Air vs Spring Rear Suspension

[dark_stranger]

Afternoon, fortunately I dont dirve the X5 very often, and even less since the rear air suspension issues where the compressor does not kick in, but works with manual override.  Anyway, I want the car back (havent driven for 2months or so), so seriously considering ripping out the air suspension and going springs or do I chuck more money at it, at a garage, only to go wrong several month later.  Who has converted to springs and if you had a choice, would you go back to air or stay with spring?  Also, what does the air suspension do? is it active when driving, stiffens in sports mode? I just worried that by going to springs Im going to loose something with the driving experiance.

[Reusch]

Is the compressor faulty if it is can it be repaired.

[dark_stranger]

[quote="Reusch"]
Is the compressor faulty if it is can it be repaired.
[/quote]

The rear suspension is like triggers broom, its had a compressor piston repair kits applied, a replacement compressor, several compressor relays, a replacement control module and a new sensor (passenger side), although havent done the driver side sensor & the airbags are fine.

Its time to call it a day.

[dark_stranger]

Just bite the bullet as have 20% ebay code, so got the conversion kit for £159.

The code is CTWENTY
Emter at the ebay checkout.

[Reusch]

I'm sure Sanj as converted his X5 have a search or pm him I'm sure he advise you.

[Sanj]

Wasn't me but Raj who did it to his 4.8is and these threads might help.

Thread 1

Thread 2

[Steamyrotter]

I'll give you £20 for the removed bits.... ::)



I am sure that will be something mine wil eventually throw at me!!!


The air suspension helps me out a lot especially when towing..
Keeps the rear end at the right height regardless of load in the boot!

[dark_stranger]

[quote="Steamyrotter"]
I'll give you £20 for the removed bits.... ::)



I am sure that will be something mine wil eventually throw at me!!!


The air suspension helps me out a lot especially when towing..
Keeps the rear end at the right height regardless of load in the boot!
[/quote]

That was my only concern, when the boot is loaded with suitcases and the bikes straped to the back, how will the suspension hold up.  But then, I guess most cars only have springs.

[Horizon]

http://xdrivers.co.uk/forum/index.php/t ... #msg110949

http://xdrivers.co.uk/forum/index.php/t ... l#msg83134

[dark_stranger]

Springs now in both sides.  Just need to remove the SLS error from the dash.

[Raj]

Good call on removing it. It is nothing but problematic tbh and most eventually go down this route.

As for the rear loading, you'll find that the springs used for the conversions are high rated so you won't have too many issues with the rear sagging under the weight. The only time really you would get that is with towing (which is what the air suspension is there to help with).

[dark_stranger]

Code now removed.  Havent driving her yet, but will be nice not having the SLS Inactive message always there.
The only thing I will be towing is my Motocross Bike (125cc) so no real weight.

Now onto the next job of the DSC\4x4 Inactive error.

[PhilUK]

I got the rear spring conversion kit from eBay, works a treat!! 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-X5-REAR-AIR-BAG-SUSPENSION-COIL-SPRING-CONVERSION-KIT-1999-2006-E53-/251990393553