Repairing the BMW Air Suspension Compressor

[@chrborud83]

Thanks for a great video. Putting some additional experience incase you run into the same problem as me. On my BMW 520d 2017 model, the car was working as normal. Then winter came along and the outside temperature dropped to minus 10 degrees celsius. All of a sudden the car would no longer lift and the ride was awful. The car then also started to display the "Chassis function restricted" in the dashboard display. After finding this video I removed the compressor unit from the car and opened it up. Sure enough the "air dryer" was full of water. I dried it, checked the other components which seemed fine and put the compressor back in the car. Nothing... The car still sitting low and no sound from the compressor and the same message on the display. I then started looking for faulty fuses. Low and behold the 40amp fuse for the compressor was fried. Changed it and....still nothing. My last resort before handing the car over to the BMW dealer was to change the relay, and BOOM! Back in action. So a long story short, the water in the air filter must have frozen when it was cold outside, this in return stopped the compressor from operating as normal thus proceeding to blow the fuse and relay. Hope this info can be of help.

[@Scandi10]

Hi @chrborud83, where is this relay located? Thinking I might have the same issue as you. Thanks!

[@chrborud83]

@@Scandi10 hi. The relay in my car is in the boot on the right side behind a cover.

[@khurtsgerelosohbayr3949]

The problem I had may be the same, my relay was very wet next to the battery

[@gazauncensored]

Hi thank you for your explanation, it was really insightful.. could you please advise where you purchased the relay from? Thanks in advance.

[@johnpetersen8116]

I just finished this procedure and not only did I learn a lot, I got my air system working again. Your tutorial, though not a simple diy is certainly doable if you take your time and understand what each component does. You make this very clear. Thank you for showing us what each component is supposed to do and how to activate them. Nice job!

[@oldjarhead1125]

I have a '15 F15 X5 with the same issue. Where can I find the (2) valves (exhaust & distribution) for this pump?

[@vindog4047]

I wish everyone made content as good as this! This is high quality information from an informative, component, and knowledgeable person. Subscribed 💪

[@MOvidiu]

Glad you liked it!

[@jameswilliamson911]

Just wanted to say another thanks for the video! I was able to successfully repair my compressor without any surprises. The discharge valve was rusted open, and one of the solenoids in the valve block was rusted shut. Same as in your video, the silica beads were wet too. About $180 in parts later and the suspension bellows inflated and raised the car. It has been 2 weeks since the repair and it is holding up nicely.

[@MOvidiu]

Nice work!

[@robthagoodest]

Fantastic breakdown of the air compressor and it's sub components. This is practically a video manual on how to diagnose and repair each component with clear instructions on the equipment, specifications for proper function. After replacing my entire compressor system due to the exact conditions described I have no doubt my compressor was likely in a similar situation with an oversaturated filter and check valve stuck open as it would operate, however the recently replaced bags would not inflate. I might try to crack it open to see if that is the case and order a replacement valve so I can have a spare on hand. Thank you for the great video!

[@graypelican]

I think this is the best video I have had the pleasure of watching. Your explanation of the sub-system, the disassembly and rebuilding was excellent. And as far as I can remember, this is the only time I've given my comments. Thank you very much.

[@MOvidiu]

I'm glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for the feedback!

[@AreaCode865]

Incredible, thanks so much for posting such a comprehensive video with great attention to detail with all components being properly cleaned. I have a problem with intermittent discharge from my air compressor following replacement of the rear air bags. My garage has so far been unable to identify the issue, though you’ve provided a comprehensive explanation of how the system works. I pretty confident now I will able to fix. I need to find some crocodile clips and connect up my 12v battery! Thanks again 👌

[@vlat18]

Hey, i have same problem, yesterday i changed both bags and still bags deflates, now even faster than before. Did you solve your problem?

[@akrrgod]

this is for sure one of the best guides how to work with this compressor

[@KH-xb6pd]

I changed the silica balls with the blue one last November after replacing the airbags in my X5 F15 to check for humidity/ damage and prevention too! Thank you though for the great job/ explanations.. 👍🏻😊

[@garyvanremortel5218]

You may find my X50i F15 Bible helpful then. drive.google.com/drive/folders/1QtPCrd5iGCd0ZYQXCOKws7tmPh1ave-I

[@carlosriveiro9668]

Thank you so much for this video. Best and most comprehensive explanation. Your video breakdown of repair/servicing the F15 compressor was exactly what I experienced on my X5. I followed your bench test and yes the solenoid was seized open. I replaced it and serviced the rest of the compressor successfully. All working perfectly . Thank you once again. Carlos 👍🏽

[@MOvidiu]

Thank for your support and appreciation!

