*** SOLVED FOREVER ***! NEW DRAMA: 05 4.8is "SELFLEVEL SUSP INACT" error...
 

I know...it's the Air Suspension. I figure I would document my experience as there are so many with air suspension issues - it just might help someone. So far, this is where I am:

1. About a week ago I loaded up the family and the back of the X5 with some cases of drinks from Costco (50 - 75 lbs of weight in the cargo area). I started the car and for the FIRST TIME, I got the "SELFLEVEL SUSP INACT" error on the dash. There was NO DROP in the ride height. The adjustment switch was lit and in the center, but would not go up or down. I took it in to my local German vehicle mechanic (not the stealer). He computer scanned the X5 - came back as "Accumulator Valve Malfunction". He tested ALL COMPONENTS of the Air Suspension (sensors / controller / bags / compressor / etc) and all checked out as operational / not leaking. He cleared the error, gave me an estimate to replace the Accumulator Valve ($710 including labor) and told me to go - saying he wanted to see if the error came back.
2. Driving around for a week - no problems / ride height switch worked both up and down / etc. This weekend I loaded up the family again...and went to Costco again to get drinks...and it happened AGAIN. The X5 did not sag / lower / raise...it just sat where it was when the fault hit. I took it back to my mechanic...same error - same code came up ("Accumulator Valve malfunction"). He cleared the code again...and it is working just fine once again. I had him order the part (part alone is $500) and it's going in Thursday morning for the 2 hour repair. I will post back with the results.

This forum has me so skittish when it comes to the air suspension (with all the posted problems) that I asked my mechanic a million questions. He said the software is VERY DETAILED and goes right to the issue. I personally do not see how anyone "guessing" as to which component of their suspension could possibly be causing a fault code without the BMW Software scanner. He was able to control all aspects of the system from his laptop - including calibrating ride height / relieving pressure / testing components / etc.

More 2 come... :thumbup:

:popcorn:

hmmm... something is common here... wait!!! costco!!! family!!! and the drinks!!! your X is allergic to family trips to costco for the drinks!!!

just kidding - waiting to hear how the story unfolds... will you get the old part back or is there a CORE charge? I wonder, what is broken/malfunctioning in the old valve...

It's weird...only got the errors when the X5 was fully loaded. It was fine with just me buzzing around town all week. I will ask to see that valve and ask if it's sealed or not (probably is knowing BMW)...

More 2 come... :thumbup:

My error was EHC 74 Accumulator Filling Requested - Pressure Remains Constant when I had my air suspension issues.

Turns out the seals on my compressor were bad, I replaced it and all is well. Are you sure the "accumulator" or the air tank is the problem?

The error is as stated. I am not sure of anything...my mechanic pulled the error with the scanning software. It said "Accumulator Valve Malfunction". I guess this gets replaced and we go from there.

mine had the same issue. your pump is just worn out. When you fill your car with lots of weight the pump tries to lift it to the proper height but to much air gets by the seal. after 10 sec. the error code is thrown. I am replacing my pump and all my bags just to avoid any more issues. Arnott is the best, Great product. my local german shop pulled them out of the box and was ecstatic with the quality of the bags rubber. Or you can search the forums for a air pump repair kit and there are good replies to it working for a fraction of the cost.

cant hurt!

Bnagy...your error said "Accumulator Valve Malfunction"? I think I will go with the mechanic's scan. You may be right but the pump did not throw a code...the accumulator valve did (maybe air is getting past that accumulator valve and after 10 seconds the code is thrown). If this doesn't do it, next will be the pump if the error comes back.

Yes, accumulator valve malfunction is the only error that the pump throws. There is no pump failure code.

Man...I hope you are wrong. Thanks though.