If it's not leaking then I suppose you could adopt the principal of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". But if we're both referring to tiny brass rings that should be slipped around the pipe ahead of the nuts and you have by some chance removed them then the likelihood is the pipes will be easily dislodged by air pressure or by other mechanical means and you'll be left without suspension. Like I said before, it's been a while since I replaced mine and the old memory is a little foggy and I would hate to be leading you astray...especially given the potential for misinformation owing to the fact we're trying to explain something to each other without the benefit of visual aids.

Thanks for responding, I'm going to redo it n see if the tiny ring is inside the arnott air bag.

Need to remove any trim inside?
 

Hi,

My Rear ABs aren't leaking, yet (82k) but figure I should do this as preventative maintenance like the trans fluid flush. From reading this thread it sounds like there is no trim removal needed in the interior, is that correct?

Thanks,
John

Yes that's correct, you can see the tops of the bags in the upper right and left hand corners once you lift up the trunk floor where the spare tire/battery is.

Completed this today, thanks for the great DIY thread!

Thanks,
John

Have to complete this job this weekend. Looks very easy but still reading for any additional notes.

:thumbup:

Anyone have a source for the least expensive OEM air pump? I recently replaced both bags as my truck was leaning to one side each morning. Now, the truck is evenly down in the rear each morning and pump is horribly loud. Time for a new pump.

Try BMW of South Atlanta Online Store.
BMW part cheaper and shipped.

Thanks to everyone, and specifically the OP, for providing such excellent info. I did both in under an hour. The new bags from Arnott have pre-installed fittings, so all you have to do is slide the line into the fitting, pull gently to make sure their set, and thaz-it!

Very easy job for even the most junior mechanic. You can do it!