Should I change wheels to improve ride and tyre noise on A6?

[wilsonajs]

I have just changed from a 54 plate A6 SE saloon 4.2 petrol riding on 17" wheels to an 09 plate A6 S line avant 3.0 TFSI on 19". Both cars have a Continental Contact Sport on each corner. Although the tyres on the old A6 were nearly new, the tyres on the new car are nearly worn out.

After one week of driving my impression is that tyre noise and ride are both significantly worse on the new car.

I guess with an estate I should expect a bit more noise coming in through the back. Maybe the worn tyres are having an effect too.

Even so the tyre noise at motorway speeds is more than I expected and the ride is noticeably bumpier.

If I change from 19" to 17" wheels would things improve? Anyone want to swap?

Also I've heard of an optional lowered S line suspension - how can I check I don't have that and is there something I can do if I do?

Thanks all,
Andy

[wilsonajs]

Dr G said:

S-Line A6s get sport suspension as standard.

17s or 18s will make a modest improvement, yes.

I'd keep the 19s for resale time, personally. The 17s go for little in the summer months.

That's a good point about keeping the 19s for resale. Time to clear a corner in the garage for them...

On the suspension height, I've read that from the 2009 facelift onwards the A6 S-line/Le Mans came with sports suspension that was 20mm lower than the SE as standard but you could take a no cost option that gave you suspension lowered by 30mm.

Does anyone know how I can find out which option this car has? Presumably there are some reference points I could measure to see what height above ground/axle I've got?

Thanks everyone.