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

[joemorelli99]

I know...it's the Air Suspension. I figure I would document my experience as there are so many with air suspension issues - it just might help someone. So far, this is where I am:

1. About a week ago I loaded up the family and the back of the X5 with some cases of drinks from Costco (50 - 75 lbs of weight in the cargo area). I started the car and for the FIRST TIME, I got the "SELFLEVEL SUSP INACT" error on the dash. There was NO DROP in the ride height. The adjustment switch was lit and in the center, but would not go up or down. I took it in to my local German vehicle mechanic (not the stealer). He computer scanned the X5 - came back as "Accumulator Valve Malfunction". He tested ALL COMPONENTS of the Air Suspension (sensors / controller / bags / compressor / etc) and all checked out as operational / not leaking. He cleared the error, gave me an estimate to replace the Accumulator Valve ($710 including labor) and told me to go - saying he wanted to see if the error came back.
2. Driving around for a week - no problems / ride height switch worked both up and down / etc. This weekend I loaded up the family again...and went to Costco again to get drinks...and it happened AGAIN. The X5 did not sag / lower / raise...it just sat where it was when the fault hit. I took it back to my mechanic...same error - same code came up ("Accumulator Valve malfunction"). He cleared the code again...and it is working just fine once again. I had him order the part (part alone is $500) and it's going in Thursday morning for the 2 hour repair. I will post back with the results.

This forum has me so skittish when it comes to the air suspension (with all the posted problems) that I asked my mechanic a million questions. He said the software is VERY DETAILED and goes right to the issue. I personally do not see how anyone "guessing" as to which component of their suspension could possibly be causing a fault code without the BMW Software scanner. He was able to control all aspects of the system from his laptop - including calibrating ride height / relieving pressure / testing components / etc.

More 2 come...