Guess I need new air bags?

[8202632]

Looks like rear bags are shot.

[F85MTuNED]

If this is the first time that this has happened then I recommend you changing the bags before the compressor goes bad ASAP there's a few threads in the forum that will provide the part # for the Arnott bags.

[EuroCarFan]

He has a 2017 so chances are, he might still be under warranty so he should just get the OEM bags.

[8202632]

Yep still under warranty. Will get addressed ASAP!

[Yuille36]

Someone please explain to me, why your saying that he needs to change his rear air bags. I have a 2007 Mercedes E63 AMG, that has done this for years. The system is designed to relieve air pressure if the car sits for an extended period of time, so that the bags are not under constant pressure while sitting. My X5M is exhibiting, these same phenomena and to be totally honest, I think that it's normal just like my Mercedes. Now, if I come out to find it slammed to the ground then yes, you definitely would have an issue. But I think that this is perfectly normal, especially when the car returns back to it natural ride height once the car is unlocked. And doesn't show any other signs of issues.

If your that concerned about it, then have your car scanned for suspension related issues. My guess is that, it will not return any issues. I just want someone to explain me, that just because the car is slouching in the rear, doesn't necessarily mean you have a issue. Have the car scanned, to confirm this fact.

[F85MTuNED]

Originally Posted by Yuille36

Someone please explain to me, why your saying that he needs to change his rear air bags. I have a 2007 Mercedes E63 AMG, that has done this for years. The system is designed to relieve air pressure if the car sits for an extended period of time, so that the bags are not under constant pressure while sitting. My X5M is exhibiting, these same phenomena and to be totally honest, I think that it's normal just like my Mercedes. Now, if I come out to fin it slammed to the ground then yes, you definitely you would have an issue. But I think that this is perfectly normal, especially when the car returns back to it natural ride height once the car is unlocked. And doesn't show any other signs of issues.

If your that concerned about it, then have your car scanned for suspension related issues. My guess is that, it will not return any issues. I just what someone to explain that just because the car is slouching in the rear, doesn't necessarily mean you have a issue. Have the car scanned, to confirm this fact.

The system on our cars is designed to do that as well even right now I have brand new bags with coilovers on my truck and when I come outside it is aired out just a bit but if he goes outside and his vehicle is completely dumped on the ground that means that bag has a bigger leak than normal it will fill back up again but it's making the compressor work overtime and that's no good.

[F85MTuNED]

Btw thank you Yuille36 for asking that question because I doubled back and looked at the pic and I realized it wasn't as low as I thought.

To the OP was the car on or off? If off was this after a couple of hours? I could ask so many questions but I just think it's best to get it scanned @ the dealer whether you have warranty or not.

[Yuille36]

You are certainly welcome, as I am also new to the X5M. I had a previous X5 35i before this one. But this X5M is very similar in a lot of ways to my E63 AMG.

[Franktea1$]

Most likely leaking.

[8202632]

Car sat outside for 30 minutes yesterday after the last drive and it was sunken after car was parked and turned off. Today it never exhibited this behavior. It does it randomly, but the times I have noticed it, it was soon after driving. Last week there was a 4 day period that I didn’t drive the vehicle and no suspension sag whatsoever. Really weird. So if there IS a leak, would there even be a code thrown?

[Bee m]

You can always get some soapy water and spray down the rear bags to check for leaks. My car has never "sagged" but my previous car did and the bags had tiny leaks here and there. It didn't always sag and sometimes only 1 side would sag, but regardless both were leaking. Your case may be different, but its a simple enough check to at least start somewhere.

[F85MTuNED]

Originally Posted by 8202632

Car sat outside for 30 minutes yesterday after the last drive and it was sunken after car was parked and turned off. Today it never exhibited this behavior. It does it randomly, but the times I have noticed it, it was soon after driving. Last week there was a 4 day period that I didn't drive the vehicle and no suspension sag whatsoever. Really weird. So if there IS a leak, would there even be a code thrown?

Nope I never seen it throw a code but the same behavior your explaining is literally what happens... but how I knew mine was really bad is because I came out one day to my slammed like I was hardparked @ a air ride competition..

Mind you prior to that the first time I seen it dropped lower than the norm was like a year before and it would barely do it.. maybe 2 times within that year but on that 2nd incident I decided to get new bags because if the compressor goes bad that's a bill that I didn't want to see..

[Bobby_Drake]

Looks like leaking rear bags. Same problem with mine @ 35K mi. As mentioned, there is a thread here discussing this.

[Btt335]

Go to the dealer first , for the model of your car the car is under warranty yet, if not one friend fix the airbags at the dealer for $600 hundred everything

[///MCollection]

The air suspension does drop very slightly on parking up but no,where near that much, the only fault that will usually get stored is a control time lifting fault, that comes when the compressor takes longer than usual to raise up, this is usually due to a large leak or a small leak left for a long time. The compressor usually survives but will wear prematurely. There is no fault for bags leaking as such.

The sporadic dropping is usually when the bags slight leak is covered with a fold, like a pair of socks balled up in the draw there are double layers.

Best way I've found to test is spray soapy water on bags, especially on the wheel side as this is the more common side and leave it. You should see in a minute or maybe 10 depending on size what looks like Santa's beard where the foam has formed.

If diagnostics are available, running a raise routine to add more pressure in bags can help find the small ones and getting the soapy water on the inside can take a reasonable aim to get 360 degree coverage due to suspension arms hampering the bottle. A lift is a massive bonus to get access