Hi All New here 

I have a 2014 X5 F15 M Sport 2.5d 

Im having an issue where the air suspension occasionally goes down when parked, it goes back up when I open a door and the compressor kicks in, sometimes it stays up and sometimes it goes down within 2 minutes of driving off causing all sorts of handling issues. its very intermittent and it can be fine for 1-2 weeks but will then play up for a couple of days, then normal again!! As you can imagine it's driving me bonkers and the local garage (not BMW) can't find a fault. Any ideas?

Airbags are not leaking, no obvious faults, compressor kicks in (although sometimes for a very short time 5-10 seconds, no dash lights on, no stored fault codes.

 

Any help appreciated!

 

Scott 

 

 

Hi Scott

You need a diagnostic by a Garage or someone who has a BMW capable Diagnostic, there is a Register of BMW Specialists so you should find one near you.

Does your car have rear self leveling suspension or full all round air suspension. ? The system is not overly complicated so with the right diagnostic software it should be fairly simple.

Take a look at www.realoem.com put the last 7 digits of your Vin into the search box and it will call up your model, then search the rear axle section. It should list all the parts and show a small drawing that will help with locating parts, the part numbers will ensure if you need a part that you get the right one.

It could be a level sensor or a sticking valve in the control unit

Good Luck with the solution

Dave

P.S. It goes without saying driving on a deflated airbag can cause damage

Thanks Greydog 

 

Im of the impression that it is either the valve block, the purge valve or a level sensor, as the suspension doesn't go down every time its parked, so it's probably not leaky air springs or a leak on a pipe. Does anyone know if the compressor/valve block are hot swappable? What I mean is do they need calibrating once removed?

My car has springs on the front so im guessing its just air leveled rear suspension. Unfortunately I've had no choice but to drive it with deflated springs to get it back home, but its not something I do if I can help it. 

Where can I find the list of the garages with the Software to diagnose BMW? I don't really want to go main dealer as I've not recently won the lottery 😂 and as you say the air system is easily repaired/replaced and accessible.

 

I really appreciate the Knowledge 

 

Scott 

Morning Scott

There is a Register of BMW Specialists so Google is your friend you should find one near you. Generally these are BMW trained guys who have struck out on their own cost wise they are around half the dealer costs. A good Independent Garage with Autologic or similar could also be useful.

If you use realoem.com find the parts you need if you double click the part number you will get a list of alternate Models and part numbers that will fit. Then back to google for the best supply price don't ignore recycled parts there is also a list of BMW Specialist Recyclers who are knowledgeable and helpful.

If your able to DIY then take a look at sites like www.pelicanparts.com they have some great "how to's" with pictures, it is a USA site so steering wheel will be on the wrong side but everything else is where it should be. So I would search to see if there are any service kits available BMW like many other manufacturers don't fix things they just change parts and there are many companies out there who repair/upgrade all sorts of units. Try people like BBA Reman or Cartronics 

Good luck hope its and easy fix

Dave