Air Suspension Failure?

[Russmov]

Originally Posted by Localbrew

Looks like mine is failing as well, it's on the driver side and it's hit or miss. Seems to be only when parked on uneven surfaces or dirt terrain. I'm taking it in on Monday, I just don't know how they will see if it's bad if it only does it randomly.

Any thoughts?

How long has your been doing this? How often does it happen?

[Localbrew]

Originally Posted by Russmov

How long has your been doing this? How often does it happen?

Randomly but I noticed it a couple months ago, but like I said it only happens on slanted parking or uneven surfaces. It happens when I park it at work on a slanted spot it will be sitting down when I get off work, but in the garage over night (flat) it's fine.

[kanvas]

Originally Posted by Russmov

Went into the garage today and found the back end slammed. As soon as I opened the door it started filling back up. Once out of the garage, it was at normal ride height again. Do I need to be concerned?

Same issue as yours today. Started it up and drove down the street and normal height. I'm taking it to my mechanic today. Did you get it sorted out?

[Russmov]

Originally Posted by kanvas

Same issue as yours today. Started it up and drove down the street and normal height. I'm taking it to my mechanic today. Did you get it sorted out?

To be honest I haven't done anything. It hasn't happened again. I'm hoping it was a one off thing, if it happens again, I will probably replace the air suspension. Hope all goes well for you

[kanvas]

Originally Posted by Russmov

To be honest I haven't done anything. It hasn't happened again. I'm hoping it was a one off thing, if it happens again, I will probably replace the air suspension. Hope all goes well for you

I think it's just a matter of time. Sooner or later we will have to replace our air suspensions. We're both at the early stages of the issue!

[Russmov]

Originally Posted by kanvas

I think it's just a matter of time. Sooner or later we will have to replace our air suspensions. We're both at the early stages of the issue!

Hopefully it takes awhile before we actually need to replace. 🤞🏻lol

[Localbrew]

I'm taking mine into the dealer on Monday to see what they say. I showed them the picture I had saved

[kanvas]

Originally Posted by Localbrew

I'm taking mine into the dealer on Monday to see what they say. I showed them the picture I had saved

Along with Russmov and me, you most likely have to replace air bags as well. I'm getting both air bags replaced later this week. Let us know what the dealership says.

[Localbrew]

Originally Posted by kanvas

Along with Russmov and me, you most likely have to replace air bags as well. I'm getting both air bags replaced later this week. Let us know what the dealership says.

Got a note from the dealer today that they are replacing the left side bag. I should get it back tomorrow night. Been driving a 2018 or 2019 (it's brand new whatever it is) X3 loaner, it's not bad, but I prefer my 2015 X5 still.

[Maverik259]

Originally Posted by Localbrew

Got a note from the dealer today that they are replacing the left side bag. I should get it back tomorrow night. Been driving a 2018 or 2019 (it's brand new whatever it is) X3 loaner, it's not bad, but I prefer my 2015 X5 still.

Covered under warranty I hope cuz I'm sure they charged $700-1000 to do one side.

One of the easiest repairs I've ever done myself. Thanks in part to the pretty decent DIY on here.

[Localbrew]

Originally Posted by Maverik259

Covered under warranty I hope cuz I'm sure they charged $700-1000 to do one side.

One of the easiest repairs I've ever done myself. Thanks in part to the pretty decent DIY on here.

Got it back tonight and they found that the LR was leaking as noted on the repair order. Yes, it was under warranty thankfully. I would have done it myself if it wasn't. How long did it take you to do yours Mav?

[Maverik259]

Originally Posted by Localbrew

Got it back tonight and they found that the LR was leaking as noted on the repair order. Yes, it was under warranty thankfully. I would have done it myself if it wasn't. How long did it take you to do yours Mav?

About 4 hours for the first one but I also went really slow as there was no great diy before I created one. I also did some work on my hubs cleaning them up and painting them with rust protection.

When I went on to do the second one i did it when I replaced my springs.

But if I did it again (which sounds like I may have to if the dealer screws me over) it would only take me about 1.5-2 hours per side.

[kanvas]

Got both air bags replaced today. Visibly there weren't any cuts or anything, but must be microscopic tears due to wear-and-tear that was causing air loss. Feels good to have them replaced finally.

[JuanF30]

I have the same problem.
The driver side suspension is deflated if i start the car for a few minutes and shut or start the vehicule just to move to another parking lot for a minute, then the driver side is all deflated.
But if i use the vehicule like normal, it wont deflat.
What could be the problem?
Thanks for any replay and sorry if im not explaining it good enough

[Castro13]

Did you figured out the problem? I changed the air spring and now the suspension won't rise a month after the change.

[Russmov]

Originally Posted by Castro13

Did you figured out the problem? I changed the air spring and now the suspension won't rise a month after the change.

Can you hear your compressor working?

[Castro13]

Originally Posted by Russmov

Can you hear your compressor working?

Yes, I hear it and I don't hear any leaks. Could it be the relay?

[turboawd]

Originally Posted by Castro13

Yes, I hear it and I don't hear any leaks. Could it be the relay?

What relay?
Does it rise at all?
How long does the compressor run?
I'd check the airline connections.

[Castro13]

Originally Posted by turboawd

What relay?
Does it rise at all?
How long does the compressor run?
I'd check the airline connections.

No, it doesn’t rise at all. Runs for about 30-45 seconds. I’ll check the airlines tomorrow morning. Thank you

The air compressor has a relay in the back.

[///MCollection]

If the compressor is running the relay should be ok. The ehc control unit has a timeout function to protect itself from burning out which it doesn't do very well. If the compressor can be heard without listening hard it has probably failed, they become noisy when overworked.

I suspect the ehc knows the compressor is not inflating the bag and turns it off.

The compressor has a hard plastic piston ring and when bags are slightly leaky the compressor has to over work but not to the degree to timeout so it wears prematurely. There is also attached to the compressor a valve block that get stuck and won't let air in or sometimes out.

I would guess at some point the bags were leaking for a while gentry before replacement which wore the compressor early now it's just failed.

As an aside all the aftermarket compressors are much cheaper but usually come without the valve block so if this the issue that needs changing too. The genuine bmw ones are expensive but come with valve blocks. Valve blocks not available as separate part from bmw but can be found on eBay etc.

If it was me I would get a quality replacement compressor like bilstein or arnott and a valve bloack from eBay and replace as one.

Also bear in mind there are two valve blocks as some ehc pipes are different sizes.

I have changed loads of these bags and only once did I do it as per instructions where I cut the pipe and pushed it in and that was the only one that ever leaked. I always undo the brass fitting with a 10mm from the old bag then hand tighten it into the new bag as to not pick up the plastic threads (the air pipe makes it feel funny going in) then nip up with a spanner.

Always spray the system with soapy water and check for bubbles forming, if you can't access use your phone camera to reach.

[Bilbofraggins]

Had mine done yesterday by my trusted Indy....he had the job done in 1 hour and charged me 80 Cad with taxes..total job with Arnott bags....less than 400 CAD. Result...

[///MCollection]

That's is the cleanest tech and underside of an X5 I've ever seen! I live in the sticks and there all gaggled with crap!