Used Audis - What suspension do they have?

[SteveW117]

Lots of reviews and forum posts suggest that Audi Sport and S-Line Audi buyers opt for SE (or is it called Dynamic?) suspension i.e. the softer suspension standard on SE Audis.

Now, if you are looking at USED Audi Sport or S-Line cars, how can you tell what suspension they have? It's not something that often seems to be mentioned in descriptions - can you tell by looking at photos i.e. seeing how high up it sits? Can you tell in person by examining the car? Should it be in the paperwork somewhere? Do you have to drive it and see how it feels?

Apologies if there is a dumb, obvious answer to this question - but please enlighten me!

Cheers,
Steve

[ManicMunky]

It will sit higher, and you can check the original equipment via the VIN

[SteveW117]

Thanks, I already came across some photos of a guy with a tape measure demonstrating exactly how high his car sits off the road! The differences are only 10/20mm though so might be easy to mistake.

I like the VIN idea better, thanks...

https://vehicleidentificationnumber.com/vin-decode...

[SteveW117]

There seem to be lots of places for checking VIN info...

https://uk.vin-info.com/

What's the best or do they all link to the same database?

[Drive Blind]

vw group cars have the sticker in the boot with all the options codes.

maybe one of those codes relates to the suspension?

[SteveW117]

Thanks - I read somewhere about there being codes printed in/around the spare wheel bay but them being difficult to decode!

Anyway I've found my own VIN and am going to try looking that up as an experiment...

[Dr G]

Drive Blind said:

vw group cars have the sticker in the boot with all the options codes.

The stickers are a long way from comprehensive and Audi chassis numbers don't decode in the way that (for example) Mercedes ones do.

If there's a car you're keen on by all means ping me a chassis number and I'll send you over its build sheet.

[SteveW117]

Thanks - haven't found a specific car yet, but wondered how I could find a Sport Audi with SE suspension without it being like a needle in a haystack. Now it seems like I'd have to physically examine the car to have any chance! It does seem as though the 3-letter codes might be the best option, apparently I should look for:

1BA is Dynamic suspension.
1BE is Sports suspension.
1BV is S line suspension.

[Who me ?]

ManicMunky said:

It will sit higher, and you can check the original equipment via the VIN

I don't know about Audis, but other brands in the group have a sticker in the boot lid ( under carpet ) and on the manual stating the spec. Might be worth checking out to see if this is same on Audi. All you kneed then is how to translate that sticker ,if it's fitted.

[SteveW117]

Thanks, I'll try that, starting by looking at my current car's. I've heard that sometimes the sticker is quite well hidden - but it should also be in the service book/manual (except when it isn't). They don't make this easy!

[Who me ?]

Steve - I've got the Czech make ans it's on the boot. I found the translation on Briscoda.net and I betting that one or more of the VAG techs on there will help you out .

[SteveW117]

Thanks. Just scanned through the 3-letter codes in my service book and couldn't find any of the codes I was looking for! It might be that as my car is an SE there is no "option" hence no code... I suspect in practice I might have to do a test drive on a bumpy road and judge the hardness of the ride for myself!