Self-leveling suspension retrofit

[ajshanny]

I bought a 2017 X5 xdrive 35i with standard suspension and I am thinking about using it to tow a sports car to the track occasionally. I probably should have ordered the X5 with self-leveling rear suspension and I am trying to figure out how difficult it would be to retrofit that option. I looked at a diagram of the self-leveling suspension system and it looks like a retrofit would only require installing a handful of components, but I want to check myself to make sure that is right. In any case I am also concerned about whether retrofitted SL suspension would work with the existing electronics and wiring in the standard X5, and whether any coding would be necessary. Any helpful info would be appreciated.

[stewy604]

I haven't heard of this being done, but anything is possible. I can't imagine it would be cheap though. Secondary component over and above the parts would be the coding to make the system work as designed.

[r33_RGSport]

Agree with stewy604 , just rough estimation, the 2 rear suspension itself will cost you about $1800/side. Still you have to get the required module, do the wiring, coding, etc. If you are lucky, then you will get it to work, if not, you will ended up losing money without getting anything.
The best bet is to sell the current car and get the one that you actually want.
Also, towing wise, it will depends on your sports car, keep in mind that the X5 towing capacity is not that high.
Even the Cayenne Base V6 model have higher towing capacity than the X5.

[IvanLZ]

1800/side wow. You are better off selling and buying anothe one, there are CPO's with low miles and you might not even lose that much.

[Kzang]

Yeah chalk it up as lesson learned Research, research, research

[ajshanny]

Ok let me ask a different but related question. Has anyone tried towing a car trailer with their 3.0 liter gasoline powered X5 that does not have the self leveling suspension? I understand that the SL suspension is better for towing than the standard suspension, but is it really that critical? I would be towing a Porsche GT4 on an open aluminum trailer, so probably between 4,500 and 5,000 lbs combined, possibly less if I buy a bolt-together trailer instead of a welded one. I only do a handful of events per season, so I would not be towing very frequently.

[r33_RGSport]

Originally Posted by ajshanny

Ok let me ask a different but related question. Has anyone tried towing a car trailer with their 3.0 liter gasoline powered X5 that does not have the self leveling suspension? I understand that the SL suspension is better for towing than the standard suspension, but is it really that critical? I would be towing a Porsche GT4 on an open aluminum trailer, so probably between 4,500 and 5,000 lbs combined, possibly less if I buy a bolt-together trailer instead of a welded one. I only do a handful of events per season, so I would not be towing very frequently.

I think you should be fine with non SL suspension.
For that weight, I think you are almost maxing out the capacity.
As long as you are not going up steep hill, your transmission should be ok.

[UnhappySwede]

Its more than just adding a "handful" of components to each side.

This system requires an air compressor, an air dryer, another whole bunch of devices and then electronics and sensors to all mentioned above. Can anyone even get hold on all these parts and instructions for how it is done when the manufacturor doesnt want you to do this?

Anyway, since I work with heavy trucks that all use air suspension, it was of utter importance to me that my personal car was NOT equipped with this. The reliability is terrible as it is and retrofitting would most likely be a mechanical nightmare.

[Kakalika]

I know this is an old thread, but I just wanted to add my comments.

I have found the F15 without self leveling suspension to be useless. I tow project cars every now and then. I find that the rear squats down a lot as you can see in this picture.

I used to have an E70 35d with rear self leveling, and I never had this problem. My 35i has no problem with the weight I tow. It's rated for 7500 pounds with the invisihitch. But I certainly miss the torque of the diesel when towing.

Selling my F15 now to get a diesel with self leveling.

If you are going to tow a jet ski, or a 5X8 utility trailer with garden waste, it should be fine. But for towing big boats, cars and big trailers, get the self leveling.

[lowlevelhell]

Originally Posted by Kakalika

I know this is an old thread, but I just wanted to add my comments.

I have found the F15 without self leveling suspension to be useless. I tow project cars every now and then. I find that the rear squats down a lot as you can see in this picture.

