Opinions wanted! Rear air springs or coil/shock?

[timmyc]

I bought my X years ago and the previous owner had converted the rear to a coil/shock system. Didn't bother to delete the error code. It's time for a suspension refresh.

I have the opportunity to go back to the air spring as there is a donor car in the local yard and I have time to grab the components. So, for those of you who have gone to coil/shock from air, what do you like/dislike? Or vice versa.

Our X is a weekend driver, and I do tow a trailer from time to time and we plan on getting a 21' travel trailer for trips.

Thanks, all!

[andrewwynn]

I was convinced I needed air spring and I used the crap out of them on my e53 but when I switched to e70 two years ago I accidentally bought one with coil springs. It will sag pretty good when I over load it but even with 6-700# of tools in the bag (not overloaded), I don't even notice the sag and what I do notice is it's a much more comfortable ride.

I used to think people were crazy to do an air spring delete but if you don't regularly haul ≥ 1000# of crap I think you can be very happy with the softer ride.

[Henn28]

I’m a fan of the rear air springs only as the system is very easy to work on and uncomplicated. I also like the ride they give. They are also relatively inexpensive new from Arnott, and others I presume.

I don’t have the four corner system on my E53, but my wife’s Jeep had it and while it was great when it worked, once it began to leak it was hell to troubleshoot and parts are very expensive (front struts especially). I converted that Grand Cherokee to springs.

[andrewwynn]

I had the basic rear axle e53 and was happy to have vs. 2 axle I had no interest in the high/low option just self leveling when I had gvw nearing 7000# but I do get away with coil now. Will be harder to work on rear suspension with preloaded spring I'm sure but I'll cross that when it comes

[Bdc101]

Do you tow now with your coil springs, and do you like the way it tows? I find my X (which also has four-wheel coil springs) to be extremely stable. However I use a weight distributing hitch. It doesn't sag in the back at all with the WDH. My trailer is 18 feet and about 4,000lbs fully loaded.

[Clockwork]

I LOVE my factory rear only air ride. It is soooo helpful when hauling a trailer OR just having heavy loads in trhunk OR lots of people.
I have replaced my OE bags with Arnott, just out of preventative maintenance, about 5+ years ago. I definitely prefer it for its option to level the vehicle.

[timmyc]

Thanks, all for your input!

I don't regularly tow much, now. Mostly a trailer full of tree limbs and brush after clearing and cleaning our property and them some very heavy loads of boulders for building retaining walls. Fortunately that is happening less and less as our projects are winding down, but the trips to the dump with tree limbs and brush will be ongoing.

The X tows great right now. That said, I haven't towed anything of significance at highway speeds. The travel trailer is on the 10 year plan, so we may not even have the X by then, but I see no reason to get rid of it unless the 4.4 won't handle the trailer. We have looked at diesel e70's and that would obviously be a good hauler. Would definitely be using a weight distribution hitch.

Another question I have is; How about the spirited driving days? How does it handle with air versus coil? We have some really fun twistys in our area that I LOVE to drive, hard. Again, it's not that often, but I would not want to lose the feel of that thing planted in the corners if the air would subject the ride to a mushy feel. That's another upgrade that I have slated. Adjustable camber.

This is the one and only X we have ever owned (many bimmers) and we love it. As you all know, it is a labor of love, but it really drives like no other. And it's funny how the looks really haven't changed all that much. My daughter has an F15, white as well, and when they are parked next to each other it is uncanny how similar they are! Wow. Back on track, now. I think I am going to go to the yard and see how much it will be for me to grab all of the components. Does anyone have any idea on how much time it will take to pull everything? If the bags look too old, I'll just leave those. Mostly need the compressor and related parts from the trunk.

Thanks again for your time and insight!

[andrewwynn]

The e53 with air felt tighter in the twisties but I can def go faster in the e70 with the springs 35% more HP and torque.

More body roll but softer ride it's an ok trade off.

https://www.icloud.com/sharedalbum/#B0Z5yeZFhU8G6Y

The third to last is prob my favorite. It was snowing out so I wasn't pushing too hard but that's a very fun road.

The air springs are firmer. It was very noticeable on wife's e70 vs. mine. And on our e53 as well (role was reversed I had air in the e53 she had springs).

Once you get into a tight turn it locks in and you can power though the curves regardless coil or air.

I was very happy to have the air in the e53 and I'm about equally happy I accidentally ended up with coil on the e70.

[andrewwynn]

Two axle air spring I think everything of concern is in the trunk well so you can prob get it all out in about 60-90 minutes tops. Could be half that especially with impact tools.


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[timmyc]

Originally Posted by andrewwynn

The e53 with air felt tighter in the twisties but I can def go faster in the e70 with the springs 35% more HP and torque.

More body roll but softer ride it's an ok trade off.

https://www.icloud.com/sharedalbum/#B0Z5yeZFhU8G6Y

The third to last is prob my favorite. It was snowing out so I wasn't pushing too hard but that's a very fun road.

The air springs are firmer. It was very noticeable on wife's e70 vs. mine. And on our e53 as well (role was reversed I had air in the e53 she had springs).

Once you get into a tight turn it locks in and you can power though the curves regardless coil or air.

I was very happy to have the air in the e53 and I'm about equally happy I accidentally ended up with coil on the e70.

Thanks for bring the videos! Pretty fun POV! Is that just with your iPhone?

My schedule is clear for tomorrow and the weather looks good, so I think I'll go grab what I need for the install and not even mess with the bags that are on the car. I'll order new.

I do have impact tools to use (what leaps and bounds cordless tools have made!) so that will make the job go fairly quick. Pretty excited to see how the ride compares. And to get rid of the stupid error on the dash!

I'll let you all know how it goes and my impressions of the ride.