Possible air suspension leak - is it safe to drive on Motorway?

[UrbanFlow]

Hi All,
Just got back from holiday loaded the boot up with the cases (heavy!) and drove home.
When we arrived home I switched off and got out of the car to unload - heard a hissing sound from near side rear wheel arch. Thought it was a puncture but soon realised it might be the air suspension leaking.
I've had no messages on the dash.

I need to do a 400 mile round trip on the motorway on Saturday - the question is - is it safe to do so?

Thanks in advance

[X5Sport]

If the compressor can keep up then fine.

[celica]

Does it physically drop in height over night?

If no drop then no great leak

I've just changed mine and now fixed see other threads of mine

[UrbanFlow]

[quote="celica"]
Does it physically drop in height over night?

If no drop then no great leak

I've just changed mine and now fixed see other threads of mine
[/quote]

Came to the car this morning and it has dropped on the near side rear corner. Started up the car and it rises up but you can hear the compressor working hard to keep it up. As soon as the compressor stops the hissing starts again and the compressor kicks back in.

I've got extended warranty so I'm going to get it fixed under that. Would like to do both at same time but expect that won't wash with the warranty people!

[celica]

If the compressor gets it back up and no fault showing then I would say it would be safe, as I was driving like that until fixed but avoided heavy weights or use of third row seats

If under warranty get it fixed
But from reading posts here, if the other side isn't broken they won't fix
Also I think stock is low on these as I'm sure I read someone had to wait, so worth getting it booked in ASAP

Out of interest what year is yours?

[boy2k]

[quote="UrbanFlow"]
[quote="celica"]
Does it physically drop in height over night?

If no drop then no great leak

I've just changed mine and now fixed see other threads of mine
[/quote]

Came to the car this morning and it has dropped on the near side rear corner. Started up the car and it rises up but you can hear the compressor working hard to keep it up. As soon as the compressor stops the hissing starts again and the compressor kicks back in.

I've got extended warranty so I'm going to get it fixed under that. Would like to do both at same time but expect that won't wash with the warranty people!
[/quote]

If i was you i would get a quote from a rival BMW main dealer asking them if you should replace both at the same time. Don't mention its warranty work just ask for a quote. Then you can show this advice when you talk to the warranty dept

[UrbanFlow]

[quote="celica"]
If the compressor gets it back up and no fault showing then I would say it would be safe, as I was driving like that until fixed but avoided heavy weights or use of third row seats

If under warranty get it fixed
But from reading posts here, if the other side isn't broken they won't fix
Also I think stock is low on these as I'm sure I read someone had to wait, so worth getting it booked in ASAP

Out of interest what year is yours?
[/quote]

My X5 is late 2007. It's a seven seater but has hardly been used as a 7 seater.
It rarely has heavy loads in it too. The bellows must have been weakened over time but I think the holiday suitcases and 5 passengers tipped it over the edge!

[shadrack]

[quote="boy2k"]
[quote="UrbanFlow"]
[quote="celica"]
Does it physically drop in height over night?

If no drop then no great leak

I've just changed mine and now fixed see other threads of mine
[/quote]

Came to the car this morning and it has dropped on the near side rear corner. Started up the car and it rises up but you can hear the compressor working hard to keep it up. As soon as the compressor stops the hissing starts again and the compressor kicks back in.

I've got extended warranty so I'm going to get it fixed under that. Would like to do both at same time but expect that won't wash with the warranty people!
[/quote]

If i was you i would get a quote from a rival BMW main dealer asking them if you should replace both at the same time. Don't mention its warranty work just ask for a quote. Then you can show this advice when you talk to the warranty dept
[/quote]

cant see bmw replacing things that are fine under warranty

[Graeme]

When mine went lop-sided I took it to the indy who looks after it. A check with soapy water showed several  leaks around the fold/bellows on the one that lost air, but no leaks on the other side.  As only one replacement was immediately available, it was fixed and his advice was to leave the other one until it goes - there's no telling when!

[boy2k]

[quote="shadrack"]
[quote="boy2k"]
[quote="UrbanFlow"]
[quote="celica"]
Does it physically drop in height over night?

If no drop then no great leak

I've just changed mine and now fixed see other threads of mine
[/quote]

Came to the car this morning and it has dropped on the near side rear corner. Started up the car and it rises up but you can hear the compressor working hard to keep it up. As soon as the compressor stops the hissing starts again and the compressor kicks back in.

I've got extended warranty so I'm going to get it fixed under that. Would like to do both at same time but expect that won't wash with the warranty people!
[/quote]

If i was you i would get a quote from a rival BMW main dealer asking them if you should replace both at the same time. Don't mention its warranty work just ask for a quote. Then you can show this advice when you talk to the warranty dept
[/quote]

cant see bmw replacing things that are fine under warranty
[/quote]

Agreed but if they suggest changing both outside of warranty then you have a case under? Play them at their own game haha.

[UrbanFlow]

Quick update on this...

Had the car into my usual indie dealer and they gave quote to my warranty company after inspecting the air suspension (near side bellows had gone - off side were fine with no sign of wear or damage).
Warranty company declined to cover cost. Got me on a technicality in the paperwork. Even though suspension parts are covered, air spring bags/bellows are not - apparently.
If you have after market warranties - check them thoroughly before you pay them!

Cost me £350 fitted in the end. BMW dealer in Thames Ditton quoted me £348 for part plus labour at £145 an hour!

[X5Sport]

Glad it's sorted, but yet another warranty that looks OK until you really need it!  Been caught like that myself