V50 comfort issue - suspension or wheels?

[joren]

Dear forum,

About six months ago, I bought my 2008 v50. Loving it.
Except maybe one thing - it's not always comfortable, often very harsch.
Two things cause it: it's got 17" wheels AND it's lowered by a small amount.

I would like to fix this and I now have the choice of what to do first.
Can anyone tell me what will probably make the biggest difference:
smaller wheels (more air) or finding original suspension springs?

Thanks!
Joren

[Lee '71]

I'd say change the springs. My 2.0D Sport was terrible on the 18" rims but just changing it down to 17" rims made a big difference so stick with your 17" ones. If your car has been lowered then it will be a stiffer ride making it uncomfortable for you but some people like it that way.

[Ninja59]

smaller wheels with more profile would take some out but tbh keep it on 17's and swap the springs back OEM would be a start, also check your tyre pressures to.

[TEZ-1]

I have a set of springs that came off my T5 (65k) I'm open to offers if it helps.

edit; Just noticed where you are and the postage would be horrendous.

[joren]

OK,
thank you very much for your answers guys!
The reason I want to take action right now, is a tire change.
I have had the car for 4 months and 2 of the high range pirelli tyres have been completely destroyed. Alignment issue.
I must say I almost fainted when I was told what 4 new tyres would cost me.

That's why I was looking into new 16" wheels to save on new tyres in the future.
Those tyres are a lot cheaper.
I was kind of hoping 16" wheels would wear less fast AND they would solve part of the comfort issue.

Do you guys think changing to 16" would already make some difference in terms of comfort?

Also, am I right if I suspect that the car doesn't hold it's alignment well because of the non-standard wheel size? If that is also the case, I might just do it all at once.

Thanks again!
Joren

[961]

16" wheels will be more comfortable
But I'd also suggest Continental tyres. I always found Pirelli hard and unforgiving
The springs will make a difference too
Your car should not give a harsh ride
As for alignment, get it checked by a good workshop. Has the car been damaged or has the alignment been wrongly set, perhaps during spring change?

[Volvorforlife]

When you lower your car, espicaly focus based volvo you need to use camper adjuster arms to stop the tyres wearing very badly on the inside.

What springs are in the car now, who made them and by how much do they lower the car by?

[joren]

Okay thank you all again for your time!
I have had 2 tires changed now because it was getting too urgent really.
Alignment has been set, I've asked about it and the guy said he had no trouble setting the alignment (as it has been lowered). Does that mean I don't need extra camper adjustment means? Alignment does not seem to hold completely though after some kilometers.

I have few knowledge of what has been done. I think it has been done at purchase. Would it help to mail that garage and obtain information? I could imagine they'd use the springs of the eco version which is slighly lowered.
Would a picture help to show how much it is lowered? It's not that much...
It only feels like much while driving

Also, I now nothing about the whole suspension thing, I am guessing it is just the springs I will need to change and not the dampers, right? Because that would just make it too expensive.
Is there anything else I can do to raise the comfort level, except new wheels or springs?