Replaced air suspension with springs

[TrickerZ]

Sorry guys, I didn't get an email saying anyone responded. I did only the rear, but I would imagine everything is similar in the front. I actually programmed the computers myself to get rid of the SLS message. You have to remove your suspension code from the ZCS or VO and reprogram the car with WinKFP. It's actually pretty simple, but it seems like almost no one knows how to do it. It took me a couple weeks to figure it out.

Basically, you need to read up on how to use WinKFP, then look at your ZCS code. In my case my SA was 2000001184B01A05. To get rid of the rear suspension computer, you need to remove 200, which gave me 2000001184B01805. There is a character at the end that acts as a checksum, so unless you want to calculate it yourself, just check the box in the ZCS coding to calculate it for you. Then code the car.

You can also search torrents and things for a BMW ZCS encoder/decoder that will allow you to enter your SA and add/remove components. I used a $20 OBDII connector with a $20 round adapter. I've heard the OPPS heads are much better if you can afford them, but this worked fine for me (it almost bricked my DME when trying to update the software, though). You just need to make sure it has the ignition line in it. Some are designed for newer cars and don't have it.

[Blue4.8is]

Originally Posted by TrickerZ

Sorry guys, I didn't get an email saying anyone responded. I did only the rear, but I would imagine everything is similar in the front. I actually programmed the computers myself to get rid of the SLS message. You have to remove your suspension code from the ZCS or VO and reprogram the car with WinKFP. It's actually pretty simple, but it seems like almost no one knows how to do it. It took me a couple weeks to figure it out.

Basically, you need to read up on how to use WinKFP, then look at your ZCS code. In my case my SA was 2000001184B01A05. To get rid of the rear suspension computer, you need to remove 200, which gave me 2000001184B01805. There is a character at the end that acts as a checksum, so unless you want to calculate it yourself, just check the box in the ZCS coding to calculate it for you. Then code the car.

You can also search torrents and things for a BMW ZCS encoder/decoder that will allow you to enter your SA and add/remove components. I used a $20 OBDII connector with a $20 round adapter. I've heard the OPPS heads are much better if you can afford them, but this worked fine for me (it almost bricked my DME when trying to update the software, though). You just need to make sure it has the ignition line in it. Some are designed for newer cars and don't have it.

If i was to do the rear could i leave the stock shock in place and just replace the air spring to a coil spring?

[rph74]

Originally Posted by TrickerZ

Sorry guys, I didn't get an email saying anyone responded. I did only the rear, but I would imagine everything is similar in the front. I actually programmed the computers myself to get rid of the SLS message. You have to remove your suspension code from the ZCS or VO and reprogram the car with WinKFP. It's actually pretty simple, but it seems like almost no one knows how to do it. It took me a couple weeks to figure it out.

Basically, you need to read up on how to use WinKFP, then look at your ZCS code. In my case my SA was 2000001184B01A05. To get rid of the rear suspension computer, you need to remove 200, which gave me 2000001184B01805. There is a character at the end that acts as a checksum, so unless you want to calculate it yourself, just check the box in the ZCS coding to calculate it for you. Then code the car.

You can also search torrents and things for a BMW ZCS encoder/decoder that will allow you to enter your SA and add/remove components. I used a $20 OBDII connector with a $20 round adapter. I've heard the OPPS heads are much better if you can afford them, but this worked fine for me (it almost bricked my DME when trying to update the software, though). You just need to make sure it has the ignition line in it. Some are designed for newer cars and don't have it.

Wow that is impressive! My local dealership had my car in for a full week and couldnt figure it out. Had to travel to Chicago to find a dealership competent enough. Well done!

[rph74]

Originally Posted by Blue4.8is

If i was to do the rear could i leave the stock shock in place and just replace the air spring to a coil spring?

Yes, no need to mess with shocks.

[Blue4.8is]

Help. i cant get the regular spring in place. I disconnected the sway bar and strut and have a friend to stand on the hub and still no luck. Anything else to try?

[TrickerZ]

Did you compress the spring? It needs to be compressed about 1/3 to get it in there. Use the method I provided with the ratchet strap.

[Blue4.8is]

Ok. So we finally were able to put a pry bar to lower the hub enough so that we could put the squeeze the spring in. We did not compress the spring at all. Anyway, I'm getting rid of all my air suspension components so if anyone needs them let me know. I also added a parts list in there for anyone who wants to do this swap in the future! I can tell you that I am so glad i did this swap . The x5 Rides so much better. I used Eibach Springs and Aftermarket Struts off Ebay. Had to order most of the little pads and small parts from the stealer ship though ...
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[absentmathis]

The air suspension on a vehicle I just purchased has been removed but it has not been reprogrammed. I noticed that if I unplug the compressor the brake and ABS lights come on...will the reprogram take care of that as well? I'm going to get it done as soon as I have time anyway, just curious.

[TrickerZ]

I think I remember that happening only when the module is plugged in. Unplug the module and you should only see the SLS error.

[itscoo2pyopants]

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