E53 Body Roll
 

Hello all. I have a 2001 4.4i X5 with 150,000 miles on it. I'm starting to wonder if my suspension is going out because I've noticed more body roll. Since this is an air suspension, is it possible for it to fail if there are no leaks? Has anyone changed the shocks due to this reason?

At 150K miles, I can almost guarantee you need new shocks :)

If you are noticing more and more roll it could be bushings/shocks or half a dozen other suspension components. Start looking underneath for abuse but I would lean towards the shocks needing replaced.

That's what I was thinking. Correct me if I'm wrong but aren't the shocks air regulated and not hydraulic?

When I go around a turn, the body feel as through it just keeps rolling to the opposite side due to force (feel as though the tires aren't gripping either). It used to roll initially but then grip and hold from rolling further.
The best way I can compare it is to a Jeep Grand Cherokee if you have every driven one. They feel like they are going to tip over every time you make a turn.

On the 4.4i, only the Sport package has air front and back. The non-Sport has air in the back only and steel coils in the front. At least that's the case for 2006 E53 models. Check out middle of page 7 on this doc:

http://www.xoutpost.com/pdf/2006%20BM...%20Details.pdf

Also, I'm impressed that you've gotten your X to 150 K. That's re-assuring for me as my 4.4 continues to rack up big-time miles. Are you the original owner? I agree with Wagner, if you've never changed out the shocks, now might be the time to bite the bullet and do it.

Thanks for the insight on the shocks and air suspension.

I purchased this X5 with 39,000 miles on it in 2004 and have done most of the maintenance on it myself. I have found a lot of owners with transmission problems and that has and still is a concern of mine. Knock on wood, but I've had good luck with my tranmission and I contribute it to changing the fluid at 50,000 and just recently at 150,000. Both times when I did it, the fluid came out black as midnight and you could tell that it had lost it's viscosity. I've not been easy on this transmission or engine as I've towed three 4,000lbs loads back and forth from Columbus, OH to Kansas City, KS. Not to mention I have a need for speed as well.

I'm proactive instead of reactive with it comes to maintenance intervals. Every 50,000, I replace the following:

-spark plugs
-air filter
-cabin air filter
-front and rear diff
-transfer case fluid
-transmission fluid (at 50,000 & 150,000)
-oil & filter (every 7,000)
-flush radiator

To date, I've had to replace the following:

-front left control arm
-final stage resister (twice)
-battery (elective)
-alternator
-fan clutch
-front right and left CV boots
-two front bushings (elective)
-serpentine belt & AC belt (elective)
-tires (can't remember for sure but I think I've been through five sets of Michelin Diamaris)

I hope this information helps current owners plan for the trip to 150,000

I got my 2001 X to around 248,000 before i dumped it in the trash for an 05. I do a lot of traveling. I completely regret getting rid of the 01. I loved it. The X does well if you take care of it well. I replaced the shocks and brake rotors, pads, and calipers every 2 years.

Wow, that's awesome. Do you know roughly what you spent on the shocks each time you overhauled it?

around 200-250
front is more around the 250s

True for face lifted X5's but I have a pre face lifted '02 4.4i non-sport with front & back air suspension.
If you have the ride height adjustment switch, you have the full air suspension.
http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x...ideAJUST01.jpg