BMW X5 and X6 Forum 2014-Current
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read


Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      07-02-2018, 01:23 PM   #1
Mr.47
First Lieutenant
Mr.47's Avatar
479
Rep
317
Posts

Drives: F15 X5 35d
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Oklahoma

iTrader: (0)

DIY Guide, Rear air spring replacement

Air suspension leaks are no fun my first encounter was back in January 2018, when my car would seldomly start to sag in the rear, especially in the left side, I ignored it at first...however as months passed it become more and more apparent and frequent and now both sides are sagging, there was even damage to the side wheel flairs. So it was time to resolve this issue for good. Its best to rectify this problem asap, as leaving it unresolved in the long run may cause the air pump to burnout and or cause premature wear on suspension parts.




The culprit a 70k miles 4 yrs old air bellow looks like never towed never lifted heavy things and riding on 20 in oem rims, (left) when its not stretched it looks normal but (right) when you begin compress the bellow and stretch it the walls problems begin to show multiple deep cracks on the rubber bellow, this is the reason why air leaks occurs.



***DISCLAIMER***THIS IS AN DIY COMMUNITY GUIDE I'M NOT A PROFESSIONAL AND WILL NOT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR INJURY/DEATH OR PROPERTY DAMAGE BY FOLLOWING THIS GUIDE, IF UNSURE SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE/MECHANIC, OTHERWISE PERFORM AT YOUR OWN RISK***DISCLAIMER***

Tools
Battery charger
ISTA-D
Pair of Air struts ( I got mine at Arnott $160~ +shipping/each)
10mm Wrench
17 socket
Various ratchet and breaker bar

1) USE SAFETY!!! ALWAYS USE JACK STANDS TO SUPPORT YOUR VEHICLE, ALSO USE A WHEEL CHOKE ON BOTH FRONT WHEELS, OR CAR WILL ROLL FORWARD WHEN LIFTING!!!!!

Lift up the vehicle you can use the rear axle as jacking point (#3), do not jack up with out something in between the axle and the jack pad (i use a block of wood to prevent marring on the diffrential)





2) After lifting and using appropriate support remove wheel, use 17mm socket, I use a torque multiplier makes things a breeze to remove those lug bolt.



3)After removing the wheel you should be able to see the air strut



4) Now its the time turn on the ignition, hook up your ISTA-D and your battery charger so your vehicle don't go to sleep and you ending up having to start over.



5a) Next before we begin to deflate the strut with ISTA-D, you'll need to remove the fuse for the air pump (Per "ISTA-D") go to the back fuse box (located in the right side panel in trunk) and find 40 amp fuse #110 (see yellow square)



5b) If you look at the fuse chart it says air suspension fuse #110 and #135 and you accidentally pulled fuse #135 (5 amp) you will get this nice little warning, don't worry, just turn off the ignition put the fuse back in and turn on the ignition back and you'll be good to go. I didn't know better OOPS



6a) Once you pulled the fuse its time to deflate with ISTA-D.
Go to VEHICLE MANAGEMENT>SERVICE FUNCTION>+Electronic Ride Height Control > Filling and Discharging air from air bellows > ABL Electronic ride height control (EHC) Filling and draining



6b) Next prompt it ask you if your bleeding or filling. Select Bleed of the air bellows (bottom)



6c) Next prompt, Make sure you've done the precondition check list, failure to do so will cause it to stop and you'll have to redo. Click Yes when ready. NOTE: You'll have 3 consecutive cycles before it automatically invoke a 5 min cool down of the release valve relay, it make take more then 1 cycle to deflate completely (it took me 2 cycles)



6d) Next Prompt, The air suspension will cycle the release valve and both sides will drain NOTE: NEVER LET DOWN THE VEHICLE IN DEFLATE STATE OR DAMAGE TO SUSPENSION WILL OCCUR!





7) You should be able to observe the strut contracting/deflating, also squeeze the strut bellow it should have a soft sponge like consistency, if it difficult to squeeze another deflate cycle is needed.





8) Removing the air strut, first thing is you'll need to remove the bottom squeeze tabs, a channel lock pliers or a screw drive to squeeze in the squeeze tabs, and remove from its mounting socket.



