Air suspension aftermarket replacement compressor options?

[james92se]

2015 X5 S Drive 35i ~90k miles.

Rear suspension is completely deflated - dealer is wanting north of $4k to replace the compressor and air bags, which just seems completely outrageous to me. I'm trying to gauge the feasibility of DIY with aftermarket parts. I'm finding lots and lots of posts about the airbags but not much about the compressor.

I've been able to find the air bags aftermarket from Arnott but there are seemingly no aftermarket options as far as the compressor. I found a few listings on eBay but not certain if these are applicable to the 2015+ or not.

So, can anybody point me toward an aftermarket compressor option?

Secondly - is the BMW diagnostic software an absolute must when doing this job?

Thanks in advance.

[Maverik259]

Originally Posted by james92se

2015 X5 S Drive 35i ~90k miles.

Rear suspension is completely deflated - dealer is wanting north of $4k to replace the compressor and air bags, which just seems completely outrageous to me. I'm trying to gauge the feasibility of DIY with aftermarket parts. I'm finding lots and lots of posts about the airbags but not much about the compressor.

I've been able to find the air bags aftermarket from Arnott but there are seemingly no aftermarket options as far as the compressor. I found a few listings on eBay but not certain if these are applicable to the 2015+ or not.

So, can anybody point me toward an aftermarket compressor option?

Secondly - is the BMW diagnostic software an absolute must when doing this job?

Thanks in advance.

No such "aftermarket" option. Just used from eBay. Next time try and not let the bags go through so much time when they first show signs of deflation. It over cooks the compressor.

You can also maybe see if you just need to replace the moisture beads. Maybe it's clogged. Dont get a lot of broken compressors on here.

How many miles you got.

[RED_Y_]

Originally Posted by james92se

2015 X5 S Drive 35i ~90k miles.

Rear suspension is completely deflated - dealer is wanting north of $4k to replace the compressor and air bags, which just seems completely outrageous to me. I'm trying to gauge the feasibility of DIY with aftermarket parts. I'm finding lots and lots of posts about the airbags but not much about the compressor.

I've been able to find the air bags aftermarket from Arnott but there are seemingly no aftermarket options as far as the compressor. I found a few listings on eBay but not certain if these are applicable to the 2015+ or not.

So, can anybody point me toward an aftermarket compressor option?

Secondly - is the BMW diagnostic software an absolute must when doing this job?

Thanks in advance.

You probably want to check this DIY Guide here, for the airbags
https://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1511949

I don't think there is an aftermarket compressor, would be easier just to get used one off ebay, they sell for $300-400.

[CatalinP]

The compressor got burned because he neglected to replace the airbags once they started to lose air... Is this proper maintenance? Obviously not!

Buy a car you can afford to maintain...

[Mr.47]

Can you confirm that your air compressor is out you can pull out fuse #110 (trunk fuse box) and reinstall and hopefully reset the module. Also to note if there’s a significant air leak the air compressor will time out in 2-5 mins if it detects no pressure building.

[Mr.47]

Originally Posted by james92se

Is that the 30A fuse in the hatch area? That was the first thing I tried last weekend when this happened but no luck, never was able to get the compressor to run at all.

It should be a 40amp fuse

Originally Posted by james92se

Thanks, that's a good guide. The bags themselves are really simple - it's the ISTA deal that is what I don't have and was concerned about how necessary it was to the job, especially compressor replacement. I don't know that I want to buy it just for this one job. Looks like you can get pre-installed laptops with it on eBay for about $400-500.

You don't really need ISTA to replace the compressor or airbag. Since your air bags are already deflated which makes the replacement job even easier just remember to disconnect the battery when replacing the air pump. .

[Maverik259]

Originally Posted by james92se

This has seriously got to be the most stereotypical BMW owner answer ever.

It's my girlfriend's car and admittedly I haven't spent much time with it. I didn't even realize it had air suspension until it recently went out. I did frequently hear some buzzing from it at random times like opening the door(s) and asked her a few times what it was but she had no idea and never noticed it. Of course, now I realize it was the compressor.

Yeah, my first thought was replacing the desiccant beads but the compressor doesn't even attempt to run now. I work 60 hours a week and don't have a whole lot of free time to work on things lately, so I hate to waste time on a futile endeavor only to have to push the project back another week.

It's got ~90k miles.

