New X owner and Air Suspension ?

[jus4kixx]

Hello all, new to forum and owner of an 04 4.8is (160K). Passed through family (we'll see if that tells if I am liked in my family)

I know the air struts were recently replaced by previous owner 15K miles ago, and last week the front driver side is sagging. In NJ and have already ate two major potholes on that side of the car.

I was getting ready to do the soap and water test but wanted to ask a quick question. The bag doesn't appear to be leaking. If I raise the car to the highest, it raises just doesn't go as high as the other three areas of the car. I left it high over night, came back out this morning still at height it was last night. Listened to the pump work this morning, came on for a few like normal and then off. I didn't keep running like was trying to get the front driver bag to stay up.

I think I read that if leaking, likely bags, if not leaking but sagging likely electrical. Just looking for a little direction.

I have an indy if needed, but also interested in absorbing cost when I can, not afraid to do my own work with guidance. Just completed my first project of replacing LCD screen in Nav unit. That was fun.

[Gregory891]

A few suggestions:

0) We assume you checked / will check on level pavement, and that tire pressure is also correct and balanced.
1) Measure the wheel arch to confirm that you indeed have a notable height difference.
2) Use a BMW software to reach your car's error codes (INPA, etc.) - that will tell you plenty. It could be a defective height sensor, however this should show you a dash light (I've had this).
3) IF it is indeed a leak in an air strut, they are easy enough to change. Find the receipt for the repair. If Arnott suspensions, you have a lifetime warranty. BMW genuine parts warranty varies by country - I it was done at a BMW NA dealer, this is normally covered for a year or more. If under CPO or similar, you might have longer coverage.

[jus4kixx]

Thanks for the pointers:

0- Confirmed tire pressure and on level ground
1- Driver side is about 3/4 inch lower and when wheel is turned in it is practically rubbing fender.
3. No warranties or receipts but have already read Arnott is the way to go.

I guess it is off to Indy, I was hoping for sensor but bot getting any dash warnings.

[Brandon002]

I had the same issue with mine, I recalibrated using INPA (romanian software) and it has been fine ever since.

[RajB]

It sounds like it's either the level sensor on that corner providing the wrong info to the system hence it's a constant difference between that one and the other 3.

It may be possible to recalibrate the one corner.

[jus4kixx]

Thanks for the insight, hoping that is it. Any idea what an Indy my charge to recalibrate?

will take some time for me to get setup on my own with InPA etc. Still new, need to do my research before I go diving into it.