9) The bellow has 2 tabs on top that alined and twisted on to secure, to do so just rotate the entire bellow counter-clockwise, it should not take much effort to do so (if deflated fully) and only about < 1/2 turn.



10) Next Remove the air line from the bellow, you'll need to rotate the the strut top side facing outside/you this can be a bit tricky but its not bad then use a 10 mm wrench to remove the nut from strut (the line is red because i forgot to take pic and was working on the other side))



11) Remove the air line harware, you may need to use a screwdriver to pry the brass line holder/seal, check line for damage, clean and set aside.






13) Remove the strut,



OBJECTIVE NOTE arnott is diffrent from OEM in terms of the TOP part, it has a larger top clamp and the top metal clamp is exposed, vs the OEM with smaller top with the clamp recessed into the rubber bellow fold,





14) Next you'll need to swap over the dust cap from the oem to the new one, be sure you align the air line hole on the dust cover to the strut bellow.






15) Insert air line, besure to push in as far in or up to the white line, mine been arnott has a gap on the white line, i could not push in further.



16) Installation and secure, with the air line installed you have to wrestle it in it can be tricky but it's doable, start with the top part facing you, slide it in and slowly rotate the up right just watch out for the air line make sure its not kinked or twisted up. After its up right, you'll need to alight with the tabs by feel, just slowly rotate the bellow with slight upward trust and it should plop right in when you've aligned tabs correctly then slowly/gentely turn the bellow clockwise further more until it stops, and finally pull the bottom bellow down to its securing socket till it clicks and stays in place it may take some grunt to pull it down.



17) Check the air line and make sure it secure to its clips and make sure its not obstructing or kinked, Reinstall the wheel and torque lug bolts to 105 lb/ft and repeat steps 3 & 7-16 for the other side. DO NOT LET THE JACK DOWN WITHOUT REFILLING THE BELLOWS WITH AIR, SUSPENSION DAMAGE WILL OCCUR!

18) After completing the other side, reinstall fuse #110 40 amp



19) In ISTA-D, if you're still in the Bleed option, it will prompt you to perform another bleed, Select No



19b) In ISTA-D Go to VEHICLE MANAGEMENT>SERVICE FUNCTION>+Electronic Ride Height Control > Filling and Discharging air from air bellows > ABL Electronic ride height control (EHC) Filling and draining



19c) Next prompt ask you for Bleed or Fill, select Fill (top)



19d) Next prompt, there will a prerequisite checklist before performing fill function, check yes and hit continue when ready.



19e) Next Prompt, the ISTA-D will fill up the air bellow till it has reached maximum pressure will take about 20-30 seconds, once finished there will be "End of service function" hit close and that's it for ISTA-D



20) Slowly lower the vehicle and you're done, now it make take a while for it to settle down, a quick drive and it will come down to normal height and you'll never have to deal with any more saggy rear ends!!!



Attached Images
                                   

Last edited by Mr.47; 11-05-2018 at 10:01 PM..
Appreciate 27
bmwx1sq145.00
DuSh2112.50
perry8912101.00
F15GorDe261.00
Russmov1328.00
menelaos1226.00
Jenya B144.00
JWK170200.00
ajob454.50
beats225.00
HJ478.00
surfcali245.00
mp2527.00
mrfochon211.00
thezarb14.00
triax37130.00
      07-02-2018, 09:28 PM   #2
Doberman16
Enlisted Member
60
Rep
43
Posts

Drives: 2014 X5 xDrive50i M Sport
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Wisconsin

iTrader: (0)

This is a great DIY! I had the same problem around March/April. I ended up fumbling through it on my own using E70 guides. Thanks for taking the time to write it up. I really intended on doing that myself, but just didn't have the time.
Appreciate 2
DuSh2112.50
      07-03-2018, 10:34 AM   #3
Dilmorecg
Second Lieutenant
Dilmorecg's Avatar
114
Rep
256
Posts

Drives: 2014 X5 50i
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Gig Harbor, WA

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for putting this up. Looks like this is starting to be a common occurrence. I did one of mine a few months ago...dealer did the other side a few months before that. ~40k miles. Hardest part I found was getting the new one lined up at the top to go into the slots. It just takes a few tries.
__________________
2014 X5 50i
Appreciate 0
      07-03-2018, 06:59 PM   #4
Mr.47
First Lieutenant
Mr.47's Avatar
479
Rep
317
Posts

