I just got my 2000 A4 1.8t w/ non-sport tires and wheels. When I drove the car, the ride felt a little firm, but it didn't feel bad. My mom complained the ride wasn't so nice, but it was fine and I liked the way it handled. But, being a reader of this site, I know that dealers over inflate the tires, so I checked the tire pressure. The front tires came to about 45 psi while the rear tires were at 32 psi which I believe is the correct pressure. What I want to know is, why would the dealer over inflate two tires and leave the other two alone? Does this configuration give the best combination of ride and handling? I'm thinking of putting all the tires at 36-38 psi, good idea or bad idea? What does everyone else use, and what kind of fuel economy, ride and handling do u get? Thanks for the time.

I keep all four at 36 on my 99.5 1.8TQM:

32 base (for driver and one perhaps passenger, roughly)
+3 for M+S
+1 for slight handling improvement & the occasional golf bag :)

ntntnt

....

...without giving further explanation. So, I'm not sure technically why they need it, only that the manual says so.