BMW E70 X5 Rear Spring Conversion From Airbags DIY

BMW E70 X5 Rear Spring Conversion From Airbags DIY
Today I'm going to show you how to convert your BMW E70 from the existing airbags to a coil spring and therefore to stop having that issue happen again and again on your X5 E70.
I've had my airbags fail a couple of times in my #E70 #X5 and that's meant that I've had to do an E70 X5 Airbag Replacement job a few times. This time, I've had enough so I'm doing the X5 E70 airbag change to spring job and we're going to move on from this type of suspension.
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[@keithchapman5425]

How do you remove the suspension level failure fault?

[@ramin9510]

hey man love your video! as a first time used bmw owner ( yes yes i know ) your videos on how to maintain, upgrade bmw's have been very helpful!

[@spottypooch]

Well made video. It seems that this conversion is pretty common . . . tons of kits available from many sellers. Mine is already springs . . .but I would like to stiffen the rear suspension. I'd love to have heard your dialog whilst compressing the spring into that space :) I bet you got pretty creative! Thanks for a GREAT post

[@jawan21]

Thank you very much for making this video. Now I have a better understanding of how the conversation works. Love your videos.

[@ECPP]

Thanks a lot for watching. I know there is value for people and it’s good to share so people can make good decisions

[@godofdestructiondiecast6756]

I appreciate you doing a little DIY I don't see too many videos like this keep up the good work

[@ECPP]

It is fun to do and quite appropriate for the channel as it is about the ownership experience and how to maximize your experience and fun factor

[@godofdestructiondiecast6756]

@@ECPP I do my own work on my car to but I have a Toyota Corolla

[@joncshelley]

Converted today to coils... could not be happier. Thanks for the info.

[@mouadfaridi7348]

Hi man, i’m looking forward to do conversion too. Can you recommend the parts needed for it and if there’s anyway to do the coding part??

[@jasongalindo6836]

Ho man you finally made it thank you so much great video very instructive I know a lot of people would do this swap after this video 👍👍👍👍

[@ECPP]

Thanks a lot Jason for watching. It was actually not bad to do and even better, the car drives very well now as well. Really no better or worse. Have an awesome day. Cheers

[@mkenzo2696]

I guess BMW’s engineers are turning out regular guys to be a professional mechanic !

[@ECPP]

Product of my environment and the way I see this is with the right information, we can easily do 80 percent of what a BMW tech does.

[@robhughes8516]

@@ECPP I would go so far as to even say 100%. The only real limiting factor is lack of right tools.

[@robhughes8516]

Do you think that BMW techs are special because they are BMW techs? Lol at the end of the day no matter what you are working in it’s all based on the same principles and all held together with nuts and bolts. Nothing special

[@garysnack9253]

Lol I like the way you didn't show yourself putting in that bolt😉

[@vlogsbyharmann]

you know what this is really awsome, I was thinking this last month but then I thought this might not be possible but after watching your video I might get this done , can you please tell me where did you buy the spring and fittings?

[@Kieran46100]

excellent Sir, great fix, thanks a million for sharing

[@ECPP]

Thanks a lot for watching

[@Carapachito22]

AMAZZING VIDEO THANK YOU SO SO MUCH

[@ECPP]

Thank you for watching

[@hughtatendaparirenyatwa5845]

I did mine on a E53 today. So far so good.

[@timp.9582]

I'm planning to do for my e53 v8. Which kit did you install and did you disable the self level warning?

[@GrandSavrify]

Great content Mark! For the Coil Suspension Pad Shim, does it uses the same model as E53?

[@abro9598]

Those gloves are no joke! Looks cold where you live. Thanks for making the video! BTW are those lowering springs?

[@surfclubtony]

Hi Mark great video, springs installed from Arnotts great springs. I didn't put the electrical module in supplied by them and just removed fuse 32. Ride adjustment height warning came and then went as it did in your video. Driving a day later levelling warning came again, fuse 107 and 123 are also related have you removed these as well. 32, 107 & 123 are all shown for ride height on the fuse sheet.

[@abimmernut]

Great video. Do you have the P/N for the springs & hardware?

[@2phothiyane]

Great video. Just did the conversion now. Followed your video step by step. Thanks.

