Cars with Air Suspension for Sale: Everything You Need to Know

Hello Jake! Are you in the market for a new car with a smooth and comfortable ride? If so, you might be interested in checking out cars with air suspension. This type of suspension system is becoming increasingly popular among car lovers who value a luxurious and stable ride. In this article, we will explore the ins and outs of cars with air suspension for sale, including their advantages and disadvantages, as well as some frequently asked questions. Let’s dive in!

Introduction

What is air suspension?

Air suspension is a type of suspension system that uses air springs to support the weight of a vehicle. Instead of traditional steel springs, air suspension uses strategically placed air bags filled with compressed air to absorb the shock and vibration that comes from driving on uneven surfaces. This technology has been used in commercial trucks and buses for many years, but is now becoming more common in passenger cars as well.

How does it work?

The air suspension system in a car works by using an onboard air compressor to fill the air springs with compressed air. The level of pressure in the air bags can be adjusted to change the ride height of the car, making it possible to drive over rough terrain or clear speed bumps with ease. Many modern cars with air suspension also come equipped with an electronic control system that allows the driver to adjust the stiffness of the suspension for a more comfortable or sporty ride.

What are the benefits?

Cars with air suspension offer many benefits, including:

  • Improved ride quality
  • Ability to adjust ride height
  • Reduced noise and vibration
  • Enhanced handling and stability
  • Improved fuel efficiency

What are the drawbacks?

While air suspension has many advantages, there are also some drawbacks to consider:

  • Higher cost of maintenance and repair
  • More complex system that can be prone to failure
  • Higher cost of replacement parts
  • Potential for air leaks or compressor failure
  • Can be more difficult to repair or modify

What types of cars have air suspension?

Air suspension is most commonly found in luxury cars and SUVs, although it is also becoming more common in mainstream vehicles as well. Some popular makes and models that offer air suspension include:

  • Mercedes-Benz S-Class
  • Audi A8
  • BMW 7-Series
  • Porsche Panamera
  • Cadillac Escalade
  • Land Rover Range Rover
  • Tesla Model S and Model X

What should I look for when buying a car with air suspension?

If you are interested in buying a car with air suspension, there are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Check the manufacturer’s warranty for air suspension components
  • Research the cost of replacement parts and maintenance
  • Test drive the car to see how it handles and rides
  • Inspect the air bags for signs of wear or damage
  • Make sure the car has a reliable onboard air compressor

What are some common problems with air suspension?

While air suspension can offer a smoother and more comfortable ride, there are some common problems that can arise, including:

  • Air leaks in the air bags or lines
  • Failure of the onboard air compressor
  • Problems with the electronic control system
  • Wear and tear on the air bags or shock absorbers

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages of Cars with Air Suspension

Improved ride quality

One of the main advantages of cars with air suspension is the improved ride quality that they offer. The air bags can absorb more shock and vibration than traditional steel springs, resulting in a smoother and more comfortable ride.

Adjustable ride height

Another benefit of air suspension is the ability to adjust the ride height of the car. This can be useful for driving on rough terrain or clearing speed bumps, and can also help to improve the aerodynamics of the car for better fuel efficiency.

Reduced noise and vibration

Because air suspension can absorb more shock and vibration, it can also help to reduce the noise and vibration that comes from driving on bumpy roads. This can result in a more peaceful and relaxing ride.

Enhanced handling and stability

Cars with air suspension often offer better handling and stability than those with traditional suspension systems. This is because the air bags can adjust to changes in weight distribution and road conditions, resulting in a more stable and predictable ride.

Improved fuel efficiency

Because air suspension can adjust the ride height of the car, it can also help to improve the aerodynamics of the vehicle. This can result in better fuel efficiency, which can save you money on gas over time.

Disadvantages of Cars with Air Suspension

Higher cost of maintenance and repair

One of the main drawbacks of air suspension is the higher cost of maintenance and repair. Because it is a more complex system, it can be more expensive to fix or replace components than traditional suspension systems.

More complex system that can be prone to failure

Because air suspension is a more complex system, it can also be more prone to failure. This can result in costly repairs or even safety issues if the suspension fails while driving.

Higher cost of replacement parts

Another drawback of air suspension is the higher cost of replacement parts. Air bags, compressors, and other components can be more expensive to replace than traditional suspension parts, which can add up over time.

Potential for air leaks or compressor failure

Because air suspension relies on compressed air to function, there is always the potential for air leaks or compressor failure. This can result in a loss of suspension function and a bumpy or uncomfortable ride.

Can be more difficult to repair or modify

Finally, air suspension can be more difficult to repair or modify than traditional suspension systems. This is because it requires specialized knowledge and tools to work on, which may not be readily available at all repair shops.

Cars with Air Suspension: Complete Information Table

Make and Model
Year
Price Range
Air Suspension Type
Warranty
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
2021
$109,800 – $151,600
AIRMATIC®
4 years / 50,000 miles
Audi A8
2021
$86,500 – $97,800
Adaptive Air Suspension
4 years / 50,000 miles
BMW 7-Series
2021
$86,800 – $103,000
Integral Active Steering and Adaptive Air Suspension
4 years / 50,000 miles
Porsche Panamera
2021
$88,900 – $194,800
Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM)
4 years / 50,000 miles
Cadillac Escalade
2021
$76,195 – $99,995
Magnetic Ride Control
4 years / 50,000 miles
Land Rover Range Rover
2021
$92,000 – $209,500
Electronic Air Suspension
4 years / 50,000 miles
Tesla Model S
2021
$79,990 – $139,990
Smart Air Suspension
4 years / 50,000 miles
Tesla Model X
2021
$89,990 – $139,990
Smart Air Suspension
4 years / 50,000 miles

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I know if a car has air suspension?

You can usually find out if a car has air suspension by checking the manufacturer’s website or the car’s owner’s manual. You can also ask the dealership or seller directly.

2. Are cars with air suspension more expensive to buy?

Yes, cars with air suspension tend to be more expensive than those with traditional suspension systems. However, the cost can vary depending on the make and model of the car.

3. Can air suspension be repaired?

Yes, air suspension can be repaired if it fails. However, it may be more expensive to repair than traditional suspension systems, and may require specialized knowledge and tools.

4. What should I do if my air suspension fails while driving?

If your air suspension fails while driving, you should try to safely pull over to the side of the road as soon as possible. Avoid driving over rough terrain or speed bumps, as this can cause further damage to the suspension system.

5. How often should I have my air suspension serviced?

The recommended service interval for air suspension can vary depending on the make and model of the car. Check the owner’s manual or contact the manufacturer for specific recommendations.

6. Can I modify my air suspension system?

It is possible to modify your air suspension system, but it can be more difficult and expensive than modifying traditional suspension systems. Make sure to consult with a qualified technician before making any modifications.

7. Are cars with air suspension more fuel efficient?

Yes, cars with air suspension can be more fuel efficient than those with traditional suspension systems because they can adjust the ride height of the car for better aerodynamics.

Conclusion

As you can see, cars with air suspension offer many benefits for those who value a smooth and comfortable ride. However, they also come with some potential drawbacks and require more maintenance than traditional suspension systems. If you are interested in buying a car with air suspension, make sure to do your research and test drive the car before making a decision. And as always, make sure to stay safe on the road!

Thank you for reading this article about cars with air suspension for sale. We hope you found it informative and helpful. If you have any further questions or comments, please feel free to reach out to us.

Disclaimer Regarding Risks

This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. Any decision to purchase a car with air suspension should be made after careful consideration of the potential risks and benefits. The authors of this article assume no responsibility for any damages or injuries that may result from the use or misuse of this information.