Replaced Front Passenger Air Strut -- Do I need a reset?

[MANGO]

Did a search and did not find anything on my query.

I recently replaced the front passenger air strut (on an '06 4.8IS) with a remanufactured unit from Arnott. The old one had a pin hole leak that made the truck sag in the front.

The install was successful, the pump filled the new bag with air, and the truck rose up. Checked for leaks and everything is good.

The issue I'm noticing is that the passenger side visibly sits what looks to be 1" lower than the driver's side. There's less of a tire gap on the passenger side (the one that got the strut replaced), the strut stem just below the bag is a lot more hidden, and from the front of the truck, it visibly leans a bit more to the left.

Checked the 7.5 and 30 fuses in the trunk, they're good.

What am I missing? Do I need to take it to the dealer to reset (if there is such a procedure) or am I missing an added step to wrap up the install?


Thank you!
MANGO

[sockethead]

Sounds like you need a calibration. That would be a trip to the dealer or someone that has the BMW software installed on a laptop and knows how to do the proceedure. I've done it several times on my 4.8 using my laptop

[MANGO]

Thanks Sockethead!

If I go to the dealer, do I just ask for a air suspension calibration and they'll know what I'm referring to?

What BMW software (i.e. software name) is used to do the calibration? Would like to ask my mechanic just in case he might be able to do it.



Thank you very much!
MANGO

[Ricky Bobby]

you need GT1 or similar software to do the ride height calibration, the dealer should definitely be able to do it, ask a BMW specialized indy though, they can also do it if they have the right software.

And yes if you call up dealer, just tell them you had an air strut replaced and need a ride height calibration, they'll know what you're talking about. I can't imagine they would charge more than an hour of labor for it.


Just curious, is the other front strut an original? I replaced my front struts with Arnotts at the same time, they were both leaking, and usually when one is leaking due to age of rubber, I can't imagine the other one would be far behind. And these leaks are so small sometimes you can't even see them unless you do a smoke test or something similar.

[MANGO]

Thanks RB!

Yep, the other front strut is still original. I'm sure like you said, the other one won't be too far behind. Spread thin at the moment with the budget so I'm trying to stretch out the life of the other good front strut as much as I can.

I found out about the passenger front leaking because it would bubble and hiss after spritzing water on it, aside from the visible sagging.

The thing is, the other stock front strut that's still good, sits higher than the one I just replaced and has yet to show signs of sagging.

I'll pay a visit to my indy and see what he says. He should have the GT1 software since he always has BMWs in his shop.



Thank you very much for your help guys!
MANGO

[TiAgX5]

If the hall effect sensor is still good a new bag should not effect ride height. My .02 is you have a bad ride height sensor.

[xsx450]

I had a bmw dealer tell me they wouldnt touch my suspension since it had arnott bags. They said they had a tech nearly lose his arm from one blowing out or something...

[MANGO]

Thanks TiAg,

Is the ride height sensor easy (as in cheap) to replace?
Might be something I want to look into as part of getting my mechanic to calibrate the suspension since if xsx is correct, there's probably a bulletin out now to all the dealerships not to mess with an Arnott equipped X5.


MANGO

[TwinsPoppa]

If they jacked up your vehicle the sensor arm might have gotten flipped when they lowered it.

If not just take it to a place that can recalibrate/set your default ride-height. When I had mine done I had to recalibrate because the X was sitting on the front tires, IIRC.

If the place can recalibrate, they should also be able to do a quick test to confirm what is causing the uneven ride hgt.

If its not the case of the flipped sensor arm or the sensor hgt got adjusted (on purpose or not), my assumption would be it just needs a simple calibration.

[TiAgX5]

Originally Posted by MANGO

Thanks TiAg,

Is the ride height sensor easy (as in cheap) to replace?
Might be something I want to look into as part of getting my mechanic to calibrate the suspension since if xsx is correct, there's probably a bulletin out now to all the dealerships not to mess with an Arnott equipped X5.


MANGO

Never priced one.

You might want to take a look and verify the sensor mounting bracket and/or link rod are not bent/damaged. If you're getting into DIYing the system or understanding what you indy is doing to your vehicle, I would suggest getting a Bentley manual. There are multi-meter tests to verify these and other sensors.

Xoutpost is extremely helpful, but having a full breakdown of the system, troubleshooting/diag steps, torque specs, etc goes a long way if you DIY.

Too many DIYers mis-diag or "throw parts" at issues due to a limited understanding of a system they are attempting to repair. The devil is in the details, proceed accordingly.