Rear air suspension to coil spring conversion?

[hbrezzi]

Hi all,

As per my previous post, our '08 3.0D X5 with 3rd row seat is having problems with the rear self levelling suspension...

Converting it to coil springs is definitely an option.

Would you guys do it? Any experience with it?

Thank you!!

[3Series]

I would not do it.

A ton of Range Rover folks have converted from air to spring which elimiates a key feature for the RR.

Check out Arnot Industries, they sell air springs.

[blktoptrvl]

What is the cost/benefit of this conversation.

[hbrezzi]

Originally Posted by blktoptrvl

What is the cost/benefit of this conversation.

The price of one bag is about $200.00 on ebay and, apparently I have to replace the compressor as well which is another $500.00. Shipping to Panama is about $150 thus giving a grand total including labor of $1,200.00. If for any reason it turns out that the other bag must also be replaced then it would be around $1500.00

If I buy a conversion kit for about $300 (on ebay), I can get away with a total cost of $650.00 and never have to worry about it again.

Of course, if you guys think that going to springs is a definite no-no, I will just suck it up and stick to air.

[hbrezzi]

Hi guys,

despite not getting any convincing feedback, I went ahead and did the conversion from airbags to coils... The car feels and drives GREAT!

I am very happy with the result and the only thing left is to figure out how to turn off the "level control system failure" warning message.

Any ideas?

Thanks!

[conedoctor]

Find a local coder and it can be done.

[blue dragon]

So for spending $1200 on a part which is obviously a wear item on a 6 year old car, you completely eliminated the functionality of self leveling. The bags are about $300, and there is no reason to change the compressor unless you let the problem fester for a long time, and the compressor wore out.

What are you going to do when your tires wear out, drive on the rims? Parts wear out, and this is not something that wears out frequently.

[Mujahid]

Originally Posted by blue dragon

So for spending $1200 on a part which is obviously a wear item on a 6 year old car, you completely eliminated the functionality of self leveling. The bags are about $300, and there is no reason to change the compressor unless you let the problem fester for a long time, and the compressor wore out.

What are you going to do when your tires wear out, drive on the rims? Parts wear out, and this is not something that wears out frequently.

Please explain "functionality of self leveling" - is this only for towing? I am giving serious thought to switching to "maintenenace free coil springs"

[ICCCPI]

https://icccpi.livejournal.com/407.html

[mr_robot]

My (new to me) x5 has collapsed rear air suspension. Wanted to swap to a spring but wasn’t sure what the general consensus was in regards to dong this mod.

Won’t be using it to tow or anything crazy, what I am losing by deleting the rear air suspension system?