I did some searching but could not find exactly what I was looking for. Is the ride height of a the standard suspension higher than the "standard" setting of a MS with air suspension? I have heard that the standard suspesion ride height is comparable to the high setting on the air suspension which concerns me cause the car really looks strange when the air suspension is on the high setting. I really don't car about the air suspension and would like to save a few bucks on the car but I don't want it to impact the overall look of the vehicle. If anyone has any side by side comparisions or any really world info it would be greatly appeciated! Thanks
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Air suspension ride height vs. Standard suspension ride height
- Thread starter Subhuman
- Start date
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- Driving Dynamics Model S
Gizmotoy
Active Member
The coil suspension sits 0.63" higher than the air does in normal. I believe, but someone will have to confirm, that the air on high sits 0.75" inches above normal.
That said, while I don't have pictures for you, I compared a coil and an air at standard in the parking lot of the Santana Row store, and couldn't tell which was which visually.
So, yes it is higher. Maybe you'll notice it. I seriously doubt anyone else will.
What else are you looking for in a suspensions? Comfort? Performance? Road feel? I went back and forth on these recently, along with long test drives in both, so maybe I can help.
That said, while I don't have pictures for you, I compared a coil and an air at standard in the parking lot of the Santana Row store, and couldn't tell which was which visually.
So, yes it is higher. Maybe you'll notice it. I seriously doubt anyone else will.
What else are you looking for in a suspensions? Comfort? Performance? Road feel? I went back and forth on these recently, along with long test drives in both, so maybe I can help.
Thanks for the info Gizmotoy. Very helpful. I'm not really to concerned about drive ability and handling. I am leaning towards the coils because of the obvious cost savings and savings on potential future repair or replacement bills. I am coming from an M3 and don't know if it is just because I am getting older but I kind of had it with really stiff suspension. I am more interested in just crusing which I suppose leans me to the the air suspension. Um, I think I just confused myself now. Maybe I am more interested in air than I thought.
steve841
Active Member
I have coils, I have driven many hundreds of miles on air. At normal they look about the same. I have not made measurements.
Coils will give more "connection" a feeling for the road. I find myself driving more sportly with coils. I like a comfy ride but the air suspension leave me a little "disconnected" from the driving experience. Air feels like suspension made of marshmallows, maybe not that bad but I loose confidence in brisk cornering.
As a pro-mechanic, I like coils, they are long term reliable and really cheap to fix. . Air is a very complicated way to do a very simple operation. And when air needs service, it can cost thousands.
Coils will give more "connection" a feeling for the road. I find myself driving more sportly with coils. I like a comfy ride but the air suspension leave me a little "disconnected" from the driving experience. Air feels like suspension made of marshmallows, maybe not that bad but I loose confidence in brisk cornering.
As a pro-mechanic, I like coils, they are long term reliable and really cheap to fix. . Air is a very complicated way to do a very simple operation. And when air needs service, it can cost thousands.
Scannerman
Member
Standard Model S is Coil unless you had paid extra (seem to be standard now) $1500 for the air suspension?
I do find either the suspension is a bit soft or MS is a bit low. I having my bottom thump on bumps a lot more often than any cars I have had owned (previous Lexus GS 350, etc.,)
Tesla doesn't offer Air Suspension add on after purchase huh?
I do find either the suspension is a bit soft or MS is a bit low. I having my bottom thump on bumps a lot more often than any cars I have had owned (previous Lexus GS 350, etc.,)
Tesla doesn't offer Air Suspension add on after purchase huh?
Olle
Active Member
not that it matters anymore since air is standard now...
But our existing cars without air are indeed higher, especially in the rear, when empty.
Since air is self leveling, a loaded non air can be same or even lower... something to think about
But our existing cars without air are indeed higher, especially in the rear, when empty.
Since air is self leveling, a loaded non air can be same or even lower... something to think about
City Racer
Member
Can anyone weigh in on whether air suspension makes any significant difference when driving over uneven road surfaces? Does it buffer the car better from rocking?
Olle
Active Member
I have tried both. Spring rates seem to be the same. It is more about ride height control
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