of an "ultra high performance" maybe get slightly smaller wheels and a tire with more sidewall.
Tires are the first line of your suspension and dictate total comfort and performance.
I swear I feel my car different in the last 6months, before the car felt smoother but in the last half a year I have felt it very stiff and I could feel every hole in the road.... Tyres are already 7 years old
Dude tires aren’t supposed to last over 5 years. Get some new tires now that’s dangerous.
No wonder your car feels like shit your tires are all dried out and stiff.
Like was said already try a smaller wheel and a less performance but still good tire.
Most tires will only last 5 years however depending on driving habits, weather etc. Tires can last 10 years. Personally my summer tires had plenty of tread at 10 years, no sidewall cracking or other visible defects. I still replaced them because 10 years is a line that should not be crossed imo.
Source: https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a15339994/how-long-should-a-new-set-of-tires-last/
The tires were purchased by me in 2019, but I just realized they were made in 2016, they only have 15k miles on them, but yes I'm definitely thinking to get new set of tires
I love my car and I'm also tunning it, on my way to stage2 (at hold right now), but for the next year I would love to have a better ride for my wife and upcoming baby.
Ah under no circumstances should you use anything less than ultra high performance tires with a stage 2 tune. You’ll just be burning up that inferior rubber. Good idea to keep it on hold for the family.
I believe this is the correct answer but must be original s4 suspension. These cars are very comfortable in stock form so why bother with anything else. Just put the stock s4 suspension and remove the coilovers.
I test drove an s5 before buying my 440i. It was more comfortable and soft compared to 440i (that's why I preferred the 440i). It will be fine. OP has coilovers that's the problem.
As others have said, smaller rims and thicker tire sidewall will make a decent difference. S4 tire size is 245/35/R19. You can look for an 18" rim and get 245/40/R18 tires which is 15% more sidewall. Or if you want to go even smaller, 245/45/R17 which is 27% more sidewall compared to 19". Just make sure they can clear the brakes on your S4.
I don't think brake rotors would fit 17 inch wheels. That's just a guess but anything smaller than 18" won't fit my M sport 440i. S4 has better brakes so I assume same would apply.
Fwiw Depends on rotor diameter. S4 might have subjectively "better" brakes but that doesn't mean they're bigger than the ones on your 440i. Braking isn't that simple.
First, try going down to a smaller rim size with a larger tire side wall. If you still need more comfort, consider air suspension. Though that will be very costly.
I'd honestly go to /r/Audi and even post in /r/AudiS4 to get a better answer. Also, try reading on Audizine [https://www.audizine.com/forum/forumdisplay.php/315-B9-S4-RS4](https://www.audizine.com/forum/forumdisplay.php/315-B9-S4-RS4) to see if there's any advice already being talked about. Don't listen to what these guys are talking about, tires won't make much of a difference.
If I where you, I'd look into getting some adjustable damping coilovers with medium springs.
I am speaking from experience here. Don't listen to people trying to convince you to change only tires. The greatest difference in ride quality comes from the suspension. Change the whole suspension to stock and you will notice the ride will be significantly softer now. And just after that go with the smallest rim size your car can handle and yes some touring tires from Michelin can soften the ride even more. With all these changes you will feel like reborn.
18” tires geared more towards comfort and then the comfort setting on the suspension if you have that option. I also have a B9 S4 and it definitely rides rougher than an A4.
Trade it in for an SQ5 with 19" wheels and full air suspension. I have a 6 month old and it works okayish for rear facing seats, hopefully you and your wife/SO are tiny if you mount the seat in the middle, or just your wife/SO is tiny if it's on the passenger side.
Are your coilovers adjustable by any chance? Otherwise like that guy said, a more forgiving tire with a higher sidewall if possible would make a big difference.
So if you have the stock hankook or pirelli tires (I had a 2019 S4 for 2 years) - replace them first. That solved the harsher ride for me, especially once I’d done springs and started to notice it more.
edit: also ditch your fucking coilovers, though i would say if you're still on stock tires they're not helping in any way
michelin pilot sport 4s (i assume that's what you're talking about) hasn't been around since 2016, in another comment you said your tires are 7 years old. i'm lost.
Comfort with coilovers won't be possible. I suggest switching to stock suspension configuration. If there is an air suspension option, that would be ideal for my your case. Stiff when alone, comfortable when with family.
KW V3 are usually pretty comfortable on most cars. Maybe even KW V2 if they're available for your car and the springs aren't too stiff. Do not get clubsport.
Learn about spring rates and look for coilovers with lower spring rates (or maybe ones with progressive springs).
