4.8is air ride working perfectly.. Maybe?

[masawyer]

Finally got my self leveling suspension issues all resolved. No more errors. Not sure if I understand how it is supposed yo work. While stopped I can raise or lower the ride height. But it will set itself back to middle position while driving. No error codes. Is this normal?

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

[Awntchi]

Yes that's normal, it should stay at selected height on slow speed only but once the car start shifting gears it well level itself again. So you're good

BMW X5 4.8iS 2005

[blackbeast]

Originally Posted by masawyer

Finally got my self leveling suspension issues all resolved. No more errors. Not sure if I understand how it is supposed yo work. While stopped I can raise or lower the ride height. But it will set itself back to middle position while driving. No error codes. Is this normal?

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

Top button is "offroad", middle height is standard driving height and the lower setting is called "access mode".

Any modes may be accessed while stopped or even while moving, but only up to a maximum speed which I believe is around 30 mph.

Also, you can lower the car with the engine off but to raise it back up the engine has to be running, and for any height changes the door has to be closed. (I looked like a fool when I first bought the car and was trying to show off the height adjustment to my brother while the car was parked with the door open and nothing was happening )

The glovebox manual tells you the exact speed at which the computer will automatically change the height back to standard.

[masawyer]

Thanks for the info gents. The only other part of this system I'm second guessing is how often the pump kicks on. I think its pretty normal when I got a couple of passengers in the back. But every so often as soon as I start the engine the pump will click on too. Not always first thing in the morning. Seems kinda random. Worth chasing leaks? Or pretty normal behavior?

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

[Awntchi]

I can't tell you how the system is designed to behave according to bmw but i can tell you how my x behaved when new. The compressor came on once every few days (maybe 3-4) and for no more than 5 seconds. However, when i left the car parked for over a week (business trips) it used to go into a sleep mode, slammed down on all corners. It would raise itself up just by pressing the unlock button on the key though and the compressor kicks then in when starting the car (to fill the reservoirs).

In my opinion, if the compressor kicks in everyday or with every start then there is a small leak somewhere. Also, these compressor get knackered with time due leaks so even if all airbags are changed the compressor will still kick in more often and for longer periods due to the wear and tear on the piston ring/seal.

Personally I'm fed up with the active suspension and planning on converting to BC coilovers this Thursday.

BMW X5 4.8iS 2005