Suspension Sag 2016 F86 52k

[DgjoX6M2016]

I think the leak is so slow the lack of driving for a few days reveals the issue. Mine pumps right up when I fire the car up. Tracking how long it takes to sag. Seems to be about 48 hours.

[KCTiger]

Originally Posted by StatenEye

Hey which bags did you use?

I can't remember the brand now. Check on FCP Euro. The only aftermarket option they have. So far so good. Only about 1,000 miles on them though.

[StatenEye]

Originally Posted by KCTiger

I can't remember the brand now. Check on FCP Euro. The only aftermarket option they have. So far so good. Only about 1,000 miles on them though.

Suppose it's this one, I'm about to place an order for 2. If you don't mind confirming.

Edit: looks like the OEM part numbers match.

[KCTiger]

Originally Posted by StatenEye

Suppose it's this one, I'm about to place an order for 2. If you don't mind confirming.

Edit: looks like the OEM part numbers match.

Yes sir. It was Arnott.

[StatenEye]

Originally Posted by KCTiger

Yes sir. It was Arnott.

Cool man TY. Ordered 2. Much appreciated.

[Bobby_Drake]

Originally Posted by SupersixM

Funny, I came out Sunday morning and had a slight panic ( lol ) because the rear was sagging like yours. Turned her on and got out to watch her inflate again. Cool. Haven't driven her in a week so I guess its expected.

So is it normal for the rear bags to deflate if car is just parked for weeks? Haven't driven my X5M in weeks and found both rears sagging. I'm hoping this it's just normal due to weeks on inactivity, otherwise, I'm looking at some $$$, since I'm out of warranty.

[DgjoX6M2016]

Originally Posted by Bobby_Drake

So is it normal for the rear bags to deflate if car is just parked for weeks? Haven't driven my X5M in weeks and found both rears sagging. I'm hoping this it's just normal due to weeks on inactivity, otherwise, I'm looking at some $$$, since I'm out of warranty.

Driver's rear air bag being replaced under warranty. That makes both replaced now. Also steering column motor.

[BadCompany]

I don't think it is really "normal." Mine sat for several weeks recently. The only side (driver's side) that sagged had a leak and was replaced under warranty. I also had my steering column replaced and the recall for the ISOFIX anchors done.

[guess2098]

i notice same problem starts from early this year, my 4 yrs old f85 has both rear suspension sag. as soon as i unlock the cover and open the front door, compressor bumps and its back to normal. it is fine for few days then i didn't drive for 5 days, both rear sag again. same thing i when i open the door.

but few days ago, i moved the cover just from my driveway to street, then next day just rear right sag again overnight. rear left is ok. same thing when i open the door it back to normal. i haven't drive for few days again and it is still good..... was planing trade in the car but now the used car market is dead..... i guess just change the air bag maybe is a better idea.

[Bobby_Drake]

Originally Posted by guess2098

i notice same problem starts from early this year, my 4 yrs old f85 has both rear suspension sag. as soon as i unlock the cover and open the front door, compressor bumps and its back to normal. it is fine for few days then i didn't drive for 5 days, both rear sag again. same thing i when i open the door.

but few days ago, i moved the cover just from my driveway to street, then next day just rear right sag again overnight. rear left is ok. same thing when i open the door it back to normal. i haven't drive for few days again and it is still good..... was planing trade in the car but now the used car market is dead..... i guess just change the air bag maybe is a better idea.

It seems like the bags inevitably fail. So the rears sagging is likely a sign of the bags failing. There's threads about it on the forum; It's prudent to go ahead and replace them before it gets worse and cause more damage (ie compressor, etc.)

I went ahead and bought the arnott air spring (vs OEM).
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw...-arnott-a-2642

BTW, thanks to everyone who contributed with respect to solving the F85/15 rear air bags problem!

[Travis1807]

I already replace my psg. side air bag last year b/c it was deflating overnight.

currently my driver side will deflate but only randomly. sometimes my car will sit for 4-5 days and everything will be fine. then other times i will run into the store for 15min and it will be completely deflated by the time i get out. it only prob deflate 4-5x month. any ideas on what it could be. I had my x5m in for an oil change today and was going to get them to check it out but they wanted $180 just for checking so i figured i would start here first.

