Can my V50 ride more softly?

[Gucci]

As much as I like my car, the roads our way are not the most forgiving of stiff riding cars. Mine is an R-Design Sport SE on 18" Medusa wheels (Bridgestone tyres). Generally it's comfy, but I wondered if the suspension or shocks can be altered to ride more softly over the assault course AKA British roads.

[Daim]

Well you have 2 choices:

Different wheels or different springs

Springs from a standard V50 (non R-Design/Sport) will make it a little more comfy but they will change the ride height by a good bit.

On the other hand, if you have the 215/45r18s a change to 225/45r18 will make it softer. A little at least. If you go to 205/50r17 or even 205/55r16 you'll have an even softer ride.

[Shrink]

Hi,had this recently with my 850 T5-R ,just felt ride too hard so changed from the 17" titans with 205/45 to 16" Columba alloys with 205/50 and felt made a noticeable improvement .

[Lee '71]

Hi Gucci, I ditched my Medusa alloys on my V50 2.0D Sport just after I refurbed them all as within a month one had been kerbed again after what would normally have been a slight scuff to the tyre on a 'normal' wheel (thanks to the ridiculous 215/45 18 tyres!), that and I was also fed up with the harsh ride and the tramlining down down the road in the grooves in the tarmac left by the HGVs!

I managed to swop my 18" alloys for some 24hour old 17" Cratus alloys from a fellow forum member who wanted larger wheels on his new C30 (just got lucky I guess!!) and I must say the ride is sublime compared to what it was before, really like having a different car.

If you want my advice get rid of the Medusas and get yourself some decent OEM 17" alloys.

[jaygee]

Originally Posted by Gucci

As much as I like my car, the roads our way are not the most forgiving of stiff riding cars. Mine is an R-Design Sport SE on 18" Medusa wheels (Bridgestone tyres). Generally it's comfy, but I wondered if the suspension or shocks can be altered to ride more softly over the assault course AKA British roads.

Do you want to do a swap, currently running OEM 5-spoke 17''s, two brand new (about 3 months old) and two part worn (still got 4-5mm).

[Gucci]

A kind offer sir, but I'm pretty wedded to the Medusas - they look great. I just wondered if swapping to softer shocks might be an option.

Thanks

[jaygee]

Originally Posted by Gucci

A kind offer sir, but I'm pretty wedded to the Medusas - they look great. I just wondered if swapping to softer shocks might be an option.

Thanks

Defo an option if cost is out of the question?

[t5_monkey]

Originally Posted by Gucci

As much as I like my car, the roads our way are not the most forgiving of stiff riding cars. Mine is an R-Design Sport SE on 18" Medusa wheels (Bridgestone tyres). Generally it's comfy, but I wondered if the suspension or shocks can be altered to ride more softly over the assault course AKA British roads.

Ride on 18's is shocking compared to 17's

Some bilstein B6's should help it feel a lot better damped and stop and crashing - as will renewing your bushes - but you'd basically be polishing a turd compared to switching to 17's!

[axle4]

blow the tyres up to 100psi and you should bounce along quite well

[v40bart]

Unfortunately with big 18'' alloys your tires are skinny and there is no side wall height to allow much flex to cushion all the bumps. Sport suspension with short travel does not make things better and you cant really put softer springs on as you will just bottom out quicker. Same with shock damping, you get that down, you will bottom out quicker. You cant have your cake and eat it I'm afraid. Smaller rims or harsh ride, your choice...