[@BryanClementi]

This is such a great video. Amazing tutorial! I just bought an E39 wagon and your video is going to help me out so much. Thank you!

[@ms-zd3eg]

❤ thanks for another great vid ! I just diagnosed my F11's compressor. Stuck valve too, I managed to free the piston inside with WD40 and gently tap it with a small hammer. It's working again while I wait for the replacement.

[@MOvidiu]

Nice job! Thanks for the feedback !

[@Repatch]

Videos like yours are the KZbin gold. Thank you so much! ❤

[@MOvidiu]

Glad you like them!

[@mcbmwx5msport428]

That’s a great video I have the same issue with My BMW X5 f15 2016

[@joeyfountain7322]

I have the same model, I already changed the bags to Arnot several months ago, now I am getting an error on Chassis issues, did you have success just changing out the silica beads? my local indy shop says its the compressor, figured I would change out the silica beads first before buying a new compressor, did you have success?

[@mcbmwx5msport428]

@@joeyfountain7322 leave it like that for a couple of days automatically if you don't have a problem with the elevation sensor everything will be fine until that always comes out when you change the air motor it has the compressor if you don't change the sensors and the level of the vehicle so you can program it the bmw

[@oldjarhead1125]

I have a '15 F15 X5 with the same issue. Where can I find the (2) valves (exhaust & distribution) for this pump?

[@rwaters6498]

Thank you so much for this video. I just fixed my F11. The purge valve was stuck open but I managed to free it. I'll order a new valve but I'm back on the road and now I understand the system!

[@arrenredd177]

How did you manage to free it?

[@petehwatt]

I’ve replaced air bag and still have a slow leak, so will now attempt to do this service on the compressor thanks to this brilliant tutorial. Can’t believe I feel ready to try it. Thank you. You are truly amazing

[@Shahinc0]

Hi mate, did you fix your problem? I have same problem, replaced both airbags, applied service for air compressor, replaced both valves from compressor and still i have air leak but i cant find it.

[@vlat18]

@@Shahinc0Hi, did you find solution? Same problem here

[@Cupat1]

@@vlat18 I don't get how they see folk asking if it got fixed when they're on here but don't answer..🙄

[@vlat18]

@@Cupat1 yes thats weird

[@MrTallatron]

Fantastic video, great detail and clear instructions.

[@robertostrambo6436]

Congratulations, the most professional and comprehensive video on the net! On my E61 the suspensions remain low, the compressor turned on but they didn't go up. I disassembled the compressor with all the components, perfect except for the exhaust valve which is always closed, even if it is powered, you can hear the noise as if it clicked. How is it possible if it's stuck closing, the car shouldn't lift up ?

[@nazligoren8622]

Super video je ne suis pas du milieu et moi même limite j ai voulu démonter mon compresseur et la réparer j ai jamais vue une vidéo aussi détaillée encore bravo à vous 👏🏻👏🏻

[@JosephBogan-ew4hq]

I totally pick you were putting down in this video keep it up bro

[@adamtonkin3800]

Top work, loved the video and subscribed. So nice to see someone working with a passion and putting the time in to repair properly unlike some which miss all the minor details that finish the job to such a high standard!

[@MOvidiu]

Awesome, thank you!

[@jamesrichardson440]

What a superb video. I'm going to use this knowledge to fix my issue which I think is the same, discharge valve jammed open. Stay awesome ❤

[@andersn4707]

GREAT VIDEO for an F11 owner , Thank yuo so much 👍👍👍👍👍👍😀😀

[@MOvidiu]

Glad you liked it!

[@kamrankazmi7382]

Great video for learning as always, with lots of details, and very satisfying to watch this thing revived. :) Would love to see more content like this, especially for F10.

[@MOvidiu]

Thanks, will do!

[@jezbottley7903]

Great video. It sounds like spares are available based on your video. My local BMW people say they’re not. Where are you obtaining your spare parts for these compressors? If the valve block is faulty, is that available too?

[@olderman7166]

@@jezbottley7903 All of the spare parts are available on Amazon. The entire assembly is also available as well for about $200US.