[@ECPP]

Nice, how did it work out for you?

[@2phothiyane]

Pretty straight forward. Removing the fuse was little nerve racking but I think I pulled the right one. Did not hear any air compressor noise 😀. Thanks again.

[@mouadfaridi7348]

@@2phothiyane hi man can you share the springs part number you used.

[@battlehrfred]

YES that would be a good idea. he never said anything about the kit or what comes in the kit and never showed how hard it was to screw that upper ,i ll call mount? did this come with the kit?? ty @@mouadfaridi7348

[@mouadfaridi7348]

Hi man love your work!! I would like to know the reference for the springs

[@LeonardoCostaUSA]

Great video man!! How did you choose the coil?

[@theteam4588]

Thanks for the video

[@ECPP]

You are very welcome

[@3BEPOXOXOT]

Thank you for the video. Do you have part numbers? Thanks in advance.

[@OverLordkv]

is there a difference in drive and comfort with springs over air suspension?

[@tonynichols4404]

What springs did you buy to replace the air suspension? Am considering it also.

[@CryptoVladyka]

Where did you buy this kit? I’m looking at few now and the price range is huge. Thanks in advance

[@ermalbino7715]

Nice. What brand did you use? Any possible link. Does it work for x5 4.8 2008? Thanks

[@josemario1606]

Hey, man. How are you? As soon as I got my E70, I knew that the air suspension was gonna be a pain in the ass haha. My first thought was: I need to convert it, htere has to be a way. Thanks for the video! But I need just a little more help from you, could you send me the link or the model of the springs you used?

[@HQGARAGE]

Nice work Mark, I am sure the springs are much more reliable than those old bags. Did you need to get an alignment after the springs install?

[@ECPP]

Thanks Jeff. It was a very rewarding project and actually quite easy. I do not want to be a slave to the old hardware so I thought I would turf it before i have to start replacing other parts like the compressor. I did not do an alignment, and do not believe it is neede in this case as I did not mess with any toe or camber settings and just forced the control arm down so the overall travel and articulation remains the same. Cheers.

[@daviddrew4022]

2012 x5 35i 85,000 miles. . Would you recommend changing the rear shock at the same time?

[@calvinstainsby9221]

How did ya delete self leveling warning light after the conversion mine keeps coming on.... Great video I followed it to mine

[@dflex4180]

U need to have someone code it out..bro I cant find anything that deletes the front active shocks do u know how to convert front active shocks to regular they want $800 a shock and it ain’t worth it

[@anthonyshenoda3248]

Hi what about the beep when you start the car and the screen warning display

[@noelpinn106]

I have a 2010 BMW X% 3.0SI M Spec. The suspension is unbearable. Will replacing the airbags with springs improve the ride? Is there any other kit available that would improve the ride? The problem seems to be the factory wheels and tyres are big!

[@666Kenshin666]

What if the faults do not clear up? I'm very curious, I have a 2011 x5 35d and have done replaced 3 air bags, and it is acting up again, 97k miles, started at 83k miles with me. Not sure previous owner had any issues.

[@anthonyhinkson4638]

Can you bypass the active suspension on a X5m with coilovers?

[@Jay_533]

I got a 2016 bmw x5 m with the air springs will this work for mine? and what do I need to do with the compressor leave or take it off?

[@s8nproductions71]

Does the conversion kit include the bolts?

[@hannahwright736]

Do you think this will work on my 2007 BMW 4.8i? Please let me know if possible

[@avxez5284]

Hi I have a question, can I do the same conversion on my BMW 5 series GT 2010 model? And where to find the springs if You can give me a link. Thanks

[@aaronosei8299]

Can I convert the air spring thesame way on my 2015 mod F15 X5?

[@josephhogue1481]

Is there a nut on the back of the bolt holding the strut in place on the bottom?

[@noelrodriguez3505]

I'm converting my 2015 x5 35i xdrive to coils, but my question is, what do I do about tire air bag sensors? Do I just leave them

[@shawnseaward6190]

Our is a 2015 X5 35d. What about all the levelling sensors sending warnings? Specially the X5 X drive.

