2009 X5 with Level Control System Malufunction Warning but no Symptoms

[fourbrads]

Greetings,

My 2009 X5 (xDrive 30i) with 3rd-row seats just went in for its regular oil change. I drove it home the other day and, when I hit my unpaved ice-and-snow covered road on the way home, I got the indicator and the multi-display written warning.

Environment was VERY cold (for me anyway; around 4-20 degrees day/night) and it had snowed. It was parked outside at my mechanic's shop until I could fetch it.

The warning displayed until I stopped in my garage and turned off the car. I turned it back on again and it was gone. Got in the car the next day and it was back. Drove it that way for about 50 miles with no other issues beside the warning being displayed constantly. Got in the next morning and the warning was still there. Started it about 3 hours later to drive back to the mechanic and the warning had gone away again.

I checked the sensor links, thinking I knocked one or both loose on the snow-covered road, but they looked fine. Both airbags are inflated at what looks like the same level. The rear is not sagging (noticeably).

Mechanic recommended bringing it back when the warning was lit again. He's not a BMW mechanic and does not think his code reader is picking up all it should. He said that the code he picked up was something about the failure of both airbags at once, which he was dubious about.

I drove it to work this morning and the warning popped on about 30 miles into my commute.

First, is it common to have this error and no other symptoms. Second, can having it up on the ramp (as when they changed the oil and checked my brakes a couple of days ago) cause the sensors to read whacky?

Any help or suggestions appreciated.

-Jim

[BustedKnuckles]

Shouldn't cause an issue to put it up on ramps. My thinking is that one of the sensors is malfunctioning. If one of the bags deflated then the air compressor should just pump it back up to normal level after you drive it for a minute. If you are getting that warning intermittently then it is likely an intermittent malfunction with the sensor. Fairly common issue and replacing the sensor should make the problem go away.

If you aren't using an experienced BMW mechanic and he doesn't have the appropriate software then I wouldn't be surprised that he is getting wacky results on his generic code reader.

I would consider taking it to a dealership or more specialized shop to at least get it properly diagnosed and then go from there. If it is just the sensor then it is an easy repair from what I understand.

[fourbrads]

Thanks for the reply BustedKnuckles. Nearest Stealership is about an hour drive and I really can't afford them anyway.

I'll look (again) for an indy shop in my area that might have the gear needed. I'll also explore OBDII scanners and the like that might be in my price range. I'd welcome your suggestions in this regard.

Meantime, I will unplug the sensors, clean the connectors, and see if I can find a manual that can provide me "normal" readings for the pins on the sensors. Might find a fault there.

It remains intermittent and I have yet to notice any sag. Hoping it's a sensor issue.

-Jim

[ard]

Consider buying a BMW specific code reader/system. Carly for BMW is one (although I have a real problem with their pricing model); you need to buy their wifi OBD interface, their iphone app, maybe some in app purchases....but it is prtetty damn clean. INPA/NCSExpert another.... you can then do your diagnosis and still have an indy to do work.

I believe an airbag can fail, show no symptoms- but basically be leaking such that it has the compressor running way too much. Good news is the leak will get bigger- OR- the pump will fail, and you will have a symptom.