Self level suspension inact error

[x5inwales]

it seems BMW has endless problem, just came back from a battery drain, now today an error "selflevel susp inact" on the dash board.

[Raj]

Is it permanently displayed? Is the suspension still sitting level?

Tbh if it was straight after a battery drain, once battery is fully charged it may just go away as battery drains can cause all sorts of errors.

[x5inwales]

[quote="Raj"]
Is it permanently displayed? Is the suspension still sitting level?

Tbh if it was straight after a battery drain, once battery is fully charged it may just go away as battery drains can cause all sorts of errors.
[/quote]

it is not permanently displayed. two days ago I opened the bonnet and changed the angel eye led marker, it started, I haven't seen or feel and sitting level change. So, I just ignored it, as we know BMW has sorts of electrical issues which may disappear itself. The next day, after a short drive, it showed up again. But, I haven't felt any changes of sitting level or harsh suspension, mine has been very hard anyway as it is sport model.

[Horizon]

I've had the same, also the 4X4 light illuminated , once charged up they went out, and never returned. I used to get the " Active Steeing Inactive " message on the E60 as well when the battery voltage was low.
I prefer to leave on a trickle charge overnight after any battery related faults.

[storminmike]

[quote="x5inwales"]
[quote="Raj"]
Is it permanently displayed? Is the suspension still sitting level?

Tbh if it was straight after a battery drain, once battery is fully charged it may just go away as battery drains can cause all sorts of errors.
[/quote]

it is not permanently displayed. two days ago I opened the bonnet and changed the angel eye led marker, it started, I haven't seen or feel and sitting level change. So, I just ignored it, as we know BMW has sorts of electrical issues which may disappear itself. The next day, after a short drive, it showed up again. But, I haven't felt any changes of sitting level or harsh suspension, mine has been very hard anyway as it is sport model.
[/quote]

Welcome to the club....mine's doing it now when I fire up the hids. No problems with the height or with them off

[x5inwales]

thanks guys for sharing the information! mine happened when i changed the 10w Angel eye LED marker from 3w. i changed one side and turn on the light to see the difference between 10w and 3w, then the error message came out. Maybe I shouldn't change the LED marker at all, as I feel they are much the same as 3w which costs more though.

[storminmike]

[quote="x5inwales"]
thanks guys for sharing the information! mine happened when i changed the 10w Angel eye LED marker from 3w. i changed one side and turn on the light to see the difference between 10w and 3w, then the error message came out. Maybe I shouldn't change the LED marker at all, as I feel they are much the same as 3w which costs more though.
[/quote]

I've just thrown a capacitor on the passenger side HID (one I had left over from an ill fated 55w HID experience) and threw on the lights. I'd have put one on both sides but I blew one up (cue smoke, fizzing and paper spitting everywhere) mucking about.


I didn't get any faults coming up but then again it is warm and I drove home 30 miles.

Tommorows cold start will see if it's got rid of the problem

[DougieV8]

Got this error yesterday evening, a few start and stops since and it is still there, although dissapeared for part of journey to work this morning only to return. I have not heard the pump since message appeared but suspension seems level and driving ok.

I have owned my X5 for 20 months now - I have seen message a couple of times in past but cleared with a stop start not to return.

Might dissapear but if it does not, what is first port of call? disconnect battery for a bit? check/clean abs sensors?

Note that I put a new battery in last year and have also replaced starter motor, fsr and alternator so should be no drain issues.

[x5inwales]

the error message didn't show up yesterday, a good weather, could the damp weather be a factor causing the error message?

[Johnell]

I drove my X5 about a mile this morning and all was ok but when I went back to the car about 30 minutes later I got the suspension inactive error as soon as I drove off and it stayed on until I got home again.  I came in and read this thread then went for a 5 mile drive and didn't get the error again.

Should I expect (and accept) these spurious electrical gremlins?  I'll speak to my dealer to see if he has any idea of what causes it.

[x5inwales]

[quote="Johnell"]
I drove my X5 about a mile this morning and all was ok but when I went back to the car about 30 minutes later I got the suspension inactive error as soon as I drove off and it stayed on until I got home again.  I came in and read this thread then went for a 5 mile drive and didn't get the error again.

Should I expect (and accept) these spurious electrical gremlins?  I'll speak to my dealer to see if he has any idea of what causes it.
[/quote]

I guess these electrical gremlins are the downside to have a BMW. Other than that it is a reliable car.

[Johnell]

[quote="x5inwales"]I guess these electrical gremlins are the downside to have a BMW. Other than that it is a reliable car. [/quote]
I ran a 525tds and a 525d for about 7 years without any electrical gremlins so I hope this is not a portent of things to come.......

[x5inwales]

[quote="Johnell"]
[quote="x5inwales"]I guess these electrical gremlins are the downside to have a BMW. Other than that it is a reliable car. [/quote]
I ran a 525tds and a 525d for about 7 years without any electrical gremlins so I hope this is not a portent of things to come.......
[/quote]

5 series is a robust one.

[Johnell]

[quote="x5inwales"]
[quote="Johnell"]
[quote="x5inwales"]I guess these electrical gremlins are the downside to have a BMW. Other than that it is a reliable car. [/quote]
I ran a 525tds and a 525d for about 7 years without any electrical gremlins so I hope this is not a portent of things to come.......[/quote]5 series is a robust one.[/quote]
Inferring the X5 electrical system isn't as robust as the 5 series?

[x5inwales]

[quote="Johnell"]
[quote="x5inwales"]
[quote="Johnell"]
[quote="x5inwales"]I guess these electrical gremlins are the downside to have a BMW. Other than that it is a reliable car. [/quote]
I ran a 525tds and a 525d for about 7 years without any electrical gremlins so I hope this is not a portent of things to come.......[/quote]5 series is a robust one.[/quote]
Inferring the X5 electrical system isn't as robust as the 5 series?
[/quote]

I suppose all BMWs are robust cars, the more complicated electrical systems, the more likely to have this or that electrical fault after a while.