I used to have an E70 35d with rear self leveling, and I never had this problem. My 35i has no problem with the weight I tow. It's rated for 7500 pounds with the invisihitch. But I certainly miss the torque of the diesel when towing.

Selling my F15 now to get a diesel with self leveling.

If you are going to tow a jet ski, or a 5X8 utility trailer with garden waste, it should be fine. But for towing big boats, cars and big trailers, get the self leveling.

"Useless."

It sure doesn't help that you have 75% of that Mazda's weight waaaaayy forward of the shitty Uhaul trailer's axle.

For towing big boats and big trailers, get a real tow vehicle.

[P1]

Originally Posted by lowlevelhell

"Useless."

It sure doesn't help that you have 75% of that Mazda's weight waaaaayy forward of the shitty Uhaul trailer's axle.

For towing big boats and big trailers, get a real tow vehicle.

That's it, he said my X5 is useless. Who wants to buy mine? I might as well sell it now.

[Meehow]

Originally Posted by lowlevelhell

"Useless."

It sure doesn't help that you have 75% of that Mazda's weight waaaaayy forward of the shitty Uhaul trailer's axle.

For towing big boats and big trailers, get a real tow vehicle.

^^^^THIS^^^^

[turboawd]

Originally Posted by lowlevelhell

"Useless."

It sure doesn't help that you have 75% of that Mazda's weight waaaaayy forward of the shitty Uhaul trailer's axle.

For towing big boats and big trailers, get a real tow vehicle.

definetly too much tongue weight on that trailer. car is too far forward.
if you're towing 5000lbs, your tongue should have around 500lbs weight on it. around 10% of trailer load.

[lowlevelhell]

Originally Posted by turboawd

definetly too much tongue weight on that trailer. car is too far forward.
if you're towing 5000lbs, your tongue should have around 500lbs weight on it. around 10% of trailer load.

Every vehicle fails to measure up if you use it poorly enough.

[Kakalika]

I agree with your comments guys, but lets face facts. When using a uhaul trailer, you can't really push the car back to lessen the tongue weight.
All I was trying to say is that with self leveling suspension, the X5's rear would still be at factory height.

[turboawd]

Originally Posted by Kakalika

I agree with your comments guys, but lets face facts. When using a uhaul trailer, you can't really push the car back to lessen the tongue weight.
All I was trying to say is that with self leveling suspension, the X5's rear would still be at factory height.

load the vehicle with engine towards rear

[Kakalika]

Originally Posted by turboawd

load the vehicle with engine towards rear

Good idea, but Uhaul specifically forbids that.

[alphaod]

Originally Posted by Kakalika

Good idea, but Uhaul specifically forbids that.

Unless you're buying the Uhaul insurance, it doesn't matter whether they forbid or not.

[burnurass]

You can try using this. The 4runner guys have this to level the load.

https://www.airliftcompany.com/works...ir-spring-kit/

You just pump it with an air compressor to put tires, doesn't need to be on board.

[DuSh]

Or just rent a truck instead of abusing poor x5

[M3-Mike]

Originally Posted by Kakalika

I agree with your comments guys, but lets face facts. When using a uhaul trailer, you can't really push the car back to lessen the tongue weight.
All I was trying to say is that with self leveling suspension, the X5's rear would still be at factory height.

I tow a 5000lbs camper with my 2016 35d and no issues with the rear suspension being low. I don?t have the self levelling option and have read posts where the non-self levelling suspension is actually preferred for towing. So you should be fine if you properly adjust your load and reduce tongue weigh.

[burnurass]

Originally Posted by M3-Mike

I tow a 5000lbs camper with my 2016 35d and no issues with the rear suspension being low. I don?t have the self levelling option and have read posts where the non-self levelling suspension is actually preferred for towing. So you should be fine if you properly adjust your load and reduce tongue weigh.

It would be better if it was leveled because your suspension geometry is changed with the saggy rear and you could have some funny tirewear for long distances. Your toe and camber settings will be tweaked as the suspension is lowered. That's why you have to get an alignment if you put on lowering springs for example