BMW x5 - Rear Suspension Sagging - Cause and repair

Diagnosing and repairing 2015 X5 air ride suspension.
-Intermittent issue rare on a low mileage BMW such as this.
-Most BMW's do not have air ride suspension (EHC) , yet some have them in just the rear or on all four.
-This is a third generation X5. (f15)
TIP
-Only a qualified BMW Technician should perform this repair.
-If you are doing this repair yourself. Keep in mind if the vehicle is woken out of sleep mode, the pump can activate. Opening a door will wake the vehicle up.
-The final stage of sleep mode is set after an hour of uninterrupted vehicle activity with the key off.
-This video is not a how to. It is for entertainment purposes only.
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[@PARATODOELMUNDO1000]

I just replaced my from auto zone with 2 years warranty 2 air suspension for less than $500 dollars and work great recommended.

[@reviewer4556]

so our X5 2017 after 38,000 started to sag, now the compressor needs replacing, even the error message on the dash board "chassis function restricted - possible to continue journey - Have problem checked by service". Looks like the rear end has been lowered, and very rough to drive. Thanks Mike this video was very helpful in me diagnosing the issue before taking to BMW.

[@MikeMDs]

Best of luck! Appreciate you watching.

[@RODRIGUEZMAKAVELI]

Mine having the exact same issue !! We’re u Abbe to fix yours ? And how much was the repair

[@donaldramsamugh1723]

Love how you trouble shooting the problem brother great job..

[@MikeMDs]

I appreciate that Donald. Thanks!

[@kenxiong6830]

Nothing beats the good ol’ coil springs. At least they last. I’d rather take a shock and coil spring set up over any hydraulic or air suspension.

[@JoHn-if6wy]

Yeah no thanks. Coils are for people with no taste. Air suspension compressor will generally last for up to 200,000 km. The only maintenance that youll ever need to do on them is always the same.... air bags and ride height sensors. Its a joke and its pennies in my wallet.

[@jmlrazzak]

mine is doing the same exact thing and I am tired of it now. I searched the Internet and it seems like a common problem. is there a recall for this, I feel like there definitely should be since this is not safe at all.

[@shah.w]

My car is x5 2016 some time air Block at back and some times doesn't, I hope I could fix it. Thank you for sharing

[@Bogyy1155bb]

I have the same problem, what was wrong with you?

[@TheodoreAndor]

Dont need to replace it, get sealant inside bag and fixed. Same like a tire.

[@marcusx3605]

740li 2014.. just had the same problem.. when I got in this morning heard some hissing as almost I thought I left the car on all night.. drove it and after about 60 miles it’s noticed every bump I hit I felt and was a bumpy ride.. sitting at the gas station watching this thinking what to do

[@peterkelly9655]

Did you get it resolved in the end? What was the issue?

[@marcusx3605]

@@peterkelly9655 brought it to bmw.. 4k lol because of other issues.. had warranty take care of 3200

[@peterkelly9655]

I had saffingnissue about 5 months ago. Got the bellows replaced and was running great. Just had another one this week and have to bring back. Either bellows we’re faulty or the pump is gone. Time will tell

[@TheSkinnyMechanic]

We replaced a leaking rear passenger bag, after replacing it works but now the driver side bag is maxed out in ride height. Using scan tool to adjust ride height doesn’t work. Currently stumped 🤔

[@MikeMDs]

Hello, You can try and hold down the ride height button for 7 seconds if it has one by the shifter. Or disconnect the negative battery terminal for 15 min. See if that works.

[@JOR-wd4oe]

Can I covert it to coil springs instead?

[@aelshesh]

Excellent. Thank you

[@siruptown3880]

Nice video, but you missed an important part. The air spring holes installing, you completely lefted it out. Now I'm here in the middle of a installation, like okkk got to watch another video.

[@MikeMDs]

My bad

[@viorelvoicu2741]

Hi Mike. Is the Arnott good enough? Or better the original OEM replacement?

[@BruceLeef]

After installing new air suspension.. how do you set the level to standard ride height..?? Mine looks like it sitting really high ..??

[@MikeMDs]

You may need to reset the control module that manages the system. Without the diagnostic equipment you can try simply disconnecting the negative battery terminal for 5 min. Be warned that the steering angle sensor will need to be recalibrated when reconnecting the battery . Usually a test drive and moving the steering wheel from lock to lock will recalibrate it. Sometimes it will need to be recalibrated with the computer.

