Greetings all, Spring is around the corner in the Northeast so it’s time to pull the non-beaters out of storage and start the ongoing e53 and e39 repair and maintenance activity. On my ‘05, 78K mile, 4.8is I am getting a code indicating the auto leveling headlights are inop. Further code reading points to the rear level sensor which I understand is performed by the right sensor.

I have no codes related to the vehicle height system and, in fact, the system is working fine after replacing all four bags a couple of years ago; height is good, basically zero leaks, no unnecessary pump activity (actually no pump activity other than the first start in the Spring).

The questions:

1) What could cause the headlight leveling system to be inop and pointing to the rear sensor if the vehicle height itself is fine?
2) If I replace the right rear height sensor, will I need to adjust the vehicle height?
3) Should I just leave it alone since the headlight aim is good but doesn’t do its up/down dance when I turn the lights on? I realize I lose the auto adjust benefit but unless I tow that does not appear to be a problem at this point.

Generally, I want all systems to work 100% but am not interested in upsetting ride height control system to eliminate the light related error code and have auto adjusting headlights.

Thoughts appreciated.

Thanks

Steve


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

__________________
Garage
'05 X5 4.8is Imola Red/Black
'02 330Ci Conv. Electric Red/Tan
'01 M5 Lemans Blue/Black/Silverstone
'00 528 Electric Red/Grey
'07 BMW 328iX Silver/Black
'82 Mercedes 380SL Signal Red/Grey
'73 VW Beetle Convertible (restored)
'17 Honda Odyssey
'98 Volvo V70 GLT
'94 Ford Explorer XLT
'11 Honda Accord V6 Manual Coupe (bought Fall 2020 from American Honda with 250 miles)
'98 Volvo V70 T5 (project)