Airlift 1000 Helper Bags for Coil Springs

[F87 S55]

So I performed a forum search for "Airlift" and 3 results came back, none of which answered my question, so here we go.

I have a 2018 X5 35D with the stock suspension (no airbags front or rear and no air compressor). This was done purposefully after having to replace all 4 corners and an air-pump on my 2005 E53 X5. So, I have previously installed the Airlift 1000 Helper Spring Airbags on my former Nissan Pathfinder and they worked great and lasted for years. I want to go the same direction with my X5d. The problem I am running into is, there is no listing for an application for the X5 on the Airlift Website, or any BMW for that matter. I know they say the kits are universal, and I thought I remember someone in this group installing one.

My question is has anyone installed these Airlift 1000 "Universal" systems on their F15 X5 with success? If so, what was the part number of the kit you ordered?

[Florida-X3]

Originally Posted by F87 S55

So I performed a forum search for "Airlift" and 3 results came back, none of which answered my question, so here we go.

I have a 2018 X5 35D with the stock suspension (no airbags front or rear and no air compressor). This was done purposefully after having to replace all 4 corners and an air-pump on my 2005 E53 X5. So, I have previously installed the Airlift 1000 Helper Spring Airbags on my former Nissan Pathfinder and they worked great and lasted for years. I want to go the same direction with my X5d. The problem I am running into is, there is no listing for an application for the X5 on the Airlift Website, or any BMW for that matter. I know they say the kits are universal, and I thought I remember someone in this group installing one.

My question is has anyone installed these Airlift 1000 "Universal" systems on their F15 X5 with success? If so, what was the part number of the kit you ordered?

I used the AirLift bags in my coil springs on my Sienna mini van (for loaded family trips) as did a friend. We both went through two sets because of constant leaks. I switched to the Firestone brand and they were much better, never leaked. This was a long time ago and I have no idea if Firestone still makes them (or brands someone elses) but I had crappy luck with Airlift (as did my friend). You mileage may vary.

[uberphil]

Did you end up getting the Airlift 1000 for your F15?

I'm also looking into it for my 2015 f15 x5d to help with the minor squatting in the rear when towing my car hauler.
On another forum, there's a good write up of the Airlift setup on an e70 x5. I haven't found someone yet who's posted about their F15.

[rjohnstonstl]

Subscribed for updates as well. I towed my track car with my coil sprung 2018 X5 last weekend and would love a solution to eliminate the rear end squat.

Someone in our group at the track recommended Sumo Springs but they don't offer an out-of-the box solution for the F15 (or any BMW) and I'd obviously prefer something proven to work.

-Richard

[uberphil]

Ok I climbed under the x5 to take some measurements and then called Airlift to confirm some assumptions. I just ordered the 60909 kit and will report back once I find the time to install it.

I'm optimistic as a) measurements fit, b) Amazon review includes someone who reported success with an F15 X5, and c) same kit used by Spyro235 on an e70 X5 - thanks! (link: https://www.xbimmers.com/forums/show....php?t=1634768)

[richf80]

Originally Posted by uberphil

Ok I climbed under the x5 to take some measurements and then called Airlift to confirm some assumptions. I just ordered the 60909 kit and will report back once I find the time to install it.

I'm optimistic as a) measurements fit, b) Amazon review includes someone who reported success with an F15 X5, and c) same kit used by Spyro235 on an e70 X5 - thanks! (link: https://www.xbimmers.com/forums/show....php?t=1634768)

I bought this kit as well but can't figure out how to route the air lines without them getting pinched. It looks like you can route it inside the lower spring pad but I can not get the spring pad bump stop removed. Interested if you get this figured out. Subscribed!

[uberphil]

Completed the install today. Relatively straight forward using Airlift's instructions in the box.
So far the x5 drives normally as before (without trailer). Maybe slightly firmer ride. I'll test with my trailer hooked up next week.

I did take pictures so will try write up a quick DIY sometime too.

A few brief notes...
Routed the air hoses upwards by drilling 11/32" holes in the center of the plastic upper seat above the spring (accessible inside the trunk under the trim). That allowed me to directly run the hoses into the trunk and tuck the fill hose in the side compartment inside the trunk.

