Hi

If the pump doesnt kick it - how do you know if its the pump versus the ECH unit ???

Ive managed to get a pump from a 2006 model - (fingers crossed) is there anything I need to be aware of when I swap the pump over ???

How can I check that it works before installing it ?

cheers

gary

I've replaced pump with one o 2006 x5. I raised the car and pump kicks in and runs. Dropped car down slowly but still got the susp inactive message... Does this kow suggest the ECH unit isn't detecting height to trigger pump?

Cheer

G

Gary you gotta read the fault codes from the module and stop guessing.

You can attach power and ground to the pump, it should turn on. Honestly though, with these cars you can't guess. You need to diagnose with a computer. Otherwise you can end up spending 5 grand troubleshooting and fixing by process of elimination and still end up having the same problem.

So.....

Took car to a dealer, had to have an air bag replaced.
My guess is that the pump failed, and when I used the to get to work I damaged the airbag (bummer).

Car now sitting right HOWEVER... still got the SUSP INACTIVE MESSAGE....

I connected my ODBC reader and using INPA identified that the right rear sensor has no voltage....

Sooo I purchased a replacment from BMW and fitted it (pretty straightforwards)..... I put the wheel back on, connected the INPA and....
NO VOLTAGE AHHHHH !.... :dunno:

Im wondering if wiring has been damaged.......so Im gonna check for votage at the sensor next (probably shoudl have done that first!)...

Any other suggestions..... ?????

Cheers

Gary

Surprise the dealer didn't fix the error code when they replaced the air bag.

Sometime you need to code the new part in order for it to be recognized. Don't know if a level sensor needs coding, but later BM Trouble U's needs coding when you replace the battery.

Just another scam for BMW to suck money from owners.

1) You don't need to code the sensors.

2) Do a test by using one of the other sensors you have now that's confirmed to be good. Just swap it into the right rear and that should help determine if its the sensor or not for sure.

I guarantee your compressor is burnt out as well from keeping a leaking air bag inflated

Success.....problem solved.

I took the connector to the new sensor off and checked the pins, about 4 inches up from the sensor wire (pin 6 ?) there was a crack in the wiring..... I cut it and reconnected and..... I had a voltage in INPA. Reset the error code and all is sorted.... :D

So to recap....

Get yourself an OBDC with software INPA / Dis - mine was 35.00 of ebay.
It was pretty straightforwards to then identify that the right sensor had no voltage.

I should have checked the wiring at that stage and possibly saved a further £90 on the new sensor.

If your X5 drops with the susp inactive message - dont use it as you may cause further expense!

I believe when I used my car (had to to get to work) it damaged the air bag on one side, so the intial problem of compressor issue became a costly issue.... I had replaced compressor, relay, air bag (at garage) all before using INPA to establish a sensor issue....


now on to the next error code that was picked up.....sigh

G

Lesson learned. Start with the simple stuff. Glad you got one of your problems solved.

What code are you still getting? Generic P-code or DIS bmw code?

BTW ... you were able to get the diagnostic software and cable for only $35? That's pretty good. Would have thought just the cable would cost more.