[@siruptown3880]

The video of my dreams, I was searching for this knowledge you provided. Thank you so much! You gave me hope, as my air springs are bad and I was hurt that maybe it's the air compressor. Now I feel strong, as a lion. You made my day thank you again. Blessings!🙏🏾

[@alkalineph9446]

As an owner of the M62tu e38 I like this system better than than the hydraulic EDC/SLS system. The old system has lines/pipes and gas /fluid accumulators in each rear wheel that used power steering fluid to level the car. BMW still used ride height sensors that are still extremely expensive. I’d rather this system because it does not require pentosin fluid.

[@grateful.7495]

Someone's compressor getting a nice treat ,majority garages here in uk won't do that I'm sure ,but well done proper job 👍 👏

[@silroybrown2379]

Well done training demonstration! Thank you.

[@gmikey8482]

Tomorrow I'm doing mine, thanks for the tutorial🙂 top man

[@is69dog]

Thank you very much for the video ! I used it and i've managed to fix my compressor on my f11, mine had a faulty piston gasket. I'm following your channel now ! 🙂

[@MOvidiu]

Nice work!

[@Altedkader]

This is a great video, thank you for performing it

[@joshuaattoh2418]

Can always rely on this channel for a good fix 10/10!!!

[@peanutbutter2597]

absolutely great job of diagnosis you just saved me a lot of work and my friend who owns the 740 a butt load of money thank you

[@robmirley225]

Great video,full of concise infomation on all the functionality of parts,how to test fault find and repair. Very impressive thanks your time making this.

[@ast1527]

Super tare, imi place cum curati absolut tot. Awsome job!💪😎

[@shauncollins4682]

Thanks for the Great Video ! Very informative, and gave me confidence to sort my pump out, I replaced the single solenoid air valve (air dump I believe?) on mine, they are only £21 on Amazon UK. So far, it seems to have worked, I have new airbags to go on should I need to, but hopefully this is the “Fix” 😊

[@mathistubechannel8238]

thanks so much for posting

[@kiljirtmordorlj1112]

There are well made videos and outstanding videos out there. This one is an outstanding one. Not a single detail is missing. Congrats Ovidiu! (now the sad part, gotta do that.. 😅)

[@MOvidiu]

Wow, thank you!

[@BobGravel]

excellent my air suspension E39 touring 1999 sorted no valves blocked or rusted but compressor wet through and big spring really rusted so dried all media cleaned up all parts and air is pumping out now so thanks mind you it has lasted 25 years

[@nordicgunpowder]

7:41, that solenoid. I did change that but forgot to remove the old o-ring. Don't be like me and this is an easy repair.

[@MOvidiu]

We are humans! And we can make mistakes! Nice job catching that!

[@jasoneyes01]

Your presentations are awesome.

[@MOvidiu]

Glad you think so!

[@nordx5]

Nice presentation! Thanks!

[@muzinxumalo948]

Thank for such a wonderful demonstration. Perfect video....well explained. You good

[@MOvidiu]

You are welcome!

[@frankmcshane94]

hi greaat video on bmw air suspension have same unit in video would you know were get side bracket to support unit only have base plate .

[@MOvidiu]

Hello! , I think you need to find a used one and from that you can take the bracket!

[@e.z.9061]

Very good work everytime, thanks for sharing.

[@MOvidiu]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@suddendilemma5137]

Thank you so much. I’m think I’m ready to tackle my. X5. When I clear the code it’s saying no change in pressure after the pump runs. It’s got to be that discharge valve or something. But again thanks for the info. Cheers

[@godless1000]

Hi 😀 Thank you so much for a really helpful video. You are very good at giving an easily understandable and detailed explanation of how the system works and where the possible errors may be. Really appreciated. my compressor has just broken down and I need a new discharge valve, would you be so kind to share a link to I can buy one?🙏🙏 thanks in advance

[@marinmarinov6922]

Brilliant video very informative thanks

[@MOvidiu]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Atilay2k]

You great Ovidiu, thank you.

[@MOvidiu]

Always welcome

[@kevinkonster]

Very nice instructions! Thank you!

[@daydreamer2576]

Good video, great job you are doing man, as always! very interesting.

[@marcelofiguera7263]

I started saying aiyer after this video 😅 awesome video !!

[@김덕영-b5y]

thanks you

[@hochungmun]

Fantastic video, man. Thanks a lot!

[@gabrielfartade3382]

You are the best!!This video is number 1👏👏

[@JuanitoCarreras]

Nice Video, very good explainations ! Many Thanks !