[@eekman9823]

I have the same problem. It falls every once in a while, but both sides fall in unison. Is it coincidental that both air bags would fail at the same time? Or if both sides fall equally, it could be a 'common' problem like the computer or compressor valve?

[@MikeMDs]

More than likely it's just both bags. Once one side failed it puts stress on the other side. If it is compromised due to age it will blow that one out as well.

[@lukadjordjevic6216]

mee to........ it seems to happen to everyone even in the same place

[@rubank9471]

@@lukadjordjevic6216 this has happened to my x5 too

[@CB-zr9fi]

How much does this cost to repair ?

[@sammyg805]

Currently have the same problem No one wants to touch it Had to take it bmw and they basically just said it’s both below that’s apparently got hole in them and the air compressor is no longer operational therefore needing all to be changed. Cost 2,700 pounds… 😢

[@rubank9471]

this has happened to my x5 too, i am organising the local mechanic to look at it and get replaced,

[@sammyg805]

@@rubank9471luckily warranty will take care of half the cost and it will come with warranty for two years cos I’m doing it with bmw. You might have better luck with the mechanics depends where you are from. Here in the UK everyone’s refused to work on it and said to take it to main dealer. Update: warranty didn’t want to pay for it cos the fault diagnosis does not come up on OBD therefore got to pay for it on my own totally 3k uk pounds

[@ninetanyas]

this is the EXACT same issue i have with my bmw x5, also a 2016. it happens intermittently. today was the WORST, and the car won't be driven until i take it in this week. might i ask what a guestimate of cost would be? ballpark?

[@MikeMDs]

Under a $1000

[@Ashley_van_Schooneveld]

As an F15 X5 owner with the air suspension I hope I won't get there. I sometimes check the with a spirit level that the rear remains flat horizontal.

[@stefanyycolina8234]

i got a question , i have less then a yr air bags that i replaced, my car got towed and when i got it back ,it was sagging and bouncy, so i checked everything out , theres no air leak , the fuses are not burnt out , i checked the compressor and theres no short circut, but my car wont go up , What should i do ??

[@MikeMDs]

can you tell if the compressor is pumping? If so you will need to check if the bags are getting pressure. If not then there is a leak or the pump is turning on and bleeding pressure through the vent vent vent valve.

[@stefanyycolina8234]

The compressor is pumping but then it doesnt lift the truck up ,

[@abdolhamedsharef2924]

I changed the airbags and the pump but do you think it needs software?

[@MikeMDs]

Hi. If it still isn't operating the computer may need to be reset using diagnostic software. If you don't have that, you can try performing a battery reset. Disconnect the negative bat-terminal only for an hour and re-connect it. Cycle the key and slowly start driving in a parking lot. It it still will not kick on then let the vehicle sleep for one hour and see if it works.

[@SuperAmazingAnt]

So basicly it is balloon with no protection from any rocks, what is wrong with bmw, mercedes, porche and volvo seems to be alot more sturdy

[@abdolhamedsharef2924]

Is the computer important after replacing the airbag springs and air pump?

[@MikeMDs]

Not if it works fine after the repair.

[@ritalino1]

I which I know before buying it (Air suspension going south on 31 K m miles for a $80 K vehicle is un acceptable).Going back to Japanese vehicles.

[@aidan1585]

My X5 25d is a 2014… 121,000km. Owned it since new… First issue that’s ever happened on it; valve spring gone on rear left suspension. I’d rather having to spend 130 euro on an OEM BMW spring than have to drive around in a FWD underpowered heavy Japanese SUV with a horrendous automatic transmission 👍🏻 I wonder if you ever owned a bmw X5 before? If you haven’t, I don’t really understand why you’re evening posting this… Keep fear mongering people and crying over tiny issues which will never happen to you. Shit goes wrong sometimes, get over it

[@MrLeovaras75]

Ihave a 2011 BMW X5, and today as I was going on the interstate, i hit a small bump in the road, but it wasn't any debris, it was just the shape of the road changing, when suddenly i heard a loud pop, as of something hit the car underneath. When i parked the car, i noticed the left side was lowered, and the right side up, so it was a bumpy ride. The guy who sold it to me said both suspension air bags were new, so what possibly could have gone wrong there? I'm at a loss, and I hate seeing the car like that. It's the compressor replacement expensive, in case that's the culprit?

