It is an Automotive suspension system owned by BWI (Beijing West industries) which employs magnetically controlled dampers, BWI is producing the third generation Magneride. The first generation was created by Delphi Corporation and the first application was on the Cadillac Seville STS (2000 model).

This is claimed to be the auto Industry's first semi active suspension technology with no electro mechanical valves and no small moving parts. It provides fast and smooth continuously variable damping, achieves great body motion control and helps increase tyre to road contact.

The system consists of four Magneto Rheological (MR) fluid based monotube dampers, a set of sensors, and an onboard ECU. MR fluid is a suspension of magnetic soft particles in a synthetic hydrocarbon based fluid. When the coil in the damper piston, through which the MR fluid flows, is not energized (off state), the MR fluid is not magnetized. The magnetically soft particles within the fluid exhibit a random pattern and the fluid behaves like ordinary conventional damper fluid. However, when the coil is energized (on state), the magnetic field causes the particles to align into fibrous structures in the direction of the magnetic flux. The strength of the bond between the particles is proportional to the strength of the magnetic field. The result is a variable resistance to flow within the damper piston which provides a variable damping capability in the damper.

The soft end of the suspension range is reached in the off state which gradually increases in stiffness as the field strength of the magnetic field is increased. This occurs since with the increased strength of the magnetic field, the alignment of fluid particles occurs in a direction transverse to the direction of fluid flow, making the fluid more stiff and hence more difficult to flow. Changes in the damping force occurs at nearly instantaneously, thereby providing continuously variable real-time damping. The system requires a small amount of energy to function, typically requirement being less than 20 watt per damper. If the sensor sense any body roll or pitch, they convey the information to the ECU, which would accordingly adjust the current to the appropriate damper, to take care of the situation.

Magneride has been used as a standard suspension or an option in many models for Cadillac, Buick, Chevrolet and other GM vehicles. It can also be seen on some non US vehicles, such as Audi, Ferrari, Holden special vehicles.

The current third generation of magneride is based on the earlier generations, the notable improvement in the current version being ECU and coils. The new Magneride has been used recently on Range Rover Evoque as 'Active Dynamics Technology'. Apart from simplicity, instantaneous action and low energy consumption, other advantages of magneride are :-

1. Continuously variable digressive damping.

2. Wide dynamic range.

3. Symmetric forces (compression versus extension).

4. No moving parts, which means no noise generated.