Thanks, that's a good guide. The bags themselves are really simple - it's the ISTA deal that is what I don't have and was concerned about how necessary it was to the job, especially compressor replacement. I don't know that I want to buy it just for this one job. Looks like you can get pre-installed laptops with it on eBay for about $400-500.

Yeah, this dealer wants $600 just to replace the battery too.

No, it does not run anymore as best I can tell. Rear is just totally deflated and rough as hell.

"I" didn't neglect anything. This is my girlfriend's car that I'm only ever in/around once a week or so. There were no symptoms on this whatsoever until about a week ago she said her car seemed low, but then when she came back out of the store all was well so she almost thought she was imagining it. No other symptoms or issues other than that until now. I'm glad you like overpaying for dealership service. I'm happy for you.

Is that the 30A fuse in the hatch area? That was the first thing I tried last weekend when this happened but no luck, never was able to get the compressor to run at all.

You don't need ISTA but it helps. It's also free. There's a thread on how to download it.

There is a couple YouTube videos on how to replace it on an E70. It's the same product and process. Same for the airbags. All the same stuff. I would imagine changing the compressor isn't hard but you should be able to just pop the fuse to it and then unplug it from power and the two airlines and put the new one in. Fingers crossed of course.

ISTA is necessary to do things like force the compressor on and to inflate the bags. Maybe it'll do it on its own when you put the fuse back in and put the car in "on". Can't say for sure.

[james92se]

Originally Posted by Mr.47

It should be a 40amp fuse

You don't really need ISTA to replace the compressor or airbag. Since your air bags are already deflated which makes the replacement job even easier just remember to disconnect the battery when replacing the air pump. .

Ahh. We were in a parking lot when I checked it and I had to just do a quick Google search and what I came up with was saying it was the 30A if I recall correctly. I'm pretty sure I checked all the bigger fuses as well (20A and up in that whole are) but I'll have her check tonight if possible just to be certain. Of course, you'd hope the dealership is being honest about the compressor actually needing replacing which would match up with my feelings pre-dealership that the compressor was out.

Hmmm, so I won't need ISTA to fill it? Is there any reason the new compressor wouldn't engage without going through the ISTA thing and get me me stuck in some sort of malfunction code limbo unable to fill the air bags?

If I can be certain the compressor I need is part number 37206875177 (can anybody confirm?) then that's going to cost around $250 for either option of used OEM or aftermarket new with SWSD brand on Amazon.

So, if I don't need ISTA, I can do this myself for around $500 taking a flyer on the aftermarket compressor.

[james92se]

Originally Posted by Maverik259

You don't need ISTA but it helps. It's also free. There's a thread on how to download it.

There is a couple YouTube videos on how to replace it on an E70. It's the same product and process. Same for the airbags. All the same stuff. I would imagine changing the compressor isn't hard but you should be able to just pop the fuse to it and then unplug it from power and the two airlines and put the new one in. Fingers crossed of course.

ISTA is necessary to do things like force the compressor on and to inflate the bags. Maybe it'll do it on its own when you put the fuse back in and put the car in "on". Can't say for sure.

Yes, my main worry is not being able to get the compressor to inflate the bags for some reason after replacement.

I'll look around for that ISTA download. I'd assume I'd need an OBDII connector for the computer as well.

[RED_Y_]

If I can be certain the compressor I need is part number 37206875177 (can anybody confirm?) then that's going to cost around $250 for either option of used OEM or aftermarket new with SWSD brand on Amazon.

Number looks right, you can use your vin to confirm here https://www.realoem.com/

I'll look around for that ISTA download. I'd assume I'd need an OBDII connector for the computer as well.

You can get a cable off ebay for $20, ISTA info is here
https://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1568962

Originally Posted by CatalinP

The compressor got burned because he neglected to replace the airbags once they started to lose air... Is this proper maintenance? Obviously not!

Buy a car you can afford to maintain...

Do you know the full story behind it?May be he bought this way? May be it not even his car and he is trying to help someone? Do you know? Obviously not!
You're making opinionated assumptions too quick, and not helping anyone.

[james92se]

Originally Posted by RED_Y_

Number looks right, you can use your vin to confirm here https://www.realoem.com/

Awesome link, thank you so much. Part number verified correct for the VIN.

You can get a cable off ebay for $20, ISTA info is here
https://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1568962

Looking into this a bit, it appears I need the ENET cable? Does that sound correct for an X5?

