Self-Leveling Suspension

[nman007]

I've had a self-leveling suspension problem for a few months. Every time I bring it to the dealer they reset the suspension and it works for a few days... and then the light comes back on. I've told them that I think it's the sensor but they claim that the sensor is fine. Any suggestions??

[HPIA4v2]

Originally Posted by nman007

I've had a self-leveling suspension problem for a few months. Every time I bring it to the dealer they reset the suspension and it works for a few days... and then the light comes back on. I've told them that I think it's the sensor but they claim that the sensor is fine. Any suggestions??

Is the X5 still under waranty, my dealer would love to fix things (out of waranty of course)

[anerbe]

if the reset didn't work after one try, it's something else. make them leave it there and try another fix. i've had my fair share of issues with cold start, but each time, the dealership tried something else, opposed to reflashing the car each time.

[MSUSaul]

it could be your self level suspension module. mine was bad and it's something you can do yourself it would take 5 minutes.

[Hit Redline]

You are going to want to let us know the year and model. Could be a leaking air bag or an issue with the air pump. Does the X look uneven after those few days?

[nman007]

it's a 2003 4.4L... The green light in the center of the suspension height buttons is lit as it's supposed to be... the car will not raise or lower when the buttons are pressed though... The height of the car seems to be pretty even... it may be a little bit higher on the drivers side

[phildg2000]

Mine does this too. Fortunately, I have P.A. Soft v1.36 to reset the error myself. Unfortunately, P.A. Soft v1.36 cannot recognize the error so I can't tell what's wrong. It's been three weeks since I did a reset and so far, the error hasn't returned. i have a 2005 4.8is. Funny thing is that my brother-in-law's 2001 4.4i with the 2-wheel (rear) SLS also get's this message once in a while but it also disappears by itself after a while. On my car, the first time it happened, I waited more than a month hoping it would go away but it never did. The error has appeared 4 times since I got my car in September.

[KingCon]

Originally Posted by MSUSaul

it could be your self level suspension module. mine was bad and it's something you can do yourself it would take 5 minutes.

Could you elaborate on this?

[callawayx250]

This seems to be a great BMW problem. I have 2006 BMW X5 4.8is and working on this for 3 months now. My car would lower over night. Replaced the front air air bags (arnott industries for 300 each compared to BMW at 900 each plus lifetime warranty). Error code came back on. Car does now hold air and drove it about 1500 miles with light on, drove great. Everything has been checked on the car and now it is having a new ecu 2 installed. Everytime the x5 was reset, it was showing different error codes, never the same. This option isnt cheap, 700 for ecu 2 alone. No place to find it as the 4.8 is still pretty rare, bmw only. I have the Carsoft 8.3 and it will reset this error light. Program is $375 and use your laptop. You will need 15 pin (fits newer labtops) to 9 pin connector to run it. It comes with 9 pin to 9 pin, older labtops. I post again if the ecu 2 takes care of my problem. Everything else checks good on the car, the 4 ride height adjusters, 4 selnoids, pump, and air bags are the major areas to check. Make sure they are all getting proper voltage. This thing will drive you nuts. I will be sure to post when I have it fixed.

[marcjac]

Wow, it sure seems this problem is fairly common. I've owned my '05 4.8is for less than 2 months; it's got just over 61k on the clock and the "self level suspension inactive" message popped up the other week. The ride height has not changed since I bought it; it doesn't seem low on any fender, so I'm hopeful it's just a bogus code. It goes to the stealership Tuesday morning. I've got an aftermarket warranty, so I'm not terribly concerned about the cost. But I get the impression it could cost someone a LOT of money based on what I've read online if all 4 air bags need to be replaced.