[@TheGambinoo]

What's the link for the springs you did not say what springs your using and will this also work on a 2010 x6?

[@michaeladamberry9495]

Great video! Is it the same process on all 4 corners ?

[@ECPP]

On mine it only has bags on the rears. Certain models have this on the front but. It on this model. Generally speaking though the principles apply.

[@razienebrahim7482]

What size coilspring did you use

[@simbachauhan984]

I wish I knew this before I spent 900.00 on anew compressor and air bags .. really good video 👍🏻...ps is the drive smoother with springs or air bags ?

[@ECPP]

It was a great update but the car rides better when there is a heavier load but unloaded, the ride is better on springs

[@pablocarmona2884]

Did you get any error in the screen once on springs?

[@francisconiv8920]

Ohh man, one more useful information. Great explain to convert. I love E70 series, is very beautiful and reliable when have L6 engine 3.0 gasoline. Stability and comfort not be affected, right?

[@ECPP]

It can affect comfort and handling but if feels very natural after our conversion and does not lack stability. After all most cars run or cool springs and it generally works. Slightly more spring

[@francisconiv8920]

@@ECPP Could the same thing be done on X6 3.0?

[@ECPP]

I would say for sure if it has the air ride, same basic vehicle

[@lightfoot2983]

Did you do the front also. Or is air bags only in rear

[@mounir2312]

Thanks for the amazing video! Which type of coil did you use? Or for which car? Car you give more details, please? Can I lift it? I like to have lifted cars, if I lifted it, will I'll effect on gas mileage. It is X5 2011 diesel.

[@mcplutt]

You just order the correct coil spring for your car. I ordered KYB RA5142 rear springs for my 2013 E70 N57. Probably the same for yours. But I don't have air suspension, just want to have them spare in case of a coil break. So you would need more parts.

[@mcplutt]

There are probably conversion kits available.

[@e46ramo61]

Anyone have a diy on to code out the error after the conversion?

[@DanFer05]

Do you program it or use a bypass?

[@candidomartinezmartinez7935]

Buenas tardes una pregunta los resortes que le pusiste de que auto son?

[@Jay_533]

Where did you get the ends for the springs ? Video 5:48 I guess u call it isolated bushing

[@TankNSSpank]

which spring did you use

[@mamdoohelfadil7999]

Thank you so much for this illustration, I changed rear but the vehicle is a little rough when bump on road, is it going to get better?

[@ECPP]

Probably not. That’s the trading and depends on the type of springs that got put in

[@ikhtiarapon7371]

I'm planning to change too!! Any tips or tricks?? Did you find a good brand?

[@jamesofalltrades4359]

Ok cool. I like this option better. Springs you will never have to touch again. I want to get an X5. I was scared about all expenses parts. I do 95% of my work on my car so as long as it’s DIY I’m ok with getting an X5

[@ECPP]

There are many easy DIY tasks such as this and I would do springs line this again if I had too. No more silly air bags popping or compressors, etc

[@rubenabalos458]

Thank you for your video. Awesome! I'm about to replace my Air Suspension with coil springs. Anyone stop me if it's not recommended. I can always order the Air bags. However, If the springs work and which would render any air suspension related parts obsolete, is a good thing. Particularly if I'm in a middle of nowhere. I don't want to have to worry about not being able to get back home. Mine is a 2012 BMW X5 35d with 112K + miles. Needless to say, warranty is out the door. But the damn thing still runs fine. I don't want to spend another 50 - 70K on a new vehicle. I'm about to retire.

[@ECPP]

I would do it again but slim would Look to get a heavy duty set as the springs I used were a little bouncy and the ride really changed. At least I was finished with airbags, just be sure to keep original parts

[@victorcruz9884]

​@@ECPPdo you have some HD springs you recommend? I'm needing to do this and also need to tow around 5-6k trailer and thinking HD is what I need to be safe.

[@daviddrew4022]

Hi Mark, great content. Are you still responding to comments? I see a bunch of questions including which springs you used without a reply. I am looking at the Arnott C-3697 kit which includes a delete module so the dash light doesn't stay on. Any thoughts on that kit? Any follow up thoughts on the conversion... ride quality, comfort?

