Rear suspension lowering periodically when parked

[Snaffoo]

I am having an issue with the rear suspension in my 2017 X5 with third row seats. Recently, on a few occasions when I park, the rear suspension on both sides lowers. It only happens ever so often and it’s both sides at once. I know it’s the air bags deflating but not sure what is causing them to. I could understand if one was punctured it would lower, but both seems odd to go at the same time and again it’s only periodically. Could it be a relay or maybe compressor related?

Any suggestions?

[Geo41e]

Is it lowering all the way down ? or just a tad ?

I had something similar with mine, but only one side all the way down. Note, this was happening after re calibrating the rear height to match the new lowered springs I put upfront). After 1 week, it stopped going all the way down and back to operating standard.

[bmwx5er]

It’s possible both air springs are leaking, which is not uncommon. I’d start by replacing both, they’re a maintenance item at 40-50k miles anyways.

[Snaffoo]

Both lower right down where the fender almost touches the tires.

[r33_RGSport]

Airbag leaking. Very common issue on this self-leveling air bag.

[JoeK09]

Suggestion on which site/product for replacement rear airbags?

[Geo41e]

Arnott Air Springs
Part number: A-2642

[shimmy23]

Originally Posted by Geo41e

Arnott Air Springs
Part number: A-2642

and fcp euro with their lifetime warranty

[dani802]

First you can try to run a diagnose. Could be also an compressor problem.

[Kzang]

If you search this forum, there is a detailed DIY write up on replacing it.

Edit: Actually here is the link. https://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...ghlight=Arnott

I have it handy for when I need to replace mine because a month or so ago my rear also sagged and then it leveled again when I start the car again. So I figured it's a matter of time. 2015 X5 Msport with 44K miles.

[shimmy23]

OP, it may be wise to try and troubleshoot further before throwing $ at replacing the bags. Is it coincidence that both bags could be bad? might be? On the other hand, the bags aren't the expensive and they are very easy to swap. my passenger side leaked, so i replaced both and it only took 1hr total time.

[Snaffoo]

Originally Posted by shimmy23

OP, it may be wise to try and troubleshoot further before throwing $ at replacing the bags. Is it coincidence that both bags could be bad? might be? On the other hand, the bags aren't the expensive and they are very easy to swap. my passenger side leaked, so i replaced both and it only took 1hr total time.

Are there any things I could look at to self diagnose? I tried rebooting the computer through disconnecting the battery but it deflated again after that. It has now been 3 days since it last deflated…

[r33_RGSport]

My suggestion, get is fixed ASAP.
Leaking bags means more work on the compressor to keep inflating the bags.
Once you burn the compressor, it will be more costly than the bags itself.

[jab23]

I was having a similar issue. I should have diagnosed further but got lazy. I changed out my airbags yesterday as my car has 55k miles anyhow and it seemed like a general maintenance item. $300 at Rock Auto. Easiest DIY I've done on something that looks intimidating at first glance.

I do wish now I had at least sprayed some soapy water on the original bags to see if they were the source of the leak. Now I wait and see if it sags again at which point I'll bring it to my indy to further diagnose.

[Kzang]

Originally Posted by jab23

Easiest DIY I've done on something that looks intimidating at first glance.

Did you follow the link I posted above or was there another DIY instruction you followed?

[jab23]

Originally Posted by Kzang

Did you follow the link I posted above or was there another DIY instruction you followed?

I didn't, but thanks for posting that one. I watched a ton of YouTube vids and found some random discussions here on the forum (in the F85 forum).

The major difference in what I did (and some others have done) is I did not use ISTA or take off the bottom cover to disconnect the compressor to deflate the bags. I took the fuse out and stabbed them with a box cutter. I'll say I don't recommend this and you should do it properly just to cover my own ass, but it was so simple and saved a lot of time and steps. The bags don't pop or explode (although I suppose they could)> I stabbed lightly and twisted and was able to meter the air coming out.

The other thing is that you don't have to mess with the clip at the bottom of the bag mount. Just gently pry it up with a large screwdriver or pry bar. Pops right out.

Anyway. I'm happy to help anyway I can.

[Kzang]

Originally Posted by jab23

I didn't, but thanks for posting that one. I watched a ton of YouTube vids and found some random discussions here on the forum (in the F85 forum).

The major difference in what I did (and some others have done) is I did not use ISTA or take off the bottom cover to disconnect the compressor to deflate the bags. I took the fuse out and stabbed them with a box cutter. I'll say I don't recommend this and you should do it properly just to cover my own ass, but it was so simple and saved a lot of time and steps. The bags don't pop or explode (although I suppose they could)> I stabbed lightly and twisted and was able to meter the air coming out.

The other thing is that you don't have to mess with the clip at the bottom of the bag mount. Just gently pry it up with a large screwdriver or pry bar. Pops right out.

Anyway. I'm happy to help anyway I can.

I don't have ISTA either. Is this needed to deflate the bags completely to remove it?

[jab23]

Nope. You can literally just stab them to deflate them. They come right out.

[Geo41e]

just FYI

so we camping this weekend, and after some rough terrain, my right rear is also dropping down again...once parked...

but after moving her a few times its fixed...lol

really odd eh. logically it doesn't sound ;like a leaking bag, but something to do with the control unit levelling ? (i do have spare arnotts atm)

anywho. just my 2c