Introduction

An airbag, as a part of a vehicle's air suspension, is fueled by an electric engine-driven air pump or compressor. The compressor, in the suspension system, pumps air into flexible bellows, made from textile, reinforced with rubber and polyurethane.  Although similar to hydropneumatic suspension, airbag suspension is different. This is because instead of pressurized hydraulic liquid the airbag suspension uses pressured air. So, the air pressure from the air compressor inflates the bellows and lifts the chassis from the axle. This air in the air suspension system derived from the compressor inflates the airbags to a degree of significant air pressure. The air housed in the bag does the work of spring. 

The purpose of the airbag suspension system is to achieve a smooth ride by replacing the steel-springed suspension in heavy-duty vehicles like; trucks, articulated lorries, passenger buses, and trains. In addition, airbag suspensions increase the ability of trucks and trailers to transport goods and services by giving them a better grip that levels the suspension system. An air suspension system can also be adjusted. Drivers can choose between a soft feel for cruising on highways or hard rides for better handling on demanding roads.

Air filters, air accumulators, air springs, relief valves, lift control valves,  return valves, and supply lines are major components of air suspension systems in vehicles. Some of  the common parts of an air suspension system are:

1. An air compressor is situated in the car's trunk.
2. A compressed air storage tank which can store air at 150 psi (1000 kPa), may be provided for quick “kneeling.” (1 psi=6.89 kPa)
3. A valve with a sequence of solenoids, valves, and numerous o-rings that pass air from the storage tank to the air springs
4. An ECAS( Electronically Controlled Air Suspension) computer that passes messages to the BeCM, the car’s main computer, choosing where air pressure should be passed.
5. System of 6 mm air pipes that pass air through the system from the storage tank to air springs through the valve block).
6. A desiccant-filled air drier canister and 

People use air suspensions for varied reasons. These are some of the reasons people use air suspensions and why you should use them:

1. Comfort is a major reason manufacturers of cars and trucks are turning to airbag suspensions as a virile option. Disposing of the traditional steel_springs allows a smoother ride. These steel spring suspensions can't give. Using air suspensions is like floating on a cushion of air!
2. Flexibility is also another reason people opt for air suspensions. Do you desire to arrive at the next event with your vehicle riding low on the road and avoid the inevitable scrapes from a large speed bump? This is no issue. An airbag suspension, with the flip of a switch, gives you the best of both worlds. The height-control valve(which is part of the ECAS) will keep the load level stable if heavy load bogs down the rear end of your truck, squatting it lower than usual.

How Much Does an Airbag/Suspension Cost?

Airbag/suspension, being a product highly demanded in the car parts market, has its price. It's highly sought after because of the fly-on-the-run it affords users and the adjustment of suspension at a button's push. Firstly, I want you to know that the cost of airbags/suspension varies. The variation depends on the dealers, your car model, your decision to buy either a part of the suspension system or the complete kit, and the cost of installation; this can be waived if you can install it yourself.

According to AccuAir, a leading air suspension manufacturing company, "the average price of an airbag suspension kit can cost anywhere between $500 up $1000+ depending in aftermarket kits. Many factors will influence the overall cost of your system, such as Type of Vehicle; Complete Kit Vs. Pieced Together Kit; Part Quality; DIY Install Vs. Professional Install"

Furthermore, at AccuAir, airbag/suspension parts have different prices each. Below is the breakdown of their prices,

Air Compressor - $500-$600

Air Tank - $185-$875

Air Lines - $80-$180

Valve Manifold - $500

Management System - $400-$600

Air Struts - $2,000-$3,000

On average, airbag/suspension costs $1,000 to $2,000, however, they may be exorbitant. After a ghastly accident, you expect the total cost of airbag/suspension replacement to range from $1,000 to $6,000, with bills at the average of  $3,000-$5,000.

Mercedes Benz Airbags

Mercedes Benz driver’s airbag was introduced in the S-Class of model series 126 in 1981. This milestone, in the automobile industry, marked a massive adoption by other car manufacturers because of its importance. Mercedes Benz airbags are varied. This stems from the version of the Mercedes Benz you own. The top-end model Mercedes-Benz C-Class C 300d has 7 airbags (Driver, Front Passenger, 2 Curtain, Driver Knee, Driver Side, Front Passenger Side).

Furthermore, Mercedes Benz cars use the AIRMATIC air suspension system. Popular models of the Mercedes are equipped with the AIRMATIC suspension system and provide auto-leveling, axle lift, adaptive dampening, height adjustment, etc.

The cost of Mercedes Benz airbags depends on your dealer (seller). Averagely, the Mercedes Benz airbags cost $5,000. This is to replace the entire system of airbag suspension. It costs $1,000 to replace the air springs –on average—and $1,000 to replace the air compressor.

Range Rover Airbags

Range Rover, another car model, has airbags. The Range Rover airbags differ. This difference stems from the models. The Land Rover Range Rover, for example, features 2 airbag configurations as a passive safety measure. The Sport Range Rover 2.0L S Petrol, 2.0L HSE Petrol, and 2.0L SE Petrol variants come with 8 airbags, and Range Rover Sport 5.0L SVR Petrol and 3.0L S Diesel variants come with 6 airbags.

In addition, the top-end model Land Rover Range Rover Evoque SE R-Dynamic Diesel has 7 Airbags (Driver, Front Passenger, 2 Curtain, Driver Knee, Driver Side, Front Passenger Side, and Pedestrian). The top-end model Land Rover Range Rover First Edition 4.4 LWB Petrol, another model, has 6 Airbags (Driver, 2 Curtain, Driver Side, Front Passenger Side). The number of airbags in them varies from version to version.

Averagely, Range Rover airbags are between $2000 and $3000, and this includes parts and labor to install them. The cost of the whole system is $6,800. This rests on the version of your vehicle as well as how hard you are on it. The frequency of servicing is also included.

Land Rover Airbags

The Land Rover, like the Range Rover, has airbags. The Land Rover Range Rover is a cut above the rest when it comes to the safety of the occupants. It has eight or ten airbags within.

Conclusion

Airbag suspension systems are pivotal to the handling, feel, and comfort of the drive. To achieve smooth driving, without hitches, air suspensions are a must-have. 

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