I just purchased a 2002 X5 3.0 with 63,500 miles on it and this has happened to me twice. The 1st time I started it up, the message was there that it was inactive.......I put it in reverse to back out of my parking space, put it in drive, and it disappeared. The ABS Brake light was also on. They both went out at the same time. It hasn't happened since and it's been about 1 month. If it happens again, I will take it in to have the dealer look at it. I took it in once, but they didn't have time to check it out and I haven't had time to take it back yet..................

Just picked up my 4.8 this morning from the dealer.

Having followed threads on this and another forum, Steved had some experience that I printed out for the dealer.

In their defence, they are not allowed to sit on forums like this and see what is happening, and they did not know that suspension fault messages do not log in the DME (computer). Thus, last time I took it in they could not find anything wrong.

By taking in a print out of Steved's problems, they were able to see that I had similar symptoms, and they followed the same methods of testing. My rear suspension was dropping to the bottom, and they checked and tested the sensors and rear processor, identifying the problem.

It meant that the central control unit had to be replaced and (touch wood) it should be the end of it.......... it also feels a little different to drive already

with regards to the self-leveling suspension - how do I know if I have it? I've had the back apart down to the battery, and there is a black dome shaped metal housing above the battery and below the spare. If this is it, how can I test if it is functioning?

thx

Yes, you have it. Underneath the black dome is the air compressor. The 4.4i and the 4.6is have had it standard.

thx - so, how do I test if it's working....

The 'self levelling suspension inactive' problem is the ONE problem I haven't had with the 4.8is and to be honest I would have found it more reassuring to have some kind of error message rather than the 'ghost' problems that were more typical.

To solve 'most' of these problems the fix is either a new updated control module, replace the ride height sensors (which are cheap as chips and prone to going wrong) or a software upgrade. Most problems are software/electrical and very rarely anything concerning the pneumatic hardware. So most of the time the car remains safe but just unable to deal with changes in ride height or load (i.e. safe to drive to the dealer). To be fair to BMW the system was originally developed for the E39 5-series and adapted in stages to suit the X5. Hopefully the next model X5 will have a more reliable and functional system.

Took my 2004 3.0 (12 K mi) in last Fri for the 'self leveling inactive' problem. They informed me they would need to keep it over the weekend because they were ordering a new pump. Picked it up yesterday afternoon and no problems. Last evening went to pick up Chinese food and it came on again. Driving home from the restaurant it didn't come back on. I haven't driven it this morning yet, but I'll be pissed if I have to go back. By th way the Chinese food was delicious! It seems like the rear is a little squatted down...maybe I'm being a little sensitive and looking for things now. On a different note...when I went to pick up the X, the service advisor asked where I got my center caps(spinners). He said a few mechanics wanted to know and thought they were cool! Anyway, I hope the light is off for good. Over the weekend I had a 325 and it was fun to drive, but when I got back in the X yesterday afternoon it was very nice. I didn't realize how much I missed her...( I call her Beatrice!) Ha Ha!

I took the X back to the dealer this morning because the rear sitting down. The tech had to reprogram it and it's nice and level w/ no problems.

self leveling inactive???
 

I hear a hissing noise coming from my rear tires But I'm getting the message. My 2000 4.4 is no longer under war. does anyone have any idea what a problem like this could cost? Thanks for any info!!!

I had to replace one of my sup. bags... it was not cheap