[RED_Y_]

Originally Posted by james92se

Looking into this a bit, it appears I need the ENET cable? Does that sound correct for an X5?

Yes sir, $20 on ebay will get you one.

[james92se]

Just to update this, I got this all finished up Saturday morning. Didn't even take me an hour and a half total.

I found a used OEM compressor on eBay for $225, and bought the Arnott spring set on Amazon for $258. I ended up doing this for under $500 total whereas BMW wanted $4,500.33. Literally saved four grand over the dealer. She also called around to a couple of "Euro specialist" shops who told her they couldn't find the parts except at a dealer which is just ridiculous. I'm sometimes amazed that shops are usually unwilling or unable to source parts outside of Autozone/PepBoys/O'Reillys or a dealership.

Onto the pics. Not kidding, I literally just did this in a parking lot near where she parked her car and left it a week or so ago lol. It was almost undriveable in the bottomed out position and she'd have another 45 minute drive home so we just left it. I loaded up my little Civic with a crap ton of tools but ended up not needing anything except a panel clip remover, 8 and 10mm sockets and ratchet, a 10mm wrench, jack stands and a jack, and then a larger flat head screwdriver to pop the air bag tabs out.

I did NOT end up needing ISTA at all. I just pulled the 40A fuse before I started, then when I was done I put the fuse back in. At this point, I wasn't sure how to try to make the compressor engage so we turned the ignition "ON" without starting the car and nothing. Locked the doors and unlocked them and opened the doors and still nothing. Started the car and still nothing. So I was starting to think crap I need to mess with ISTA, but then while the car was still running I just pulled the 40A fuse again and stuck it back in and then the compressor came on and instantly started lifting the back end.

I also have to say the push-lock pre-installed fittings on the new Arnott bags is a really, really nice touch. Kudos to those guys.

If I get some time, I'll dig into her original compressor a bit and see if I can figure out what exactly failed on it.

Found a shade tree to work under and out of this hundred degree Texas heat :







Air bags removed. Didn't look too bad but when I pulled the bags out to their fully expanded state I see some wear and guess they could very well be leaky:






One of the Arnott's installed:




Good as new:

[Russmov]

Originally Posted by james92se

Just to update this, I got this all finished up Saturday morning. Didn't even take me an hour and a half total.

I found a used OEM compressor on eBay for $225, and bought the Arnott spring set on Amazon for $258. I ended up doing this for under $500 total whereas BMW wanted $4,500.33. Literally saved four grand over the dealer. She also called around to a couple of "Euro specialist" shops who told her they couldn't find the parts except at a dealer which is just ridiculous. I'm sometimes amazed that shops are usually unwilling or unable to source parts outside of Autozone/PepBoys/O'Reillys or a dealership.

Onto the pics. Not kidding, I literally just did this in a parking lot near where she parked her car and left it a week or so ago lol. It was almost undriveable in the bottomed out position and she'd have another 45 minute drive home so we just left it. I loaded up my little Civic with a crap ton of tools but ended up not needing anything except a panel clip remover, 8 and 10mm sockets and ratchet, a 10mm wrench, jack stands and a jack, and then a larger flat head screwdriver to pop the air bag tabs out.

I did NOT end up needing ISTA at all. I just pulled the 40A fuse before I started, then when I was done I put the fuse back in. At this point, I wasn't sure how to try to make the compressor engage so we turned the ignition "ON" without starting the car and nothing. Locked the doors and unlocked them and opened the doors and still nothing. Started the car and still nothing. So I was starting to think crap I need to mess with ISTA, but then while the car was still running I just pulled the 40A fuse again and stuck it back in and then the compressor came on and instantly started lifting the back end.

I also have to say the push-lock pre-installed fittings on the new Arnott bags is a really, really nice touch. Kudos to those guys.

If I get some time, I'll dig into her original compressor a bit and see if I can figure out what exactly failed on it.

Found a shade tree to work under and out of this hundred degree Texas heat :







Air bags removed. Didn't look too bad but when I pulled the bags out to their fully expanded state I see some wear and guess they could very well be leaky:






One of the Arnott's installed:




Good as new:

Hey looks good! Good work. Glad you saved 4K.

[thezarb]

Originally Posted by james92se

Just to update this, I got this all finished up Saturday morning. Didn't even take me an hour and a half total.

