Cost of replacing rear air suspension bags

[secretariat]

Like the title reads, has anyone gone to BMW to have this done? Can you tell me the cost? Thanks

[bmwx5er]

Originally Posted by secretariat

Like the title reads, has anyone gone to BMW to have this done? Can you tell me the cost? Thanks

Probably about $1500 at BMW.

[9vapors]

So to first answer the question, you're looking at about $1300 (or more) at the dealer if they do both, which they're sure to push.

HOWEVER…

I grabbed two Arnott bags and did it myself. It took maybe 45 mins total for a network engineer who has never done it before to get it done. Since they tend to fail around the same time it's suggested by the dealer to do them at the same time.

This is a pretty good video and shows the small issues that arise. Like he did, use the jack to get the airbag snapped in.

[secretariat]

Thanks guys

[SharpieX5M]

I Just did mine and Napa Auto had them 10% off, got both Arnott bags for $540 cnd. And ya takes like 45mins a side, not hard at all.

[Infamous039]

Yes definitely look into to completing this repair yourself, I did mine in about 45min-1hr and it was pretty simple and easy install. There's YouTube videos available for guidance.

[Housekeeping]

That jackstand placement was sketchy..

[musa]

Place the jack stands underneath the provided rear jack stand points (rear left and rear right). Also, don't stick your head underneath the vehicle like what he did with only the floor jack supporting the vehicle.

[Handcontrol]

Getting suspension bags replaced at 48k miles under my extended warranty.
Dealer has had my truck for 10 days, said the parts are on backorder from Germany. So i've had a brand new M340 xdrive as my loaner, so no complaints here. I will say I had no idea how fast this car is, it's shockingly fast off the line, but alas it's also pretty boring to drive.

[Cpove]

Originally Posted by SharpieX5M

I Just did mine and Napa Auto had them 10% off, got both Arnott bags for $540 cnd. And ya takes like 45mins a side, not hard at all.

Is the correct part number from arnott A-2642? They are the same bags that come with the x50i correct?

[SharpieX5M]

Originally Posted by Cpove

Is the correct part number from arnott A-2642? They are the same bags that come with the x50i correct?

Yes

[Beamerx5f15]

So mine just went bad the rear of my x5 is sagging and I’m between bilstein rear air bags or OEM from bmw? Has anyone before changed them and notice ride quality Difference? I personally think OEM is the best choice although I’m hearing good review on bilstein OE made in Germany

[LOW4LYF]

Originally Posted by Beamerx5f15

So mine just went bad the rear of my x5 is sagging and I’m between bilstein rear air bags or OEM from bmw? Has anyone before changed them and notice ride quality Difference? I personally think OEM is the best choice although I’m hearing good review on bilstein OE made in Germany

Do you have a link for the Bilstein?

[yasavguy]

So the process as well as part #s are identical for X5 & X5M?

[shimmy23]

Originally Posted by Cpove

Is the correct part number from arnott A-2642? They are the same bags that come with the x50i correct?

when i look this up in FCP euro it shows e70/71 fitment

[///Motivated]

Just did mine yesterday. Can confirm the A2642 fit correctly. $275 shipped from RockAuto if you can find a 5% discount code.

[Maverik259]

Originally Posted by Beamerx5f15

So mine just went bad the rear of my x5 is sagging and I’m between bilstein rear air bags or OEM from bmw? Has anyone before changed them and notice ride quality Difference? I personally think OEM is the best choice although I’m hearing good review on bilstein OE made in Germany

OEM is not the best choice hence why they failed on you. Replaced with Arnott (or bilstein, doubt its any different) like everyone is talking about.

[shimmy23]

Originally Posted by Maverik259

OEM is not the best choice hence why they failed on you. Replaced with Arnott (or bilstein, doubt its any different) like everyone is talking about.

and buy from FCP euro so you have a lifetime warranty on the parts.

[BDO]

How long are these supposed to last? I had mine changed (both sides) 25000 miles ago, and one side is sagging again (now on 75000 miles). Definitely not the pump, as it will level over after a couple of minutes, but then sag overnight.

First time replacement was OEM, this time I will definitely go aftermarket.

[pachieh]

My OEM lasted 50k (original ones too). Have Arnott on now for nearly 30k with zero issues.

For the OP… like others have said, very easy to do. Longest part was undoing the passenger side under panel cover and unscrewing the air compressor line. Just make sure you retighten the line at the compressor after both bags are installed. Oh, and remove the fuse for the air compressor first too.