Drives: F15 X5 35d
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Oklahoma

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Doberman16 View Post
This is a great DIY! I had the same problem around March/April. I ended up fumbling through it on my own using E70 guides. Thanks for taking the time to write it up. I really intended on doing that myself, but just didn't have the time.
Thx, The E70 is similar to the F15 almost no changes between the two


Quote:
Originally Posted by Dilmorecg View Post
Thanks for putting this up. Looks like this is starting to be a common occurrence. I did one of mine a few months ago...dealer did the other side a few months before that. ~40k miles. Hardest part I found was getting the new one lined up at the top to go into the slots. It just takes a few tries.
Yeah these air struts don't last very long 40k-70k miles or around 4 years before the rubber fails, but it appeared that it was already failing before i acquired this car at in 2017 at 60k miles, the left rear side fender arch has some ripple damage from the tire contacting it.
Appreciate 0
      07-04-2018, 09:05 AM   #5
pits200
Colonel
United_States
546
Rep
2,590
Posts

Drives: 09 335i X-Drive Black Sapphire
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Pittsburgh

iTrader: (1)

Awesome tutorial. Including all of the steps in ista is extremely helpful as the software portion is riskier than the actual swap of the airbag
Appreciate 1
DuSh2112.50
      07-04-2018, 11:19 PM   #6
Maverik259
Major General
Maverik259's Avatar
United_States
4133
Rep
7,154
Posts

Drives: F90 M5 / F15 50i
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Virginia

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
2020 BMW M5  [10.00]
2014 X5 50i  [0.00]
Nice DIY brother. We need more of these DIYs in the F15 thread. Plenty of people out of warranty these days lol.
__________________
'07 Yamaha R1 (sold)
'06 C55 AMG (sold)
‘?20 M5, MP Carbon Pro Spoiler, MP Carbon Diffuser, MP Black grille and gills, MP Carbon Mirrors, CF side sills, 789M w/ Ti studs, eventuri, Dinan X pipe
'14 X5 50i (wife’s now)
Appreciate 4
DuSh2112.50
JWK170200.00
mp2527.00
      07-05-2018, 03:51 PM   #7
Mr.47
First Lieutenant
Mr.47's Avatar
479
Rep
317
Posts

Drives: F15 X5 35d
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Oklahoma

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by pits200 View Post
Awesome tutorial. Including all of the steps in ista is extremely helpful as the software portion is riskier than the actual swap of the airbag
Yes there isn't much tutorial on how to use ista and it a little intimidating in terms of not messing up something. I've only scratch the surface of its true capability.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Maverik259 View Post
Nice DIY brother. We need more of these DIYs in the F15 thread. Plenty of people out of warranty these days lol.
Indeed, out of curiosity i ask for a quote from my local dealership to do this job, and got $1465.95, air struts were $399/each + 1 hr diagnostic and 4 hr of labor @ $110/hr, it only cost me to $370 and 2hrs to installed and document this guide.
Appreciate 1
      07-05-2018, 06:54 PM   #8
MotoWPK
Lieutenant
185
Rep
419
Posts

Drives: '13 128i vert, '14 X5 40i
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Colorado

iTrader: (0)

I wonder...would it be possible to not use ISTA and, instead, remove the fuse for the compressor, bleed pressure by loosening a fitting in the air supply line to the air spring (perhaps the fitting at the spring), changing out the air springs, then re-insert the compressor fuse and turning the vehicle on?
Appreciate 1
sly1types426.50
      07-06-2018, 01:14 AM   #9
goate
Private
22
Rep
53
Posts

Drives: Carbonblack F15 40d
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Europe

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by MotoWPK View Post
I wonder...would it be possible to not use ISTA and, instead, remove the fuse for the compressor, bleed pressure by loosening a fitting in the air supply line to the air spring (perhaps the fitting at the spring), changing out the air springs, then re-insert the compressor fuse and turning the vehicle on?
I think it would be difficult to bleed out the spring fully. You won't be able to reach the fitting when the spring is still in place so that won't work. On a F11 I replaced one without the use of ISTA (like you described) although that spring was cracked so badly it didn't hold the pressure anymore. After replacing it I placed back the fuse while still on the jack. Slowly lowering the car I could hear the compressor turn on one or two times.
Appreciate 0
      07-06-2018, 09:08 AM   #10
Mr.47
First Lieutenant
Mr.47's Avatar
479
Rep
317
Posts

