E53 front suspension module - replace?
 

So I just had my x5 at the dealership to replace my 2 front air struts.
They gave me back my car and still has level suspension inactive message and LED indicator off. The tech told me it would go away in few cycles. 2 days later, no change so took it back; now they're telling me is the suspension module!
$16000 to repair!
Can anyone tell me if there are other tips I may look into before I spend $1600 more after $2000 for replacing the air struts
Any suggestion are greatly appreciated

Yeah...Find another dealer. They should have connected it to GT-1 to reset the ride hight values and recalibrate the system. The system probably didn't suffer catastrophic failure... at least you hope not. The light indicator being off means the system has completely went into failsafe mode. Go to another dealership or indy and dont tell them a thing about what the other dealership said. Just tell them you had the struts replaced and the light wont go out. Hopefully they will be smart enough to hook it up and see what exactly is wrong with the system if there is anything.

Pretty sad when even dealers throw parts at a problem. Ask them what proper diagnosis was done to identify the issue, if you get a blank stare, never return to the dealer.

Yes, the fact the tech told me at first it should go away on its own did not give me a good feeling on his knowledge. My car was raised high when I first picked it up after replacing the struts and that was a visual indication height were not reset to normal.
Now his recommendation is to get a "donor" E53 with a working module and try it on my to see of the module is at fault...
I notice he is listed as "blue" certified tech - does blue mean rookie?

Seriously??? Was this a BMW dealership? He actually
Told you to locate a donor E53 and yank the module out of it? I would just run from this dealer and locate another one. That's absolutely ridiculous. I've never heard of a dealer advising anyone to locate a donor car unless the tech was a friend. This guy is a moron. His color should be green.

Exactly, $1600 for the work and he does not even know if this is the problem.
That is why I'm hoping some one out there can get me some process to check for a fuse or something to help me reset the error code.
I have checked my fuses in the back and they are ok

There's really nothing more you can do unless you hook up the car to BMW dish software. Preferably GT-1 or InPa. From there the system can be accessed and the various modules can be controlled remotely via the diag software.

First of all stop freaking out. It may be something as simple as a ride height plausibility code (you need to recalibrate).

Either way find someone local who can diagnose the faults in the module with GT1

Did the dealer even reset the faults after replacing struts? They are idiots because they should know that EHC modules store "hard faults" that will remain in the module unless cleared.

In theory, if the error was on the dash and light out on the switch before you went to the dealership, and all they did was R&R the air struts without clearing the faults in the module, your "old fault code" could be stored and preventing the system from working correctly.

If you notice the front is visibly higher and you don't have any faults pointing to other parts having issues, I'm theorizing that clearing the faults with DIS, and recalibrating the ride height should solve your issues.

That is, as long as you didn't have leaking air struts for too long and didn't burn the compressor out of spec in the process. (Ask me how I know)

If that is the case your EHC module will show fault 74, accumulator filling requested pressure remains constant. If you have that fault you will need to repair the air pump, a fix that will cost you under 100 bucks to do.


Either way, dealer incompetence nowadays never surprises me.

I think Clockwork is in Calgary although I don't know where and has DIS software in case you want to pm him, maybe he can help you.

Thanks, that is great feedback.
I did have a leaking air bag and it went down.
However, the ride was pretty high when they first returned it and the second time is low as if it was on the low height mode.
I will keep in questioning if a reset was done.

Quick update
Taking my X back to dealer on Monday as they won't admit it but will review and reset my settings again.
I'll find out by end of day if they were wrong or if it really is the dreaded EHC module

Wait so when you got it back it was high as hell, and now the new bag leaked to below normal height? Is that only on one corner?

Or do you have another leak from an original bag?

In my opinion the module is blamed for failure way too much when in fact it is incompetent technicians working on your car throwing parts at a problem they don't know how to properly diagnose because of the vehicles age (not current).

The module of mine was replaced by the previous owner before he sold me the car, but guess what, I had two leaking air struts which leaked down to the fender wells the morning after I took delivery of the X, and AFTER that 1300 dollar replacement, I still had a lingering code for the air pump.

Guess what? Previous owner left the X with leaking air struts too long, compressor burnt out of spec. I replaced it, cleared the module of errors and have been air suspension trouble free for a year and a half.

I doubt very highly that him replacing the module helped my X, because I still had issues when I received my car that had nothing to do with the module. If the module can't communicate or can't calibrate ride height that might be one thing. But I'm betting your techs are the problem.

No, when they first gave it back the height setting was placed at off road height as the distance from my wheels to the arch was quite high. The next time I got my car the height setting was below normal as if it was on "access height mode" but bags still inflated. Definitely no bag leaks.
So from all the info I got here on the forums and conversation from Vitek here in Calgary, I contacted the dealer and expressed my doubts on their "correct" air strut R&R and so they have agreed to take another shot at it again.

An update to my little issue...
I decided to go ahead and replace my ehc module, however I decided to not use the dealership and purchased my module from ECS at a much lower price than the dealership.
I'm glad to say my baby is now back to its normal glory.
I do have a new small issue ~ after 10 years my battery is now showing below normal voltage and needs replacement. Any suggestion if I should replace with OEM battery or is there a better aftermarket option? Any suggestion is appreciated

I'm glad you fixed your issues, FWIW the previous owner replaced my module too before I bought my X, its pricey, but the suspension works great.

I think that what happens to the module is similar to what happens with the compressor, when it has faults stored, cleared, stored again, eventually it get confused or something similar and just doesnt work right to keep the system working properly. Just a theory of mine, but I've noticed that if suspension issues aren't taken care of in a timely fashion, first the compressor burns out, then the module won't work properly.

Either way, glad she is working great. Did you run test 9 on the OBC while running to check the voltage? It could be the voltage regulator in your alternator you know. However, if you're positive that your battery is original and 10 years old, don't even test it, go and replace it now. That battery is well beyond its usable life.

Just check your CCA and operating cranking amps rating on the battery and fit it with a like replacement, Quicksilver I believe has the chart showing that there are 2 manufacturers who make most of the batteries in the US. I have a Bosch battery installed from Pep Boys for 2 years now and not a single issue.

Good luck!

Hey Fdx512. You can buy a Deka battery in Calgary. They are exact fit, with higher CCA than the original and very good quality. Here is the catalog you can chose your battery, and here is the contact info (NE):
East Penn Canada
3117 16th Street N.E.
Calgary, AB T2E 7K8
Phone: 403-250-6640 / 1-800-363-3166
Fax: 403-291-5027
Email: [email protected]
www.eastpenncanada.com