Hi everyone,
I have a quick question for you all... I’ve just purchased an SDV6 (early 13 plate, old shape) and pick it up in around 10 days time (I know, can’t wait!).
Everything about it seems spot on, however the air suspension when rising doesn't rise smoothly like some others do. It rises say 2 inches at a time, “pump, pump” until it gets to the height selected, rather than being one smooth continuous motion. I think I have seen a couple like this in the past but maybe wasn’t paying much attention.

It’s worth nothing that it does this with no real noise, and there are no faults showing, and the suspension also was able to raise repeatedly a few times in a row one after another without not wanting to do it, which I’ve heard some people say theirs does, which in my opinion must rule out some things like compressor overheating or whatever.

So is this normal? I actually spoke to my local dealer about it over the phone and the guy said it didn’t sound like much of an issue, but I also think he may have misunderstood possibly and thought I was talking about the back rising first and then the front, when I told him it adjusted in height “bit by bit”

Any advice welcome, I’ve tried a lot on google but can’t find this symptom which may be a good sign in that’s it’s not a problem and is maybe normal?

Thanks in advance people, 👍

raising it or lowering it while stationary places a hell of a train on the car o you could be seeing the tortured bushes and control arms complaining 2012 SDV6 HSE (technically its hers)
2000 D2 TD5 - definitely mine
2005 D3 V8
Metalian Camper trailer for adventures

As above, try changing on the move slowly. It shouldn’t be jerky but if it is, even when moving, inspect the air bags/shocks and othe suspension parts. 2019 5.0 SC SVA (Current)
2012 5.0 SC AB. Sadly written off by a campervan
23 plate Focus ST (Current)
1942 VEP Ford GPW Jeep (Willys) (Current)
1943 Whites M16 Halftrack (Current)
16 plate Eurofighter Typhoon, 2 x Eurojet engines with 20,000lbs thrust each. 1380mph

I NEVER alter my suspension while stood still,I always press the lower down button as I’m approaching my drive so by the time the car as stopped it is fully down,then when I set off I again wait till I’ve set off to raise the suspension so it’s not putting strain on the suspension components,rubbers ect. Andy.
21 Ford Ranger
Gone but not forgotten
Focus RS Red Edition
2015 RRS AB Fuji.
2014 RRS SC Santorini
2016 VW Amarok
2014 RRS AB Fuji
2012 RRS Red Edition Fuji
2015 Nissan Navara
2012 RRS SE Santorini
2008 RRS White
2007 RRS Santorino

It just seems logical that it should be a smooth operation. (Mine is still smooth - after 91,000 miles albeit an older model). So that fact that it isn't does point to an issue of some sort. And of course things like this can be very expensive to fix so I'd flag it as an issue whilst you still have the chance to walk away. Robin
2008 Range Rover Sport TDV8
Gone:
Jaguar S-Type V8 4.2 Sport
MGZTT 190 2.5

the only other thing i will add is air suspension systems sometimes do "overshoot" a little when they are aiming for a target height - I've seen this on lots of air suspension cars and nearly every truck and trailer combination when switched back from manual to self levelling mode has done this. That doesn't appear to be what you describe though. 2012 SDV6 HSE (technically its hers)
2000 D2 TD5 - definitely mine
2005 D3 V8
Metalian Camper trailer for adventures

Thank you everyone for replying, much appreciated.
I see your point reference it being a big strain on the suspension system if it’s done while stationary. I wanted to perform that test because I’m of the opinion if the suspension could deal with that then it could deal with everything else. I will see what it is like while on the move slowly and go from there. It’s due for a health check and Land Rover as well.

Hi Pete,

it could be a worn compressor causing it not to have enough umph to lift all four corners at once after the reservoir has used up it's stored compressed air.

I have the same issue with mine and at some point will replace the comprssor with a new one.

^^ Or a leak?