Drives: F15 X5 35d
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Oklahoma

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by MotoWPK View Post
I wonder...would it be possible to not use ISTA and, instead, remove the fuse for the compressor, bleed pressure by loosening a fitting in the air supply line to the air spring (perhaps the fitting at the spring), changing out the air springs, then re-insert the compressor fuse and turning the vehicle on?
Technically you could do this without ISTA, you'll have to remove the air line fitting from the air valve distribution block that is located near the Air pump, and bleed the air from there, but that puts a risk for the fitting to leak at the air valve distribution block, and you'll have to remove the under cover panels to access the air pump and valve block.
Appreciate 1
      07-12-2018, 10:35 AM   #11
penet05
Private First Class
26
Rep
133
Posts

Drives: 2014 X5 Sdrive35i, 2013 328i
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Houston

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr.47 View Post
Technically you could do this without ISTA, you'll have to remove the air line fitting from the air valve distribution block that is located near the Air pump, and bleed the air from there, but that puts a risk for the fitting to leak at the air valve distribution block, and you'll have to remove the under cover panels to access the air pump and valve block.
What if we disconnect only the battery and let the car sit for a day and do a change on the problematic one? Will it work?
Appreciate 0
      10-21-2018, 10:18 AM   #12
baubaulu
Private First Class
baubaulu's Avatar
40
Rep
101
Posts

Drives: 2015 X5
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Hong Kong

iTrader: (0)

Hi Mr 47,

Just want to carify that, shall i choose the Arnott Part Number: A-2642 for my 2017 X5 F15? Because the part number is differece from your part number.

Thanks!
Appreciate 0
      10-21-2018, 10:41 AM   #13
turboawd
Banned
1635
Rep
2,995
Posts

Drives: 2015 X5 35i
Join Date: May 2015
Location: United States

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by penet05 View Post
What if we disconnect only the battery and let the car sit for a day and do a change on the problematic one? Will it work?
Pull the fuse and puncture the bag with a knife?
Appreciate 0
      10-21-2018, 04:33 PM   #14
penet05
Private First Class
26
Rep
133
Posts

Drives: 2014 X5 Sdrive35i, 2013 328i
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Houston

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by turboawd View Post
Pull the fuse and puncture the bag with a knife?
Yeup?
Appreciate 0
      10-21-2018, 06:58 PM   #15
ryegateli
New Member
2
Rep
8
Posts

Drives: 2015 BMW X5 Xdrive50i
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: phoenix

iTrader: (0)

Air Sturts in this case is same a Air Bag Suspensions ?
Appreciate 0
      10-22-2018, 03:27 PM   #16
Maverik259
Major General
Maverik259's Avatar
United_States
4133
Rep
7,154
Posts

Drives: F90 M5 / F15 50i
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Virginia

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
2020 BMW M5  [10.00]
2014 X5 50i  [0.00]
Yes
__________________
'07 Yamaha R1 (sold)
'06 C55 AMG (sold)
‘?20 M5, MP Carbon Pro Spoiler, MP Carbon Diffuser, MP Black grille and gills, MP Carbon Mirrors, CF side sills, 789M w/ Ti studs, eventuri, Dinan X pipe
'14 X5 50i (wife’s now)
Appreciate 0
      10-22-2018, 03:33 PM   #17
Maverik259
Major General
Maverik259's Avatar
United_States
4133
Rep
7,154
Posts

Drives: F90 M5 / F15 50i
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Virginia

