Replaced air suspension with springs

[chauez]

I have a 2003 E53 EHC 2 (4 wheel air suspension) which I converted to coil. Can anyone tell me the specific steps, instructions on how to remove the SIS error on the instrument panel? I have tried the module which connects to the rain sensor but all it did is disable the air conditioner 

[TrickerZ]

It should be the same steps as I've listed. The only difference is you need to subtract the 4 wheel SLS module from the vehicle order or ZCS and reprogram all modules to update the order.

[bestvaluestore]

Originally Posted by TrickerZ

Thought I'd give back to the community a bit and explain how I replaced my air system with springs.

Removal was pretty easy. I removed the computer, compressor, air tanks, hoses, air springs and level sensors, then put in the 3.0 X5 springs.

Parts you need:

2 SPRING PAD LOWER 33531093785 $10.22
2 Cover 33531093787 $4.44
2 SPRING PAD UPPER 33531093786 $7.38

and whatever springs you want to run. Just remember if you lower your ride, you'll want to get matching struts as well.

The springs I used are the stock ride height: Lesjofors 42 084 57 in case you can't find them.

Tools you need are ratchet, sockets, crescent wrenches, spring compressor and ratchet strap.

If your ride isn't already bottomed out, you might want to jack up the car first so you don't mess up the air springs.

To remove the compressor, you need to remove the trunk floor, remove the spare tire, remove the 4 bolts holding down the funky dome under the spare, unplug the compressor, flip the dome over and remove the bottom, gut everything out of the dome and put it back together.

Remove the plastic cover surrounding the battery to unveil the computer. It should be labeled 37141092396 (rear axle computer)

Unbolt the plastic pieces around the left and right of the trunk that hold up the trunk floor. You have to remove the ones closest to you first. Once those are out, you can see the air tanks and can remove those and the lines.

Now unbolt the air springs and struts. If you haven't already, jack up the car.

Put the car high on jack stands and remove both wheels. Remove the ride height sensors (you may need to shove a thin wrench into the joint to remove the nut for the arm).

Have a friend stand on the hub and you can squeeze out the air springs much easier.

Once they're out, place the lower spring pad in and hold the upper spring pad in place. While the upper is in place, push the "cover" into it from the bottom and it will lock in place.

Use the spring compressor to compress the spring about 20%. Grab your ratchet strap and loop it around one side of the spring. It'll look a little funny, but you shouldn't be compressing it that much that another is necessary. Make sure you have at least 1 loop of spring left on each side or you won't be able to get the strap out later. Ratchet it down tight and remove the spring compressor.

Now have your friend stand on the hub again and cram the spring in there with the ratchet strap facing out. Have him get off so it's fairly compressed. If you can connect the strut back up, do it. Use a jack to jack up the hub so the strap is loose and then release it. Doing that will also allow you to line up the strut so you can bolt it back in, so check that as you're jacking.

Put everything back together and you're done!

Now bring the car to someone intelligent so they can reprogram the computer to not check for the air suspension and you're completely rid of the annoyance forever.

It handles better with springs?

[Quicksilver]

Why do this? What's the point?

[TrickerZ]

Originally Posted by bestvaluestore

It handles better with springs?

Yes

Originally Posted by Quicksilver

Why do this? What's the point?

To remove considerable and pointless complexity. Springs don't break. Computers, compressors, sensors, and air bags do (very regularly) and if you do this yourself, the cost is less than replacing some of the SLS components.

Ride quality is better unless you're towing a large trailer. Since I've seen a total of 0 people towing a boat with an X5 in my life (and I live in FL), I'm guessing that's not an issue for very many people. I towed jetskis a few times with no issues, but not sure what a boat would do.

There are those people that think it's cool or they like to be able to adjust their ride height with the 4 corner air bags. If that's you, keep the bags. If not, the next time you need part of the SLS system replaced, you might consider going with springs.

[bestvaluestore]

Yes,everybody can decide for themselves.

[masangya E53]

i just swapped out the air springs to old school coils . whats the remedy to get rid of warning message? ive tried everything fr removing fuses 57,79 and disconecting the module.

[Quicksilver]

TrickerZ

Thanks for the clarification. Makes sense to me. I haven't had a bit of a problem
so I didn't see the need but it's good to have a guide just in case. Thanks