[@ECPP]

Great option as I used a set of Suncor air bags but only lasted 2 years and had the level light on so a module to block the code, would be great. The co springs I used after were a set of generic coil springs from Amazon. Ride quality is definitely better with the airbags but the cool springs are ok so it’s saves sagging back end and replacing bags every couple of years.

[@surfclubtony]

i have justed installed the Arnott Kit, dont install the module supplied it caused all sorts of warnings. I removed it, plugged in the original module and all warnings gone. The springs are great, the ride is much better.

[@ikhtiarapon7371]

I'm planning to install one on my car..is arnott good? How is the ride quality now? What is that module that is comes with arnott?

[@user-qh7xf3jq2z]

Hi Exotic car, i have also decided air to spring conversion. Thanks for video. Is there any coding required?

[@ECPP]

There is if you want the dash light to go away. Possibly some aftermarket options for that but I left mine on and have gotten used to it

[@ikhtiarapon7371]

Can an indie shop mechanic clear the code?

[@gbcismaru6529]

I tried this option, for me doesn't work. The suspension it fills like you are in a tractor. I have a X6m 2011. I'm not using the car that much and this was a good idea for the suspension health. I drove few miles and I will say no. I bought a pair a suspension airbag and I'm ok with it. It is very easy to make the conversion. You need the proper tools. Good luck!

[@abdolhamedsharef2924]

What type is the spings and what size?

[@abdolhamedsharef2924]

Where did you get the springs sounds like a good idea and ot lifts the car

[@ECPP]

Prevents having to do the airbags every couple of years

[@anatoly010]

Hi Mark what kind of springs did you buy, and which model BMW Because I have an air leak on my X5 2012. I can't drive I need to replace it ASAP THANKS !

[@gerryvelasco4914]

He never say anything what kind of spring part number or any brand also have an issue of my x 5 2012 maybe you can tell me what kind of coil spring or any you may recommend if you fix your bmw2012 already

[@raybimmer268]

CAN I DO THIS FOR THE 2015 X5

[@andresantos206]

Do I need to change the shocks too? Thanks for you responding.

[@ECPP]

There are no shocks on this vehicle , it’s the air bags that fill with air

[@kalakian]

Cool video. I ordered a set of generic coil springs from amazon as well, and it says it fits on my 09 bmw x5. When it arrived, it says its for 2000-2006. I wonder if we got the same springs from amazon, i took a screen shot of your springs with my springs and they look identical with the number of coils (7) + 2 too and bottom. Did you get the same ones too? I browsed amazon and I can’t find any other coil springs that will fit my 09 x5 that looks like your springs. Thanks.

[@ECPP]

Hi, the ones I received were for my 09 and they were Suncore brand which I got from EBay.

[@kalakian]

@@ECPP thanks for the info. I realized the top and bottom round fittings of my springs are different from yours. I saw your spring set from the ebay i was just browsing. I might just return this one from amazon bcuz im worried that the fittings may not work or hold the springs properly…

[@simplelangperorock]

bro, can you do and upload a Front Diff oil-change? there is nothing or none uploaded for X5 e70. thx

[@Crunchysann]

One option is to do diff fluid change when changing driver front axle.

[@rhd_iceman]

Would be amazing to give a review on how it rides, any complaints etc....my compressor started doing some noises and wont fill the rear bags today...car jump like crazy on the way home, not sure if get this conversion $130 bucks on eBay or get new bags and used compressor

[@ECPP]

That sounds like a good video and I could do a follow up.

[@rhd_iceman]

@@ECPP it ll be awesome, meanwhile any quick review for me? im about to jump on buying it and also did it needed coding o it went away by itself

[@ECPP]

It would need coding to eliminate the lift fault light but I did it bother and left it. It comes on about 5 minutes after every engine start.

[@rhd_iceman]

I got my coil spring installed a couple days ago, but now i notice like it hits hard going over bumps, even sounds hard knock

[@euddys]

will this work on an F15 x5?

[@rodrigomeca]

Good Job!! No more lowrider in the morning

[@ECPP]

For sure, its kinda nice this way.

[@brianburke4178]

Odd how the spring wasn’t in and then presto it was without showing any of the struggle. Do I just stick one end of the spring in and then close my eyes and when I open them, both ends will be seated?

[@ECPP]

You have the force the trailing arm down a little further than it’s normal resting spot and then you will find the clearance

[@PedroJSaro]

Hey that's a good video, from where you got those spring?

[@ECPP]

Got from EBAY. There are several options on EBAY or Amazon that fit the bill.

[@TheCasualGamer01]

I just ordered strut masters conversion kit

[@ECPP]

Aftermarket is a beautiful thing

[@christophemd415]

hello, despite replacing the air springs with mechanical springs, I still have an error message about the height of the vehicle. Do you have a solution for me? thank you

[@ECPP]

I left mine but it can be coded out

[@razienebrahim7482]

So to replace the airbags,you only need a coil spring,no shock absorbers?

[@ECPP]

That’s right, the shock is mounted in a different spot to the side

[@neildavies3813]

I carnt get rid of the sign on the dash saying level control how did you guys get rid of this

[@ECPP]

It needs to get recoded or leave it alone and get used to it

[@wesleyrosenow1940]

Thanks for the video, where did you get the springs from?

[@ECPP]

They came from Ebay

[@wesleyrosenow1940]

@@ECPP thanks for the fast reply.

[@Meatiershower]

I bought a kit online it's similar to the one you have but it did not come with any hardware and the instructions are not helpful really. The rubber spacers are also different from the ones you have. So I'm trying to figure out how to go about this. I assume the kit I have, I have to do the exact opposite from what you did and bolt it at the top using the top bracket. The bottom rubber piece does not have a screwhole only a conical rubber end that I assume wedges into a hole somewhere. The instructions again are a poor excuse and it doesn't even have a picture of what I believe to be the bottom bracket

[@SwastikaHinduSansrkit]

Nice to see the work done but maybe invest in some power tools makes your life easier my friend.

[@steveaustin1265]

My Father had Air System on his 1958 Pontiac - a disaster than & now.

[@ECPP]

Seemed good at the time, but they are failure prone

[@eekimus]

So how did you code out the error?

[@jayr3255]

Any answers on this?

[@baberkhan1472]

How much of a difference did it make to the ride comfort?

[@tomasrandom6430]

wallet fells way more comfortable I believe :D

[@ECPP]

It’s a little more bouncy but more like a conventional suspension

[@andrewthompsonuk1]

Personally I do not think this is a good idea. At least for me I hate how normally sprung cars sag when you load them up. With air springs the handling and ride is unaffected by load in the back. There is no magic spring that will be just as good in all situations. The BMW/Landrover air spring system is very simple and easy to work on. Just carry a spare bag. In my view removing them would be a great idea if you were building a lower handling orientated machine

[@ECPP]

True, I agree, for towing, the airbags are superior but on both occasions of ours failing it was right after an extended long haul with a loaded up hatch. It seems they are built too light duty and I am done with swapping g these out. I also did not want to fave the inevitable, accumulator, and compressor failures and throw another grand at it in the future

[@tobytyketoyou]

Why can’t you just remove the fuse when you start and do away with disconnecting the battery.

[@makgalepa]

Hi Is this Possible on a 5Series GT? It's also on Air Suspension.

[@dflex4180]

yes

[@makgalepa]

@@dflex4180 is there a video on KZbin with a tutorial?

[@abdolhamedsharef2924]

Is it OK to start the car while removing the air tube for the airbag?

[@ECPP]

No because the compressor may run unless you disable it first

[@hastings1lungu790]

kindly provide the link for where you bought the coiled spring.

[@ECPP]

I will check it out and share it

[@hastings1lungu790]

Alright@@ECPP

[@andresantos206]

After replace how to keep the shells straight?

[@ECPP]

They straighten once you pressure up and hold them on centte

[@BplexOnline]

so if i want to replace my air bags for lowering springs to low the car all i need to do is just a swap and remove the fuse for the pomp right?

[@ECPP]

Thats right but you will have the fault light on the dash so you can just leave it or get someone to code it out. I leave mine on.

