Active suspension question
 

My 2007 X5 4.8 was sitting 1" higher on the driver's side vs. the passenger side when measured from the tire to the fender lip (5" on driver's side, 4" on passenger side).

I just got a call from the BMW service dept. and they said I had the "active suspension tow mode" enabled. Huh? I don't recall doing that.

Secondly, even it that was the case (which I'll have to learn how this is set), why would one side be higher than the other?

Can anyone shed some light on this? This just doesn't sound right.

I have noticed this on my X5 also. Interested in answers.

If you have the sport package on your 07 then you have the active suspension. As for setting the "active suspension tow mode" i was told it was an automatic function when the car has sensed that the rear suspension has been lowered due to weight and the car will jack or raise itself up. I know I have noticed when I started loading the car up with full coolers that the car would jack it self up automatically once I put 10 cases of beer, ice and booze in the rear with people in the back seat.

What does not make since is why it is not consistent. This may be a stupid question but were you on level ground when you measured? The suspension may have been trying to compensate for the angle.

Good point. I measured in my front driveway where it is on a left to right incline.

Yes, it was in my garage on level ground, and when I took it to the dealer it was on level ground (as I held the tape measure to show the 1.2" difference in fender clearance).

What did the dealer say about the difference? I am pretty sure that it would not be considered "Normal operation".

How did they turn off "tow mode"? I switched my 07 into sport suspension mode but mine still sits higher on the passenger side. Would be great to know if this is my issue too :)

It was a leak in the air bag...they replaced it.