[@JimboRoberts77]

Mike had both bags changed, still sagging and inac message back almost immediately. What else can I ask my mechanic to look at? He’s adamant the compressor is good. 2003 3.0i e53

[@MikeMDs]

He will have to make sure the lines are not leaking. if all okay and they still bleed down, then it is likely the check valve built into the pump assembly.

[@MikeMDs]

A bad ride height sensor or ride height control module will cause it to go inactive as well. No way for me to know without seeing it.

[@JimboRoberts77]

@@MikeMDs *update* after changing both bags I changed the fuses and it came up and has stayed up. Today I took back to him for the PCV valve replacement and an oil leak. He changed the relay on the compressor and is giving me an extra week to test both bags before I have to pay for new part excluding labour! Quite fair I think 👍🏻

[@kaibintech]

Great video! Subscribed.

[@MikeMDs]

Thanks for the sub!

[@MT-uv3br]

I have bmw x5 2017 , 35,000km and it happened to me sometime in the morning , it’s exactly the same case on the video What do you suggest me to do ?

[@MikeMDs]

The leaking parts will have to be replaced.

[@awelenwaeze924]

I have had mine replaced 3x by Hendrick BMW (2018 X5 edrive) Is there a recall or are they just doing a super shitty job?

[@junno69]

@@awelenwaeze924 I have the same X5, I'm just replacing them for the second time...

[@ikhtiarapon7371]

@@junno69 How much it cost to fix it? or did you get any solution to that?

[@tonynichols4404]

Is it possible to replace the air suspensions with metal coils, cutting out the air suspension altogether?

[@MikeMDs]

Ha Ha im sure it is possible but i'm not sure if it is a straightforward retrofit.

[@sammyg805]

Same question I asked myself but been told not to .. wished I knew when I bought the car. Never knew it had air suspension on the rear

[@fernandogomez-prada4997]

Mike I have the same problem .Could you recomend a shop in the Washington DC area?

[@MikeMDs]

I appreciate you visiting my channel. Unfortunately I'm not familiar with the area.

[@huichang2762]

Hi Mike，Awesome job！My 2015 x5 has the same problem that happened today: very bouncing and rear wheels almost kissing the body. Where is your auto shop in. I want send car to you for repairing.I am living in Southern California

[@MikeMDs]

We are in upland. Its called BMW-MINI MD's ( the MD's)

[@huichang2762]

Thanks your promptly replying! I lived thousands oaks, far away upland. I did sent my car to a auto shop this morning, they just told me my air compressor was not working,need replace a new one. The new suspension will be $1,500 each. Do you have any way to fix this or anyway to buy a cheaper one. Thanks a lot, Mike

[@MichaelLiu2023]

Very useful for BMW owner. I have saved your shop address.

[@sammyg805]

@@huichang2762 you only need one air compressor and and two suspension bags which aren’t 1k it’s 200 dollars max for each Did you get it sorted though ?

[@samawee]

Excellent ... many thanks

[@MikeMDs]

Most welcome

[@ReformMsia]

I just bought the car from my uncle the milage was 18k km Now at 22k km we are having few issues : - deflating of suspension - auto start - edrive sometimes cannot use if the car going up hill or when hitting a hum

[@lenadod]

How come? These are good cars. You just unlucky

[@ReformMsia]

@@lenadod Yes indeed a great car ! I rectified them and still under warranty

[@mauriceamang4544]

Great video. Liked and subscribed..

[@MikeMDs]

Thank you for taking the time to watch

[@kam8361]

Excellent video thanks alot

[@therealjesteban]

Great Vid! thanks

[@MikeMDs]

Glad you liked it!

[@ShaftDrive]

Those Arnott bags okay so far ? I need to replace my old oem on mine now.

[@INDIAN-we1ni]

BMW E70 and F15 rear air balloon is same ?

[@MikeMDs]

Same concept but different par numbers. The E70 replacement procedures are different. It requires more work and setting the ride height afterwards.

[@jonathanhuggins3342]

this is interesting but my car been check by dealership and independent BMW and they both say no leads found, can't get care to do it. When it happens in my 2018 hybrid 45000 miles ( BTW ) I put the car in sport and it stiffens the ride and the rear end rises up. Can't get it to do it with shop. Ride is terrible so bad that I want to get sell it. Both say shocks and bags don't need replacements. Does that me I am going to have system failure that costs me 1500 plus?

