So I just bought a used 2007 X5 4.8l with the sport package and all the other goodies and 87k on the clock. First of all let me say that im a DIY guy all the way, I do all my on mechanical work from pulling motors to complete tear down and rebuilds. I love getting my hands dirty and find all mechanical experiences very rewarding when knowing you have trouble shot (correctly) and fixed a problem that saves you a substantial amount of money.

The start of my issues begins:

Problem- ive had it for less then a week and had the 2 stage taillight fault pop up on me. Now this was after a hard couple days of rain in VA and noticed some moisture in the hatch taillight housing

Fix- I replaced all the bulbs and would not clear the fault. Removed the taillight house from the body and the hatch, cleaned the contacts on the bulb sockets with 320grit Sand paper as well as the metal contacts on the taillight housing. This is what made the fault go away.

Problem- level control system malfunction came up on the dash this morning when I started it up to go to work. First time ive seen this fault since I bought the car last week. Drove to work (22 miles) and didn't notice anything that stood out about the ride, extra harsh etc nothing, no significant drooping after parked either. Its really hard to even hear if the compressor is cutting on. Should I hear it? and how long does it normally stay on for? . I let the car sit for about 3-4hours walked back to take a look at it, again nothing significant to report, started the car back up and the fault cleared itself.

Question- Do you think the level control malfunction was a Sensor issues or a leaking air bag issue. What ways can I do effective trouble shooting?

Can I buy new sensors without having to replace the airshocks? What is the part number or aftermarket replacement?

if I need to replace the airshock, what is a good replacement? Again I have the sport suspension and not sure if it takes a different airbag then a standard suspension.

Also I just ordered an ISOFT BMW Scanner and should be here in a couple days but not sure if it will be able to help me trouble shoot the airshock issue, just a thought though.

Im very happy with the vehicle, the interior and outside are in great shape for the age and mileage, the motor runs very strong. I expected corkey issues like this and am all about trouble shooting and finding a fix action.

Thanks in advance for the inputs.