air suspension pump problems 4.8is

[Blue4.8is]

... The air suspension in my 4.8is is the worst POS ever invented. Why the hell did BMW decide to even use air suspension in the first place? I know! to rip people off when the air suspension starts to deteriorate .

Would be so much better if BMW just put a nice quality coilover system on like the kw.

[Gregory891]

My light just went on yesterday. I have visible cracking on my rear bags (I have air suspension only on the rear axle) but not sagging as of yet and had planned to proactively replace them with Arnott bags (now ordered). I've already replaced rear suspension bushings and shocks, so am familiar with reactivating the suspension.

I've found that the air system is actually handy when you load up the rear of the car, and it's mandated on cars sold in Europe if you have Xenon headlights (so as to be sure you have them well aimed regardless of the weight or load in the car). Another benefit is when you need to change rear suspension parts, you let the air out of the bags and then do the work rather than having to compress springs (not easy location on an X5).

One question: does removing the air compressor fuses reset the error code (so I can see if my air spring replacement is the fix or if I need to reseal my compressor or replace a height sensor)?

[Fretish]

Just had my fronts go, not sure if my pump is gone yet but I think I'm going to pick one of these repair kits up either way, and maybe some rears as well.....wallet is already open lets tear the cash outta there quickly like a band-aid!

[Ricky Bobby]

I would do the seals on the compressor as well preventatively, when my fronts blew they were obviously leaking for a while too, as I still had no ride height activity since the compressor was burned out. I changed that as well and it's worked flawless ever since.

The compressor repair kit is 100 bucks? I think and you can replace it yourself, the rear bags are 200 and also extremely easy to DIY.

Basically I say since you are replacing the most expensive portion of the air susp (I paid 1300 with install for my air struts, including alignment) I say why not take care of anything else that could give issues.

[X5Ghost]

Nice and useful thread with lots of info to help board members. Thx everyone!

[mikem5]

any tips on how to release the electrical connector to remove the compressor unit from the trunk? i'm trying not to break the clip, but it doesn't seem to want to pop out

EDIT: got it (pushing up on the connector releases it from the clip)

[Gregory891]

I'd check on Arnott suspension for their instructions, they may give something on the clip / compressor (I've on replaced the rear bags and a height sensor on my X5). If it's like other BMW clips, sliding up the metal spring on the plastic connector allows you to easily remove it.

[rogerkiu]

If you have a GT1 and TIS, just run all the test in the system to see if all the function works. You may see my post before to get some clue.