Db9 2013. Air suspension yes or no?
Db9 2013. Air suspension yes or no?
Author
Discussion

NachoC

Original Poster:

1 posts

Wednesday
quotequote all
Hi everyone. Has anybody installed air suspension on a db9? Is it ok to do so?
I’ve found a used db9 volante from 2013/14 that has it installed (somehow strange as the compressor is in the boot) but I am not sure if I should consider it or run away from it!
Thanks in advance!

Dewi 2

1,727 posts

83 months

Wednesday
quotequote all

I would guess this must be a unique car, a 1 of 1.

Did the owner fail in their search for a comfortable limousine, so instead bought a sporty GT car? smile
The luggage space of a DB9 Coupe is less than a V8 Vantage. Even smaller capacity in the DB9 Volante, so it must be almost zilch with the air suspension compressor in the boot.

I understand air suspension is extremely comfortable, but the system has a reputation for failing as the cars age.
I have a comfortable saloon and a manual V8V. One for daily driving and one for occasional driving enjoyment. I like the extreme contrast. Long-term keepers, so not expensive.

To answer your question. For me it is a No.

paulrog1

1,148 posts

159 months

Wednesday
quotequote all
Wow!!

The air suspension retrofitted on this DB9.2 must change the driving dynamics massively, most probably making the sports cornering and high speed driving worse.

I don't understand some decision's some owners make to utterly ruin their car.

Still if you want a unique car....you've just found one.

andratch

24 posts

Yesterday (15:03)
quotequote all
High quality modern air suspension systems are quite good, and depending on your driving characteristics and your expectations from a handling standpoint, you may find it beneficial. After all, the Bugatti Chiron and Pagani Huayra both have factory air suspension, along with plenty of fast luxury cars.

Though in many cases, aftermarket air suspension is mainly an aesthetic modification, so you can lower the car easily for looks, but lift it up to clear speed bumps and whatnot.

That said, many folks try to do it cheap, so the management system and quality of installation are going to be key here:

What control system is used? Does it have auto-level, or are they manually actuated? (I wouldn't even consider it if it's not auto-leveling)
Did they modify the car itself at all, or use a kit that takes advantage of the OEM mounts?
Are the air lines properly run to make sure they're away from any rub/cut points?
How was it wired? Is it fused properly and well integrated, or wired straight to the battery?
How has the car been driven with it? Slammed, or primarily just to drive with a bit of drop and avoid scrapes when needed?

Inspect the low points of the car to make sure it hasn't been dragged. Dropping it to the floor is going to put tremendous strain on the control arm bushings if it spends a lot of time at ride heights much different than how they are torqued.

Edited by andratch on Thursday 30th October 15:27