03 4.4i left driver side sagging
 

I've recently noticed that the front drivers side sit's about 2'' lower than the passanger side. I can tell without measuring that it's off. I've tried parking on different surfaces, with the samer results. The ride seems very bouncy, and just doesn't feel like it's taking the bumps well more like a bottom out feel.

I've tried searching but my tag words bring up nothing but people wanting to lower their X or 4.8 with self leveling problems.

I have a 2003 X5 4.4i with 69K
I've recently changes lower control arm bushings, left axel & CV, Brakes and pads F&R.

Any advise?

Most likely the air bag on the strut is leaking if you have the 4 wheel air.

Thank you, any advise on ordering the part (#) in case you are correct? Roughly what would you estimate this would cost to repair if I bought my own part?

You can look up the part#s on realoem.com then order from anywhere. As for the pricing, can't really tell you as different shops have different labor rates... But as long as the electronic/control aspect of it is all working right the air strut is actually easier to replace than a regular strut. Can easily be a DIY repair. I think there may have even been a thread on this repair floating around somewhere. Worth a search.

By chance if the electrical/control was out would both sides be sagging?

The only reason for sagging to begin with is if it has a leak allowing air to escape (like in a tire) If the electrical control is out it just can't pump it back up when you are running and it stays down.

I'm having the same issue. It doesn't occur everyday but my right side rear sits low... sometimes it occurs once or twice per week. Anyone know how to diagnose this for sure?

The replacement air bag runs $188 from ECS Tuning and I've called two dealers. One quoted $242 and another $193. It will pay to shop around. The replacement doesn't appear overly complex according the TIS manual.

Is the key thing to diagnose the fact that it pumps back up? It seems to re-inflate just fine so looking to confirm it's my airbag. I have no dash messages.


Thanks.

It does sound like eht pump and all is working properly, and you have no warning messages yet which is also a plus. I'd jack up that back corner and pull the wheel off, then soak down the bag with a spray bottle with a soapy water mix and look for the white froth/bubbles on the bag. Dish soap works good for that.