Question about what e53s came with full air suspension

[4.8isX5]

I know some of you here know the specifics for this (hopefully),

So i believe all 4.8is came full air susp stock, 04-06 model years,


Now theres the rest of e53s 3.0/4.4 that are either full springs or rear air only,

Which model years in specific came with the option that you could get full air either on 3.0/4.4 maybe just 4.4, i think 4.6 you couldnt option that way, but i remember seeing somewhere other e53s which were not 4.8is could? Maybe i read wrong but i just want to know for sure.

[Ricky Bobby]

Full air suspension was an option starting on '02-'03 4.4, and 3.0. Not sure if it was an option for the 4.6, I never saw one with full air. Stayed an option for all engines till EOP of the E53, and obviously as you know was standard on the 4.8iS.

It was a standalone option that in my previous knowledge i thought one had to previously order the sport package in order to "check the box" to also get full air. However there is a member here with a pre-facelift 4.4 I believe which has full air suspension and non-sport package.


Mine is an '03, with sport package, with full air, 3.0 5-speed so I guess it's somewhat rare.

[TerminatorX5]

option S220A, rear only and option S221A, all 4 corners, were available from the beginning of production...

both option codes continue to appear as valid choices for the entire production time of E53 - it could be that the rears only were "discouraged" by the factory and not ordered as much...

[Ricky Bobby]

Originally Posted by TerminatorX5

option S220A, rear only and option S221A, all 4 corners, were available from the beginning of production...

both option codes continue to appear as valid choices for the entire production time of E53 - it could be that the rears only were "discouraged" by the factory and not ordered as much...

Are you sure on that T? I was always fairly certain that S221A full air suspension was not available in MY2000 or 2001, but started in 2002. This is from the options thread on the main page "How to tell what options you have"


(+) Adjustable Ride Height (2002-2006 3.0i/4.4i; optional with sport package/requires self-leveling rear suspension; 2004-2006 4.8is standard)

[TerminatorX5]

I am not sure if the S221A was applied to vehicles in 1999 or even in 2001 but the option was "choosable" on internal order sheets, which makes me think, that either it was available for real or was put there as a "placeholder" until it became available for real...

[4.8isX5]

Hmm,, thanks guys, perhaps it was more popular overseas? USA usually gets downgraded stuff and might not have been avail till later lol.


I also looked at arnott and they say 2000-2006 e53 w 4 corner air replacement parts which leads me to believe from 2000.

[Ricky Bobby]

I distinctly think it was introduced in 2002MY

I have to find the PDF for this but in my air susp troubles I used to refer to the BMW tech manual for EHC systems, and it distinctly referred to the all new EHC2 system being introduced, and I feel like it was a 2002 manual. I think Arnott only uses 2000-2006 on their website because those are E53 model years.

Regardless its neither here nor there but I have never seen a 2000 or 2001 with full air. Maybe Qsilver or someone with the wealth of knowledge could find the EHC2 guide as to which year it was introduced?

[Qsilver7]

Someone call my name?

I'll comment on two things that came up:

1. the EHC II system w/sport pkg (S226A) & w/o sport pkg
2. the EHC II system debut w/2002 model year e53

When you look at the part database for the EHC II air struts for the 2002/2003 3.0 & 4.4...there are 2 options for front & rear struts. There's a strut specifically for option S226A (which is the sport pkg)....then there's the strut for the S221A (EHC II). It's listed slightly different depending if you're looking at the front or rear...but there's definitely a different strut depending on how the vehicle is optioned for those first two years (02/03). Starting with the 2004 model year (10/03 build date)...the EHC II struts only have one strut option (front & rear). Hmmm.

This makes it appear that the 2002/2003 3.0 & 4.4 could be ordered with the dual axle EHC II system with or without the sport pkg...whereas from 2004-06...EHC II was only offered with the sport pkg on the 3.0 & 4.4 (and standard on the 4.8is). Does anyone else come to this conclusion?

Below is the information I have about the single & dual axle Air Suspension Systems (EHC I & II):

[4.8isX5]

Intresting,, @qsilver,,

Mainly the last part, if i remember correctly from a post made here i read thru before, the correct bags go get for the rear of a 4.8is for example was the comfort ones? Is the 4.8is full sport meaning sport bags rear and front?

On a side note, i see people replacing the front struts/bags and rear bags.. Anyone replace the rear shocks? Its normal to replace them on other cars just as the struts but i dont see if talked about much, where do you get them as well cause i dont think arnott sells them.

[Qsilver7]

Originally Posted by 4.8isX5

1. ... the correct bags to get for the rear of a 4.8is for example was the comfort ones? Is the 4.8is full sport meaning sport bags rear and front?

2. On a side note, i see people replacing the front struts/bags and rear bags.. Anyone replace the rear shocks? Its normal to replace them on other cars just as the struts but i dont see if talked about much, where do you get them as well cause i dont think arnott sells them.

1. Yes, the air bags for the EHC II system (10/2003-up build date) are the "comfort" bags for the 3.0/4.4/4.8is (especially when looking at Arnott's web site). And again, all 3 of these models have the "sport pkg"...and even though the air bags have full "comfort" articulation (highest to lowest suspension settings)...these vehicles (so equipped with EHC II) are "coded" with the sport pkg suspension (lowered stance) setting as its default.

This is another reason why it seems confusing that the 2002/03 models with EHC II have a specific air bag if optioned with the sport pkg (S226A).

2. Since the full weight (axle load) is borne by the air bags...this means that the shocks/struts only serve an ancillary/support function. Would they "wear out" at the same rate as the air bags? Or would replacing them depend on if they are actually worn out or not performing up to par...or if the owner opts to change them along with the air bags (which are bearing the full load)?