How long should the air bellows last?

[wynandjordaan]

I recently sold my E70, after I had to replace the air bellows 3 times in 3 years time and two pumps later. I since bought a F15 m50d and on the first morning after I received it found the drivers side sagging. Took it back to the deal where I bought it. They took it to the dealership had both bellows replaced. Got the car back with 2 new bellows and a 2year warranty.

One month later on my way home, heard a big rush of air on the drivers side and the next moment both bags deflated. I could not believe it. Anyhow took it to the dealership again,they confirmed that the bag is leaking again and will be replacing it again on their cost of course.

My question now is seeing how many of these x5's are out there driving around and the history with my E70. Are other people also having so many issues with these air suspensions? If so why is BMW still using this? How long are these bellows supposed to last? I know that they changed the pumps that was used in the E70's.

I don't carry heavy loads in my x5 ever. Never towed something with it. Don't drive rough over speed humps. I know it's not my driving causing it.

[blue dragon]

I towed with my E70, it had 240k km on it when I sold it after 10 years. I live in an area where lots of salt is used in the winter. I had to replace both rear bags only once. I had no issues with my pump

[RED_Y_]

It might be conditions, if you drive a lot off road or in extremely dry/dusty environment it will affect the life of the air bags. You can try get the aftermarket Arnott bags and see if they work better for you.

[Cranswick852]

One of us is experiencing abnormal luck; either your bad luck or my good. I have a 2014 F15 40d with 79k miles - still on the original bags and pump

[wynandjordaan]

Originally Posted by RED_Y_

It might be conditions, if you drive a lot off road or in extremely dry/dusty environment it will affect the life of the air bags. You can try get the aftermarket Arnott bags and see if they work better for you.

99% of my driving is city driving, not abnormal dry or dusty conditions.

[Maverik259]

I have 65k miles and only changed bags once around 40k (1 failed). I switched to arnott though so maybe they're made better. You can always put in springs.