Air Suspension
It's time to change the tow car, 1900Kg of van needs something substantial. So, flicking through the various car reviews you can't help but notice that the reviewer was provided with the test car with a high specification. In the opinion of the reviewer (who just happens to have the air suspension option fitted to the test car), it is always worth spending an extra 2K plus to get the air suspension. Perhaps something to factor in when new?
However, for mere mortals contemplating a used version, I do wonder if it really makes such a difference that it almost becomes a necessity? The fashion to fit larger and larger alloy wheels with expensive skinny expensive tyres that compromise comfort sees no sign of abating. Perhaps this very action encourages buyers to opt for air suspension to smooth out the roads?
If you own a large 4X4 (Q7, Touareg, ML, etc) did you buy the standard steel spring model and perhaps later regret it, or was the comfort OK on standard springs?
Comments
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I've just bought a used ML350. After previously having had a R Class Merc with air suspension all round I hunted round for another car with Airmatic suspension, it gives a comfortable ride when solo & also has the advantage of self levelling when hitched up to the caravan ... this ML also has various trick suspension settings, one being a 'towing mode' - being honest though,I'm not too what it's actually doing.
If there was an air suspension version of the car I was looking at, I'd certainly look for one with it.
I can't afford the cars I like brand new so only buy second hand. 😉
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We tow a 1900kg single axle with a Touareg with standard suspension. Can I feel the van on the back well yes I find the ride perfectly acceptable. Worth saying ours is the Escape model which 18” wheels. So I can’t comment about a blinged up model fitted with 21” wheels
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I am currently looking at the new Toureg, quite a nice car if you can cope with the sheer size (and you are not offended by the flat bottom steering wheel). The air suspension option, although V expensive does come with trailer control (??? I think it helps with reversing etc) and rear wheel steering which "apparently" gives the car the turning circle of a Golf.
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Thanks for all the comments, much appreciated. For those interested in buying new or having a pcp deal, VW are offering the new Touareg with 0% interest. Still heck of a lot of money though! Think I will get a good used 4X4 - perhaps with air suspension if one becomes available.
By the way, just found out that post 2013 BMW X5s need additional cooling costing up to 3K fitted!
With the exception of MB (ML?GLE), it seems our German 4X4s need an extra 2-3K if buying used to be spent on new cooling fans, electrics and tow hitch. Perhaps the usual school run doesn't warrant additional cooling
ps notice how all the tow car reviewers mention £700 - £1200 as the new cost of the towing equipment on list price. Do they assume that all caravaners will buy a new car and thus not be affected by a huge bill when they want to buy used? Perhaps if the reviewer were to mention the horrendous costs for towing equipment when retrofitted, some of the manufacturers would put decent cooling in as standard and save us a fortune!!
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Just word of warning although the ride with the caravan attached was good on my X5, we had a blowout on the left rear bag in Belgium last year, we hit pot hole in the motorway and would have been left high dry if I had not read of this possibility with the bag suspension and been carrying a spare, I have now converted it to coils as to not go through having to change a suspension bag on the side of the road again.
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So do you now carry a spare steel spring ..... just in case? 😉
My R Class suffered a leak on both rear air springs but I just replaced them with pattern springs ..... I'm not sure I'd have even contemplated replacing them at the road side. Incidently, the R Class had air bags at the back on all variations of suspension.
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The issue around cooling is what the car was originally built to in terms of emissions, that could also include tyre sizes, body mouldings to meet the requisite banding.
An aftermarket OEM towing set up may include revised cooling components like fans and pumps, maybe not. On my previous W221 S Klasse S350 I had a retrofitted towbar and cooling fan/pump revision fitted. A gearbox was in the region of £12k if overheated. The factory electric tow bar was a £800 option new, retrofitted £2k, plus fitting at £500, plus cooling at £800. I only paid the fitting charge as MB didn't supply the rest in time for a towing holiday, and they hired a Discovery to boot.
If buying a new car make the towbar part of the deal.
Non OEM towbars are available, together with wiring kits at apparent low prices. Can you afford to pay for damaged electronics that void the warranty by not getting a factory fitted towbar set up on a newer car?
In respect of air suspension, both my S350 and my now GLE have it. On the S it was standard, on the GLE it's part of the grade (AMG Line).
A Mercedes E Class All Terrain has a factory fitted electric deploying towbar as standard, that may be an option for you. They go for silly low prices second hand in comparison to new list.
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