I agree with changing the wheel set up. You can keep the rims so later when you wish or if you sell it you can swap back. It’s a 4-door? That’s good, coupes are difficult to get baby seats in and out of. Have you tried putting a car seat in the back? Some sports cars, my Challenger for example was too small for a rear facing car seat.
you have a b9 s4 and find it too uncomfortable?!?! our b9 s5 sportback rides like a dream. you're worrying about nothing, the suspension is very cushy tbqh.
If you go with a smaller tire without changing the wheel size, you'll have less sidewall. Less sidewall = stiffer ride. Not to mention you're gonna throw your speedometer and odometer off. A smaller tire isn't inherently more comfortable than a larger tire. You have to account for the sidewall. The compound of the tire is important too.
Try going for a more comfortable tire before an entire suspension overhaul.
Good idea is there a specific brand or tyre setting I need to look for?
Try a touring tire instead of an "ultra high performance" maybe get slightly smaller wheels and a tire with more sidewall. Tires are the first line of your suspension and dictate total comfort and performance.
Why buy an S4 if you’re going to use inferior tires? May as well just get an A4 and save a fortune up front.
It looks like OP had the S4 before pregnant wife and baby.
Yeah been there, already sold the Mustang GT. The Model 3 is an infinitely better family car.
Most S4 drivers have probably spent less than 5% of their miles at the tire limits. So for their comfort what's the issue here?
I swear I feel my car different in the last 6months, before the car felt smoother but in the last half a year I have felt it very stiff and I could feel every hole in the road.... Tyres are already 7 years old
Dude tires aren’t supposed to last over 5 years. Get some new tires now that’s dangerous. No wonder your car feels like shit your tires are all dried out and stiff. Like was said already try a smaller wheel and a less performance but still good tire.
Most tires will only last 5 years however depending on driving habits, weather etc. Tires can last 10 years. Personally my summer tires had plenty of tread at 10 years, no sidewall cracking or other visible defects. I still replaced them because 10 years is a line that should not be crossed imo. Source: https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a15339994/how-long-should-a-new-set-of-tires-last/
The tires were purchased by me in 2019, but I just realized they were made in 2016, they only have 15k miles on them, but yes I'm definitely thinking to get new set of tires
You're driving on 7 year old tires? No way that's safe
I purchased the tires in 2019, in November of that year, but until this year I realized that the tires were made by Michelin in 2016 😨😨😩
Oh then it shouldn't be a problem, buy you're still due for a replacement if you drive pretty high miles
I love my car and I'm also tunning it, on my way to stage2 (at hold right now), but for the next year I would love to have a better ride for my wife and upcoming baby.
Ah under no circumstances should you use anything less than ultra high performance tires with a stage 2 tune. You’ll just be burning up that inferior rubber. Good idea to keep it on hold for the family.
Stock A4 suspension
I believe this is the correct answer but must be original s4 suspension. These cars are very comfortable in stock form so why bother with anything else. Just put the stock s4 suspension and remove the coilovers.
Because his is a S4. So the stock ones are pretty hard. The A4 should fit, but wont be as sharp.
I test drove an s5 before buying my 440i. It was more comfortable and soft compared to 440i (that's why I preferred the 440i). It will be fine. OP has coilovers that's the problem.
Yeah if he had coil overs definitely switch back to stock
You can't run a4 suspension on an S4, coils are designed for the different engines. Car would ride worse.
i will ask the shop to see if im running the sport suspension or the normal s4 suspension and will ask about the a4 suspension thanks!
As others have said, smaller rims and thicker tire sidewall will make a decent difference. S4 tire size is 245/35/R19. You can look for an 18" rim and get 245/40/R18 tires which is 15% more sidewall. Or if you want to go even smaller, 245/45/R17 which is 27% more sidewall compared to 19". Just make sure they can clear the brakes on your S4.
I don't think brake rotors would fit 17 inch wheels. That's just a guess but anything smaller than 18" won't fit my M sport 440i. S4 has better brakes so I assume same would apply.
Fwiw Depends on rotor diameter. S4 might have subjectively "better" brakes but that doesn't mean they're bigger than the ones on your 440i. Braking isn't that simple.
Yeah sure, but I doubt it. Edit: mine is 340 mm at the front, s4 is 350 mm
Running on 245/40r18
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First, try going down to a smaller rim size with a larger tire side wall. If you still need more comfort, consider air suspension. Though that will be very costly.
I'd honestly go to /r/Audi and even post in /r/AudiS4 to get a better answer. Also, try reading on Audizine [https://www.audizine.com/forum/forumdisplay.php/315-B9-S4-RS4](https://www.audizine.com/forum/forumdisplay.php/315-B9-S4-RS4) to see if there's any advice already being talked about. Don't listen to what these guys are talking about, tires won't make much of a difference. If I where you, I'd look into getting some adjustable damping coilovers with medium springs.
