Suspension Adjustment to Ease Jitters

[WXL]

I have a 2007 S-type 3.0 sport with sports suspension and low profile tyres. Only 40k on the clock. The ride isn't what I was expecting from a Jaguar - I wanted to be wafted from A to B without feeling all of the bumps in the road. So my question is: might the ride be improved by replacing the current wheels with smaller wheels and larger tyres? I'm not mechanically minded myself, but would welcome any thoughts from others.

[J44EAG]

Sports suspension by its very definition is essentially for the faster, more progressive driver and style. As such, Sports settings will tend to be on the firmer side. This is the reason for offering two rather different spring, damper and wheel size options. ie Sport or Comfort specs.

Reducing rim diameter and increasing the percentage height of tyre side walls can certainly soften a suspension a little. So too can altering tyre pressures on the standard Sport suspension. The Owners Handbook lists tyre pressure options depending on vehicle use on the various wheel and rim combinations offered to a new prospective owner, ex factory and at original build stage.

So that is a basic outline on the subject. Ask more questions if you wish.

Mike K

[jeff1954]

Hi WXL The sport model was made that way, with stiffer suspension low profile tyres ect. You could change the springs for the standard type but you couldn't put higher profile tyres onto your wheels as that would effectively change the rolling radius of the wheels ie making them bigger which would effect your speedo. So you would have to get smaller wheels to accommodate a larger profile tyres. Having said all that I think you would feel a big difference if you change the springs. I have a SE model with 18 inch wheels and 245/40 tyres and I don't find the ride uncomfortable. There are people on here that have gone from standard to sport springs, so someone might have some for sale.

Hope this is of some help.

Jeff

[jeff1954]

Mike got his post in whilst I was writing mine but I think you'l get my drift if you will pardon the pun.

Jeff

[WXL]

Thanks, Gents, for the prompt replies; looks like the easiest way ahead is via springs - I'll ask my friendly local garage