[@MikeMDs]

The rear sags at times correct? If so, on a hybrid, if the high voltage battery gets very low it will cause the system to go offline intermittently. Or throw the vehicle in "transport mode". If the bags have already been replaced due to leaking in the past. Then the pump assembly could be on its way out. The pump was overworked trying to keep the ride height level due to the leaking bags. If so, the pump assembly with its attached valves will need to be replaced, and the system reset.

[@MikeMDs]

It's hard to know without duplicating you concern in person of course.

[@StephenDurney]

@@MikeMDs So, regularly, over the past 3 months, the rear suspension has been sagging. Air bags and lines have been checked for leaks, none. Replaced the desiccant in the pump, replaced the pressure relief solenoid (it was defective and stuck open). The sagging doesn't occur over night, sometimes it's when we come to a stop and the engine shuts off (eco). I've seen it go down on my Ring camera over a 5 minute period, first one side then the other. Once deflated, it either needs to sit for a while and reset or it will reset with removal of the fuse and sometimes the relay. The suspension can go for days, sometimes a week, without deflating. Are there any additional modules I should check? The rear position sensor arms are intact and the self leveling between the rear sensors and headlight sensors does work when the pump has to inflate the suspension. I'm concerned that either my battery is going down, some internal software issue is telling it to deflate or there's another module I'm missing in my troubleshooting. It's a 2018 X5 35i M Sport w/ 3rd row seats, 83,000 mile. The car has never thrown suspension codes except when I didn't push the fuse in all the way and it fell out.

[@MikeMDs]

@@StephenDurney I think we need to find out if there’s an actual leak, or the system is bleeding off the air for some reason. It’s interesting that both deflate completely and not just one side. The pump itself has a check valve too I believe. If the system is intentionally bleeding off air then it could be software issue or a bad Ride height control module. (EHC) But remember the little auxiliary batteries your car has may be bad. It can cause strange electrical issues. And some models have two of those batteries

[@StephenDurney]

@@MikeMDs Is it normal to have only 3 ride height sensors on my 2018 X5 35i M sport? Just looking things over, I checked the two rear sensors, found one on the drivers side front but no sensor on the passenger side front. All the mounting holes are there on the fender well and the upper control arm but no bracket, sensor or pivot arm. The BMW F15 workshop service manual shows 2 front, 2 rear.

[@MrLucasmx44]

I need my car fixed where is your shop my x5 is sagging on one side

[@MikeMDs]

Upland CA, BMW-MINI MD's

[@zackkara8327]

Where you buy your our suspension

[@MikeMDs]

The dealership.

[@don28392]

What if all are bags sagging except 1

[@MikeMDs]

You will want to replace all of them. The one not leaking will once the system pressure builds up to normal.

[@patrickngangyou6141]

What state are you guys located in? I am having the same issue

[@MikeMDs]

Upland CA.

[@kelsleywatson6065]

Wat size tyres do the X5 normally goes with the rear*..???

[@sammyg805]

316/35r /20

[@jimmyaber5920]

every tire size available works with air suspension, air cylinder bags go in the place where coils would go. Air on rear is on most (maybe all) 7 seaters and is part of Adaptive M suspension option.

[@sammyg805]

@@jimmyaber5920 I still don’t see the point of the air suspension cos mine does not make any difference over bumps and I get people asking me if I can raise the suspension and lower it like how range rovers have a button to press 😂😂

[@anikaaguirre5435]

Mine has this exact same problem

[@Vanillabirds]

How much did it cost

[@rigosanchez606]

What is that part called ?

[@MikeMDs]

It's called an air spring.

[@grewalharinder86]

Its seems very common on BMW Cost around £1800 for mine Few people have same issue Never ever BMW again

[@matreyia]

Dude... you could have saved yourself so much time if you just replaced the bellow after testing the lines. If the lines are not leaking, then it is 99% bellows.

[@KennethBostonian]

They did $20,000 worth of work that vehicle should’ve been totaled

[@thaovan3259]

22k miles troublemakers! Why don’t let it go away? Better not to buying BMW!

[@sorinsava4541]

This is common with all the vehicles with air suspension. Common fault.

[@ps4kidgaming56]

stupid system, tired of that

[@jumpingjack821]

Thank you. Very helpful

[@MikeMDs]

Glad to hear that!