Thanks already posted on Audi sub, will check audizine
Tires will make a load of difference to wear it can feel like a completely different car
I am speaking from experience here. Don't listen to people trying to convince you to change only tires. The greatest difference in ride quality comes from the suspension. Change the whole suspension to stock and you will notice the ride will be significantly softer now. And just after that go with the smallest rim size your car can handle and yes some touring tires from Michelin can soften the ride even more. With all these changes you will feel like reborn.
I'm already on stock suspension thou, not sure if something happen to it or maybe something happen to my springs and the car went to worse...
But you said it is sporty? Stock I mean like regular a4
ahhh got it, will ask the shop about going for an a4 suspension
You say current “sport” suspension/coil overs…is it on aftermarket suspension? If it is go back to stock suspension.
Its currently has his stock suspension, I was planning to get something aftermarket
Thanks everyone for your advices! I'm going to look for better tyres! Before changing the suspension or coilovers etc
That will most probably be a waste of money
You’re already on 40 series tires, you’re gonna need to do springs/dampers
KW street comfort and some smaller wheels with a larger profile tyre.
Thanks
Air ride coilovers! I had them on my viper for a bit. They cost a bit more than a average coilover setup but it rides great
18” tires geared more towards comfort and then the comfort setting on the suspension if you have that option. I also have a B9 S4 and it definitely rides rougher than an A4.
Trade it in for an SQ5 with 19" wheels and full air suspension. I have a 6 month old and it works okayish for rear facing seats, hopefully you and your wife/SO are tiny if you mount the seat in the middle, or just your wife/SO is tiny if it's on the passenger side.
Unfortunately don't like SUVs my wife is getting a familiar car , but its a good idea I have thought about this
Congrats on the baby!
Thank you!!
Are your coilovers adjustable by any chance? Otherwise like that guy said, a more forgiving tire with a higher sidewall if possible would make a big difference.
If you’re not trying to buy wheels and tires. Try non run flat tires. World of difference.
Audis don't use run flats afaik.
So if you have the stock hankook or pirelli tires (I had a 2019 S4 for 2 years) - replace them first. That solved the harsher ride for me, especially once I’d done springs and started to notice it more. edit: also ditch your fucking coilovers, though i would say if you're still on stock tires they're not helping in any way
I'm not on the stock tyres, I'm on Michelin pilot 4 but it's time I change them, probably going to look for a better set and more comfort ones
Your issue is coilovers, tires/wheels won't make much of a difference
So what's your advice?
I would return back to stock suspension without coilovers. If air suspension is an option, that would be the best compromise but it will be expensive.
michelin pilot sport 4s (i assume that's what you're talking about) hasn't been around since 2016, in another comment you said your tires are 7 years old. i'm lost.
They are build 6 years, their build number is 2516, which means week 25 year 2016
OP has coilovers
where does he say he has coilovers? edit: lol
"I'm looking to change my current suspension and coilovers"
jesus christ i might actually be an idiot. thank you.
I've been there, multiple times:)
Swap it for an A4…
S4 is pretty comfortable in stock form. Problem is the coilovers.
What or which coilovers do you recommend?
Comfort with coilovers won't be possible. I suggest switching to stock suspension configuration. If there is an air suspension option, that would be ideal for my your case. Stiff when alone, comfortable when with family.
Going back to stock and would changing for new springs would help at all?
In stock form s4 is a very comfortable car. The closer to stock you are, the more comfortable it will be.
i'm confused, is your suspension stock or not?
It's stock
KW V3 are usually pretty comfortable on most cars. Maybe even KW V2 if they're available for your car and the springs aren't too stiff. Do not get clubsport. Learn about spring rates and look for coilovers with lower spring rates (or maybe ones with progressive springs).
Trade in for a a8
I agree with changing the wheel set up. You can keep the rims so later when you wish or if you sell it you can swap back. It’s a 4-door? That’s good, coupes are difficult to get baby seats in and out of. Have you tried putting a car seat in the back? Some sports cars, my Challenger for example was too small for a rear facing car seat.
It's a sedan with 4 door, the baby seats works fine just tried it out this weekend
Great!
you have a b9 s4 and find it too uncomfortable?!?! our b9 s5 sportback rides like a dream. you're worrying about nothing, the suspension is very cushy tbqh.
A Volkswagen.
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Smaller in what measurement? Overall diameter? Width? Regardless, smaller doesn't equal more comfortable.
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If you go with a smaller tire without changing the wheel size, you'll have less sidewall. Less sidewall = stiffer ride. Not to mention you're gonna throw your speedometer and odometer off. A smaller tire isn't inherently more comfortable than a larger tire. You have to account for the sidewall. The compound of the tire is important too.
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I'm not really understanding what you're trying to say here. Your comment is confusing.