The range of Magneti Marelli Parts & Services suspensions products has been extended with the addition of air suspension.

● 83 items
● High quality
● Excellent performance
● Easy fitting

The new range includes air springs, hydraulic-gas shock absorbers and air struts for key SUV and car applications covering the high end and premium segments of the European market.

All components are subjected to numerous tests during the production phase (for durability, sealing, damping capability, etc.) and have structural and performance characteristics in line with those of original parts.

Air suspensions are an alternative to mechanical suspensions. 
The connection and function of the spring and traditional shock absorbers are replaced by other elements such as bellows, air filled shock absorbers, compressors, valve units and accumulators. 

The system also includes compressed air piping and electronic management, which is connected to sensors and switches fitted to the vehicle to regulate air pressure in the bellows.

Main advantages:

• Adjustment of the vehicle's trim and damping capability according to the load, road surface and desired driving style.
• Possibility of choosing a trim option from those pre-set by the vehicle manufacturer.
• Increased safety, grip and braking performance.
• Smoother ride and enhanced passenger comfort..

The higher cost of electronically managed air spring solutions in comparison to mechanical suspensions means that they are generally used for high-end cars and SUVs.

Air spring

The air spring (or bellows), made of strong rubber, replaces the coil spring. In substance, it is a “lung” inflated to a certain pressure which allows vehicle height to be set by adjusting the volume of air in the bellows. The electric compressor and control valves allow the spring pressure to be modulated for different trim settings, and also ensure that the spring can automatically adapt to the road surface.

 Fig. 1  Air spring (BMW X6 E71, E72)

Shock absorber or air strut

They perform the same function as conventional shock absorbers, but differ in form, as pneumatic shock absorbers house an air spring instead of a helical spring. They are usually fitted in line with the bellows on the front axle or separated on the rear axle. They are mainly used to control and dampen vehicle sway.

 Fig. 2  Shock absorber (LAND ROVER Evoque L538)

 Fig. 3  Air strut (AUDI Q7, PORSCHE Cayenne 995, VW Touareg)

The applications and cross references shown in the leaflet are also available on the TecDoc internet platform.