4.8is '04 air sus inactiv/ conversion to KW coil-overs possible?

climber1074 · #1 04-06-2010, 11:16 PM

Hey Guys,

Just had the selfleveling inactive light go off. The X5 is a bit higher on the passenger side (~1"), but doesn't seem like any of the bags are leaking though, its the same level in the morning.

I did check the fuses for the Air Suspension in slots 79 (7.5A) and 87 (30A) and I noticed that there isn't a positive contact in the socket block for those two locations. All of the other sockets have positive and negative, but 79 and 87 only have negative contacts, there is no positive contact. I checked if there are any loose wires that might have fallen out behind the block, but didn't find anything. Can anyone confirm this is correct? Sounds odd to me...

So just before I go hauling off trying to fix this air system, which I don't really use anyway...

Thinking of just swapping out for coil-overs from the full 4-wheel air-suspension. Has anyone does this? Is it possible to do the conversion (various shock and spring attachment locations, etc)? Seems like the KW kit is the best that's offered for the X5...might throw in some sway bars while I'm in there and really be ready for summer!

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robertjanev · #2 07-23-2010, 12:09 AM

also interested, can somebody chime in. Thanks

Weasel · #3 07-23-2010, 08:07 AM

Someone did recently do this recently by changing to regular coil springs and having custom programming done to deactivate the air suspension, but it cost a couple thousand.... Your best bet is to try the cheapest thing first as it is the most common cause of the self level inactive problem. There is a relay to activate the compressor in the metal dome under the spare. Just unbolt the dome from the metal triangle and turn it over, change out the relay and you will most likely be up and running.

jst2878 · #4 07-23-2010, 08:11 AM

About 4k for kw's and all the parts and labor with an alignment.

TwinsPoppa · #5 07-23-2010, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jst2878

About 4k for kw's and all the parts and labor with an alignment.

Dang! I didn't realize it cost that much. As long as you're happy.

rph74 · #6 07-24-2010, 09:28 AM

I had the rears done on mine.

$400 for parts (OEM coil springs, upper and lower spring pads,adapter)
$205 for a shop to install
$135 for BMW dealership to reprogram so self leveling error goes away

I'm very happy with it. The ride is exactly the same, and no more worries about the air suspension.

As for which coil springs, I simply bought the ones that were intended for the X5 3.0 without air suspension. I'm sure you could do the same for the fronts too.

rph74 · #7 07-24-2010, 09:30 AM

Here's the link with pics after switching to coils.

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...uspension.html

bumer · #8 12-29-2010, 02:09 AM

Over the past 12-14 mo. I've dealt with SLS(self leveling suspension) issue on my 4.8is and tons of frustration. So far I had to replace ride height sensor $98 (unnecessarily), both suspension airbags over $1200 (I guess it was needed, "R" one was leaking air -used Arnott for both sides).
Right after the bags were replaced I used GT-1 utilizing control unit functions test mode: raise the front axle or/and individual bags side by side I filled them with air, and almost perfectly leveled it with measuring tape ground to the fender. However, SLS message was still up, level adjustment function - NOT working, and no LED's on the switch.
So, I went to "stealer" again to reset the air-supply control Module (was told it is resettable). All day at the dealer and $263 later (for trying) I came to pick up my x5, and found it completely distorted-uneven, and according to them "unsafe to drive" (it says on the receipt from BMW of Bellevue). Front driver side way up high (way out of the norm), passenger side low close to the fender. NONE OF THE SLS ISSUES WERE FIXED. MESSAGE is still UP, NO FUNCTION; only LED light on the switch is blinking in the middle now.
It was my 6th or 7th visit already, and I was so pissed off. All I asked advisor for is to bring it back to the level/condition I brought it in yesterday. Service advisor said it is not possible and now requires replacement of the Module and more re-coding done for a total of $1700. In fact He mentioned that technician already tried to calibrate/equalize it, and couldn't do it. Car went back to its new grossly uneven level again after they drove it for less than a mile. At that point he sounded completely incompetent, so I did not want to proceed with anything they suggested.
NITROGAS2000!!! I beg for your advice. You have had very similar issue for a while, and now selling your EHC-2 Module on e-bay. My question to you is why are you selling your module? Should I purchase new Module from a dealer, or try to recode an old one using GT-1, or something else?
My guess is you either have fixed SLS by now or traded your 4.8is in. Please, share your wisdom. Thanks.

JBEurotech · #9 12-29-2010, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bumer

Over the past 12-14 mo. I've dealt with SLS(self leveling suspension) issue on my 4.8is and tons of frustration. So far I had to replace ride height sensor $98 (unnecessarily), both suspension airbags over $1200 (I guess it was needed, "R" one was leaking air -used Arnott for both sides).
Right after the bags were replaced I used GT-1 utilizing control unit functions test mode: raise the front axle or/and individual bags side by side I filled them with air, and almost perfectly leveled it with measuring tape ground to the fender. However, SLS message was still up, level adjustment function - NOT working, and no LED's on the switch.
So, I went to "stealer" again to reset the air-supply control Module (was told it is resettable). All day at the dealer and $263 later (for trying) I came to pick up my x5, and found it completely distorted-uneven, and according to them "unsafe to drive" (it says on the receipt from BMW of Bellevue). Front driver side way up high (way out of the norm), passenger side low close to the fender. NONE OF THE SLS ISSUES WERE FIXED. MESSAGE is still UP, NO FUNCTION; only LED light on the switch is blinking in the middle now.
It was my 6th or 7th visit already, and I was so pissed off. All I asked advisor for is to bring it back to the level/condition I brought it in yesterday. Service advisor said it is not possible and now requires replacement of the Module and more re-coding done for a total of $1700. In fact He mentioned that technician already tried to calibrate/equalize it, and couldn't do it. Car went back to its new grossly uneven level again after they drove it for less than a mile. At that point he sounded completely incompetent, so I did not want to proceed with anything they suggested.
NITROGAS2000!!! I beg for your advice. You have had very similar issue for a while, and now selling your EHC-2 Module on e-bay. My question to you is why are you selling your module? Should I purchase new Module from a dealer, or try to recode an old one using GT-1, or something else?
My guess is you either have fixed SLS by now or traded your 4.8is in. Please, share your wisdom. Thanks.

I have had those EHC control modules fail after trying to calibrate the system there relay is no rhyme or reason. They are probably correct it sucks but thats the way those modules are

rneedham1979 · #10 12-29-2010, 04:15 PM

I had a few issues with my air suspension as well, since 40k they have swapped both front airbags and a few fittings. When they replaced the right airbag it didn't fix the problem as there was a pin hole leak in a fitting. They troubleshot it for 3 weeks and finally fixed it. Things have been fine for the past 30k.

FYI- ALL air suspension components are covered by the CPO warranty, my dealer tried to pull a fast one on me and the BMW engineer that came out to authorize more labor hours confirmed that the Air suspension is not a wear item and is covered for 6 years or 100k.

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