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

[Bnagy4.8]

Originally Posted by joemorelli99

Man...I hope you are wrong. Thanks though.

its actually not as bad as you think. the repair kit that lots of people have done only cost about $120.

To replace an entire compressor it is $510 for the part from arnott.

Much well worth it to have a beautiful suspension. keep us updated on the repair though.

[Ricky Bobby]

Originally Posted by joemorelli99

Man...I hope you are wrong. Thanks though.

Joe I would recommend you first get the scan done by GT1 so we can see the exact code and not necessarily the equivalent of the indy scanner, just so we have some consistency with the other members problems.

Like I said, your "accumulator valve error" sounds just like the air compressor fault I was throwing, mine said "Accumulator Filling Requested Pressure Remains Constant" which could translate in other terms to an accumulator valve error.

Especially since you just replaced the accumulator or air tank, and I'm assuming your indy did a smoke test for leaks, after that I'm telling you its your compressor. Listen to the members above and use the repair kit for the seals on the compressor and you won't have to replace it, the repair kit wasn't known of a year ago when I replaced mine, otherwise I would have just rebuilt the seals.

Good luck and don't discount the opinions of the others here who have had similar errors, collectively I couldn't have fixed my air suspension without the help of others who had the dreaded SELFLEVEL SUSP INACT error in the past!

[joemorelli99]

Especially since you just replaced the accumulator or air tank, and I'm assuming your indy did a smoke test for leaks

I really appreciate everyone's input and I am not discounting anything (?) which is why I am here. I wanted to SHARE my experience with those who may be looking for an answer...maybe my experience might help them.

And I don't think you are reading my posts RB...I never said I replaced the accumulator or air tank (I am replacing the VALVE Thursday morning) and my vehicle has not sunk both times the error code was thrown so there are no leaks. Th suspension sits firm where it is everyday. My mechanic did mention a smoke test as one of the diagnosing tests...but that is if there is a drop in the suspension...which there is not.

FWIW...I do believe it is the compressor as well...but I am going with my guy's gut and replacing the valve first. I will post back after Thursday with the results of the valve replacement. For me to test it, I have to load the X5 with my family and go to Coscto and buy 4 cases of Vitamin Water

[Ricky Bobby]

Originally Posted by joemorelli99

I really appreciate everyone's input and I am not discounting anything (?) which is why I am here. I wanted to SHARE my experience with those who may be looking for an answer...maybe my experience might help them.

And I don't think you are reading my posts RB...I never said I replaced the accumulator or air tank (I am replacing the VALVE Thursday morning) and my vehicle has not sunk both times the error code was thrown so there are no leaks. Th suspension sits firm where it is everyday. My mechanic did mention a smoke test as one of the diagnosing tests...but that is if there is a drop in the suspension...which there is not.

FWIW...I do believe it is the compressor as well...but I am going with my guy's gut and replacing the valve first. I will post back after Thursday with the results of the valve replacement. For me to test it, I have to load the X5 with my family and go to Coscto and buy 4 cases of Vitamin Water

Joe, not to sound like a dick, but did your indy show you the part or the part number he is replacing tomorrow?

The terminology you are using for these parts is confusing. The air compressor located in the hump of your spare tire well is whats pumping fresh air into your "accumulator", which is also called an air tank for us traditional air suspension terms guys. I learned this back in the day too, because BMW calls an air tank an accumulator. Here is the picture of the "accumulator" or air tank, its located under the car towards the middle if I recall correctly:




Part 10 is the actual "accumulator" or air tank, which acts as a reservoir, when it gets low on stored air, the compressor in the trunk kicks on and fills it up. Part 1 is the "valve block" or valve unit which sends the air out to the corners.


You said your indy will replace the "accumulator valve", well will he replace part 10 or part 1, one is an "accumulator", one is a "valve block"?


I only bring up the terminology because as I noted, my error was reading as "accumulator filling requested pressure remains constant", and made no mention about issues with the compressor by how the error read out. However, my error translated to the fact that the compressor could not hold pressure and fill the air tank fast enough, it was "burned out" of spec. I was just trying to make you aware that perhaps the initial "accumulator valve malfunction" error your indy reported has a chance of being a $710 part he will replace and it might not have been the original fault. This is why I recommend running test plans in GT1 and reading what the actual BMW software says.

And just double checking the parts and pricing, part #1 Valve unit is around $330 from BMW and part #10 accumulator air tank is around $390, I'm just quoting this to try and find out what part he is replacing?


Hope this helps, we have all had air suspension issues here, and I'm just trying to pass the knowledge I have gained onward because I just hate to see money thrown away on parts without proper diagnosis of the original issue. If your height stays true and you have no leaks it literally all pointed to the compressor from the get go.

[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...

[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.