I used the included Airlift spacers - one on top and one below - in order to protect the bag from the upper seat and lower conical pad, and bc the 60909 bag height doesn't fill in the entire unloaded spring. After fully unloading the suspension (ie wheels off ground), the actual spring height is 9-10" so maybe the 60910 or 60911 kit may also work. Airlift suggested erring shorter so I'm going to stick with the 60909 kit I installed. They advised that slightly short bags are fine, but too tall will cause issues or fail prematurely.

Good luck! I'll try to get the DIY and feedback up soon after I test with the trailer.

[richf80]

Originally Posted by uberphil

Completed the install today. Relatively straight forward using Airlift's instructions in the box.
So far the x5 drives normally as before (without trailer). Maybe slightly firmer ride. I'll test with my trailer hooked up next week.

I did take pictures so will try write up a quick DIY sometime too.

A few brief notes...
Routed the air hoses upwards by drilling 11/32" holes in the center of the plastic upper seat above the spring (accessible inside the trunk under the trim). That allowed me to directly run the hoses into the trunk and tuck the fill hose in the side compartment inside the trunk.

I used the included Airlift spacers - one on top and one below - in order to protect the bag from the upper seat and lower conical pad, and bc the 60909 bag height doesn't fill in the entire unloaded spring. After fully unloading the suspension (ie wheels off ground), the actual spring height is 9-10" so maybe the 60910 or 60911 kit may also work. Airlift suggested erring shorter so I'm going to stick with the 60909 kit I installed. They advised that slightly short bags are fine, but too tall will cause issues or fail prematurely.

Good luck! I'll try to get the DIY and feedback up soon after I test with the trailer.

Is this where you drilled the hole for the airline? Circled in yellow in the picture.

[uberphil]

Originally Posted by richf80

Is this where you drilled the hole for the airline? Circled in yellow in the picture.

Yes that's it. Black plastic cap. It's actually very thin on top so not much to drill through. I started by drilling a 5/32" pilot hole so I could be sure it was close to center. Then I expanded it to 11/32".

Pictures attached showing hole and then with air hose.

[uberphil]

Quick diy write up for install of Airlift 1000 60909 kit on 2015 x5 f15 35d without oem air suspension.
Usual disclaimer proceed at your own risk. I'm just an amateur sharing what I did.

0. Do this on a flat surface. Also you may be curious to measure your ride height before and after (I forgot and wish I had...).
1. Empty trunk, open lower trunk storage and remove left and right trim lining so you can see the top of the spring mounts.
2. Raise rear of car, support safely on stands/etc, and remove the rear wheels
3. Confirm spring measurements as per Airlift kit requirements. My springs measured 9-10" interior height.
4. Starting with left/driver side...
5. Inside trunk. Drill 11/32" hole in center of top spring mount (the round ish black plastic top). I found it easier to drill a 5/32" pilot hole to center and then expand. Be careful to drill as straight down as possible. You won't be able to get exactly straight because the tie down tracks are in the way.
6. Squeeze Airlift airbag into the thinnest hot dog you can and replace the valve cap...just like Airlift suggests in their instructions.
7. Push the airbag into the spring with the valve facing up. I started from the 2nd or 3rd gap from the bottom and pushed up. Once you get the bag into the spring, do NOT remove the valve cap yet.
8. Insert one Airlift spacer above the bag.
9. Feed the air hose from inside the trunk down into the spring.
10. From inside the spring, feed the air hose through the center hole of the spacer.
11. Slide a hose clip a few inches onto the air hose inside the spring.
12. Lubricate the air hose with soapy water. Don't be shy...be liberal with the lube...
13. Connect the hose to the bag. First confirm the hose is going through the spacer center hole, then remove the bag valve cap, then push the hose onto the airbag valve fitting until the fitting is fully covered by hose. Then slide the hose clip onto the valve stem as instructed in the Airlift instructions. Note the bag will start to expand as soon as you remove the cap. That's ok.
14. Insert an Airlift spacer under the bag and above the lower conical pad. The center hole on the spacer should rest on the conical pad.
15. Done with left/driver side spring. Repeat steps 5-14 on right/passenger side.
16. Route the hoses neatly inside the lower trunk and combine using T junction and inflation valve as per the Airlift instructions. I chose to run hoses to the driver side storage compartment. Be careful not to pinch the hoses...leave some slack.
17. Test everything as per Airlift instructions.
18. Put wheels back on. Lower the car.
19. Test as per Airlift instructions.

