2004 E53 rear air suspension leak?

[Emory39]

Do find the leak soon. If the compressor overheats, you might need to replace that too. When I worked in a euro mechanic shop, I had had to replace three air pumps, because of an air leak in the system.

[Gregory891]

Given the age of the car, and the symptoms - replace both bags asap with Arnott. I did this (proactively) when my car was about 12 years old, with notable rubber cracks (fortunately no leaks at the time).

Our cars age, rubber flexes and ages. Add the air pressure on air springs along with the four seasons of temperature changes - this isn't a surprise. Consider an air springs as a maintenance item after a certain number of years.

Having replaced a LOT of shocks & struts over the years, fortunately replacing E53 rear air springs is easier. No spring compressors to deal with.
Do remember to pull the fuse (trunk fuse box) before you start, replace it when you finish the hookup to let the compressor replenish the system's air BEFORE you lower the car to the ground.

[Jimdevx5]

Bags look pretty new

[Jimdevx5]

So I pulled the back apart and sprayed everything with soapy water, no signs of a leak!!! I will pull the rear wheels tomorrow and inspect the bags up close???

[Jimdevx5]

So I dove in Deeper and the left rear is an arnott but the right rear looks old so I’m going to change them both, see how it goes

[FREE-PPV]

Left E53 for a week and rear suspension was down on both sides. Would not work at all, no pump coming on, so checked fuses, not blown, went to my mechanic who has advanced diagnositcs and got them to both pump up again, held for three weeks, then right rear went down and will not pump up. But pass side is OK, so not the same problem as last time as I see it.

I pulled air line on driver side, and no air is being pumped to that side, but again, pass side is up and ok. So perhaps bags are starting to leak, or something is leaking for it took three weeks for driver side to collapse. So all I know at this point is no air is reaching driver airbag to test for leaks.

Could bad sensor cause this non air issue on driver side? I have not had time to sway sensors to isolate, but was curious before I order new one, so anyone have this knowledge on sensor failure symptoms.

Thanks,

[Gregory891]

I've had to replace a rear sensor - it give me a dash air suspension warning light which the code reader told me was a defective sensor (and which side). Easy to replace (buy genuine - there is a lot of junk around), I don't think I needed to erase codes for the light to go out - but it's been 4-5 years.

Based on the likely age of the car and air springs, as is the case with ALL of our E53's, consider that you have rubber that is under pressure. It moves and flexes a lot. It has to endure changing seasonal temperatures. It is logical to expect cracking and then leaks. Buy a pair of rear air springs from Arnott and replace them, just check if you have standard or sport suspension (get your build list from the BMW VIN sources - BMW archives - online). They are rather easy to replace - read one of my posts for some helpful tips. If you have issues, you can also PM me.

[jsoto]

For 3 years or so, only in the winter, I would get SLS issues every now and then. I replaced my bags and it all went away. I suspected it was a very minute minute hole that would leak air (as the pump was def working when the SLS came up on cluster) that only exhibite itself due to changing weather/expansions/contracton.

Some

[LVR]

Hi, my new (to me) 4.8is had what we thought was a leaking bag on the left front. Had to reeducate myself on the whole system operation etc from having gone through this over 10 years ago with my first one.

It was dropping to the left then the whole front did a dive overnight when the wake up leveled it.

Sprayed with soapy water, no joy. Had my indy do a reset on the computer and check the sensor operation ad positioning (they can be knocked out of alignment) and no problems since....all sorted.

It's not always a leaky bag...

Cheers

[Jimdevx5]

Returning air springs and going with coil spring kit!!!