Air Suspension light on, but no diff

[Bmwtvboy]

Other day the air suspension light came on. I didn't notice any change in the handling or suspension. The roads here in Maine are pretty beat up. I removed the rear fuses and replaced; no blown. Things seemed ok, than the light came on again. It comes on after driving for a short distance; 1/4 mile.
I have had no known issues with the system ever. Where should I start looking to diagnose? Thanks in advance.

[Awntchi]

It's most likely the compressor not starting (to fill up the air reservoir). The reason you don't feel a difference is because the air reservoir is sending the stored air into the bag that needs it. Once that air is finished in the reservoir the car will start lowering....you'll be able to see which side straight away. Assuming you don't have a software to diagnose with (?), start by checking for leaks in the air bags, you might hear the air escaping if you're close enough. If you do find a leak, replace that side and reset the system. You'll need a software to reset (risk free), or drive for about 15 min and it will reset itself (this is risky though as you might puncture the new airbag when hitting bumps or taking tight turns). Another check: Look under the car for the sensors, they might be broken, loose or misaligned. Putting the sensors back in place the system will reset itself, no need for software.

Good luck and let us know what you find.

[jjmead1]

Can anyone post up a pic or something of where the sensors are exactly? I think I know but that tends to be dangerous for me. Just want to make sure.

[Awntchi]

Near the wheel...where the tie rod is (for the front).

[jjmead1]

@awntchi Thanks for the picture. My X only hs rear leveling system but I cannot imagine they are too different. Headed out now to put her on jacks and explore for the issue.

[Bmwtvboy]

My mechanic took a look at it. He changed the oil. Checked auto fluid.
Everything seems ok to him. NOW I have a check engine light on. The X still drives fine. The driver side rear is lower . I should note the bags are 215K miles on an 01. It's all original. I figure there a leak in the bags. I do the fuse/reset air release test to see if they pump back up. Thanks for your suggestions and patience..

[Bmwtvboy]

If because of it's age and mileage it turns out to be the compressor is shot than I am going for coil conversion. At this point all the money and time to replace the air suspension wouldn't be worth it. Coil springs with kit run about 250 tops. The dash light is another story and not a big issue currently.
I am going to test the system tomorrow at the shop. Hopefully the compressor and system is solid and I just need the bags. Thanks

[Bmwtvboy]

OK, tested the compressor/suspension system. Here's what happen.
I disconnected the two lines from the reserve tanks, released all the air. The rear collapsed about 4 inches, wheels under wheel well. Reconnected, started up and the rear rose up on the right side about 2 inches beyond well/trim. Left side still under well close to the well trim. Drove it, very bouncy. But didn't seem to bottom out. Is this a combo of compressor shot and airbags shot? Don't want to install bags only to find compressor is incapable of recharging the system. Thanks ..

[Ricky Bobby]

If its not leaking down overnight its not the bags.

If its jacked up on one side its a level sensor.

If you arent leaking down but thrown a random error you probably have a compressor that is worn out - the repair kit is $55

[Bmwtvboy]

bags are really old. 215K ,01. SO, how much is a sensor for the right side? Aftermarket?
OEM? Saw it when I replaced upper front n rear control arms, lower ball joint and shocks. Little black plastic box with two arms. Where is the compressor kit? Hard to fix? All this better than tossing it out (weight) and just going coil?
Your thoughts appreciated.
Thanks