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
2020 BMW M5  [10.00]
2014 X5 50i  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr.47 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by MotoWPK View Post
I wonder...would it be possible to not use ISTA and, instead, remove the fuse for the compressor, bleed pressure by loosening a fitting in the air supply line to the air spring (perhaps the fitting at the spring), changing out the air springs, then re-insert the compressor fuse and turning the vehicle on?
Technically you could do this without ISTA, you'll have to remove the air line fitting from the air valve distribution block that is located near the Air pump, and bleed the air from there, but that puts a risk for the fitting to leak at the air valve distribution block, and you'll have to remove the under cover panels to access the air pump and valve block.
I would simply disconnect the rear links and let them fully hang down and let the car think you were way to high so it lets the air all the way out. Basically same theory as lowering the truck but in reverse. I was able to see this when I was troubleshooting trying to get the system to inflate my bag. It emptied my bags pretty much completely. And if in doubt you could just puncture once there is no pressure inside. Then disconnect the battery replace and reconnect battery and rear links
__________________
'07 Yamaha R1 (sold)
'06 C55 AMG (sold)
‘?20 M5, MP Carbon Pro Spoiler, MP Carbon Diffuser, MP Black grille and gills, MP Carbon Mirrors, CF side sills, 789M w/ Ti studs, eventuri, Dinan X pipe
'14 X5 50i (wife’s now)
Appreciate 1
musa419.00
      10-24-2018, 06:49 PM   #18
BobBeau
Second Lieutenant
BobBeau's Avatar
United_States
174
Rep
274
Posts

Drives: X5 50i
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: I'd rather be in Montana

iTrader: (0)

Is there a way to lower the ride height in the rear with ISTA?
Appreciate 0
      10-24-2018, 09:12 PM   #19
Maverik259
Major General
Maverik259's Avatar
United_States
4133
Rep
7,154
Posts

Drives: F90 M5 / F15 50i
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Virginia

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
2020 BMW M5  [10.00]
2014 X5 50i  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by BobBeau View Post
Is there a way to lower the ride height in the rear with ISTA?
Don't think so. Ride height is set by the links. Just buy adjustable links.
__________________
'07 Yamaha R1 (sold)
'06 C55 AMG (sold)
‘?20 M5, MP Carbon Pro Spoiler, MP Carbon Diffuser, MP Black grille and gills, MP Carbon Mirrors, CF side sills, 789M w/ Ti studs, eventuri, Dinan X pipe
'14 X5 50i (wife’s now)
Appreciate 0
      10-24-2018, 10:27 PM   #20
r33_RGSport
General
r33_RGSport's Avatar
United_States
12805
Rep
18,628
Posts

Drives: G09 XM, G05 X5 40, 991.2 T
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: So. Cal

iTrader: (6)

Quote:
Originally Posted by BobBeau View Post
Is there a way to lower the ride height in the rear with ISTA?
I believe you can only Calibrate using ISTA.
__________________
Email:sales@rgsport.com | IG:RGSport_USA | Web:RGSportShop.com
March SALES!! Evolution Racewerks - Until 04/01 | PM for DEALS
MSS • iSweep • RaceChip • Sterckenn • AutoTecknic • Akrapovic • Vossen Wheels • Eventuri
Active Autowerke • KW • H&R • Ohlins • Remus • and more...
Appreciate 0
      10-25-2018, 09:01 AM   #21
9mmkungfu
Captain
196
Rep
842
Posts

Drives: 335d, 535d, 750i, X5 35d
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: United States

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by baubaulu View Post
Hi Mr 47,

Just want to carify that, shall i choose the Arnott Part Number: A-2642 for my 2017 X5 F15? Because the part number is differece from your part number.

Thanks!
Yes, this is the correct part number.
Appreciate 0
      11-05-2018, 09:07 PM   #22
Maverik259
Major General
Maverik259's Avatar
United_States
4133
Rep
7,154
Posts

Drives: F90 M5 / F15 50i
Join Date: Jun 2017
Location: Virginia

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
2020 BMW M5  [10.00]
2014 X5 50i  [0.00]
When you say you got a pair of struts for $160 you mean $160 a piece right? So $320?

They don't come in pairs for $160 on their website.
__________________
'07 Yamaha R1 (sold)
'06 C55 AMG (sold)
‘?20 M5, MP Carbon Pro Spoiler, MP Carbon Diffuser, MP Black grille and gills, MP Carbon Mirrors, CF side sills, 789M w/ Ti studs, eventuri, Dinan X pipe
'14 X5 50i (wife’s now)
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:54 AM.




xbimmers
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST