BMW E53 X5 rear Air Suspension replacement DIY

[@intricate6927]

For those of us that like to be thorough, thank you very much! I watched about 5 videos on this replacement as I do with all repairs, and yours is the best sir. Just the explanation and completeness is great. Thanks again.

[@BMWDIYGuy]

Happy to help! I hate when instructions are vague, or assume you know every step.. I am really glad this helped you out!

[@intricate6927]

@@BMWDIYGuyI am about to do it now but it looks pretty simple. Did you ever get the light to reset or did you have to have it done. Hoping my cheap OBDII from Amazon resets it. It is supposed to be able do the collision airbags and DSC system.

[@BMWDIYGuy]

@@intricate6927 I honestly dont remember now.. I have the Torque app on my phone that can reset many errors, so if it didnt reset by itself (which I think it might have) then I would have done with with Torque and a cheap bluetooth OBD adaptor.

[@intricate6927]

@@BMWDIYGuy Only took about an hour to do. Then did 3 window to regulator clips. Everything back to proper working condition. The first time I started it the warning lights were still on but after I started it a couple hours later they were off. I have the torque also but I have the cheap creator obdll from amazon which would not turn them off either with the first start up. Thanks again!

[@carlosmurphy4u1]

I just bought one of these, 04 4.4i with 138000 miles on it, GREAT condition, great driver. Very helpful vid in case I have to do this job some day, thanks.

[@ramnathkumaresan2045]

Great video. Learned a lot by going through this video and actually doing it by myself. Couple points to note. The push to connect for arnotts worked really well for me. No complaints so far. Some one asked why to disconnect the compressor lines. The answer is to do with the releasing the vacuum. You will have to make sure that the line is not vacuum sealed when connecting the top and bottom mount of the air spring. The bag will not expand freely otherwise. Other than that the work itself involves quite a bit of careful planning and execution. Other than that it is pretty much a easy to perform half day DYI. You get the satisfaction that the work is done in a quality fashion.

[@BMWDIYGuy]

Thank you and glad it helped!

[@garycave877]

My new parts came in today. Took about an hour a side. 211,000 miles and the original parts from BMW came off the car. The results car drives now like new. The thing on dash is still on. But car is drivable.Thanks,Gary

[@BMWDIYGuy]

Glad to hear the video helped! We are not far behind you at about 180k miles!

[@liberatovillavicencio7159]

Thank you, video was detailed to every step I did on mine. The job took me 3 hours considering with no lift and just hydraulic jack.

[@BMWDIYGuy]

Great to hear! Really glad it helped!

[@matman4464]

Thanks for the vid!..doing mine this week!..also gonna try and keep my 05, X5 as clean and tidy as yours from now on!

[@BMWDIYGuy]

That's awesome and happy to help! We love our X5!

[@marinos2791]

Thanks so much I changed the rear back used two jacks to do it I had both fuses removed when I put them on after the repair the warning was gone 👍

[@BMWDIYGuy]

Well done!!

[@lgrullon854]

This was awesome! Thank you for sharing it with us.

[@BMWDIYGuy]

Happy to help!

[@pootube1974]

Great video mine is leaking the same side,going to have a go at it myself now I have seen how easily you did it,thanks dude

[@BMWDIYGuy]

Good luck, I am sure you will do great!

[@BirdogEd]

Pull the 7.5 fuse for the air suspension then reinstall and you should clear the dash error message. It worked on my e39. 😎🇩🇪🚙

[@BMWDIYGuy]

Great feedback thanks!

[@Giggidygiggidy12]

Would you do another vid for the rear suspension parts, including the shocks. Thank you for posting

[@battlehrfred]

nice work and detailed explanation sir,right to the point and nice steps 100-100 ty

[@BMWDIYGuy]

Happy to help!

[@channelgg4788]

Nice video. My X5. 2003. E53 the same symptom. Informative. Thank you 👍

[@iyadrsmi4690]

appreciated mate, really got advantage from this video, thanks a lot

[@BMWDIYGuy]

Happy to help!

[@sniper100]

had that 'suspension error' as well, decoded it and it said 'constant pressure' which means that the pump tries to pump air and increase the pressure, but there is no pressure increase - so that is why there is a constant pressure error code, also that error sometimes appeared sometimes not, so it was not consistent as the air pump piston ring was wearing out, so getting air pump out, opening it, replacing piston ring and all errors were gone, I used replacement piston ring from ebay, just serach for 'BMW X5 E53 Wabco Air Suspension Compressor Pump Seal Repair Kit' - in general easy job, but make pictures with your phone when you will dismalte your air pump, as there is so much hoses and you might forget what to put where, and also search on youtube how to do it, no problems so far after another 4 years of driving

[@BMWDIYGuy]

Well done!!

[@garyvanremortel5218]

Arnott brand are superior construction to the OEM. Also coat the bladder exterior with a good Silicone Spray for even better longevity.

[@carlosmau1]

Thanks bro! Cheers from México!

[@BMWDIYGuy]

Happy to help!

[@joAO-87-TugA]

The best, most helpful video I’ve seen, very informative, thank you so much

[@Andy-bm6zo]

Hey man, thanks for the video, well done!

[@BMWDIYGuy]

Happy to help on what is a common maintenance item

[@CarChris82]

Great vid mate 👍🏻I need to do this

[@BMWDIYGuy]

Happy to help!

[@simonkehoe2676]

Thanks for the Video. I thought it was going to be an extortionate amount of £’sss to fix. Air bag was £26 and it took less than 30 minutes to replace it. The suspension has inflated to its highest point. When driving it is so bouncy! How do I get the car to self level again? I look forward to your reply or any other advice from e53 owners.

[@BMWDIYGuy]

Awesome news, glad it helped!

[@simonkehoe2676]

@@BMWDIYGuy The rear suspension is now really high and the car bounces excessively along the road. Is there a way to get the car to self level?

[@pedroinfante1113]

Thank you for well explain information, i replaced the shocks and the problem that i have is the compressor only works for one second and stops i got two additional compressors from wrecking yard but same results. Please advice. Thanks again

[@josedasilva4433]

Thank you!!!!!! Life saver mate

[@BMWDIYGuy]

Happy to help.. its amazing how many views this video has now!

[@abuscage]

So am I looking at the right video right? Was driving went on a speed breaker to fast. and the rear left went bang?

[@BMWDIYGuy]

@@abuscage sounds like one blew.. replace both.

[@douglasgower3266]

very good video, many thanks.

[@BMWDIYGuy]

Happy to help!

[@ismscsim]

Neat...well done Sir👍

[@truejdm112]

Thanks for the video

[@CARU-TV]

Verry good explined

[@kittyandrose61]

I have a European e53 and have bags at the front as well, every so often I get the warning on the dash about the inactive air suspension and I loose air from them over about 2/3 days and desperately need some guidance but no videos anywhere on 4 airbags all round. Where do I start please, what parts do I check. Thank you.

[@BMWDIYGuy]

Wish I had great advice first hand but haven't touched that work. First suggestion would be check realoem.com and select your make and model to find the parts and part numbers. Worst case, find a good local BMW shop.

[@kaibintech]

Great video!

[@BMWDIYGuy]

Thanks!

[@Death_Row_Anglers]

Hello, So I replaced the air bags. Thanks for the video, but the bags aren’t inflating and the warning ⚠️ light is still on. You mention something else might be wrong. Do you know what that might be? I was thinking about replacing the compressor. What do you think?

[@BMWDIYGuy]

Have you checked the fuse to be safe? It could be the compressor as well like you mentioned

[@Death_Row_Anglers]

BMW DIY Guy thank you for responding in a timely manner. I really appreciate that. yes sir. I’ve checked the fuses. Their good. Have u heard of the relay switch going bad?

[@BMWDIYGuy]

@@Death_Row_Anglers I haven't heard that but also haven't dug into this system very much. I got lucky and just had a leaky bag.

[@douglasgower3266]

awsome video well done

[@BMWDIYGuy]

Thanks!

[@msi4226]

I don't have any mechanical background but is there a Shock Absorber in the rear? I assume the Air Suspension is not the Shock Absorber. (having BMW X5 3.0is 2005)

[@BMWDIYGuy]

Shocks are different for sure.. this adjusts ride height.

[@kaibintech]

Nice video!

[@BMWDIYGuy]

Thank you, happy to help!

[@garycave877]

Great video. I just bought one of these suv's yesterday and the rear suspension is sagging. When I open drivers door and passenger door I can hear the compressors kick on and the air suspension goes up. But after about a minute it looks like it looses pressure and goes back down. looks like low rider in back. you think the my suv has the same problem yours did? Thanks,Gary

[@BMWDIYGuy]

Yup.. willing to bet you have a split in the component. Replace both while you are at it.. you can get them relatively cheap, the job isnt hard and you will be GTG in an hour or two.

[@BWilliam]

Did you ever get the suspension error message fixed?

[@BMWDIYGuy]

Once the system was repaired the message went away.

[@BWilliam]

@@BMWDIYGuy Okay cool , thanks.

[@regieboix2]

hi, i have a bmw e39 touring, the ride height/self levelling lamp is on the dash, so i changed both rear air bags as they needed changing anyway, after that the dash ride height light is still on, even though the suspension is working as normal, as far as ime aware that is, any idea if the car needs calibrating at a garage that has a computer scanner that will nto the suspension?. or should the warning light go out anyway automatically when starting car up?. thanks dave

[@BMWDIYGuy]

So couple of suggestions.. first, pull your battery for up to a couple of hours for a full ECU reset. Also, reset any error codes if you can with tools like Bimmercode or Carly. Lastly, sometimes the sensors will reset if you drive for awhile and the car realizes it is ok now.

