Lowering your Audi RS7 can dramatically enhance its appearance and handling. While lowering links and modules offer solutions, VCDS (Vag-Com Diagnostic System) presents a cost-effective alternative for adjusting your air suspension. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough for lowering your Audi RS7 using VCDS, empowering you to customize your ride height without expensive aftermarket parts.
Understanding the Process and Precautions
Before diving in, it’s crucial to understand that modifying your vehicle’s settings can have unforeseen consequences. This guide is for informational purposes only, and any modifications you make are at your own risk. We strongly recommend backing up your existing settings before making any changes. Incorrect adjustments could impact your vehicle’s warranty, safety systems (like adaptive cruise control and cameras), and overall performance. Always prioritize safety and consult with a professional if you’re unsure about any step.
This method allows you to fine-tune your RS7’s ride height by adjusting the air suspension’s adaptation values. Essentially, you’re instructing the car’s computer to recognize a different “normal” ride height.
Lowering Your Audi RS7: Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation:
- Park your RS7 on a level surface and ensure it’s in “Auto” mode. Close all doors and confirm the car is not in towing or tire changing mode. Opening a door during the procedure will interrupt it.
- Connect your VCDS cable and launch the software.
Accessing and Modifying Suspension Settings:
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Navigate to Module 34 – Level Control: Within VCDS, select “Select Control Module” and choose “34 – Level Control.”
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Record Current Values (10 – Adaptation): Go to “10 – Adaptation” and note the four values for “Body height front left/right wheel house edge” and “Body height rear left/right wheel house edge.” These factory settings serve as your baseline.
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Calculate New Values: Add your desired drop in millimeters (mm) to each of the recorded values. Audi generally recommends a maximum drop of 17mm. Exceeding this limit may negatively affect other systems. For example, if your front left value is 384.5 and you want a 10mm drop, your new value would be 394.5. Rounding is acceptable.
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Obtain Security Access (Security Access): To modify adaptation values, you’ll need a security access code. This code can be found on various online resources dedicated to VCDS coding. A reputable source is http://www.stemei.de/pages/coding/audi-a6-4g/elektronische-tieferlegung-des-aas.php under the VCDS section. Enter this code in the “Security Access” section.
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Confirm Security Access: You should receive a confirmation message. If not, troubleshoot before proceeding.
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Enter Basic Settings (04 – Basic Settings): Navigate to “04 – Basic Settings.” Caution: Never select “Reset All Adaptations.” This action requires dealer intervention to rectify.
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Activate and Calibrate: Follow this sequence precisely:
- “Activate Level Control” – Hit “Go” and wait for completion.
- “Delete Calibration For Level Control” – Hit “Go.” An air suspension fault code is expected.
- “Start Up to Reference Level” – Hit “Go.” The car will adjust its height. Do not use “Start Up to Reference Level Production.”
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Input New Adaptation Values (10 – Adaptation): Return to “10 – Adaptation.” For each wheel, select the corresponding “Body height…wheel house edge” channel, enter your calculated new value, and click “Do it.” You should receive a confirmation message for each adjustment.
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Final Calibration (04 – Basic Settings): Return to “04 – Basic Settings” and select “Calibrate Level Control.” Hit “Go” and wait for completion. Then, select “Activate Level Control” and hit “Go” again.
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Clear Fault Codes (02 – Fault Codes): Navigate to “02 – Fault Codes” and clear any remaining codes.
Post-Lowering Adjustments and Considerations
After successfully lowering your RS7, consider adjusting the suspension settings in the green menu (accessed by holding the Car and Menu buttons) to prevent automatic lowering at higher speeds and enable raising the suspension at any speed. Change the “suspension” value in “carmenuoperation” to “5”, save, and reboot the MMI. This provides greater control over your lowered suspension. Remember to always drive cautiously and be aware of potential clearance issues with your new ride height.
Conclusion
Lowering your Audi RS7 with VCDS offers a customizable and affordable way to achieve a sportier stance. By meticulously following these steps and exercising caution, you can transform your vehicle’s appearance. However, always remember that modifying your car carries inherent risks. Proceed responsibly and consult a professional if needed. Share your experiences and results to help others navigate this process.
