Putting your vehicle in access mode changes the crease on the air bag compared to the crease when at ride height. Sometimes on older air bags, changing the crease or fold area on the bag will expose small leaks.

You could have a leaking bag.

Not sure about the ride height not sticking. Double check your coding procedure.

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2001 E53 4.4 Alpine White, Sports Package
2000 E36/7 2.8 5 speed Bright Red w/ a HT!