air suspension pump problems 4.8is
 

I sit with a problem that is not the normal air strut leaking or car lowering problem, but the following:

1. The suspension height level stays constant at 715mm over a period of 2 months. The only change I can see after a drive is +-5mm on any side.
2. The air suspension inactive warning is on and the height control switch is inactive.
3. when getting into the car or switching ignition on, the pump can be heard for a few seconds and then stops.
4. The height back or front stays the same, regardless if the pump works or not.
5. Removing and replacing the 30A and 7.5A fuses have no effect at all
6. When doing a air suspension "reset" with the normal dealer software (GT1) reveals a error with the filling of the compressor and inactive pump.
7. The reset only last a day and then the inactive air suspension message comes back and an inactive control height switch.

My problem is that i do not want to buy a new pump if it is the air suspension control unit and vice verse. It can also be the pressure switch?

My car is the 4 corner, dual axle type.

WHERE SHOULD I START LOOKING FOR SOLVING THIS PROBLEM?

Scan your car again and post the error code.

Most likely your compressor is out of spec, I had same symptoms as yours, compressor would run, but inactive was shown on dash, height control didn't work, etc. My car always stayed at the same height.

My error was EHC 74 accumulator filling requested (pressure remains constant) and it was because my car was driven for too long with leaky air bags and burnt out the compressor out of range to be workable.


Sorry to say but I think you need a new one, Arnott sells them for 510 and you can find a coupon code for 10 percent off usually. Replace the compressor (if your error is what I had), and reset the air suspension with GT1. Your ride height should work then!

The error code you mention is the same as mine. If I am not mistaken then it sounds as if the pump is pumping against a resistance as it starts good but slows down just before it stops. The BMW technician who did the reset also suspect the pump.

How difficult is it to DIY the replacement of the pump ?

Yes the compressor still pumps, however it is no longer within "tolerances" of spec for the computer, takes too long, etc, and throws the error and renders the air suspension useless.

It takes longer to take the spare tire out than it takes to replace the pump, one harness and one air line, and a few 8 or 10mm bolts on the "hump" as well to get it opened. If you go on Arnott Industries website they have instructions for replacement with photos.

thanks for the advise. Please help with the following questions:

1. If I disconnect the air pipe from the compressor, will the air suspension deflate?
2. How do I get the pipe out of the quick coupling? Push in and pull or how?

1) No. There is air in the accumulators which keeps the suspension inflated
2) Push down on quick connect with a flathead or something and pull air tube out.

Directions here:

https://www.arnottindustries.com/fil...617&Size=SMALL

I had that same error.
I replaced mine with the Arnott compressor a few months ago.. It comes with excellent instructions and the tool to get the quick connect fittings off. You can also use the same tool used for quick connect gas lines. It's extremely easy to swap out.

Once swapped, erase the error in GT1 and you should be good to go.

The Arnott pump IS the OEM pump BTW

Here are some PICs... It looks like a lot of stuff to disconnect but most of it comes off with the bracket as you can see in the second pic.

http://i424.photobucket.com/albums/p...ps343cd5d8.jpg

http://i424.photobucket.com/albums/p...pse816839e.jpg

Feedback time. I took the pump out and did some test on it. My problem is I do not know what the spec should be:

1. The pump works very good on 12v and there is no noticeable decrease in speed after a time of continuous running of 2 minutes
2. The pressure on the pump as tested with my limited equipment reads +- 4 bar or 58 lb/in2.

Question: is this normal or should I now start testing something else?

Just replace the pump I was thinking the same thing: why replace a pump that appears to be working normally. MY Gf works at a BMW dealer and even they didn't know how to test the pump...

X2, the pump does work and it seems that it shouldn't be replaced because it runs, pressure seems good, etc.


The problem is the pressure is not "great", just good, and it does not operate within spec of the control unit and must be replaced if you have the error that socket and I had. Its the only way.

Thanks, then I have to start sourcing for new one.

Something interesting I have noticed on e-bay. There is a guy in the UK selling a Repair kit for these pumps. It consist of a "O" ring, spring loaded compression ring and two bolts. check it out:

Landrover Discovery 2 Air Suspension Compressor Repair Kit | eBay

What is the changes that this will work?

well for 35 pounds its worth giving a try and reporting back, before dropping 500!

Would be very helpful for people on the forums who have encountered the same problem in the past,

I did more research and found this PDF file on the web. I assume it is from the same guy selling on the ebay, as the spec looks the same. Check this out:

http://allroadfaq.com/downloads/howt...20How%20To.pdf

I think I will give it a try, if it works, then it is money well spend if not it is not a lot to loose = 40GBP.

I'm interested to see how this works out. I still have my old compressor. It's such a shame to toss something so expensive when all it needs are a few inexpensive parts to fix it,

I'm willing to give this a shot but He doesn't seem to have any more for sale.

That sucks....

I am in contact with the man in Scotland and he told me he is in the process of manufacturing a few more units. The problem is it is not a mass production factory and we have to be patient.

