Air Suspension Ghost: 2005 X5 4.8is...
 

Ok so got the TiAg 4.8is. Have not had a careful evaluation yet by my Indy though they did do a quick PPI last week. Self-level Suspension Inactive error is continuously on, all sensors and modules have been replaced recently by BMW and another Indy. They say they can't fix the problem.

Adjustment button stays in middle position. Truck runs fine and stays in apparently the mid level position all last week while I drive it. Today, though it is sitting and is COLD outside like 34 degrees F. I go out and it is DOWN in the front only, both sides and about 3/4" above tires. Open up door nothing happens. Start truck and nothing happens. DRIVE about a quarter mile and stop, get out and level is MID level again! Seems perfect and equal on both sides. Had to drive it though to "fix" itself.

I know this is probably a common issue and there are likely many discussions on this I just couldn't readily find any on this case.

I am sure this is probably gonna eventually warrant a redo to coils but if the sensors are ok, the module is ok, compressor ok and the air bags ok (they felt fine, had no apparent leaks) then where could the 'ghost" LIVE?

Thanks for any suggestions!

Had this on a buddies, first i would check for leaking bags, but his needed to be recalibrated and functioned fine after.

You may not think the bags are leaking, but let me tell you, if they are original, they are

If it drops down overnight, probably in the cold temps the rubber on the air bags shrinks up and gets less pliable and the hairline cracks allow it to leak down. It will take a few minutes to pump up after startup which is why you have to drive it, but you are overworking the compressor doing this.

Your indy/the dealer should be able to easily smoke test the front air struts for leaks - I literally CANT STAND all the posts about "they can't figure out whats wrong with the air suspension" its not that complex.

Find a competent indy to leak test the system but I am almost positive you have the small hairline cracks on the bottom of the folds of the air struts, they leak very subtly and not noticeably. Get a pair of Arnott front air struts if they are leaking, and swap them out ASAP before you overwork the compressor and have to rebuild it (that will throw its own error code even after the leaks are fixed)


I don't want to sound like I'm annoyed but there are way too many incompetent dealers and mechanics who dont know how to properly diagnose the air suspension on these vehicles its ridiculous.

Hey thanks. I already have apprised my Indy of this possibility. The only thing I heard though was my Indy guys talked to the PO's Indy "guy" and it was a LONG talk about hte suspension. Apparently BMW had the thing for over three weeks and their "Flying Wrench" came in and looked at it and STILL did not figure it out. So we will see...

SO if I do a total swap is there a system which will be a both electronically adjustable and not TOO firm? The ride is pretty stiff as it is now. I assume I would need AIR not just coilovers.

Sorry to sound uneducated but I guess...YUP...I am!

Coil over is spring and shock that replaces the air system but it is adjustable in terms of heeight. You would be eliminating the potential for an air leak because the coil over system carries no air.

You could test the bags yourself by spraying them with a spray bottle full of some soap and water. Window cleaner also works. Spray the bags and then look with a flashlight for any air/bubbles. IF you see the bubbles with your own eyes then you will be know it is leaking bags and the fix,like RB says, is quite easy.

Doesn't always work this way. I sprayed the shit out of mine. Nothing. Dripped it out of the perch, still nothing. Inflated it, nothing. Replaced it, everything was fine for a while, not the same side is doing the same shit. I get no errors. Compressor doesn't run continuously.

I have adjusted the suspension a million times already. It just seems to have a brain of its own. I wish I was more fluent with a volt meter, I think I need to check that damn level sensor out.

There is a valve separator under the passenger side. You have to take the plastic covers out. Check if that is your problem child

FWIW, I would occasionally get the SLS light.
Everything always checked out, and just because I was doing some maintenance, I swapped the bags out. It could be a very minute leak. My theory is that weather dependent cold/hot, it would make that ~micro hole~ open up and let some air out ? And, or that was my guesstimate. Anyhow, AFAIK, no SLS light ever since the bag swap

That is good info. What do I check for, air leak?