I don't like my BlueGT's ride quality, should I change the wheels and suspension?

[polo_enjoyer]

Until recently I had a 2017 1.2 TSI Polo and since upgrading to a BlueGT of the same year I have noticed the ride quality is quite a lot firmer and the road noise is also noticeably louder.
I was thinking of changing the wheels from the factory 17 inchers to a set of 15s like my previous car had, as well as changing the suspension to a softer setup (possibly OEM shocks/springs also from a TSI). Would this be a safe change or would the smaller wheels and softer suspension cause a dangerous decrease in handling/braking capabilities needed for the cars more powerful engine? If it is a safe modification to make what would you estimate the labour cost to be for the suspension change? And would It significantly decrease the value when I come to sell it?

Thanks in advance!

[2226]

Labour cost would equate to cost of a set of wrenches and sockets and some nitrile gloves. DIY it.
Well, that's what I'd do. I'm cheap like that.

Switching down to 15s would definitely get your some more comfort. I'd probably keep the BlueGT suspension, but then I'm not familiar with it. It could just be the same as the TSI or it could be slightly lowered like on the GTi.

I'd swap out wheels and tyres first, but make sure they clear the brakes. Google says they're 288mm, which is same as my 1.2TSI. I'm sure 288mm will clear a 15" depending on the wheel design.

If that's still too harsh then look at suspension. But remember you kind of lose a bit of that sporty handling that the BlueGT was meant to have.

I terms of the tyre size when downsizing to 15" from 17" the closest options will be a 205/55R15, 225/50R15 or a 185/60R15. Maybe that 185 will net you some better economy with its smaller contact patch. Maybe some clearance issue with the 225, but doubt it. 205/55 would be my choice. Either of those have roughly 40mm more sidewall height which is quite a bit more padding.

[SRGTD]

@polo_enjoyer; If you do change the size of your wheels and tyres, bear in mind that when you come to sell the car prospective buyers will probably expect it to have the original 17” Montani alloys fitted. If it has a smaller set of alloys / higher profile tyres than the factory originals, some buyers will be put off buying the car. Therefore IMHO it’s important to keep the original wheels and put them back on the car prior to resale.

Also, changing the wheels - and suspension if you decide to - is a modification for insurance purposes so be sure to inform your insurance company; not doing so could invalidate your policy. Depending on how mod-friendly your insurance company is, they may charge you an additional premium.

[polo_enjoyer]

Thanks a lot for the lengthy response, man! I'm assuming a suspension change is a pretty simple job bearing in mind I've got pretty much no mechanical experience?

[polo_enjoyer]

Yeah, that's good to keep in mind thanks for the tips!

[2226]

Thanks a lot for the lengthy response, man! I'm assuming a suspension change is a pretty simple job bearing in mind I've got pretty much no mechanical experience?

Bit of a pain the first time round if you're starting out, but it gets easier as you do more.
If just a once off then I'd probably pay someone to do it if the price is good and they included alignment.

The cost of doing it yourself comes down to tools include sockets, wrenches, spanners, hammer, tie-rod separator, coil spring compressors and band-aids. I always tend towards tools as I know I'll use them again.

The "fun" part is the suspense coil spring compressors add to the mix.

[amer6R]

15 is ok. But there are also softer side wall tires 17', and quiet ( les db)

[SRGTD]

15 is ok. But there are also softer side wall tires 17', and quiet ( les db)

Agree. If it was my car, I’d keep the original 17” alloys on the car and just change the tyres for something with less stiff sidewalls to give a more compliant ride. @polo_enjoyer; what brand of tyres do you currently have on your car? VW’s tyre of choice for many of their cars with larger alloys seems to be Bridgestone and they have very stiff sidewalls which will translate into a firm ride.

I know that ride quality is quite subjective and what one person would consider to be too firm, another person would find it to be perfectly OK. I owned a 2016 6c Polo GTI on 7Jx17” alloys with 215/40 R17 tyres (same size wheel / tyre set up as the BlueGT) and found the ride to be fine. My current 2020 Polo GTI+ has 7.5Jx18” alloys and 215/40 R18 tyres and I also find the ride quality to be perfectly OK.

[amer6R]

Also, check your tire pressure and tire wear
Droping -0.3 bar or few psi can also make a huge impact.

[2226]

15 is ok. But there are also softer side wall tires 17', and quiet ( les db)

Such as? Sidewall softness isn't actually a listed tyre spec so one would be going off personal recommendations from those who have noticed the difference.
How do you determine a tyre has a softer sidewall?

On my previous cheap budget vehicle I fitted some Pirelli tyres and those had no sidewall support at all. Much softer wall than the low-end tyres I was replacing. Cornering was outright dangerous. You could never tell what the tyre was going to do. Never trust a Pirelli on a special sale.

I've had the stock 215/40R17 Continental (PremiumContact 2, IIRC) on my Polo and changed to Yokohama BluEarth ES32 and it was just about the same feel. Actually much more wet grip with the Yokohama, but comfort was the same.

[amer6R]

you can press with finger when choosing at tire shop
sporty tire- stiffer side wall
stiffer sidewall better feel on steering wheel.

Maybe look at touring tires.
Sometimes if you want better stability with softer sidewall tires you need to add more pressure to conpensate.
I would play with pressure, its the cheapest option and can change a lot. For start.
For me i like to look at tire wear on sidewalls and see how much thread im using. And ofc the wear across the thread.
See how people set tires for autocross if you have time