E53 Air suspension

[Mushroom9876]

Helllo New to forum and need some advice ,got an x5 e53 3.0 diesel 2004 not owned it for very long and the rear air suspension has drop due to leaking air bag and now compressor has blown. So I was going to replace with a coil conversion. but are they front and rear air suspension or just rear air suspension. thanks any help much appreciated

[Alan Gunn]

More likely you have just rear but some do have it on the front as well.

[Mushroom9876]

Ok thank have you ever had air suspension trouble. From what I've read it can be a nightmare so thought would nip in the bud with coil conversion

[Alan Gunn]

Changing the air-bag is easy from what i see on here but not done it myself.
Do a search on it not got time myself this morning to point you in the right direction.

[Leslie]

There are videos on youtube for rear airbag replacement ,I'm having an issue with my e70 with level control too but I want to keep the air suspension fitted

[Pat Mustard]

Best to get someone with a half decent diagnostics and you'll know in 2 mins exactly what's up.

[henrym3]

If your lucky the compressor may just have popped a fuse from being overworked with having a knackered bag. Remember when buying a bag they are sided.

[Mushroom9876]

If your lucky the compressor may just have popped a fuse from being overworked with having a knackered bag. Remember when buying a bag they are sided.

Had it under diagnostics with auto electrician because i was having a few other electrical problems . Tested the compressor and is defo broken and yes did see a few of the YouTube videos just wanted second opinion ,what the ride would be like with spring's .and to find out about if its juat rear air suspension or front too .

[Raj]

If you have full air suspension then you’ll have the switch to the right of the steering wheel to be able to lower and raise the suspension. If you don’t have this then you have just rear air.

To swap the rear air bags to springs isn’t a difficult job as getting the air bags out is very straight forward. Only issue really is trying to squeeze the new springs in but it’s easy doable on the driveway etc.

I’ve replaced full air suspension on mine and others to coil overs and Bilstein kits.

Personally I really prefer the ride on proper suspension as it’s not as soft and so feels more planted.

[henrym3]

Just a point of view but when your mechanic says the compressor has blown, what does that mean. It may just have stopped because it’s overheated and all that’s required is a £25 repair kit of "bagpipingandy" and reset with diagnostics tool plus an airbag.

[A Blair]

Spot on.
I bought the kit from bagpipe Andy in anticipation. Took it apart and did not need it.
Bagpipeandy is quite a knowledgeable on the subject too. Really nice guy to talk with.
I reset the compressor as he suggested and hey ho I have a spare kit in the bottom drawer.
However three month later it caught up with me and I had the level sensors replaced. This was the actual source of the problem.

[X5-D-Sport]

there is an overhaul kit for the pump, but also as easy to swap out a used one on ebay.
the air bags are simple to refit too, so don't panic too much, as it is all a VERY SIMPLE JOB - that just looks scary.

[Mushroom9876]

Thanks for all the advice guys I've ended up doing the conversion to coil springs and everything we great , didn't even get the self levelling sign come up after ,so bouns thanks again