[@garethdavies3220]

Excellent video, so interesting and clearly explained , thank you. Is there any servicing or preventative maintenance that needs to be done to keep it working happily ?. Thanks again.

[@davidadar2]

Thanks for the great video! I have an X5 2017 40E, every few days my rear suspensions sink (after driving car parked) when it happens the suspensions go down in a few minutes! When I turn on the car it immediately goes up and stays that way for a few days (I drive the car these days)!

[@jlewy2140]

Perfect manual - Thank You a lot:)

[@strenmark]

Great video! Thanks so much!!

[@MOvidiu]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Trade-Army]

I am trying so hard to not laugh when he ripped one on camera and kept talking lol haha its at 2:37 lol

[@franciscotorne2608]

very illustrative and useful

[@fiuzatecengenharia13]

Fantastic video !

[@koenhermkes13]

Fantastisc movie, thank you very much!

[@boumegouraamine5076]

Great topics thanks for your hard work

[@MOvidiu]

Glad you like them!

[@Winter1256]

Very similar to VW touareg and Q7 pump i think it’s the same supplier. Good video my friend and happy new year 🎊

[@MOvidiu]

Yes, they are made by WABACO ! Happy new year to you too ! ☺

[@BryanClementi]

Thanks!

[@crank3646]

Nice video! There is some additional hardware on BMWs with 4 air struts, but if you understand this concept, for sure you will be able to figure out the other one. Actually if you want to take it one step further, you can install blue silica gel rather than the OEM moisture granules.

[@MOvidiu]

Hello, you are right, here I'm talking about the most common system "rear air suspension ". I personally don't advice to use blue or any other type of silica gel, becouse silica gel absorb the humidity and keep it, to release the humidity silica gel need to be heated, instead the original dehumidifier pellets will release the humidity to a flux of drayer air , if the blue or any other color of silica gel was good for this purpose believe me the manufacturer will use that becouse is more cheaper than the one in use 😀

[@crank3646]

​@@MOvidiu Hehe it is going to be really cool if that was the case :D But as we can see from your video and from my experience, they don't dry by themselves so good :D Most of the F15 X5s have this issue with moisturized granules after around 5 years of use. I have installed on several cars silica gels without any issues even after few years of use. Lets keep it real, you probably know that not every time car manufactures are using the best quality stuff in everything. Ofc not talking only about BMWs.

[@arrenredd177]

​@@crank3646 What's the size of silica gels must be used for BMW X5 F15?

[@maverickelbow50]

This was really useful thank you

[@MrPaulmckibbin]

Great video thanks for the info had strip my x6 one down a few months ago done the same as u an work fine after

[@MOvidiu]

Nice !

[@Andrew-hc3xs]

Great video thank you

[@grahamarobinson]

Great video thanks for that ❤

[@michaelhaybodahl5066]

Finally a video that goes through all the steps. Ty! Do you have the part number for the valve you changed?

[@XDCAM360]

Where can I buy discharge valve

[@seanlovi8798]

Master.

[@ovidiuancuta1354]

Salutări din Italia. Sper că videoul să-mi fie de folos. Vineri schimb cele două valvole. Am schimbat suspensiile (pernele) dar mașina stă tot strâmbă de partea dreaptă mai mult. Compresorul încarcă la nivel cam în 20/30 secunde. Se descarcă cam in30 minute F11 2015. Mulțumesc pentru filmare.

[@suddendilemma5137]

This is BY FAR the best and most comprehensive video on KZbin about these pumps. Thank you so much do you have a PayPal or contact so I can buy you a beer. 🍺 this type of in depth knowledge is rare. I had only two questions. 1. Where did you get the new discharge valve from? Does bmw sell individual parts of the system? and 2. What type of grease are you using on the position. I’m assuming some sort of lithium grease.

[@MOvidiu]

Hello, sometimes you can find the valve on eBay, BMW does not sell separate parts for this pump ! The grease that I'm using is Molykote EM-60L. ( is in description)

[@suddendilemma5137]

⁠@@MOvidiuha I really should have read the description.. it was all in there. 😅 but great info. Thanks again. I’ll keep my eye out for an occupancy sensor mat replacement for X5. I used to have a 2002 bmw 540i-6 that it failed on. I just bought a 2006 X5 for my son and sure enough it’s bad too. These BMW’s, when they are good they are amazing. But always needing something. I was hoping bmw got that figured out in the 5 years between the two cars but guess not. But then again gives me an excuse to watch KZbin videos and play in the garage.

[@tylera5010]

Yes...You did an excellent job.

