same problem here
 

sorry, can't offer any solution, but I'm following this thread closely. I got a 2003 5X, 3.0l with the same Air Supsenion problem / error message. My front left is low and it looks like the air strut is bad. Seems to be hard to eliminate if it is the strut, the compressor, a relay etc.
Also the light on my switch that raises / lowers the suspesnion is out.

http://jrn640.tidewaterwebsolutions.com/1a.jpg

If the light on the switch is out it most likely has either a blown fuse or bad control module... If the suspension sags it has a leak, the system doesn't just collapse on its own.

Best to check first thing in the morning and see which air bag is down
SWITCH ON THE IGNITION and the suspension will pump up but sometimes it will pump right to the top then you hear ssssssssssss it lowers off to the correct height
Only problem is that if this has been allowed to pump up and down for mmmmmmmmm depends on when or how far you travelled
If it has pumped up to the top 9 times out of 10 it will have knackered the level sensor that is connected to the back axle and the body of the car(just inside the rear struts)
The sensor on the front shocker or suspension is for the bi-xenon headlights and this has nothing to do with the suspension
Check the 2 back sensors for broken wires
if problem persists ill ask my autoelectrician

next steps?
 

Thank you Weerab and Weasel for your replies - I sincerely appreciate the feedback, as I'm a bit lost in all this - but like the challenge to figure this out and to resolve it.

Here are the exact symptoms (seem to be similar to Nitrogass2000):
1) Front left (only) is very low > fender is about 1 inch above tire
2) Errors message reads: Suspension is inactive
3) The Air Bag on the front left Strut is completely collapsed (see photo in previous reply)
4) Vehicle rides "hard" and bumpy
5) When I turn on the engine, no pump is activated, car does not seem to rise or change elevation.
6) Checked a series of fuses in the glove box, high-amp behind spare tire and right hand compartment in the trunk (based on instructions found in another thread) >> All fuses seemed to check fine
7) Dashboard switch to raise and lower car does not light up and does not seem to work.

Wow, that is a lot of stuff :saad:

I guess I'm trying to avoid ordering a bunch of parts that actually dont need to be replaced.

What is your best guess what steps I could take to narrow this down and troubleshoot?

Again - thank you for your insight.

Control Unit
 

Is this the Control Module you are talking about?
Control unit EWS IVEWS 4.3161359145097$125.69

Link? And EWS isn't the height control, that is anti-theft... you would need EHCII.

But regaurdless you will need the strut that is collapsed. The one that rides stiff and bumpy, because it is bottomed out and the airbag on it is completely blown out by this point.

makes sense
 

yes, replacing the blown strut makes sense to me. That sounds like a good place to start with this venture.

I read in PDF document titled "X5-Self-Level___Air_Suspension-EHC.pdf" posted in a different thread that working on this air suspension system is a complicated deal - meaning: the system has to be depressurized and pressurized properly (6x) with diagnostic equipment, etc

I think I should be able to replace the Air Strut by myself, but how about these pressurizing steps etc.?

Is it really necessary to follow these steps?

I also read that my LED's on the level switch might be out, because that vehicle is in "BELT MODE"

hi
 

it is located in the back. there is a unit that looks like a bun cake that sits on top of the battery. i believe that is in there. i had mine replaced it cost me a total of 650 bucks. but guess what, you can do it yourself. it's plug and play. call randy at 8474286872 he'll tell you where it is. the leaking you'll have to get fixed at the dealership.

GUESS WHAT PEOPLE I HAVE FOUND IT! THIS SOUNDS LIKE A VERY GOOD DEAL!

BMW Air Suspension Parts - X5 2000-2006 (3.0, 4.4, 4.8 Liter w/air suspension)

I think i will be all over this this is half price or less then BMW and LIFETIME WARRANTY!

Or does ANYONE know another company that maybe cheaper??

Congrats. That doesn't seem a bad price for something that carries a lifetime warranty...assuming the company is still around in 10 or whatever years.