Thanks for the write up! How long did it take you?

1.5 hours

Is this not a DIY job unless you have access to the software to deflate the air bags?

Yes, this is true, might have to wait till they are both flat and remove the fuse to the pump

I know that you had a shop check the air bags to let you know that they were not the problem. Do you know how they did it? I've got a similar problem as you've described. I'd prefer to do it myself but I'd hate to replace the air shocks and the problem be with the air bags.

Actually, I got a second opinion and the BMW dealership told me that the bags ARE in fact faulty. This must have been the case, because after the swap it has not deflated again...fingers crossed.