Mot Fail - advice please!?

[equalze]

So my E53 failed its MOT today - two issues:

1: Offside Front Suspension levelling valve damaged or deteriorated and function affected levelling device ball joint snapped on lower suspension arm.

And...

2: Parking brake efficiency below requirements

However the garage is saying that #1 can only be fixed by BMW - is this correct? and how much would you experienced guys expect to pay for repairs for both issues?

Thanks in advance

[Clavurion]

Are we talking about level sensor for xenon headlight automatic aim?

[Redraptor141]

Rear brakes are a 10 minute adjust per side and 20 mins gaffing with the adjuster under the center console to lock it back.

You just need to take one rear wheel bolt out and find the annoyingly small hole to get a Very long flatbalde screwdriver in to adjust the mechanism.

If you have the ability it makes it easier taking the wheel off. There are plenty of videos on YouTube. My e61 failed two years in a row and just needed maybe 2-4 clicks on each wheel to get it to pass. I did mine the car park outside the MOT station!

BMW handbrakes are renown for being s***e.

The first issue looks the more serious, I can’t help there without your MOT inspector telling you exactly what part is worn/broken. Hopefully it’s a cheap little arm that you might be able to get a pose to the whole unit clavion has put.

If it is the self levelling arm sensor then the only reason it would have to go to a dealers is for the suspension to be recalibrated. Any decent BMW indi will be able to do it for you. Or maybe something like a Foxwell scanner could help you if someone lives near by?

I know my NT530 does the single axle rear air suspension calibration and you can pump up each individual wheel To your desired ride height then you do the calibration.

[Redraptor141]

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?m...2F323781295770

There’s one of the arms for £10.

My apologies to moderators if your not allowed to post direct links. Still a Newbie!

[Redraptor141]

And if the sensor itself is gone then they are around about £30 from the same site new

[Redraptor141]

And just a thought someone may be able to clarify. If it is just the arm worn/broken then just changing the arm might not even need recalibration it’s they are like for like.

[Clavurion]

Originally Posted by Redraptor141

And just a thought someone may be able to clarify. If it is just the arm worn/broken then just changing the arm might not even need recalibration it’s they are like for like.

No need for calibration even if you renew the whole front sensor. Though of course it's good to check the aim if mechanical adjustment is needed.

[andrewwynn]

Wife's arm broke from rust. I was able to disassemble clean and "rubber band" back together while waiting for shipping on the replacement part. The front part is the one with rhemetal strap. The back part is just a plastic part.looks like a mini dumbbell.