Lowering your Audi A8 D3 can dramatically improve its appearance and handling. While professional installation is always an option, using VCDS (Vag-Com Diagnostic System) allows for precise adjustments from the comfort of your own garage. This guide provides a detailed walkthrough of the process, addressing potential challenges and offering solutions for a successful outcome.
Understanding the Basics of Audi A8 D3 Lowering with VCDS
The Audi A8 D3’s factory ride height is measured from the wheel center to the lower fender edge: 416mm for the front and 398mm for the rear. VCDS allows you to modify these settings by adjusting specific coding parameters within the Level Control module. This adjustment affects all MMI ride height settings equally.
Step-by-Step Lowering Procedure
Before you begin, ensure your car is on a level surface, the transmission is in park, the engine is running, and all doors are closed. Accurate measurements are crucial for this process.
1. Accessing the Level Control Module:
- Connect your VCDS interface to your Audi A8 D3’s OBD-II port and launch the software.
- Navigate to: [Select] > [34 – Level Control] > [Coding – 10]
2. Modifying the Ride Height Code:
- The stock code is typically: 0015510. The two “5” digits control ride height. The first controls the front, and the second controls the rear.
- To lower the car, change these digits to a value between “0” and “4”. Each digit decrement represents a 5mm reduction in ride height (e.g., “4” lowers by 5mm, “0” lowers by 25mm).
- [Do It!] to save the new coding.
3. Entering Security Access:
- Navigate to: [Select] > [34 – Level Control] > [Security Access – 16]
- Enter the code: 31564 and [Do It!]
4. Adapting the Suspension:
- Go to: [Adaptation – 10]
- Wait for the car to cycle through a lowering and raising sequence until a “Ready” message appears. The “Stored Value” displayed represents the target height based on your coding changes.
5. Adjusting Individual Wheel Heights:
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Channel 01 (Front Left): Enter the measured height from the wheel center to the fender edge.
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[Test]: If the value is accepted, you will see a “VALID” message. If you receive an “INVALID” message, try entering a value between the measured and target heights, starting closer to the measured value and incrementally adjusting until “VALID” is displayed. This iterative process may be necessary due to sensor tolerances and mechanical variations.
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[Save] the accepted value.
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Repeat this process for the remaining wheels:
- Channel 02 (Front Right)
- Channel 03 (Rear Left)
- Channel 04 (Rear Right)
6. Saving the Adaptation:
- Channel 05 (Save): Enter the value 1
- [Test] > [Save] > [Done, Go Back]
7. Fine-Tuning (If Necessary):
- After completing the adjustments, drive the car around the block to allow the suspension to settle. Re-enter the Adaptation channel and repeat the process if necessary to fine-tune the ride height. Differences within 2mm are generally acceptable.
Conclusion
Lowering your Audi A8 D3 with VCDS offers precise control over your vehicle’s ride height. While the process requires careful attention to detail and patience, the results—a more aggressive stance and improved handling—are well worth the effort. Remember to double-check all measurements and coding changes before saving them to avoid unintended consequences. This guide provides a solid foundation for successfully lowering your Audi A8 D3 using VCDS. However, if you are uncomfortable performing this procedure yourself, consulting a professional is always recommended.
