Hello E53 Forum!
I'm a new member here, this being my first post. I wouldn't consider myself a guru mechanic but I have been working on euro autos for 12 or more years. I have done many restorations and repair jobs and am very familiar with most things in that realm. I am new to the BMW air suspension world so I am slightly out of my area of knowledge. I understand the systems well but still seem to get stumped with my situation. Any enlightenment would be very much appreciated!
I have an 03 X5 M62 4.4i w/ sports pkg. I bought the car used for 14k a year and a half ago. I have been proactively replacing essential parts since I have purchased it. I have replaced all components in the front suspension with new parts 6 mo's ago. I was saving up to do the rear when the infamous rear air suspension issue reared its ugly head.
Started off sagging over night, mainly on
PR side. Unlocking would raise it and it would be fine. There was no "inactive" message yet. The next day it was down and wouldn't raise when unlocked. I was forced to drive it for 2 days, due to no extra vehicle, with the rear low. On the 2nd day the "inactive" light came on for awhile and raised the bags. I did some research and the truck sat til the weekend and I replaced the bags and the level sensors on both sides with all new parts. After installing and lowering the jack, the rear pumped up and i thought job well done.
The next morning its back down. Unlocking raises it and Ive done that every day this week. I go out this morning and down as usual. Unlock and nothing. I know the compressor is fine because it has been coming on fine and only runs for a few seconds each morning and its off. The bags and sensors are new. I don't have a diagnostic tool so I cant do any clearing or adjusting without going to an Indy or Dealer. All fuses are good. I don't hear hissing and have been trying to find a leak in a line with soapy water but nothing so far. Could it be the pump relay? Is there a solenoid or something that keeps the air in the bags while asleep that could have failed? Is it serious like the control unit? I would really like to exhaust my options as much on my own first before breaking the bank to get a pro involved. I will if its a necessary step but hate paying fortunes for what I'm completely capable of tackling myself with the proper knowledge.
A little guidance would be very much appreciated! Thank You!
09-17-2012, 09:45 AM
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