Air Suspension

[tombs]

Hi all, looks like Im going to be the owner of 2004 X5 4.4 with all the extras, one thing I noticed on start whilst test driving was a noise from the the back, i was told it was the air suspension kicking in, it doesnt last long though, 10 seconds or so is this normal?

[Sanj]

I had this on mine when all the bits were out of the boot and the compressor was fully audible.

As long as the ride height is correct and stays that way when you 'sit' in the rear, or add weight - so it compensates for it then you should be OK.

Well done - hope the purchase goes smoothly and you get some pics up soon!

[tombs]

Thanks Sanj, I just couldnt remember if mine did this. This is the car in question, despost down and all being well will pick up this weekend http://xdrivers.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=1606 does the height look right to you?

[Sanj]

This is an LPG'd one. It could have all sorts of noises going on, I don't know, that's where the LPG owners come in.

You knew it had this right? Ride looks good but go back and give the car a thorough going over. The paint on all the bumpers and usually grey bits could be totally normal or be hiding a knock. Ask why this was done too...

[bonerp]

I've just had a fault with my air suspension. Error message coming up on the info screen saying Self leveling suspension inactive....

I found it was pretty intermittent but especially came on after pulling away driving off a kerb. May have been the jerk but try that on a test drive.

My fault was a faulty air pump apparently. I cant personally fathom how a blown fuse caused by a faulty air pump can bring up an intermittent message but we'll see when I collect the car later.

[tombs]

The car seemed to behave normally when driving it yesterday, no lurching or swaying it seemed to handle as it should. The noise seemed to come from the area where the compressor would be located, it only lasted a few seconds and was fine for the 20 min or so run. The panels all look straight, the current owner purchased the car as it is 14-15 months ago and on close inspection I couldn't see any sort of cover up. The current owner had pointed out 2 areas where the paint was bubbling on the front and back bumper but nothing to bad. The only issue we had was when I got there I started to test everything and broke the sunroof! Typical issue with the back panel wedging open in the tilt position, we got it shut and the owner has reflected this in the price. Ive got a vey good friend who owns a garage and I think I can get this sorted for a reasonable price. The only other issue was one front tyre which needs replacing. I just don't remember the noise coming from the compressor on my previous X5 (The one Alfamale just sold!), perhaps it didn't have air suspension?

[Sanj]

Small world - but they all have air suspension (UK spec cars, anyway).

Like I said, that's LPG so it may be that which is making the noise...?

[tombs]

Isnt it just Sanj, if i'd been the market to buy a bit earlier I may well have bought the car back! I didnt know that maybe it is something to do with LPG system, I'll look around, cheers

[Sanj]

With the LPG you have to check who made it too. Whole lot of other questions raised.

Being that the Search function won't show results on 3 letters, I did a quick trawl to find this thread highlighting the better systems, you might wanna ask that. But have a look back through the threads there are other LPG related posts that could help you:

http://xdrivers.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=1488

[tombs]

Thanks Sanj, I did the research before I went to see the car, it has one of the best systems insatlled (BRC) and was installed by a recognised professional outfit. The owner also had the system checked locally again but a professional LPG company and it was givena clean bill of health with a certificate, thanks for looking though,

[alfamale]

[quote=""tombs""]The car seemed to behave normally when driving it yesterday, no lurching or swaying it seemed to handle as it should. The noise seemed to come from the area where the compressor would be located, it only lasted a few seconds and was fine for the 20 min or so run. The panels all look straight, the current owner purchased the car as it is 14-15 months ago and on close inspection I couldn't see any sort of cover up. The current owner had pointed out 2 areas where the paint was bubbling on the front and back bumper but nothing to bad. The only issue we had was when I got there I started to test everything and broke the sunroof! Typical issue with the back panel wedging open in the tilt position, we got it shut and the owner has reflected this in the price. Ive got a vey good friend who owns a garage and I think I can get this sorted for a reasonable price. The only other issue was one front tyre which needs replacing. I just don't remember the noise coming from the compressor on my previous X5 (The one Alfamale just sold!), perhaps it didn't have air suspension?[/quote]


Good to see you back in the fold, and you have PM!

[tombs]

LOL, funny enough I just pm'd you! good to hear from you.

[rbell11]

When they fit the LPG tank in the spare wheel well they have to move the air pump for space - it usually gets moved into the rear quarter (drivers side) under the fuse box, becuase there is space there. It has some sound deadening material round it but under a spare wheel its hardly noticeable but you can hear it buzzing for 5 - 1o secs quite loud in LPG cars like this. So long as pump goes off again its quite normal

Cheers

[tombs]

rbell, thats it! And thats where the sound was coming from, appreciated! I see youve got LPG, (I guess I should start another thread) how long have you had the conversion and what do you think?

[rbell11]

I got the BRC as well, had it fitted myself and haven't looked back. Doing 24000 miles a year I got the money back in year 1, and so glad I had it done