Thinking about removing Coilers and Reinstalling Air

[stryker14]

Just bought a 2005 4.8is with 115k miles on it. The PO had removed the airbags, compressor, ect and installed BC racing Coilovers. Lowered the truck several inches. I know from a maintenance perspective it should be an improvement and much less hassle. However, I'm finding the ride too harsh even on the softest setting. Plus that Damn air system message is on all the time on my dash.

I;m thinking about finding the air components and reinstalling them. Anyone have any thoughts on how stupid this would be?

By the way, I also own a 2002 E39 Sport and love the way it rides.

Thanks

[bmw540san]

Correct coil springs combined with matching struts and shocks are superior to air ride, not to mention way less problematic IMO.
Anytime you use lowering springs of course the ride will be on a harsh side.
People complain about Bilstein HD but after matching them with stock coil springs, the ride is absolutely awesome.
$30 will take care of that warning light.
http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...gs-delete.html

[tecboy99]

Lol I trade you my Eibach spring setup

[g300d]

The airs will ride better IMO, if you are willing and able to tackle the additional maintenance.

[Awntchi]

I would love to have my air suspension setup for life but it's just not feasible...not in my current situation anyway. My BC coilovers conversion worked like a charm for me, however, the setting is set on original height + soft shocks....I did try lowering them and with slightly harder shocks but I didn't like it...too rough for my liking.

If I can get parts quickly and for good price in addition having a garage to work in where I can leave the car "unfinished" then I would have kept my air suspension. My 2 cents

Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk

[g300d]

Seeing the air suspension system on othe European vehicles, the E53 parts seem almost reasonable!

The Mercedes Airmatic and Audi systems are quite a bit more expensive by comparison.

[Awntchi]

You are indeed right g300d, the X5 is very reasonably in comparison with MB, Audi...assuming you live withing the EU or atleast Not in Norway.

Trivia: went to Volvo dealer today to ask if they could turn off my passenger airbag, and of course they could...for approx $400! In all fairness the part is almost $20...the rest is for the labour.

Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk

[g300d]

Holy heck Awntchi, $330 to turn off an airbag?! I assume majority is the proprietary electronic programming for it?

[X53Jay4.8is]

Originally Posted by stryker14

Just bought a 2005 4.8is with 115k miles on it. The PO had removed the airbags, compressor, ect and installed BC racing Coilovers. Lowered the truck several inches. I know from a maintenance perspective it should be an improvement and much less hassle. However, I'm finding the ride too harsh even on the softest setting. Plus that Damn air system message is on all the time on my dash.

I;m thinking about finding the air components and reinstalling them. Anyone have any thoughts on how stupid this would be?

By the way, I also own a 2002 E39 Sport and love the way it rides.

Thanks

You should look at the install that 540san did to his X5. You need to install the conventional shock and coil springs set and then have the message tuned out through the computer software. This way you have the dependable ride of the conventional coils and shocks but no worries of an complicated air system. Your ride will be much better for you.

[bmw540san]

I don't understand the point in having air suspension on vehicle such as X5.
I'm a 18 wheeler truck driver and air bags certainly have their place in that industry.
I know it's IMO, but proper setup with coils springs is simply better in any aspect when compared to air suspension.
Not to mention that anytime you visit Xoutpost, the first page will always have few threads about air suspension issues.