different air suspension pain 4.8is

[Bnagy4.8]

the fault they found was an accumulator fault

[sockethead]

Originally Posted by Bnagy4.8

the fault they found was an accumulator fault

Accumulator fill error? If so, You need a new compressor. The compressor is shot from trying to fill a leaky system. The compressor still runs and fills the system but it doesn't pump enough air in the required amount of time. I just went through this on our X5. Replacing the compressor fixed it.

This is why it's so important to repair a leaky system ASAP. You can get a replacement compressor from Arnott for 1/2 the dealer price but it's still over $500...

[Bnagy4.8]

The air compressor is perfect according to the dealer. They fully tested it. The car is an 05 with 44000 miles on it. But the issue still stands as to why haven't my bags leaked in 2 months inactive but when active they or the strut leak/ deflate fully.

[SlickGT1]

It's not about your low mileage, your car is still 7 years old. Rubber will deteriate. Read my previous post as to why your bags probably random leak.

So you didn't trust your dealer when they told you leaking springs, but you trust that they say your compressor is fine. A bit selective on what you want to hear no?

[Bnagy4.8]

Not selective, if my bags were still sagging then I would blame the bags. But they are fully inflated. As for the compressor it may be the issue but why would the bags only deflate when the system is active? My first assumption was that the compressor was letting out the air but im not sure how they work, probably with a one way valve. Soon I will be installing the gt1 software so I can reset my suspension and get my faults with out wasting $150 every time the fault appears. Also so I can reset once I install new bags. And yes I'm aware of bag deterioration. Just confused as to how they are holding air with a leak. Fully inflated bags rules out air line leaks, or accumulator failure.

Will keep all posted on what I find.

[sockethead]

Believe me, if you are getting an accumulator fill error, you need a compressor. My GF is a service advisor at a BMW dealer so we have access to techs and equipment. They couldn't figure it out either. The system passed all tests every time. I have a GT1 and tested myself too. They thought compressor might be the cause but it wasn't until another member here said that replacing the compressor on his X5 got rid of that error, did I have conformation that was the problem. Sure enough when we replaced the compressor, the error went away.
You can drive the way it is and the system will function somewhat normally, we did for months but ultimately you probably need a compressor... Good luck!

BTW, there is a PDF floating around somewhere that explains how the system works in great detail and once you get a GT1 setup, DIS also explains how the system works when you run the tests.

[SlickGT1]

Ok you bags hold air because of the way they are. Look on Arnotts website. It is like a sleeve rolled on itself. Just the way it is inflated, could be pressing on your leak, and sealing it somewhat. I say somewhat because you clearly have a leak, and your compressor has now disabled your ride control and self leveling. All it does now is keep inflating your bags, but not letting air out to level anything.

[Ricky Bobby]

and i'm the one who had the "EHC 74 Accumulator Filling Requested pressure remains constant" error whose car was perfectly fine, once I replaced the leaking bags that was my only fault.

Replaced my compressor and no faults and air suspension operates as it should, ride height control works, etc.

If your car is sagging you have leaking bags, replace the pair (front or rear) and replace your compressor if you get the error I mentioned above.

Sucks, and its pricey, but its the only way.


sockethead, you were the one who popped in on my thread a few months back right? glad to hear my findings helped another member if thats the case.

[Ricky Bobby]

Bnagy, I also read your earlier posts and believe me when I tell you that if the shop did a leak test and found your struts are leaking, although a tiny one, it still is a leak, and it will only get worse over time.

Don't waste money on a compressor now, to have the leak burn out the new compressor and you will still have leaky struts.

Arnott sells the Reman air struts for 369 each which you can replace yourself if you are handy (you send back your leaking struts as core), and 510 for the compressor.


For anyone else chiming in on this thread, if you have any sagging, you have leaks. Replace the bags that leak, and replace in pairs. If you have the error I listed in my previous post about accumulator filling and pressure remains constant then your compressor is out of usable specs and is "burnt out" and will not function correctly without errors.

[TwinsPoppa]

Originally Posted by dhyrk3

TwinsPoppa, thanks for this literature!

as I understood, the compressor shouldn't start if the engine is 'off'. And the only possible control to do is to lower the vehicle as long as the ignition is 'on'.

However, what I'm experiencing is, at least every other day, both front sags. As soon as I unlock the door, the air bags inflates to the normal height again.

any thoughts?

You're welcome!

Sorry for the late reply but your second sentence should read:
"And the only possible control to do is to lower the vehicle as long as the ignition is 'OFF'. As everyone is saying on this thread, your front air strut(s) are probably bad and need replacing.

The part you mention when the airbags inflate after unlocking, is normal. The system was trying to compensate and activated the compressor (air supply unit).