[guess2098]

Originally Posted by Travis1807

I already replace my psg. side air bag last year b/c it was deflating overnight.

currently my driver side will deflate but only randomly. sometimes my car will sit for 4-5 days and everything will be fine. then other times i will run into the store for 15min and it will be completely deflated by the time i get out. it only prob deflate 4-5x month. any ideas on what it could be. I had my x5m in for an oil change today and was going to get them to check it out but they wanted $180 just for checking so i figured i would start here first.

same here. i am going to replace it soon. already checking price everywhere. dont waste money to have dealer to check.

[Travis1807]

Originally Posted by guess2098

same here. i am going to replace it soon. already checking price everywhere. dont waste money to have dealer to check.

I just got O2 sensors and spark plugs so I might as well throw bags on to the shopping list and knock it all out at once. Got a killer deal on the sensors and plugs if anyone wants the info. let me know who you end up getting the bags from, please.

[StatenEye]

Originally Posted by Travis1807

I already replace my psg. side air bag last year b/c it was deflating overnight.

currently my driver side will deflate but only randomly. sometimes my car will sit for 4-5 days and everything will be fine. then other times i will run into the store for 15min and it will be completely deflated by the time i get out. it only prob deflate 4-5x month. any ideas on what it could be. I had my x5m in for an oil change today and was going to get them to check it out but they wanted $180 just for checking so i figured i would start here first.

You can get the bag for less than $180. Take the panel off the under side of the passenger side and spray the valve block to look for leaks. If fine, pull the fuse, loosen the valve and replace the bag. At the very least, jack the rear up pull the wheels and spray the bags with soapy water, see if any air is seeping out. My guess is at a certain height the fold on the bottom is stretching a hole and letting air out... when the hole is not on the bend, when your at a different height, the hole is squeezed shut slowing the seepage. Look for cracking in the bag when you insect it. Super easy to work on.

[Bobby_Drake]

One of the drawbacks of living in a condo - HOA won't let me work on my F85 at the condo parking garage. Ended up going to an indy shop to have both rear bags replaced. Paid $300 for labor; bought Arnott bags from FCP euro.

[640ijims]

Well at7:00 am yesterday , returning to garage from getting paper, noticed " the beast" ( 2018 X5///M with 46k on clock) appeared to have a list to the right. Checked garage floor with level…no left to right issues in floor construction, Handy Craftsman tape told tale…, she was listing . 1.25" inches lower than left. Into dealer yesterday am, leak test done ( like gas plumber soap/ water/ spray bottle), part ordered. No fuss no muss…asked why they don't replace both…" they both don't leak"…oh well!

[Bobby_Drake]

Originally Posted by 640ijims

Well at7:00 am yesterday , returning to garage from getting paper, noticed " the beast" ( 2018 X5///M with 46k on clock) appeared to have a list to the right. Checked garage floor with level…no left to right issues in floor construction, Handy Craftsman tape told tale…, she was listing . 1.25" inches lower than left. Into dealer yesterday am, leak test done ( like gas plumber soap/ water/ spray bottle), part ordered. No fuss no muss…asked why they don't replace both…" they both don't leak"…oh well!

but sooner or later, the other one will

[640ijims]

I'm sure it will! Lol😂🤣🤬! Although if it was my dime, I probably would have gotten the " need to change both sides at same time…other side probably ready to fail "speech. But as it was BMW's nickel, "no fail no replace" speech!

[640ijims]

Well, here we go again….28 days & maybe 500 miles, post replacement of passenger side rear suspension bag I get a tire low notice..pull into garage…I hear a loud loud hissing..think man I musta gotten couple sidewall punctures. Well, tires are fine..passenger side suspension is hissing…10 minutes later hissing done. The "Beast" is sitting 1.5 inches lower on pass side again. Anyone have a replacement fail like this? Goes into BMW dealer Monday. They said ok to drive it…any thoughts on this?

[///MCollection]

Problem is it may be ok to drive but who will pay if (more likely when) the compressor fails prematurely. The possibility is this could be after warranty runs out, maybe essential use only.

[640ijims]

I think, I'll just leave in garage until time for 20 minute drive to dealer. Good advise, thanks!

[640ijims]

I must apologize , went to garage and looked at car. Passenger rear tire flat as floor…evidently tire casing held it up for a while. When BMW assist arrives to put spare on; this 240# 74 year old could not budge one nut; I'll be interested to see what I picked up.

Update, tire changed. Spare had 20 # of air ( rated at 60# max), despite being checked by tech at each service.. so now trust & verify for my BMW dealer. Picked up what looks like a utility knife blade…no plug for this..have to it "adjusted" , tire has about 8K on it. Change one or both rears?