05 Q45 steering/handling

[StarPD]

I forgot in which post I was seeking advice on how to remedy severe understeer in my 2005 Q45 and discussed oil/fuel consumption issues, so I'm starting a new thread.

After playing with tire pressures to no avail, I took it back to the dealer and complained about severe understeer and vague and overboosted steering again. While it was there I had a 4 wheel alignment done. The tech re-set tire pressures from 34 front/37 rear to 35 all around. It helped immensely. Subsequently, I again changed tire pressures, this time exactly the opposite of my old setting. They are now 37 psi frront and 34 rear. The car now has almost a neutral handling balance and drives very well. Ride is a little stiff, especially at the front, and especially over sharp bumps like raised manhole covers and bridge expansion joints that are mismatched. I may drop pressures to 35 front and 33 rear to improve the ride and still retain some of the slight improvement in handling the different pressures provided over all of them being the same.

Tracking seems better and some of the vagueness in the steering is even better. Steering doesn't have the overboosted feeling it used to and has better road feel. Not sure, but I'm wondering if my senior tech didn't do a few things to the car that he didn't note on the RO. I know it sure drives a lot better, and I'm satisfied now.

Car is undergoing an oil consumption test by the dealer. My own check at 1250 miles shows less than 1/3 quart consumed, which would equate to approximately 4500 miles per quart. Not great, but not bad for a VK motor. We'll see what actual consumption is when I take the car in for an oil change at 3500 miles.

Fuel mileage seems to be about the same as before my trip. Based on fuel and oil consumption, my theory that I seated the rings better on my 7200 mile trip are not born out, and apparently wrong. Current fuel mileage is around 19 to 21 mpg mixed city/freeway driving with A/C off, not bad, but not as good as the 21 to 23 mpg of my '94 "t" model.

All in all, I'm now very pleased with the car. It has all the nice features I could ask for except the cooled front seats and retractible rear window shade. Special mention of STANDARD features I like a LOT that were not on my already excellent '94 "t" model:Rain sensing windshield wipersTerrific HID low beamsAutomatic headlightsAutomatic headlight levelingNav system w/ voice trip guidanceDual zone climate controlDual position adjustable shocksEXCELLENT leather sport seats5 disc in-dash CD changerSatellite radioPower trunk open w/remote & close w/ trunk lid mounted switch (for safety)Tilt/slide GLASS sunroof w/sliding shadeVoice operated controls for sound system and climate controlSteering wheel controls for voice system, sound system, and cruise controlSunglass storage comp't in overheadCompass in rear view mirrorSun visors w/ extenders and secondary visors to allow front and side protection for visionDual level center consoleTop section of center console compartment opens from either sideLARGE cup holders with removable section for even larger cups340 HP!!!!!5 Speed auto trans300 watt sound system with 10 speakers and subwoofer in rear deckTrip computer w/ fuel mileage computer and other data displayTire pressure monitoring system w/ exact pressure display for each tire"Homelink" garage door openers for 2 doorsPop-out door storage in both front doors.Assist handles over ALL doors

Since getting a new front bumper to replace the one damaged by Rocky Racoon on my trip and the rear bumper driver's side corner scuff repaired, it looks like brand new. I think I have another keeper.

[qship96]

Fantastic, glad you are finally happy with the Q !!! How are YOU doing with the post surgury routine????

[StarPD]

Fantastic, glad you are finally happy with the Q !!! How are YOU doing with the post surgury routine????

Yes, car is finally what I expected. It's now fun to take freeway ramps at double posted speed

Post surgery recovery not as smooth or fast as I expected. Must be my age. Sternum still makes popping sound when I breathe. especially when laying on my back and trying to sleep. That's annoying. I still have some other issues, most of them connected to the terrible shape my entire cardiovascular system is in. S'okay though, I'll just have to work harder. I WILL get completely better though.

I appreciate your caring. Thanks many times over.