Anyone replace a front Air Strut- DIY?

Chris_731 · #1 09-20-2008, 03:47 PM

My RF air bad has a slow leak. I sprayed soapy water on it and you can see the air bubble out where the rubber has started to crack.
I'm not sure if my extended warranty covers air bag/shocks (it says shocks are NOT covered) so I may be looking at a DIY.
Just wondering if anyone else has done this before.
I have the TIS and it does refer to using the GT1 to deflate/inflate the system, but just replacing one strut doesn't seem like too big a deal.
Tischer has the strut for $630.

Weasel · #2 09-20-2008, 04:35 PM

The labor end of it is similar to a regular strut, but you don't have to worry about compressing a steel spring which makes it easier if you ask me... While the GT1 is used to deflate the system, if you pull the fuse to disable the system you can carefully, with the truck on jack stands already, drill a small hole (1/8" or so) in the already leaky bag to let the air out of the system. I already do this anyways sometimes when the GT1's are tied up rather than waiting.

But hopefully the extended warranty will cover it. They don't cover shocks because that is considered a maintenance item. But the "air spring" isn't maintenance, but an important component of the suspension that supports the weight of the vehicle. Cross your fingers! But if not, it isn't a bad job for DIY

JustinR · #3 11-03-2008, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by weasel56

The labor end of it is similar to a regular strut, but you don't have to worry about compressing a steel spring which makes it easier if you ask me... While the GT1 is used to deflate the system, if you pull the fuse to disable the system you can carefully, with the truck on jack stands already, drill a small hole (1/8" or so) in the already leaky bag to let the air out of the system. I already do this anyways sometimes when the GT1's are tied up rather than waiting.

But hopefully the extended warranty will cover it. They don't cover shocks because that is considered a maintenance item. But the "air spring" isn't maintenance, but an important component of the suspension that supports the weight of the vehicle. Cross your fingers! But if not, it isn't a bad job for DIY

Sorry for the hi-jack, but do you know if the front steel springs are upgradeable to the air springs? Would it just be a matter of changing front springs out and hooking up the switch/wiring?

corima · #4 11-03-2008, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JustinR

Sorry for the hi-jack, but do you know if the front steel springs are upgradeable to the air springs? Would it just be a matter of changing front springs out and hooking up the switch/wiring?

If you are talking about upgrading/retrofitting your x5 to the system used on the 4.8is. It is a good deal more complicated than that. Somewhere on this site there is a diagram that shows the location of all the parts. Then comes the problem of hooking the together and attaching the wiring harness. Which might not be compatible with yours. Would be interesting to find out what the harness compatibility is. Then again, you could do all of that, then you will have all the problems us 4.8is owners have.

Chris_731 · #5 09-21-2008, 02:05 PM

Thanks! I guess we'll see what they say about it being a shock or a spring.

Weasel · #6 09-21-2008, 03:53 PM

just stress to them that is not the shock absorbing aspect if th part that has failed, only the air springs ability to support it. That is a part failure, not normal wear. It shouldn't be a problem to get it covered by the warranty.

Chris_731 · #7 10-28-2008, 07:47 PM

Just wanted to update... The dealer replaced the front strut/leaking air bag under the factory warranty today.

Also, the extended warranty only denies shock absorbers, but springs, air bags, and McPherson struts are covered.

corima · #8 11-01-2008, 05:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris_731

Just wanted to update... The dealer replaced the front strut/leaking air bag under the factory warranty today.

Also, the extended warranty only denies shock absorbers, but springs, air bags, and McPherson struts are covered.

Any chance you can tell me how you accomplished this? You can read some of my other posts concerning my left front air spring/strut. At least the dealer I got finished with today acknowledged that it was leaking. But absolutely refused to cover it with the CPO. A BMW CPO, not a 3rd party. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Steve

Chris_731 · #9 11-01-2008, 07:06 PM

Honestly, I just said the air bag was leaking, and they said 'No Problem!'

I don't how much different the CPO is from the original factory warranty, but mine was/is still under the factory warranty. Maybe that's the difference?

corima · #10 11-03-2008, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by corima

Any chance you can tell me how you accomplished this? You can read some of my other posts concerning my left front air spring/strut. At least the dealer I got finished with today acknowledged that it was leaking. But absolutely refused to cover it with the CPO. A BMW CPO, not a 3rd party. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Steve

Update, just got an Email back from BMWNA. They are basically kicking it back to the dealer for BMW CPO interpretation. I am a little confused here. The individual dealer is allowed to interpret the BMW CPO coverage, and not BMW NA?. I was just looking for a yes or no answer concerning a faulty air spring on my 4.8is from the higher ups. I was hoping I could just cut through the BS and get a straight answer. No such luck I guess.