XSeries-forum

I've just bought a 2004 3.0 d x5 face-lift and I'm not sure if it has air bag suspension or not, there doesn't seem to be a switch anywhere to operate it. The owner didn't have a clue,he very rarely drove the car.

Do I have to access it via the computer?

Many thanks

Matt

All have rear air suspension by default. No manual adjustment so no switches, it self levels the car regardless of load, supposedly for that 'BMW handling'.

Front and rear air suspension variant of the car on the other hand has manual height control. 


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All 'Sport' E53 facelifted, or those fitted with tow bars, or that had it selected as an option at build got 'self-levelling rear air.  It is not adjustable by the driver.

Non 'Sport' aka base spec, trims got springs all round.  It's why I ordered a 'Sport' back in 2004.  They also were the models with 17" non-staggered wheels.

Hi Matt,

What are you trying to adjust it for ?  To lower or raise the ride height ?
Or just curious about it ?

I raised mine by re-setting the leveling sensor positions.. its delicate & needed to ensure the linkage rods were not fouled or strained in their travel movement... beware.
any ajjustment need to be carefully done to ensure it is EXACT so as not to create crabbing due to extra ground pressure created across the diaganol which can effect tyre wear and braking too... beware... and do any tweeks in a precise & scientific manor to keep tyre road pressure equal and accurate.

to check the geometry ground pressure, lift the vehicle rear with a beam bar to the rear outer lower arms with a jack "exactly" centred under the diff on level ground...
when lifted, if the ground pressures are equal, then the rear wheels will clear the ground at EXACTLY the same moment.
if one lifts 1st, then your ride height sensors need tweeking.

Thanks for replies guys. It was just curiosity really, the hand book shows a switch with 3 height settings.

Also guys I've had the run flat light pop up, it didn't do it on the 30 mile test drive but I've just driven 3 miles to fill up and it came on.........any ideas? I'm not even sure if it has run flats

That switch is only if you have all round air suspension......another cost option except on top spec V8s

Run flats not standard on the E53.  It they are run flats it will say in the side of the tyre.

It's just the tyre pressure warning.  Check the pressures are OK - they often are - and with the engine running press and hold the reset button until the light goes out.  I can't remember if you do it with the car in motion.  It's just warning you there is a different rotation speed on one corner, and it reads this as pressure loss.

I used to get it every so often on mine, and it was usually nothing.

Ok guys thanks for all the help

[quote="X5Sport"]
Run flats not standard on the E53.  It they are run flats it will say in the side of the tyre.

It's just the tyre pressure warning.  Check the pressures are OK - they often are - and with the engine running press and hold the reset button until the light goes out.  I can't remember if you do it with the car in motion.  It's just warning you there is a different rotation speed on one corner, and it reads this as pressure loss.

I used to get it every so often on mine, and it was usually nothing.
[/quote]

If the red tyre dash warning is on

check the tyre pressures and inflate accordingly
start engine but do not move
press and hold reset button (near gear shift) till light on dash changes to yellow then goes out
go for a drive...job done

corrosion on wheel rim bead often causes ( approx 5 to 10 psi) pressure loss. Tyre off and wheel bead needs cleaning/sanding smooth or decrudding if tyre shop was lazy and threw sealant at it without cleaning first

Cheers buddy, I've managed to get the light out and it hasn't returned. The o/s rear tyre does look a little low if I'm honest

[quote="the shreksta"]
Cheers buddy, I've managed to get the light out and it hasn't returned. The o/s rear tyre does look a little low if I'm honest
[/quote]

If you press and hold the reset button it learns what you think is normal after you extinguish the red light

This obviously makes the light go away but as you'd guess you should only reset it when normal pressures or at least even side to side is what they are set to. I'm sure you wouldn't but you shouldn't reset it with odd pressures side to side on an axle

i will be having a full matching set of tyres in the next few weeks, do i neeed to do something with the system when i have them fitted?

Just go through the same procedure.  It teaches the car that all is well.

So have the rubber fitted and then hold the button in again

That should do it, or wait for the Amber warning and then do it.