XSeries-forum

Well, it's been 2 weeks (75 miles worth) of driving with no major issues apart from the door handle failing, brake lights popping and window failing... so all good for a change

Came out of the house 20 minutes after driving and the back end has dropped to the floor, great! it says "self level suspension inactive" on the dash and I've had it plugged in and it says "Right Ride Level Sensor"

Anybody had this happen? can a sensor make the whole back end drop on both sides?? the compressor makes noise every time I start the car so I guess it's working but the back is pumping up it stays dropped. I''ve checked the fuses.

Thanks in advance,,

The self levelling suspension has a mind of its own when it throws faults. Its probably the weakest and flakiest part of the X5 E53.
When the system senses a fault, it tries to compensate for it and can do just as you have described. When the fault is rectified, the system needs to be recalibrated using software.    The level sensors are the cheapest parts to repair - it may be the sensor is just dirty or it may be faulty, they do crack with age and allow moisture ingress which can kill them.    The sensors cost about £80 each plus the cost of fitting and recalibration, which should hopefully sort it out until the next random suspension fault! 

Got the sensor today, hopefully having it fitted tonight or in the morning.

I am not confident at all that this will fix it, the entire rear is on it's arse. Also it HUMMMMMMMMMS everytime I start the car (pump blowing) but the rear doesn't move up at all.