Rear Suspension "Deflating" 2007 3.0

[3Series]

You'd have to do a conversion. There might be an E70 conversion kit out there but I've never heard or seen of one. There are tons of resources for Range Rover conversion from air springs to non-air.

[Jarola]

Well, I just pickup up my X from an indy that I trust and he could not find the source of my leak. He used a soapy solution on both bags and did not see any leaks. He scanned the computer and no error codes were found. Have an appointment with BMW this Friday....

[Jarola]

Bmw found a leak in one of the air springs. I have ordered 2 springs from the huskergroup for $188 a piece. Are these easily replaced in the driveway? DIY perhaps?

[Jarola]

So I fixed my problem! I did it with the help of a BMW mechanic in my driveway. Here is how we did it.

1. Used BMW software to deflate the airbags. Removed the fuse under the glove box to prevent the air pump from turning on.

2. Jacked up the rear end via jack on the rear diff and used jack stands.

3. Removed wheels.

4. Removed nut from rear shocks to lower the suspension to give room for the removal and replacement of the springs.

5. Popped up the bottom of the air spring with a pry bar, it is plastic and very esy to pop up. Twisted the top of the air spring to unlock it from the body.

6. Removed the air supply line by removing the 10mm nut. Replaced the nut and hose on the new spring. Made sure not to pinch the air supply line.

7. Replaced the air spring by locking it into place in the upper body location, again making sure not to pinch the air line.

8. Lifted the suspension to pop in the bottom of the air spring, popped in very easily.

9. Replaced shock bolt

10. Replaced wheel.

11. Repeat on other side.

12. Lower truck and replace the fuse. The pump will turn on and pump up the springs.

13. Done!

Total time including software boot up time took 1.5 hours.

[jharms]

Thanks for the write up! How long did it take you?

Is this not a DIY job unless you have access to the software to deflate the air bags?

I know that you had a shop check the air bags to let you know that they were not the problem. Do you know how they did it? I've got a similar problem as you've described. I'd prefer to do it myself but I'd hate to replace the air shocks and the problem be with the air bags.

Thanks for all the help!!

[Jim M3]

I think the dealer only charges .5 hours of labor per side to do this work. It is pretty cheap, I had both rear bags changed out for $125 labor.

[jharms]

Thanks, Jim M3! At that price, I should probably take it in for repair instead of shotgunning parts myself. Although it wouldn't surprise me if BMW of Austin was 10X the price. Not thrilled with the service we've received from this dealer.

[Jarola]

Thanks for the write up! How long did it take you?

1.5 hours

Is this not a DIY job unless you have access to the software to deflate the air bags?

Yes, this is true, might have to wait till they are both flat and remove the fuse to the pump

I know that you had a shop check the air bags to let you know that they were not the problem. Do you know how they did it? I've got a similar problem as you've described. I'd prefer to do it myself but I'd hate to replace the air shocks and the problem be with the air bags.

Actually, I got a second opinion and the BMW dealership told me that the bags ARE in fact faulty. This must have been the case, because after the swap it has not deflated again...fingers crossed.

[Jarola]

I was quoted roughly $900 for parts and labor for both springs in Tampa...I highly doubt that BMW will do this job for $125.00 at least not at the one near me....

Originally Posted by jharms

Thanks, Jim M3! At that price, I should probably take it in for repair instead of shotgunning parts myself. Although it wouldn't surprise me if BMW of Austin was 10X the price. Not thrilled with the service we've received from this dealer.

[jharms]

Originally Posted by Jarola

I was quoted roughly $900 for parts and labor for both springs in Tampa...I highly doubt that BMW will do this job for $125.00 at least not at the one near me....

BMW of Austin quoted $29XX for both. It may be cheaper for me to drive to Florida to get the work done and spend a few days at Disney World! I tell you, BMW of Austin is a rip off.