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self lvl suspension inactive message

Posted: Thu Aug 25, 2016 4:49 pm
by the shreksta
hey guys
he car doesnt seem any lower
just jumped into the x5 to drive home from work and on the way home i noticed the self level inactive message on the dash, at the next junction i turned her off and back on and its gone.

the car doesnt seem any lower and drives fine

is it time to get worried?

its a facelift e53 x5 3.0d sport 2004

Re: self lvl suspension inactive message

Posted: Thu Aug 25, 2016 5:53 pm
by X5Sport
Two things to try....

1.  Wait between turning the key and let all the usual lights cycle and go off and cranking the engine.  It allows all the computers time to boot up.

2.  Could be a suspect battery, especially if only doing short journeys.  If you are only doing short journeys the battery won't charge and you need to get a conditioner/charger.  These cars use a lot of electrical power doing nothing so it takes at least 20 mins of normal driving at speed to put each starting charge back into the battery.

Either of these are regular causes of this message.

Re: self lvl suspension inactive message

Posted: Thu Aug 25, 2016 5:55 pm
by the shreksta
[quote="X5Sport"]
Two things to try....

1.  Wait between turning the key and let all the usual lights cycle and go off and cranking the engine.  It allows all the computers time to boot up.

2.  Could be a suspect battery, especially if only doing short journeys.  If you are only doing short journeys the battery won't charge and you need to get a conditioner/charger.  These cars use a lot of electrical power doing nothing so it takes at least 20 mins of normal driving at speed to put each starting charge back into the battery.

Either of these are regular causes of this message.
[/quote]

had brand new batter (correct one) 5 months ago

i do however only do short journeys

Re: self lvl suspension inactive message

Posted: Thu Aug 25, 2016 5:56 pm
by X5Sport
Could be that then.  My X6 does and it needs charging monthly.

Re: self lvl suspension inactive message

Posted: Thu Aug 25, 2016 6:24 pm
by the shreksta
[quote="X5Sport"]
Could be that then.  My X6 does and it needs charging monthly.
[/quote]

so whats the idea of a battery conditioner then? ive never heard of one

Re: self lvl suspension inactive message

Posted: Thu Aug 25, 2016 8:57 pm
by robsey29
Do you have a aftermarket hid kit installed? if so is your headlights set on auto?

Re: self lvl suspension inactive message

Posted: Thu Aug 25, 2016 9:00 pm
by the shreksta
[quote="robsey29"]
Do you have a aftermarket hid kit installed? if so is your headlights set on auto?
[/quote]

Not that I know of.

Thinking about it now I remember seeing some flashes from the headlights this morning when I started her up

Re: self lvl suspension inactive message

Posted: Thu Aug 25, 2016 10:29 pm
by X5Sport
A battery conditioner is an intelligent charger.  You can leave it permanently connected when the car isn't being used and it ensures the battery is being cycle-charged every 10-days or so.

The better ones have selectable battery type as the charging voltages are specific.  Those won't either cook or undercharge the battery.

I use a CTEK MXS10.  BMW rebadge the CTEK range and sell it themselves.  Our stored car has a smaller CTEK permanently connected.

Re: self lvl suspension inactive message

Posted: Fri Aug 26, 2016 9:54 pm
by robsey29
There is a software update for the self check to be delayed which has cured mine had it done today at my local indi and touch wood i have not seen it pop up so far. What i found with mine is if my lights were set to auto as soon as they came on it would pop this very message up, with no faults stored and the suspension is 100% ok.