error "selflevel sus.inact"

Grantsmith82 · #1 10-19-2013, 02:18 PM

ive had this error once about a month or two ago. but only ever came on once.. (I assumed it was because I park my car on my drive which is on a slope?)

however the last day or so this error has been coming on more and more.. is there something I can check or faults/ errors or something I can test on the car and physically see if I have a issue with the suspension before taking it to a garage (as im skint atm) any help appreciated

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bcredliner · #2 10-19-2013, 04:45 PM

There may or may not be fault codes. If you can check for codes that will be very helpful.

It could be a slow leak in the system. More often than not a leak will be an airbag. You may be able to see or hear a leak. On level ground, check to see if the gap between the tire and the wheel is lower on one side verses the other. Look to see if the airbags are smooth, not cracked like old rubber gets. Is the light on when you first start it up when it has been sitting overnight or is it intermittent during normal driving?

BMWs are very sensitive to voltage. Sometimes a bad battery or a failing alternator that is not properly changing the battery will generate errors such as sus.inact.

Grantsmith82 · #3 10-19-2013, 05:13 PM

I hae bmw scanner 1.40 I wil hopefully get working tomorrow
with regards to the suspension when I unlock the car or key in ignition should I be able to see the suspension raise up / lower to see if this is working or not? there a process or something?

bcredliner · #4 10-19-2013, 05:56 PM

Should not rise or fall if system has no leaks unless there is major change in temp or it sits for a lot longer than overnight. If you have adjustable height suspension you can see if it will change height. Or you can add weight and then turn on the ignition to see if the pump runs to compensate.

Is the warning coming on when you first start it or off and on when you are driving?

bcredliner · #5 10-19-2013, 06:02 PM

Measure the distance from each wheel well to the ground with X running, using the center of the rim as a centerline for the measurement then check it the morning for any change.

bcredliner · #6 10-19-2013, 06:03 PM

How old is your battery?

Grantsmith82 · #7 10-19-2013, 06:20 PM

I'm not sure how old battery is. I only had car a couple moths
The warning usually comes on when I first get in and start the car
Only come on a couple of times once a month ago (I assumed as I park on slope)
And a couple times last few days
I noticed tonight when I started car there is a button on dash (slope icon) 2 buttons away from front pdc and that lit green for a few seconds when starting then went out. Not sure what that does /means?

bcredliner · #8 10-19-2013, 07:00 PM

The icon showing a vehicle going down a steep slope is hill decent control. It comes on every time you turn the key from off to on. That is normal.

Since the light comes on first thing in the morning and then goes out it is more likely the system is losing pressure.

Suggest you start it up and measure as above, record the numbers by wheel and check again in the morning to see what changes. We can better troubleshoot with that information.

The slope should not cause the inactive warning to come on.

X5girl · #9 10-20-2013, 04:43 AM

I would suggest you have a fault in the control system and the ECU is detecting it. Normally if it tries to run the pump and nothing happens or the levelling sensors disagree.
You need to get the code read to try and fing the fault but this could be the start of a very expensive, and common fault chasing program.
I would start considering some coilovers to rid yourself of the system as the complete kit will be cheaper than a single OEM airbag strut.

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