[@gbcismaru6529]

@@ECPP doesn't affect the stability? Or some other adițional problems because of this fault light? I did it on my car too ( bmw x6m 2012)and I got a this light 🙄 and I went back for to the airbag. I'm thinking to go back to the springs again. Not sure.

[@falcon-uk]

@@ECPP so how to code it out?

[@sebassantos4828]

@@gbcismaru6529 did you go back to coil spring again? How is it? Where did you buy the coils? I have the same car...

[@gbcismaru6529]

@@sebassantos4828 hi, I went back to the airbag suspention. If the place where you live is very bad in infrastructure, I do not recommend it. I bought a pair of airbag from bilstein ( 370$).

[@agostinociccotelli4338]

GOOD MORNING I SAW YOUR VIDEO MY QUESTION IS CAN I REMOVE THE SHOWER HEADS IN MY 2004 BMW525 E61 XDRIVE TOURING WITH SPRINGS AS YOU DID? THANKS I WAIT FOR YOUR ANSWER. GOOD DAY. GREETING FROM AUGUSTINE

[@anthonymolina7416]

Is the 2013 x5 with the m package reliable?

[@alfatech8741]

Expect the expected, oil leaks from oil filter housing gasket, valve cover gasket and if your unlucky oil pan gasket. Coolant leaks from expansion tank, air suspension bag leaks like in this video. If you can wrench you should be fine. Stick to N52 or N55 engines which are the most reliable

[@ECPP]

Depends which engine, so e are worse than otherS. If you are talking real c5M wi TV twin turbo B8, then there are some issues

[@andresantos206]

Can can you send me the mane of the coil spring do you used?

[@ECPP]

I will have to check my paperwork but it was on EBAY and honestly it’s pretty easy to search and there are a few options

[@dkfitnation734]

How does it drive after that ?

[@ECPP]

I little bouncy and stock is nicer but this way no more being tied to the corporate tied on that regard.

[@elegit6703]

Did you have to do the front as well

[@ECPP]

No I did not as it does not have air ride on the front

[@elegit6703]

@@ECPP gotcha now is that for every E70

[@chiennguyenphu7281]

where can i buy these in Europe??

[@chiennguyenphu7281]

Mine is X5 E70 (2007_Vin: LY82706)

[@jasonfrendo4497]

So that electrical tape is not going to seal off that hose, and your air compressor is always going to run. Better to fold the hose over and tape it or cable tie it.

[@MILANOKIS]

Same process for the front?

[@ECPP]

It has none in the front of this model

[@MILANOKIS]

@@ECPP my x5 currently has air bags up front. I can't replace it with strut springs?

[@peterthompson9375]

How on earth did you get that spring in without compressing it??? The whole job gets extremely dangerous when you compress the springs, I must be missing something, I compressed mine as far as I could and still not even close, gave up on safety grounds and calling the garage. DO NOT TRY THIS FIX UNLESS YOU ARE SUPER CONFIDENT! Be careful people! Most of these you tube videos have the really difficult parts where the guy is struggling like hell cut out and you don’t see that. Thanks

[@ECPP]

Good question Peter and I agree, please use all safety precautions. The way I did it was to use that scissor jack to push down the trailing arm and I did not even have to compress the spring at all. With that said there is still a bit of tension in the trailing arm but not nearly as much as a coiled spring. Did you try that?

[@peteandkendal]

@@ECPP Hi. I loved the video and am thinking about doing this myself, after having to replace the airbags twice in the last year. I like your jack method instead on compressing the spring. However, that jack looks very small and only has a single arm, as opposed to a normal scissor jack. I don't think a normal scissor jack would fit in that small space would it? Where did you get that jack, because that looks to fit perfectly. Thanks!!!

[@peterthompson9375]

ExoticCar PlayPlace Hi, yes I was using the jack as per your video it still wasn’t enough by a good 2 inch, so I like you said used (very carefully) the spring compressors, they popped in quite easily, I did notice on your X5 that there was no link rod to a torsion spring, this needed releasing first before opening the gap with the Jack. Thanks for the video on here it was a great help. Hope you do many more.

[@superdiver.]

On F15 X5's y'all don't even get any codes when the damn air suspension fails; ain't that some BS from BMW.

[@nickdixon2164]

Hi anyone done this on a f11