[@regieboix2]

@@BMWDIYGuy hi BMW DIY GUY, thx for your reply, I have tried disconnecting the battery but no luck, today I took it to have 2 new front tyres & the guy there had a £2000 Snap-on scanner, so he scanned it for free to try to clear the codes, but that wouldn't even scan bmw e39 rear air suspension, I have no idea why, Anyway, when I got home I decided to removed the rear suspension com[pressor, then removed the solenoid and immersed that in water, and hey presto!!! its got a tiny air leak, just like a slow puncture ,,,, so ill find a 2nd hand one off eBay , fit it and hope it then clears the warning light, thanks a lot, Dave in the cold and windy uk......

[@Importhobbies]

Great video. Do you have a part number for the part and where you got it? Many thanks

[@BMWDIYGuy]

Check the video description for info

[@Aakeeeb]

My pipe clips are not clicking in, any idea what it could be. I've used all my force but their not clicking. I can't see any damage on the pipe, clip or air bag.

[@ggd2949]

Hello, I am French and I use an automatic translator so sorry if there are any mistakes .. I have replaced my 4 air cushions (e53 4.8is) but the front suspension remains very very hard! you know why? everything is ok, no fault, compressor ok, attitude sensor ok Thank you

[@BMWDIYGuy]

So the front is maximum inflated or what specifically is going on? Dont worry, the translation was good.

[@ggd2949]

@@BMWDIYGuy Thank you for your quick response, the front cushions are very inflated, very hard, almost impossible to squeeze by hand.

[@BMWDIYGuy]

@@ggd2949 Ok.. so they are not deflating at all then, just fully inflated. I wish I had good guidance as it sounds rather serious, so best suggestion is take it to a good shop asap.

[@ggd2949]

Yes that's it, they are well inflated and I was wondering if I didn't have too much pressure. I feel like it doesn't regulate the air when it soaks up the bumps. I am a mechanic and here I admit that I find it difficult to understand. I have checked the whole system with Ista and I have no leaks, the solenoid valve unit is ok, the compressor is good. On the other hand, I noticed only one fault: accumulator pressure remains constant, filling has been requested. I made a tutorial for the replacement of the front:www.techniconnexion.com/t46587-bmw-e53-x5-4-8is-remplacement-des-4-coussins-de-suspension-tuto

[@BruceLeef]

do I have to take put the fuse..n after the repair when do u insert the fuse back in

[@BMWDIYGuy]

I dont believe I did remove the fuse.

[@msullivan9565]

Fuse should be put back after all connections are complete. but do not let car down from jacks, so let down only where wheels are just touching ground, no weight and then put fuse in and let air bags fill, then let car down all the way.

[@BMWDIYGuy]

@@msullivan9565 great added info!

[@BruceLeef]

M Sullivan thanks GUYS. its been seating to long. 😢 👍

[@msullivan9565]

As a side note, if air bag plastic clip on air hose connector, as was the case with mine, this item is not sold anywhere without buying whole unit with hose. I used old reliable JB Weld, push on air hose, and then force in JB Weld around brass connector into opening where clip locked in. Been a few months since, no leaks, it holds perfectly. I have spent enough on this X5 and not paying for whole unit over a .05 plastic clip which get brittle over time and are easy to break when removing airbag. If I had original, I would make them on 3D printer and make a fortune selling them on eBay. lol Forced-Success-System.com

[@Fey-Nova]

I have did the driver side no problem. when I stripped the passenger side the clip on the pipe in the middle has snapped anything that I can do? anyone had this happen.

[@BMWDIYGuy]

I hope you were able to get a new one?

[@JohnIsaiah-d2c]

So how to replace the back shock?

[@WrathofKitties69]

If the clip where the air fitting is, is broken and can't pinch the clip how do you get off the hose?

[@BMWDIYGuy]

Dang good question, needle nose plyers MAYBE.

[@WrathofKitties69]

Solution- cut off the air hose, take off affected bag and air tank, purchase new one hahaha

[@collinmorris]

i know its self leveling, but is there a way to adjust it manually, for instance to get a softer ride?

