What a roller coaster. A friend of mine has a 2006 4.8is in Imola Red. mmm :)

He's been having the same issues with the light and his is squatting on the drivers side most of the time. He's considering the $1500 swap that ditches the whole system for traditional suspension.

Honestly, I don't know how to advise on this because it seems like it could be a bottomless pit. My X5 has 185k miles on it and the rear bags are still working as they should, I guess the simpler the better in this case.

I sent him a link to your post to help him decide. Lots of great info. I hope you remain error code free. :thumbup:

That's the thing though brother...mine NEVER SAGGED! The compressor was just too weak to lift the X5 when it was full of people. I don't see it as "bottomless" but I am not crazy about the air ride - not a good build for the long run. I would go with the spring conversion but there are OTHER issues with that (computer errors...buying a special module to ignore the air ride system / etc). As much as I love my 4.8, I may get tired of the maintenance sooner than later and find her a new home :(

Joe, glad to hear your issue was resolved as we suspected with the air compressor! Could you update the thread post to say SOLVED when you get a chance, helpful to other members!

And yes when I first bought my X the air suspension was a nightmare, I spent 1300 bucks on fixing the air ride between finding a new compressor and replacing the air struts with Arnott units.

However for the past year the air ride has been flawless knock on wood, and I love the ride with it, as well as the ability to lower when I want to :)

When the air suspension works, its great! But getting it up to snuff usually costs a few bucks up front!


Enjoy your working air ride again, so glad to hear you got credit for the original part that was replaced back again.

Hi there. My X5 shows "SELF LEVEL SUSP INACT" only when I go off road where it's over bumpy and shock absorbers go to limits.
On flat streets it never shows this message.
What do you recommend me to do first?
NOTE: I don't have a height button; it's auto leveling.

Mine's auto-leveling too but for all 4 wheels with the manual height button. I suggest you have it scanned by a BMW computer program and GET THE EXACT CODE NUMBER / DESCRIPTION (it will tell you what code was thrown / when / how many times). I made the mistake of not asking for this the first time and the mechanic tried to remedy the issue based on the code alone when they should have contacted BMW Tech Support - who told him it was something else. Mine did not happen all the time either...turns out it was a weak pump. Pump replaced - code gone.

x2 on this, Nezar, can you get the error scanned first? You have the simpler rear air only system, so it could be something like a height sensor arm thrown out of wack or something, but until you get the code scanned we don't want to throw money at the problem.

I have the same deal. Replace the valve. I'm rebuilding the pump and replacing the valve.

*** SOLVED FOREVER ***

Hey Guys,

My ridiculous X5 4 wheel "Self-Leveling" air suspension has been the bane of my existence since I bought this vehicle in 2012. Cost me over $4000 in repairs and hair falling out every time that stupid error appears on the dash.

Well...I totally fixed this FOREVER.

I pulled the trigger on a strut / gas shock conversion from Suncore Industries and I could not be happier!!! My X5 4.8iS rides tighter than ever like a beast, has an awesome height and stance, corners like a monster and I will NEVER AGAIN see that stupid error on my dash or have to replace an air bag or sensor (the kit came with a module that REMOVES that dash error). I had my local BMW Indy swap out the suspension for $800 labor. Here's the kit I bought - the whole thing including my mechanic install was less than $2000...and worth every penny:

https://suncoreindustries.com/produc...-bundle-bmw-x5

$952.85 (will give you back $$$ on top of this if you have OEM air shocks to send back).

Thanks for all your help and advice guys - you have helped me more than you know. I hope this helps someone! Peace!!

Hi mate

lol... you have no idea how timely this post is!!!

Bilsteins are out of stock until June/July in Australia, everyone I've spoken to cautions against the BC Racing..... :dunno:

I can't open that link... can you provide some piccies?

How does the ride feel over bumpy roads / mid corner bumps?

What relay mate ? There are 3 (i think) in rear compartment....what colour ?