Hello new shoes. Hello air

[X5SND]

2014 V2.0 UPDATE STARTS HERE


WARNING: This thread contains material that a BMW "Purist" will probably find offensive, and therefore should probably leave now.

Ok, with that out of the way on to the more interesting tid bits. With some new wheels and tires set to arrive shortly, I needed to find a solution to the atrocious wheel gap that will ensue. So switching over to an air ride system with some sort of digital ride height control was the answer as i need the ability to keep my clearance for winter. I searched high and low for aftermarket kits, arriving at the conclusion that it was a choice of either airrunner or kits that looked like they were more novelty items than anything.
The only problem with the airrunner system being that unless you order the complete kit, they do not warranty anything.

So with all that being said, the final verdict was to do some sort of hybrid factory/aftermarket set up.

So here's the plan:
-BMW's air struts and bags
-Ride Tech valving
-Dakota Digital Ride Height Controller
-Viair Compressor
-Some sort of desiccant air Dryer (still sorting this one out)

Everything except the struts, bags and dryer are on order, and should arrive shortly, so as the building commences I plan to keep this thread updated on the progress!

One last thing, (sorry for the long and somewhat dull post!) before someone jumps in and points out that the project is probably not the most economical solution... on you!

UPDATE:
Just thought I'd post a teaser of what the kind UPS man brought. Sorry for the iphone pics, was in somewhat of a hurry!

Most of the components arrived.


Ride controller with the "brains" of the operation.


Wheels. The Bridgestone Dueler HP Sports are also sitting in the garage for these bad boys.


UPDATE #2:
Here are a couple pictures of where I mounted the air compressor, and ran a SS line over the top of the rad to the air box securing it to the top of the rad with rubber clamps. I used the intake air filter to also filter the air for the compressor. I did have to strengthen up the air box wall just as a precaution; to make sure it would not crack after putting in the bulkhead fitting and connecting up the line. Next to mount the compressor in that location I had to fab up a bracket for it to sit on. Power wires run through the existing rubber insert for the factory harness, to a relay controlled by a pressure switch on the tank. I still have to get another bulkhead fitting to connect the main airline up to the SS line coming off the compressor. Anyways, enjoy.

Comp. Intake Line:


Comp. Mounted:



Stay tuned for more!!

[Temonio]

Hell, I'm interested in seeing how it turns out. If for nothing more than the mad scientist like metality. Keep us posted.

[TriX5]

Great idea. Love to hear how it turns out. I had an Audi 6 allroad and it could be driven at three different settings I believe. Never understood why BMW didn't do that on the X5.

[X5SND]

Originally Posted by TriX5

Great idea. Love to hear how it turns out. I had an Audi 6 allroad and it could be driven at three different settings I believe. Never understood why BMW didn't do that on the X5.

Im pretty sure its a standard feature on the 4.8, and was an option on some of the other X5 models, but none the less do believe it to be a valuable feature!

[X5rolls]

Originally Posted by X5SND

WARNING: This thread contains material that a BMW "Purist" will probably find offensive, and therefore should probably leave now.

Ok, with that out of the way on to the more interesting tid bits. With some new wheels and tires set to arrive shortly, I needed to find a solution to the atrocious wheel gap that will ensue. So switching over to an air ride system with some sort of digital ride height control was the answer as i need the ability to keep my clearance for winter. I searched high and low for aftermarket kits, arriving at the conclusion that it was a choice of either airrunner or kits that looked like they were more novelty items than anything.
The only problem with the airrunner system being that unless you order the complete kit, they do not warranty anything.

So with all that being said, the final verdict was to do some sort of hybrid factory/aftermarket set up.

So here's the plan:
-BMW's air struts and bags
-Ride Tech valving
-Dakota Digital Ride Height Controller
-Viair Compressor
-Some sort of desiccant air Dryer (still sorting this one out)

Everything except the struts, bags and dryer are on order, and should arrive shortly, so as the building commences I plan to keep this thread updated on the progress!

One last thing, (sorry for the long and somewhat dull post!) before someone jumps in and points out that the project is probably not the most economical solution... on you!

Sounds interesting, can I ask what the budget is for this set up?

[X5SND]

Originally Posted by X5rolls

Sounds interesting, can I ask what the budget is for this set up?

To be completely honest I haven't set a hard cap on the project, as I'm sure I'm going to run into a few problems along the way. But if I can do the whole set up for somewhere in the $3000-3500 mark I think that's reasonable. Keep in mind the Airrunner kit runs for $4700 plus an additional $1600 for the digital air management system.

[X5rolls]

Good luck on the sourcing of materials and install - looking forward to following the process.

[midwest x6]

Subscribing...

I want to see this!

[J.Belknap]

Have at it.... Commscope eCatalog - Dehydrators

Not sure on your plumbing design... but here's my pick based on actual use. Andrew SD-003

If it's good enough to keep the waveguides of some (expensive) Terma RADAR systems dry, it should fit your bill, volume requirements, and at 5"x2", your space limitations.

[X5SND]

First off, my apologies for the lack of updates, school keeps me pretty busy, and I'm off for some fun in the sun tomorrow (Hawaii). Hopefully everything will be completed by the time all our snow melts. So high gear it will be as soon as I'm back!

Status so far:
- Air tank is ready to be sandblasted and painted.
- Compressor is mounted and plumbed, electrical as well.
- The main air supply line (compressor to tank) is run.

If I get a chance to wash her off today ill try to snap a few pics!

Originally Posted by J.Belknap

Have at it.... Commscope eCatalog - Dehydrators

Not sure on your plumbing design... but here's my pick based on actual use. Andrew SD-003

If it's good enough to keep the waveguides of some (expensive) Terma RADAR systems dry, it should fit your bill, volume requirements, and at 5"x2", your space limitations.

I actually found something very similar but a flow through design. The same concept though, with the color changing beads. I entertained the idea of using one of Bendix's air-brake driers as they are self-purging....BUT they're dam loud when they purge. Its a BMW, not a big rig