[@BMWDIYGuy]

It is possible to convert to springs and disable the air system entirely. Also your struts could be tired too depending on age and miles

[@123Defiance]

Heya Colin, no doubt you've figured it out but if not and yourself or others want to adjust height here's the best and cheapest way i've found after having two E53's ....... Beg/borrow a laptop, hit the bay and get a usb cable, these you can get bundled with software required, mine several years ago cost 40 sterling that was for INPA and other assorted software and a usb cable, i migrated from INPA to ISTA (got the Diag and Programme so ISTA-D +P) The software usually now is a 1-click install so foolproof With engine off but ignition on fire up for eg ISTA-D, let it run diag and vin check etc (YT can show you easier than my typing) you goto the chassis area and find adjust height blah blah blah (again, YT has vids) To keep it simple i will round off the heights for an example, in ISTA you measure from bottom centre of the wheel rim upto the bottom of the wheel arch in a direct vertical line (INPA is centre of wheel to wheel arch) Example for lowering, eg heights oem are say 700mm and you want a softer ride, you go through measuring the heighs as sw needs but you add on say 10mm, 710mm will drop it 10mm, so what you are doing is giving a false higher height so then the sw lowers it by 10mm more than oem (hope that makes sense) so adding more height in ISTA measures makes sw drop it lower, i would recommend 10mm intervals and remember sometimes you have to ride/load the car somewhat for the adjustment to take place, or time can come into play too Long winded, but add height to measures to lower remove height from measures to raise After i initially borrowed a laptop i treated myself to my first ever and haven't looked back since, i can read codes and also reset engine learnt settings etc, pretty cool as long as you use common sense and go cautious, real easy to track and problems i've found Without checking and if you have a LT to use or borrow i'd guess for 50 bucks ballpark you'd be up n running (bar having to wait for delivery of cable, sw i got was instant download One point i'd mention, if the sensors every need replacing, get to a dealership and get the oem, i've had cheapish ones and mid priced ones (Febi, to name one wellknown brand) and all crapped out after 12mths, here they're 88 sterling a corner from a dealer (mine's a 4.8is with 4 corner air) and well worth the extra dollars, changing sensors twice and then finally a 3rd time with oem to cure my ills aint what i call fun hehe

[@quickliqproductions]

sooo.. you tackle this job.. but you do a oil change at your indie? 🤔.. Anyway nice informative video! Subscribed!

[@BMWDIYGuy]

Thanks man.. happy to help. Yeah I let my shop do oil changes most of the time as dealing with used oil is a pain. Ironically just did a full oil change DIY on my F32.

[@carlosmurphy4u1]

Popitn2nd, I almost forgot, torque is 140 nm.

[@Mrtonecapone77]

what you know about rear wheel open cuircut code? I have 2003 bmw x5 4.4 i already replaced abs speed sensor twice brake light s are on no idea if anybody can help me

[@BMWDIYGuy]

I am sorry, I am not familiar with that error. Bimmerpost might be a good place to check or Xoutpost.com as well.

[@The__Mechanic]

Thanks

[@1966human]

I think they should have put coil springs on

[@changenow1993]

Thanks dude! Got a 4.6is that needs this done, did you buy OEM?

[@popitn2nd]

What’s the torque for the wheel lug nuts?

[@BMWDIYGuy]

popitn2nd most places say 101 or 103 foot pounds.

[@vervaceclan2525]

Good

[@BMWDIYGuy]

Thanks

[@abubakarshaikh7346]

i like video sir thanx

[@norvellfrancisca2543]

That guy has a cold ?

[@BMWDIYGuy]

LOL I did at the time.

[@zulfikarrafiq8343]

Can’t get the hose shoe clip back on... tie space clip strong 🤦🏽

[@zulfikarrafiq8343]

Managed to get them hose shoe clips on but can’t get the air hose back on.. think I damaged the plastic pipe lock clip 🤦🏽

[@benberk8541]

mine blew a few days after replacing them

[@BMWDIYGuy]

Sad panda.. bad units or bad brand?

[@benberk8541]

@@BMWDIYGuy Actually it was the plastic clip that holds the air pump hose on top of the air springs. It came off somehow while driving even though I put them on correctly, might just be the old plastic. The pressure from the springs being released at once and shooting the hose off made a loud bang that made me think the bag just blew up like a balloon. So thankfully the bag is still good though I had to drive home about 15 mins with zero air on one side. I am pretty sure I caused tremendous wear on them but they still work. I replaced the original plastic part with the one that came with the Arnott springs, originally choose not to do this because they did not match the oem piece and didn't look like they fit my car. After inspecting it more I realized the Arnott piece is superior. Its harder to take off once you put it on because you have to spread the tabs apart to push it off beforing pulling on the hose instead of closing the tabs with a needle nose pliers and pulling the hose out but It stays on there better.

[@cuson13]

You need to readjust it with a software called “ISTA/D” You can do it yourself.

[@vivianoguzman9254]

👏👏👏👏👏👏👍👍👍🙏🙏🤐🤐

[@BMWDIYGuy]

Thanks!

[@r.p.6098]

You are not the bmw diy guy👋

[@channelgg4788]

Nice video. My X5. 2003. E53 the same symptom. Informative. Thank you 👍

[@BMWDIYGuy]

Happy to help!