New 4.8is owner with problems

[1stx548is]

Originally Posted by britcon

Air shocks leaking is a common issue. Mine both went with under 45,000 miles on the clock. They start slow, and get progessively worse. Compressor will inflate them, or use height adjustment button to pump up. They will settle - sometimes takes a few days / other times happens in a few hours. I had left side go first, then a month later, right side. Go to Arnott Industries - they rebuild using BMW cores and new rubber bags. Cost $ 299.00 each with exchange which is about $ 500. less than BMW part. I was impressed by service & quality. Replacement isn't too hard - took me about an hour on first side / less on second.
Then go get your $ 1,200 back from the " faulty module " guy !

I think I will get the Arnott Industies shocks. I cannot do the job myself so I need to find a shop that will. Do I need to replace the fronts in pairs or should I wait for the left side to go bad? The right side is not that bad, it has not gone down in about 5 days.

[jst2878]

agreed...arnott industries for the airstrut. empty the winshield reservoir and take the pipe that is leaking off and replace if cracked or put some plumbers sealant on the o ring. no worries, these are the easy fixes

[britcon]

If you can swing the $$, I'd order both sides. Arnott sometimes have a backlog of orders due to core shortage, so get them while you are still mobile and replace them when they finally let go. Only down side is you don't get your $ 100 core deposits back until you ship them the old shocks. Any competent mechanic should be able to replace these at ( 1 ) hour per side. You may need to go to someone who has BMW diagnostic computer to have ride height recalibrated. In my case, I was lucky and new shocks worked out level.

[JBEurotech]

Originally Posted by tomcat

Sorry about your issues; I had both front air struts go out within 2000 miles of each other earlier this year. Fortunately I have a warranty, which I suggest you purchase if you plan on keeping her. Unless you can DIY, a warranty will likely pay for itself with one of these (or at least it's insurance). Seems like the indy mechanic is a little to blame for your module "frying". The possible leaking strut should have been the first place to start, right? I have not had mine in the dealer's bay for months now, and couldn't be happier (probably just jinxed myself). The X was purchased because I wanted a BMW, but needed a little more room. I would keep it and get a warranty, because I can't DIY everything. Second, you should try to find somewhere else to take it unless you already had a relationship with that indy, though it doesn't sound that way. Check with other forum members in your area, your local BMWCCA chapter, or even google. Good luck.

Scott

During the teaching os the new ride positions those modules sometimes just fail..... Its stupud but I now WARN all custoemr before we touch the system they may have to buy a module....

Not realy the shops or mechanics fault

[1stx548is]

Thanks to all that replied to my post, I'm new to the BMW and am learning more about the vehicle everyday. I will order the Arnott airshocks and try to find someone to install them. I'm glad the leaking resevoir is not a serious problem and will get it fixed first. I will continue to visit this forum and hopefully will be able to contribute with some useful information.

[britcon]

A couple of other " minor issues " that I have experienced which seem to be fairly common to the X5 are faulty window regulators ( window won't crank up ), cracked water temperature sender housing ( plastic ) on lower radiator hose assembly, and faulty door handles ( door carrier / internal cable breaks ), causing exterior or interior handles to not work. Aside from these aggravations, I love the 4.8 as a driving machine.