Lowering your Audi S7 can dramatically improve its appearance and handling. While lowering links and modules offer solutions, using VCDS (Vag-Com Diagnostic System) provides a cost-effective alternative for electronically adjusting your S7’s suspension. This guide outlines the steps involved in lowering your S7 with VCDS, offering a DIY approach to achieving your desired stance.
Understanding the Risks and Prerequisites
Before proceeding, understand that modifying your vehicle’s suspension can impact its warranty and other systems. This procedure is performed at your own risk. Ensure your S7 is on level ground, in “Auto” mode, with all doors closed, and not in towing or tire-changing mode. A stable internet connection and a genuine VCDS cable are required.
Step-by-Step Lowering Procedure with VCDS
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Access Level Control Module: Connect your VCDS cable and launch the software. Navigate to “Module 34 – Level Control.”
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Record Current Values: In “10 – Adaptation,” note the four values for “Body height front left/right wheel house edge” and “Body height rear left/right wheel house edge.” These represent your factory suspension settings.
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Calculate New Values: Add your desired drop in millimeters (mm) to each of the recorded values. Audi recommends a maximum drop of 17mm. Exceeding this may affect systems like cameras and adaptive cruise control. For a more precise adjustment, measure the distance from the wheel center to the fender edge after completing step 8 and then add your desired drop.
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Obtain Security Access Code: Access the security access section in VCDS and enter the necessary code. This code can be found on various online forums dedicated to VCDS and Audi modifications. A successful entry will display a confirmation message.
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Activate and Delete Calibration: Under “04 – Basic Settings,” select “Activate Level Control” and then “Delete Calibration For Level Control.” Your car will likely display an “Air Suspension Malfunction” error – this is normal. Do not select “Reset All Adaptations” under any circumstances, as this will require dealer intervention.
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Start Up to Reference Level: Choose “Start Up to Reference Level.” The car will adjust its height, accompanied by hissing noises. Wait for the process to complete and the status to change to “not running.” Do not use the “start up to reference level production” option.
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Input New Adaptation Values: Return to “10 – Adaptation” and enter the new calculated values for each wheel, confirming each entry with “Do it.”
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Calibrate and Activate Level Control: Go back to “04 – Basic Settings” and select “Calibrate Level Control” followed by “Activate Level Control.”
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Clear Fault Codes: Navigate to “02 – Fault Codes” and clear any existing codes.
Disabling Auto-Lowering and Enabling Raise at Any Speed
To prevent the car from automatically lowering at higher speeds and enable raising the suspension regardless of speed:
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Access Green Menu: Hold the “Car” and “Menu” buttons simultaneously to access the hidden green menu.
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Modify Suspension Settings: Navigate to “car,” then “carmenuoperation,” and scroll down to “suspension.” Change the value to “5” and save by pressing the center menu knob.
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Reboot MMI: Reboot the Multi Media Interface (MMI) by pressing the “Menu” button, center knob, and top right soft button together. Cycle the ignition off and on.
Confirmation and Sharing
After completing these steps, your Audi S7 should be lowered to your desired height. Share your experiences and results with the online Audi community to help others considering this modification. Remember, this guide provides information for educational purposes only. Consult a professional mechanic if you have any doubts or concerns.
