How robust is Teslas Air Suspension?

[4hourrule]

Looking to pick up 2015-17 Model S 4Wheel Drive. Standard Suspension is too low for Wife to get in and out of, Noticed Air Suspension can be set to raise using GPS when Parked. This would work but not sure how "Stout" Tesla system is. My BMW 535IX GT has rear Air Suspension that I have personally replaced (easy job and known problem with Factory Bladders).
Also are there better/cheaper Aftermarket replacements.
Thanks in advance.

 

[buckets0fun]

aftermarket replacement air struts are avail on Amazon.

 

[brainhouston]

or OEM used on eBay...
i bought one n had zero issues
i think air suspension is based on Mercedes since they copied a lot of things from them in early years..

 

[4hourrule]

Just wondering if I pick up a higher mileage 60-90,000 mile S will I have a high Suspension bill coming?

 

[buckets0fun]

Just wondering if I pick up a higher mileage 60-90,000 mile S will I have a high Suspension bill coming?

control arm bushes and balljoints are likely shot. You’re buying a near 100k mile car, expect (plan for) everything to fail.

 

[dsm363]

Just wondering if I pick up a higher mileage 60-90,000 mile S will I have a high Suspension bill coming?

That’s always possible, of course. But mine lasted 11 years and is still going.

 

[brainhouston]

control arm bushes and balljoints are likely shot. You’re buying a near 100k mile car, expect (plan for) everything to fail.

I think this greatly depends on roads the car lived thru
I have 96k mi with me owning last 19k, no suspension noises or shot bushings
Previously California car
Obviously idk if anything was replaced but from looks of it, all seems original...

 

[gillmj24]

Looking to pick up 2015-17 Model S 4Wheel Drive. Standard Suspension is too low for Wife to get in and out of,

I think we all know what you meant but see this link, Tesla is not "4 wheel drive" like a jeep but "all wheel drive"

AWD vs 4WD: What's the Difference | Edmunds

What is the difference between all-wheel drive and four-wheel drive? Which is right for you in snow, ice or sand? Edmunds sorts out the confusing terminology, explains how AWD and 4WD work, and lays out the pros and cons. Here's handy information for buying your next car, truck or SUV.

www.edmunds.com

Concur on the air suspension. At first I was glad to not get it with my used S fearing an immediate repair bill but boy I am sure not liking getting in and out of the car and I'm not getting any younger.

 

[4hourrule]

That’s always possible, of course. But mine lasted 11 years and is still going.

That's great to hear. Being an X Master Tech I get it about were on Standard Suspension parts, I'm just worried about the Air Suspension in particular. To me that is a High ticket item if there is no After Market support. I know about inner rear Tire wear due to lack of adjustment (I have a BMW), and would be changing to After Market Arms for more adjustability.
Thanks again for responding everyone.

 

[zoomer0056]

2022 MSLR, GPS location raises car to highest setting to get over rolled curb with short steep curtain and safely into garage. There it's sits, sometimes for days at this setting. Two years, so far so good.

 

[geminus]

Looking to pick up 2015-17 Model S 4Wheel Drive. Standard Suspension is too low for Wife to get in and out of, Noticed Air Suspension can be set to raise using GPS when Parked. This would work but not sure how "Stout" Tesla system is. My BMW 535IX GT has rear Air Suspension that I have personally replaced (easy job and known problem with Factory Bladders).
Also are there better/cheaper Aftermarket replacements.
Thanks in advance.

Curious to know: Why do prefer a 100k used model S over let say model 3 highland?

Is the suspension and ride-quality/comfort on highland not comparable to model s? (How much difference is there if you have checked it?)

 

[buckets0fun]

Curious to know: Why do prefer a 100k used model S over let say model 3 highland?

Is the suspension and ride-quality/comfort on highland not comparable to model s? (How much difference is there if you have checked it?)

No one in their right mind would.

Air suspension @ 100k miles vs a new car.
Model S front control arm known issues. Other 5k lb vehicle air suspension fun.
Slower charging
Older pack and drive unit technology.
Yellowing displays.

 

[geminus]

Has anyone compared model s suspension(comfort) with highland M3?

 

[4hourrule]

Curious to know: Why do prefer a 100k used model S over let say model 3 highland?

Is the suspension and ride-quality/comfort on highland not comparable to model s? (How much difference is there if you have checked it?)

It's my Back and the 3s sit a lot lower. Which is why I'm only looking at S with Air Suspension.

 

[4hourrule]

No one in their right mind would.

Air suspension @ 100k miles vs a new car.
Model S front control arm known issues. Other 5k lb vehicle air suspension fun.
Slower charging
Older pack and drive unit technology.
Yellowing displays.

This will not be only Car. I have read about slow Charging and worse case will use S to visit family in MD, a 190 mile drive one way. Normally it will be used for daily around Town. Will install Level 2 in Garage.

 

[dsm363]

No one in their right mind would.

Air suspension @ 100k miles vs a new car.
Model S front control arm known issues. Other 5k lb vehicle air suspension fun.
Slower charging
Older pack and drive unit technology.
Yellowing displays.

Depends on the price. If someone had a $12,000 car and you were able to get a good 2-3 years out of it, might work well. If you didn't, not the end of the world.

 

[4hourrule]

$12000, you're talking LDU and NO thankyou. Too many Coolant problems. If it weren't for that I'd be OK with rear wheel drive

 

[brainhouston]

$12000, you're talking LDU and NO thankyou. Too many Coolant problems. If it weren't for that I'd be OK with rear wheel drive

LDU also used on Performance models
But latest revision (-U) has coolant delete n solves that problem for good hopefully

 

[cmaster]

still on 132k miles with original air suspension on the 2017 Model S.