Do any of you guys think the TL-S ride is a little bumpy? I live in Houston, TX and I know our roads aren't Cali smooth but I notice my ride is extra bumpy. Every little bump in the road feels intensified and it just does not seem to be smooth unless there are no bumps in the road. Is it just my TL-S or its normal for everyone. Please reply.

 

It's smooth to me, and I get nothing but compliments everytime someone rides with me.
I hope you expected something that is a little firm when you bought it. That comes with the performance part of a 'performance luxury' car.
Myself, I can't wait to put springs on (and maybe stiffer shocks) so it handles better.

 

I've heard a couple people on this board say the ride is bumpy but my typeS rides silky smooth. Smoother than my VW Passat used to. I've got tires at 34psi. If you've got your pressure closer to 40 that might be why its harsh.
Besides the typeS doesnt offer a very "firm" ride, just firmer than the TLP.

 

I'm in Houston, and I have comptech springs on my TL-S, and my ride is fine. (Unless it is on some crappy roads in Houston)...but for the most part it's how the road is.

 

I guess it all depends on what you drove previously. We drove a Q45...bigger, heavier, more luxury car. So, the Type S to us was seemed immediately bumpier. However, we took into account this is a more "performance" car and is lighter. So, yes it seems bumpier....however when I drove the 2000 Integra loaner provided.......it seemed pretty smooth. It's all in the perception.

 

I really should "proof" a posting before sending. What I meant was that after driving the 2000 Integra.......our Type S seemed really smooth.

Most embarassed:p

 

I use to have a 2000 Maxima so the rides are similar to my TL-S. So dropping my car with good springs and shocks will give it a better ride?

 

I just upped my tire pressure from 32 psi to 35 psi. There is a noticeable difference in ride quality. It's amazing what a few pounds of pressure will do.

 

Mine is smooth as butter (is butter actually smooth?). Just the difference from my CL to my TL is night and day, and my CL was a nice ride....

 

Have you been to dealer just recently?? Maybe they reset your tire pressure??

I was in the same situation as TL4Mo... going from S-Class to TLS, I immediately found the ride to be bumpy, but after couple days living in it, it actually isn't too bad at all.... and that's one compromise I would take for better handling...

Andy Kuo

 

I don't find the ride "bumpy" at all. I think it's a very good compromise between handling and ride aspects, although it does tend to get a little jittery over washboard-type surfaces.

 

No, I haven't been to the dealership lately, but my car is only 3 weeks old. So thank all of you guys who answered my questions! I will take all your advice into consideration. If anybody else have more advice, please do not hesitate to reply. Thanks everybody!

 

You know, I thought when I installed my H&R springs my ride would get stiffer. To my suprise, the ride quality seems to have gotten better. With the added CompTech Sways...Ohhh man. Talkin slot car here. Love the ride now. Just feels sweet. I used to drive a 911SC. It has that kind of feel to it now. (Porsche owners, I don't need any flames). Just real tight and hugs the pave like a magnet. Love it.

 

NOT!!

 

It really depends on the road condition you are driving on. I drive on cracked and broken pavements in the city a lot and can really feel the bumpy ride. The ride is super smooth once I drive on nice and flat highways. Therefore, I think the OEM absorbers are firm enough for my taste. However, I wish the OEM sway bars were thicker and the OEM tires were stickier, because there is just way too much body roll and too much tire squeaking during cornering.

 

CompTech Sways

 

BEst $300 I have ever spent! I even order the bar that goes across the engine compartment.

 

"I just upped my tire pressure from 32 psi to 35 psi. There is a noticeable difference in ride quality. It's amazing what a few pounds of pressure will do."

Exactly what I've found. Much more solid, and really seems less harsh/jiggly.

 

Azntrup, if you think the ride is bumpy now, I am not sure you would like it with new springs and shocks. What to expect from new springs, or new springs and shocks is that when you hit a small bump in the rode (this is all normal driving, nothing aggressive) your car will absorb the bumb better, and settle. Stock, the car might hit the bumb, and take a couple compressions on the springs to settle. New springs would absorb the bumb with the initial compression. This can mean a smoother ride (most people agree). BUT, with a big bump, like a nasty pot hole, it may jar you more with new springs as compared to stock. If you have lots of pot holes where you live, you may not like new springs. But speed bumps, transitioning from one road to another where it is uneven... everyone says new springs make the car more stable and smoother on those surfaces.
The sways people talk about will limit the roll the car has around corners, mainly long sweeping corners (like a clover-leaf on-ramp), or even quick lane changes. They are great, but for city driving (25 mph), you're probably not going to feel much. Very recommended, though.
The tire pressure... lower means your car will be bouncier (and ours come low from the dealer). Higher pressure will be stiffer, and you will feel bumps more, but it won't bounce as much. Just be careful if you do increase the pressure.
Sorry for the length, but I hope it helps.

 

I would think that upping PSI would be more harsh as the tires are firmer. Once I lowered from 34 to 32 and it felt smoother, this is on 99 TL though. Default should be 32.

 

I had the tires at 32 for 8 months and I just went to 34 and I like the ride much better. You would think that higher would be a rougher ride but 34 or 35 really made a difference. If you went to 37-40 that would probably be harsh but 34 is great.

 

you mean the strut tower bar, right?

 

also, i test drove the s for the first time yesterday and the ride was very smooth and floaty but then i drive an si everyday so it seems that way.

 

Its an upper strut tie-bar.

 

same thing.

 

I know. I was slightly intoxicated when I posted that.

 

woohoo!

 

Compared to my Lexus the TLS feels like I'm sitting on the frame itself.... of course the RX handles like a boat in comparison so I guess thats the compromise! The TLS is quite stiff just like the bimmers.

BTW, most of the roads here in LA are bombed out !