*** SOLVED FOREVER ***! NEW DRAMA: 05 4.8is "SELFLEVEL SUSP INACT" error...

[Ricky Bobby]

Originally Posted by joemorelli99

RB...again...I did not replace anything yet and the $710 I mentioned in my original post is for the valve unit AND labor (again...see original post). That includes installation / scanning / calibrating / etc. I did not get a part number. Sorry I am not quoting the parts manual in the textbook terminology. I actually started this thread as informational - not asking for help, so I don't understand why you are getting so would up. I just wanted to share my experience.

My indy has been extra fair and honest with me from day 1 - I trust him to do what needs to be done. A few months ago he even put in my panoramic moon roof seal that I supplied for only $90. I really do not think he is trying to rip me off...and I enjoy supporting his little local shop.

I will post back after the install. More 2 come...

Joe I edited my post to reflect "will replace" the part tomorrow, just to be clear, I am not saying you are getting ripped off by your indy, and I fully encourage supporting your local Euro indy shop, as I do the same when I can.

However, I do look forward to your update, after he replaces the part have him clear the code, and I would immediately put a few things in the trunk and see if the fault pops back up (alternatively, you could also try changing ride height as well a couple times)

I'm sorry that you felt I was wound up, other members have replaced items on their air suspension that were not faulty to begin with, I was just trying to add knowledge to this thread, as multiple other members have posted that there is likely an issue with your compressor and not the "accumulator" or "valve block" as the parts diagram shows above.

I'm just skeptical of this part being the fix, that's all. If it is, that's great and wonderful and I hope you encounter no more issues.


I've had fellow members PM me months after posting their initial issues with air suspension, saying "my indy replaced this and that and I still have an error etc", and after hearing their symptoms and what error they have, if the bags aren't leaking its usually an issue with the compressor.


Take that for what it's worth, just was trying to help, which yes, I read above, you never asked for help to begin with.

[jo2jo]

I got the error message "SELFLEVEL SUSP INACT" last month(early Sunday morning 8:30am) and i wasnt carrying anything heavy, maybe just 10lbs box in back trunk.
The message came up while it was parked and i started the truck to head home.

It's cleared on it's own, and i've not seen it came back again, since then i've been doing some airport drop offs with a few full luggages and no issues. Of course it only takes me 10mins to get to SFO by freeway.

Should i be worry and have this checkout?

[BavariaTexan]

Originally Posted by jo2jo

I got the error message "SELFLEVEL SUSP INACT" last month(early Sunday morning 8:30am) and i wasnt carrying anything heavy, maybe just 10lbs box in back trunk.
The message came up while it was parked and i started the truck to head home.

It's cleared on it's own, and i've not seen it came back again, since then i've been doing some airport drop offs with a few full luggages and no issues. Of course it only takes me 10mins to get to SFO by freeway.

Should i be worry and have this checkout?

Just keep an eye on it. The fault will lie in 3 places, The fuse for the Compressor (located in the back fuse panel), the compressor itself, or the airbags leaking and the compressor is not filling them back up due to reasons 1 or 2.

FYI that is a 30A fuse.

[Ricky Bobby]

Originally Posted by BavariaTexan

Just keep an eye on it. The fault will lie in 3 places, The fuse for the Compressor (located in the back fuse panel), the compressor itself, or the airbags leaking and the compressor is not filling them back up due to reasons 1 or 2.

FYI that is a 30A fuse.

Fuse #87 in the trunk for air pump, correct 30A.

jo2jo, do you have 4 corner air suspension (with ride height control) or just rear ride height? do you ever notice a corner of your truck or the front/rear sagging in ride height after being parked overnight?

if not, you almost can rule out leaking air bags, but yes the above is correct for the most part. If you have someone local with a scanner you can have the faults read and let us know what they are.


Since replacing my leaking airbags and compressor I only had the error message come up once, after being parked on a hill with my wheels turned for an hour or so after I started driving the error was on the dash, but it went away when I stopped for gas and shut the car off then on again.

[jo2jo]

BavariaTexan, thanks, i'll keep an eye on it.

RB, thanks for you suggestions. I don't know if I have the 4 corner suspension as there is no manual adjustments, i believe my model is automatic adjust, and the truck is pretty much level. I'll see if I can get a local indy, but I have the bluetooth ODB Scan using Torque on my Android Note2 will that work or I need a real scanner. I'm planning on getting a bmw scanner 2.0.1, not sure which scanner is better, and i like to be able to reprogram for future mods.

[joemorelli99]

Hey Guys,

For those of you following my suspension drama...I had the repair this morning - the Acumulator Valve was replaced ($500 part / $180 labor + tax & shop fees = $750). Here it is:

LOCATION of the VALVE with all the lines runing into it (left) and the Accumulator (silver tube @ right) = Passenger side beneath door / covered by huge plastic panel:



VALVE (removed - TOP):



VALVE (removed - BOTTOM):



I told my mechanic what was causing the error before, so he loaded the back of my X5 with new vehicle batteries (20 of them) and me and 3 mechanics sat in it and we went for a ride...no code thrown as of now.

I will drive her around for a few weeks and see if this holds. Hopefully, the issue has been nailed.

I hope this helps somebody.

~ Joey

[Ricky Bobby]

Joe,

Glad to hear the issue was fixed! If the code stays off can you correct your thread title to say "SOLVED" so other members can see the resolution was found, really helps us all out, thanks!

[joemorelli99]

Hey RB,

Unfortunately...it's not fixed. The code returned this weekend. I am standing behind my X5 right now on a lift and my Indy has a call into BMW Tech Support because it's throwing the same code. You are all probably right about the weak pump - just doesn't throw a code that says that. I should be able to get a refund on the $750 accumulator valve repair as it it throwing the same code.

More to come as it develops

[Ricky Bobby]

Originally Posted by joemorelli99

Hey RB,

Unfortunately...it's not fixed. The code returned this weekend. I am standing behind my X5 right now on a lift and my Indy has a call into BMW Tech Support because it's throwing the same code. You are all probably right about the weak pump - just doesn't throw a code that says that. I should be able to get a refund on the $750 accumulator valve repair as it it throwing the same code.

More to come as it develops

If that's the case its 99.9% your compressor, good news is you can rebuild it with the seals kit from ECS Tuning, it says a VW part but its the same brand compressor. $150 for the kit, I would try that first instead of dropping 510 on a new compressor.

Home Page > Spring Clearance > ES#289283 Air Suspension Pump Repair Kit - 100698010A


Like we said earlier and sure I hope you can get your money back for the valve body you replaced, although it says accumulator valve error, the GT1 would show a more specific code of EHC 74 - Accumulator Filling Requested Pressure Remains Constant

Although that code does not say anything about the air pump either, the sentence deduces that filling is requested (from the EHC module) but no increase in pressure is found, as the compressors seals are worn and letting air past. Also, there are at least 3 or 4 members including myself who have scanned that exact code and found that replacement/repair of the compressor does the trick.



GL and keep us posted,

[joemorelli99]

Bnagy4.8...you were the first to post this and you were right.

I took a peak at my indy's notes while he was on the phone with BMW Tech Support...same error as RB (EHC 74 - Accumulator Filling Requested Pressure Remains Constant). BMW Tech Support got back to my indy & they said right off it was the compressor. My indy made a mistake replacing the valve block first without checking with TS.

I really want this done up completely right & new so I am going to go with the new compressor. I am getting a refund on the valve ($500) so the new compressor will be a balance of $250. Taking it in Wednesday morning to have the compressor done. Will post back with the results.

More 2 come...