So, I've walked into my garage this morning to discover that my car is in the ostrich position. (front suspiension down). Turning the car on, the front end initially raised, but came back down and now gives a 'level change not possible' message when trying to raise the car, so the car is currently "resting it's chin" on the front wheels.

I've read about the block of wood trick to get underneath, so plan on getting under the car somehow to get the car raised and wheels off and access the struts.

For those in the know, what options are 100% functional (as compared to Bentley OEM) and retain all of the automatic suspension damping?

I have seen that the Arnott do not seem to have the full functionality. (Raise/Lower and I'm assuming soft/medium/sport options remain, but auto damping adjustment is not?). I see there's aerosus and bilstein options, but hoping someone know which have full functionality.

Apologies if this has all been covered, but hoping someone has recently gone through the research recently and can summarize the best options.

Any and all help appreciated.

Sam

 

Your going to get mixed reviews on this topic. Some have had success with Arnott and some haven’t. I went with Aerosus when I did mines and they retain all functions. In my personal opinion, I would stay clear of anything RMT. Hopefully others chime in but if not just search the forum for “strut” or “air suspension”. Just make sure you filter the search for Bentley only.

 

Thanks TeamJones1962!

From my reading, it looks like Aerosus and OEM are the leading candidates so far. Seem like Arnott is not fully functional and RMT has had a lot of customer service issues.

Sam

 

I did RMTs in my Phaeton. Worked fine, suspension remained adjustable. But they disappeared when it was time to return my old ones to get the core charge. Cost me like $500.

 

RMT isn't a honest business as per my experience 5 years ago. Please read the following yelp attachment.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/rebuild-mas...-ft-lauderdale

 

Thanks Samhain and 1eapplebaum, very good to know!

 

Also found these guys:

https://www.miessler-automotive.com/Suspension_213

Anyone familiar with Miessler? It appears they maintain the CDC function (continuous damping control) and free shipping from within Germany. (edit... about 238 euros to NJ, but VAT eliminated, so net net is ~ the same. Have sent questions on man process, differences between their own product and remanufactured OEM options (they have both options) and their US offices to see if local shipping is available)

Looks like Aerosus only has one side in stock in complete form.

edit... and one more option:

https://vigorairride.com/products/fr...3w0616040-left

edit... Seem to have few, but decent reviews from the escalade and mercedes owners.

 

Still looking at options but just wanted to share some correspondence with Miessler and Vigor. Not super informative, but might be useful:

Miessler:

Question: Hello, I have a 2006 US Model Bentley Continental GT I am looking at the following 2 options for this car: https://www.miessler-automotive.com/...air-suspension and https://www.miessler-automotive.com/...spension-front What are the differences between these two items? Also, is continuous damping control preserved by these options? Thank you for your assistance! Sam

Answer: Hello, Thanks for your request! In fact there is no difference. We only have two different offers to offer the part for every model of the Bentley Continental GT. You can let me know your VIN and I´ll check if the part will fit.

edit, on a follow up Meissler stated their parts come from a Chinese supplier but final qc performed in house in Germany.

Vigor:

Question: Looking to buy left and right shocks for a 2006 Bentley Continental GT and had a few questions. 1. I see you sell these left or right, but when ordering there's no options to select. I'm looking for both left and right. If I order a pair, how can I make sure I get the proper left and right set? 2. Are these remanufactured units, or brand new? If remanufactured, what components are re-built? 3. Is the continuous damping control feature retained? Any differences from OEM?

Answers: Thanks for contacting us. 1. I have updated the product page, you can see and choose the left and right positions. 2. These are brand new products. 3. This is a OEM product with Adjustable damping control. Hope my explanation is able to assist you.

 

As an update ordered the left and right front Vigors and going to give them a shot. Will post some pics when they arrive and let everyone know the results.

Sam

 

Great price if these are quality units. Look forward to your follow up.

 

Bilstein makes excellent quality replacements. Makes no sense to cut corners on an item that can leave you stranded.

 

A link to Bilstein? Never found them as a source.

 

not a link but a YouTube video made by Bilstein.

 

Any idea where the Vigor products are made?

 

I haven't received the Vigor air springs yet, but they are shipping from Hong Kong, so I'm assuming mainland China manufacture. (seem to be stuck in customs, currently)