Note spring pitch is > 1" so the max pressure is 35psi.

Pictures attached.

Good luck. Hope this helps!

[richf80]

Thank you for the detailed write up!

[uberphil]

Originally Posted by richf80

Thank you for the detailed write up!

Glad to help! I'll be towing in a couple weeks and looking forward to improved ride height.

[rjohnstonstl]

Another thank you for the write-up! Just ordered the 60609 kit and looking forward to towing the track car without the squat.

[nsogiba]

Thanks for the inspiration and write up. I have a 2016 X5 on OEM coil springs and plan on towing my E92 M3 to track events. Roughly 6000lb GTWR and probably about 600 lbs tongue weight, so I'm expecting to have a decent amount of sag. I just ordered the 60909 kit and will be installing it shortly. I'll post some photos and get measurements of fender height before/after.

[nsogiba]

I finished up my install last night and wanted to add a couple of notes and tips:

After starting with the driver's side and trying to connect the line to the barb at the top of the bag with great difficulty, I pulled the bag back out and tried a different method to give myself some more room to work with.

Drill the plastic cap inside the cargo area and feed the line down through the spring.


Slide the top spring pad and hose clip onto the line.


Squeeze a bag to deflate it, connect the line and clip comfortably outside the coil spring, then use a spare vacuum cap (or your mouth) on the other end of the line to maintain vacuum.


The bag is now a lot easier to jam inside the spring and you no longer have to try to connect the lines inside the confines of the coil spring.


Back up top, I used a spare hole in a bracket in the driver's side cubby to mount the Schrader valve. Just needed to trim some of the insulation.






I have not yet filled the bags to see how they affect ride quality when not towing a trailer, but will report back when I get the chance. Rear ride height is 31-11/16" from ground to top of fender opening in the rear.

[Florida-X3]

Thought I remember when I had mine years ago you need to keep some air pressure in them (5-10lbs) as to not damage them.

[nsogiba]

Originally Posted by Florida-X5

Thought I remember when I had mine years ago you need to keep some air pressure in them (5-10lbs) as to not damage them.

Yes, the minimum is 5psi per AirLift's instructions.

[JupiterBMW]

Bringing this thread back up..

Curious how everyone that is running this kit is doing in terms of reliability. I see that Airlift also has an HD type of helper bag setup, but they don't look to have the same universal kit numbers as this kit.

I'm definitely looking to install this setup very soon to assist when towing my track car.

Appreciate any long term reliability thoughts or additional ideas!

[nsogiba]

I have used my bags for about 2 seasons now with no issues, but I did have to go back and correct an installation error (my fault). When you drill holes in the plastic caps to run the air lines, make sure they are a large enough diameter to allow some movement. I initially drilled the holes to be a very tight fit with the air lines, since I did not want to allow moisture/dirt to get in. The lines ended up kinking and leaking between the bag and the plastic cap. I removed the lines and drilled the holes a bit larger so that the lines could slide freely. No issues since.

[JupiterBMW]

Originally Posted by nsogiba

I have used my bags for about 2 seasons now with no issues, but I did have to go back and correct an installation error (my fault). When you drill holes in the plastic caps to run the air lines, make sure they are a large enough diameter to allow some movement. I initially drilled the holes to be a very tight fit with the air lines, since I did not want to allow moisture/dirt to get in. The lines ended up kinking and leaking between the bag and the plastic cap. I removed the lines and drilled the holes a bit larger so that the lines could slide freely. No issues since.

Thanks for the reply and picture. I'm excited to get the bags and install them. Question for you, or anyone really..

Do you know what size tubing the kit comes with? Looking to snag some valves to isolate each side and want to order the right ones.. Thanks!

[nsogiba]

It should be 1/4" OD tubing. Order the kit and measure first to be sure.

[JupiterBMW]

Originally Posted by nsogiba

It should be 1/4" OD tubing. Order the kit and measure first to be sure.

My research confirmed same. I wanted to test a couple things before I buy, I have a pair of 1/4" valves that I'm going to test fit, so will use those. Will post my results when I get the kit installed. Thanks again for your help!