[@MOvidiu]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@guygittins6934]

This is an EXCELLENT guide. Thank you! I have just discovered it after stripping my compressor down and rebuilding it. When it’s all back together and the car is back down on the ground, it only sends to the left side, not the right side. Do you think this is the solenoid valves? Thank you very much!

[@PiFe00]

I have the exact same issue. First i thought it was the airbags themselves but sometimes they stay up for days so can't be that. Now the right side (blue airline) just refuses to pump any air despite the compressor being OK. I'm lost to be honest now.

[@guygittins6934]

@@PiFe00 I think it is something to do with the internal solenoid valves, I ended up replacing the whole compressor unit as it was just easier and cheaper to do so. Just make sure that you’ve definitely got the right version for your car!

[@radughelase1644]

Ovidiu, congrats for all your activity! One short question - if the compresor only inflates the bags, but does not deflate them (using Ista procedure), which might be the problem? Bad valve block? Electrically, all looks fine, cable looks good, no corosion. I did a full check on the system, replaced the discharge valve, dried the silica, etc, treated all rubber seals.

[@sporthosi3109]

nach sowas hab ich gesucht....top

[@EGYPTIAN_MECHANICAL_ENGINEER]

Well done

[@blackbirdmark495]

Hi dude, what an excellent video & extremely informative. I wish i had found this a few years ago. I noticed that you had replaced a few of the “o” rings & seals, where did you get then from ? Thanks.

[@kon4014]

Thanks good video👍

[@joser.mejias3809]

Interesting and educational video, just a question, where did you buy the solenoid valve?

[@CenCalAuto]

Click...........................Click. Great job, Good info.

[@luv_xxx2770]

very very good work///

[@FiveStarWin]

Tot Romanii cei mai tari :D

[@karasryba243]

Thx ,very gut

[@feyharsh4191]

Is there any video on How to remove and putting it back to the car ? Am thinking the air tubes 3 of them How to remove and putting it back. Thank you.

[@creativefamily8747]

Thanks for this awsome video, I just have one question can just one side be clogged? like it pumps air to the air suspension but doesnt discharge completely on the right side? or is it sensor issue?

[@tj22245]

Great video and great explanation of how it works,but what would the fault be if my compressor dont come on at all and blows the fuse instantly, i have changed the relay and still the same. Thanks

[@robin8559]

Another video said that would be a bad compressor.

[@tj22245]

​@robin8559 That's what I did in the end: I changed the air compressor and havnt had any problems since 👍

[@mohamadattar7636]

Great job

[@tobias396]

Nice video! Is it also possible to connect an air tank instead of the walves to use it as a dustgun ? A video to change the usecase will be also very nice. greets.

[@siruptown3880]

Great video, I used a 12 volt battery to test it like you did. After some sparks from the alligator chips I think the motor blow out. I tried the same thing with the other value to blow air in and it did not go well. Just wanted to share the knowledge. Maybe you should talk about your setup, as easy as it looks. I dont know why it was electrical spark from the clips. I got the negative and positive wires correct so I dont know what happened.

[@MOvidiu]

Hello ! the electric motor won't bee affected if you have made a short circuit with your clips , maybe the motor was destroyed from over heating !

[@razvanbulgariu9032]

Salut Ovidiu, am vazut acum videoul asta al tau, intre timp am reparat singur compresorul meu cu aceeiasi pasi ca si tine, dar acum observ ca tu ai un oring mic pe valva de release, pe care eu nu l-am vazut la mine cind am scos valva veche. Posibil sa fi ramas inauntru? Dar nu imi aduc aminte sa il fi vazut. Compresorul a ridicat pernele dar nu am auzit nicun presurre release ca si puf. Ar trebui sa aud ceva asemanator? Sa fie faptul ca din greseala am si oringul mic vechi al valvei uitat inauntru iar valva noua sa fi avut si ea unu? Ma poti ajuta cu clarificare sa stiu daca trebuie sa dau jos sau nu din nou compresorul?

[@reinhardschmidt9365]

very good, wonderful !!!!!!

[@MOvidiu]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@nicholasavis9230]

Hi, I saw in the video that you replaced the discharge valve with what appeared to be a genuine wabco replacement. Is that was is provided by the supplier at the link provided? Thanks for the great video!

[@BeytugCevik-hv4ig]

perfect👏🏻

[@khyrofilms]

another good job. regards.

[@kaibinrubber]

Great video. Subscribed.