Man I'm dumb...Air suspension issues

[jjmead1]

2002 BMW X5 4.4 Rear air bags only. 140,000 miles or so

I have had this car for about one year now. Three issues with the air system. Leading to low ride height in rear. So far this has cost me a set of new tires due to inner wear on rear.

Here's what I know:

Air compressor works.
Sensors are able to trigger compressor to inflate.

Here is what I think:

Air bags have slow leak.

What I don't get is if the sensors trigger the compressor, and the settings are correct why doesn't the low ride height trigger the compressor?

I have had my Indy reset the height twice and I trust them. First time I went in and had it set it rode great. After three months I had low height, went back and had it done again. It did not last as long this time. Perhaps a month. So clearly a leak right?

I am perplexed as to how to get a permanent fix. I am severely cash strapped and want to make the correct choice. Am I missing something?

All air lines seem intact and are not pinched. No sounds of a leak from inside rear of truck.

Today I removed rear wheels. I unhooked ride height sensors. I removed rear spare tire and cover from compressor. Started truck, toggled the sensors to trigger the compressor, it ran and shut off. I reconnected sensors, tires and replaced cover on compressor. Drove around. Self leveling inactive light came on and the rear height was waaaaaaay to high. Say 35 inches measured from top of rear wheel well to ground.

Headed to Indy tomorrow to see whats what. Hoping to hear from you all as well. The ride is a tad firm.

[Awntchi]

Initially it did sound like a leaking airbag but after reading how you are "re-setting" the compressor I'm not so sure anymore as you might have caused more damage by messing with the sensors. Have you scanned the vehicle? Before anything else, SCAN the X and see what codes come up. The cost of a scan tool will pay for itself after a couple of scans.

[jjmead1]

Today I decided to part ways with my X5. The rear air suspension was not the only issue. It was bad and needed a good deal of work, but so did the engine. Timing chain, and headgasket, plus a few other items sent me to the edge. I personally did not see the value in dumping near $7,000 into a 15 year old machine. I liked it, but did not love it. I was never given the proper chance. Finances at this point in my life are forcing me into a more cost effective vehicle to own.

Thanks for all the support and this is a great forum. But I have gone the way of 4Runner. Perhaps someday I will return.

Cheers.

[bmw540san]

Originally Posted by jjmead1

Today I decided to part ways with my X5. The rear air suspension was not the only issue. It was bad and needed a good deal of work, but so did the engine. Timing chain, and headgasket, plus a few other items sent me to the edge. I personally did not see the value in dumping near $7,000 into a 15 year old machine. I liked it, but did not love it. I was never given the proper chance. Finances at this point in my life are forcing me into a more cost effective vehicle to own.

Thanks for all the support and this is a great forum. But I have gone the way of 4Runner. Perhaps someday I will return.

Cheers.

Good decision.You knew when to cut losses. If you ever come back, switch to coil springs and get one with proper conversion.
I still don't understand why some people act insulted when I suggest the conversion. In my short time with X, I've noticed that it's just about one of the most common problems and often money pit.
While there are some benefits to air suspension, it's definitely not the financial one in the long run if you keep the X.

[X53Jay4.8is]

Originally Posted by bmw540san

Good decision.You knew when to cut losses. If you ever come back, switch to coil springs and get one with proper conversion.
I still don't understand why some people act insulted when I suggest the conversion. In my short time with X, I've noticed that it's just about one of the most common problems and often money pit.
While there are some benefits to air suspension, it's definitely not the financial one in the long run if you keep the X.

Changing over to a coil system is a good decision and wise investment once the old air system goes to the wayside. if I had another X5 that has the air suspension with issues it would be the first system to convert over.

[jjmead1]

Originally I had planned on going to coils. Read BMW540SAN and was all in. The engine work is not feasible for me to do in the winter, given my finances and need to get it done right now needs. The X was my primary form of transportation and I need to get to work everyday reliably. Perhaps someday I will be back in a X.