Self leveling suspension problem

[Lemans x5]

Hi all,

Picked up my first X5 on Friday and really enjoying it.  When on test drive I noticed the self leveling message and spoke to the dealer about it.  While the car was getting mot'd he said the mechanics would look at it.  When I picked it up the message was still displayed and he said that the mechanics had a look and said the suspension is working as it should and there were no codes on the reader and that the message should go out at some point.

So today I've been searching for common faults and can't find anything wrong my self.  I checked the fuses in the rear driver side of boot.  I have had a look at the pump itself and it looks brand new.  But still the message is showing.  I can't hear any air leaking or the pump actually kicking in when starting the car.

I'm at loss,  and wanting it fixed,  but is there anything else I can check before travelling all the way to the dealer and being without my new car until they figure out what it is.

I realise this is a common fault so looking for other peoples fixes and also maybe someone in the north east of Scotland that has a code reader that I could see if there is anything showing up now?

Thanks

Doug

[AVI-8]

Hi Doug, I'm no expert in BMW electronics but if your suspension level stays constant with no apparent leaks maybe you've a faulty sensor, possibly a bad electrical connection on a sensor, might be worth having a look to see if that's the case.

[Lemans x5]

Thanks for the reply AVI,

That's the route I'm going down now.  Got my friend coming round with his code reader see if there is anything there thn back to dealer to start checking it.

Thanks

Doug

[Ubatoid]

The most common cause is a worn pump that cannot get the car to the correct hight in the given time limit. A new pump seal kit should sort this -£25 . You may find you have either a leaky valve block or air bag also. new valve blocks are bout £150 if you buy new and dont mind using landrover parts and a pair of air bags about the same from Arnotts.

[Horizon]

[quote="Lemans x5"]
Thanks for the reply AVI,

That's the route I'm going down now.  Got my friend coming round with his code reader see if there is anything there thn back to dealer to start checking it.

Thanks

Doug
[/quote]

It may sound stupid but check to see if it has had the airbags removed and had a coil spring conversion done.
People have converted them to coil springs. ( cost £200 for parts ) but haven't had a BMW Scanner 1.4.0 to remove the dash warning.
Worth a check before chasing your tail to find another reason

[Frontman]

My 4.4 had the same symptoms, I went through the whole system and it ended up being the control unit. It's in the battery box and a yet to be found leak had put the PDC and suspension units about a third under water.

[Steamyrotter]

mine came up when you turn the xenons on....

The suspension operates fine but the alarm comes up with no codes stored.

I have cheated and turned the warning off as it is a nuisance...

[Lemans x5]

Hi,

Thanks for all the info.  I have had someone look at it and he thinks its the sensor that is faulty.  So just waiting for a price for that and take it from there.  Fingers crossed its that as there is no leaks and the pump looks brand new.

Doug

[Raj]

That's the cheaper of the fixes so hopefully is just that.

[Chrisw4266]

[quote="Lemans x5"]
Hi,

Thanks for all the info.  I have had someone look at it and he thinks its the sensor that is faulty.  So just waiting for a price for that and take it from there.  Fingers crossed its that as there is no leaks and the pump looks brand new.

Doug
[/quote]

Just fixed mine today ordered sensor and small link arm that goes from the sensor to the chassis. Sensor was £70+ vat arm about a tenner. When I came to fit it I found the arm had been fitted wrong and had seized up where it connected to the sensor. I fitted the new arm ( the right way ) and carried out ride height calibration and all is well now so before you order a sensor check the link is fitted correctly and is moving freely. Luckily local bmw dealer is going to refund me on the sensor.


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[Lemans x5]

I will check that aswel.

Good fix for you though.  Amazing what some people can do.

Doug

[Chrisw4266]

Got some cheap software and a cable off eBay the DIS is very easy to use. 


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[Lemans x5]

I finally have a book in date for getting the sensor fixed.  31st of July.  Spoke to dealer today 2 months after buying the car it's going to get sorted.  Dealer also said that they have to pay due to the claim getting rejected through the warranty company.

Looking forward to not seeing self level suspension inactive.

Doug

[CondorX5]

The sensors are only around £70, plus labour to fit - so not such a big deal for the dealer, don't be too sad for them .

[Lemans x5]

They are sorting out a couple of other things aswel. Just feel let down by the after sales so take this as a little victory.  I know it's not expensive part or job but every little helps.

Doug