I have open my compressor and the measurements and component part numbers agreed back to the AUDI/VW units. Therefore it seems that all the base compressor units are indeed the same thing.

Once he is ready, I will order and arrange shipment to repair my unit (hopefully). I will give you feedback.

.:thumbup:

Update: I got a hold of him and I did purchase a rebuild kit it was $39 GBP which equals $61.10 He has sold over 650 of these and I have read a bunch of reviews from the land rover forums and it works great in there wabco air suspension system. So, I will let you guys know as soon as I get it. Ill snap a few pictures of the parts.

Nice

wish I kept my old compressor, I would have refurbished it and sold to other members of the forum to help out

He has just listed more compressor kits should your X5 friends want any ;), please please see link:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/bagpipinga...&_trksid=p3686

He has just listed more compressor kits should your X5 friends want any ;), please please see link:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/bagpipinga...&_trksid=p3686

As promised:

I did the conversion and can report back: it works!!

I do not know for how long, but the compressor ring conversion is easy to do, cost minimal compared to a new pump and pumps like a new one.

Great to hear and should be very useful from here on out for other members! The compressor is something that definitely is replaced too often for us e53 owners

I had the same issues as posted above however I had a leaking air bag. I replaced my front airbags with arnott bags and I just ordered the compressor and rear bags as well to be set! so excited to have a flawless suspension! took it to a local foreign auto, awesome work for 1/2 the price. BMW dealership would want 5k for a complete rehaul of the suspension I paid 2k :) a lot but well worth it for the 4.8is!

(suspension inactive)
 

Hi,new member here and I also recently had suspension issues w/ our x5 .After doing some research I found that ecs tuning offers a repair kit for the VW touareg .Using pieces from the kit I was able to fix my compressor and correct my suspension issues.Wabco compressor motors are all the same for BMW,MERC,AUDI,VW,LR just valving is differant.This fixed our x5 so hopefully this can also help you out.Great for a diy weekend warrior . If your car has original pump I suggest this repair and also change suspension relay #6 in right rear compartment above your sub
Self Leveling - Pump
http://c1552172.r72.cf0.rackcdn.com/274836_x100.jpg Air Suspension Pump Repair Kit Fix your damaged air suspension pump and save hundreds by buying from ECS Tuning

Brand: http://c1521972.r72.cf0.rackcdn.com/...gen%20Audi.gif
ES#:289283
Mfg#: 100698010A

Qty:
Ships in 1-3 days
$149.39

Thanks, Adam!! And welcome to Xoutpost!

Thanks to this thread, I finally fixed the very same issue with my 4.8is. It took two weeks for the kit to get here to Manila. Had the fix done yesterday. No suspension error message, so far ;)

Am keeping my fingers crossed!

thanks you guys!

Thanks Jeff, glad to come aboard.

... The air suspension in my 4.8is is the worst POS ever invented. Why the hell did BMW decide to even use air suspension in the first place? I know! to rip people off when the air suspension starts to deteriorate .

Would be so much better if BMW just put a nice quality coilover system on like the kw. :thumbup:

My light just went on yesterday. I have visible cracking on my rear bags (I have air suspension only on the rear axle) but not sagging as of yet and had planned to proactively replace them with Arnott bags (now ordered). I've already replaced rear suspension bushings and shocks, so am familiar with reactivating the suspension.

I've found that the air system is actually handy when you load up the rear of the car, and it's mandated on cars sold in Europe if you have Xenon headlights (so as to be sure you have them well aimed regardless of the weight or load in the car). Another benefit is when you need to change rear suspension parts, you let the air out of the bags and then do the work rather than having to compress springs (not easy location on an X5).

One question: does removing the air compressor fuses reset the error code (so I can see if my air spring replacement is the fix or if I need to reseal my compressor or replace a height sensor)?

Just had my fronts go, not sure if my pump is gone yet but I think I'm going to pick one of these repair kits up either way, and maybe some rears as well.....wallet is already open lets tear the cash outta there quickly like a band-aid!

I would do the seals on the compressor as well preventatively, when my fronts blew they were obviously leaking for a while too, as I still had no ride height activity since the compressor was burned out. I changed that as well and it's worked flawless ever since.

The compressor repair kit is 100 bucks? I think and you can replace it yourself, the rear bags are 200 and also extremely easy to DIY.

Basically I say since you are replacing the most expensive portion of the air susp (I paid 1300 with install for my air struts, including alignment) I say why not take care of anything else that could give issues.

Nice and useful thread with lots of info to help board members. Thx everyone!

any tips on how to release the electrical connector to remove the compressor unit from the trunk? i'm trying not to break the clip, but it doesn't seem to want to pop out

EDIT: got it (pushing up on the connector releases it from the clip)

I'd check on Arnott suspension for their instructions, they may give something on the clip / compressor (I've on replaced the rear bags and a height sensor on my X5). If it's like other BMW clips, sliding up the metal spring on the plastic connector allows you to easily remove it.

If you have a GT1 and TIS, just run all the test in the system to see if all the function works. You may see my post before to get some clue.