I found a used OEM compressor on eBay for $225, and bought the Arnott spring set on Amazon for $258. I ended up doing this for under $500 total whereas BMW wanted $4,500.33. Literally saved four grand over the dealer. She also called around to a couple of "Euro specialist" shops who told her they couldn't find the parts except at a dealer which is just ridiculous. I'm sometimes amazed that shops are usually unwilling or unable to source parts outside of Autozone/PepBoys/O'Reillys or a dealership.

Onto the pics. Not kidding, I literally just did this in a parking lot near where she parked her car and left it a week or so ago lol. It was almost undriveable in the bottomed out position and she'd have another 45 minute drive home so we just left it. I loaded up my little Civic with a crap ton of tools but ended up not needing anything except a panel clip remover, 8 and 10mm sockets and ratchet, a 10mm wrench, jack stands and a jack, and then a larger flat head screwdriver to pop the air bag tabs out.

I did NOT end up needing ISTA at all. I just pulled the 40A fuse before I started, then when I was done I put the fuse back in. At this point, I wasn't sure how to try to make the compressor engage so we turned the ignition "ON" without starting the car and nothing. Locked the doors and unlocked them and opened the doors and still nothing. Started the car and still nothing. So I was starting to think crap I need to mess with ISTA, but then while the car was still running I just pulled the 40A fuse again and stuck it back in and then the compressor came on and instantly started lifting the back end.

I also have to say the push-lock pre-installed fittings on the new Arnott bags is a really, really nice touch. Kudos to those guys.

If I get some time, I'll dig into her original compressor a bit and see if I can figure out what exactly failed on it.

Found a shade tree to work under and out of this hundred degree Texas heat :







Air bags removed. Didn't look too bad but when I pulled the bags out to their fully expanded state I see some wear and guess they could very well be leaky:






One of the Arnott's installed:




Good as new:

Nice work! Thank you for posting the pics and the good tips. I don't have need for this repair,but things happen, so I'm glad to know its possible. That's what I appreciate about these forums and why I keep coming back to them. - Also, good job ignoring unhelpful posts from other members who have no interest in adding to the topic. If you don't like the topic.... just stop reading!

[RED_Y_]

Good job man! Saving 4K is even better!

[ronmexico385]

Nice job! Must feel good to save that kind of coin. What part of TX are you in? Haven’t seen a civic that old in a looong time

[james92se]

Originally Posted by ronmexico385

Nice job! Must feel good to save that kind of coin. What part of TX are you in? Haven’t seen a civic that old in a looong time

I'm in Dallas (I worked on the BMW in Tyler though). I have a handful of project cars including RWD V8's, but the Civic is still my daily driver for the most part and has been for probably 15 years now.

Yeah, I never see any EF's out and about any longer even though they used to be so ubiquitous especially with the "ricer" crowd back in my younger days. I do see an occasional CRX but that's it.

If I couldn't do all my own work/fabrication I wouldn't be driving around a 30 year old car as a daily that's for sure. It's slow as molasses but it's super reliable and still gets good gas mileage. If I ever wreck it though it's going to take me a while to find replacement parts for it. I don't even see these in junkyards anymore.

[Maverik259]

Glad I could help. Would have loved to see a bit more pictures of the compressor swap and a DIY as you're the first I've seen. Only way to keep these forums strong.

[james92se]

Originally Posted by Maverik259

Glad I could help. Would have loved to see a bit more pictures of the compressor swap and a DIY as you're the first I've seen. Only way to keep these forums strong.

I thought about it but once I got in there, there was literally nothing to it so I didn't much see the point to be honest. Just have to unplug a few (three I think?) wiring harnesses, pop off that rubber hose, unscrew the red and blue lines, and drop the compressor assembly/bracket which was just held in with three nuts. The hardest part is pulling off the splash shield and remembering which side the red and blue go to.

[crackerjack15]

Enjoyed the thread. Awesome job! Congrats.

[Maverik259]

Originally Posted by james92se

I thought about it but once I got in there, there was literally nothing to it so I didn't much see the point to be honest. Just have to unplug a few (three I think?) wiring harnesses, pop off that rubber hose, unscrew the red and blue lines, and drop the compressor assembly/bracket which was just held in with three nuts. The hardest part is pulling off the splash shield and remembering which side the red and blue go to.

Glad it's super easy.