How to Solve Air Suspension Failure in BMW F15 X5
The suspension system on a car is usually overlooked and not given as much attention as it deserves. Unfortunately, that can lead to a heavily damaged suspension. That’s why it’s so important that you keep your eyes on the speed bumps and potholes while trying to be gentle with your approach. Otherwise, you may find yourself with some unexpected suspension repairs.
Now, that’s especially true if you have air suspension in your vehicle. There’s a lot to like about air suspension: it can reduce noise and road vibration as well as improve fuel efficiency and can be more versatile on certain types of terrain. That probably explains why it’s quite often found on larger, luxury vehicles.
However, taking care of your air suspension is doubly important because the components can be a bit more susceptible to damage compared to traditional McPherson struts. Even if just one of the parts malfunctions, you have to immediately get it looked at. There is no margin for error.
Unfortunately, one of our clients wasn’t so lucky with his 2014 BMW X5. He didn’t know his SUV’s air suspension system was faulty until later. Mr F kept witnessing his vehicle going down even when the compressor and all other suspension components were working. On top of that, he noticed the rear end of his X5 lowered to the ground every morning. Sadly, the damage was done and the only way out now was to go to a specialist garage for a proper diagnosis.
But, Mr F being a car enthusiast, tried diagnosing the problem himself. He used the power of the internet, searched forums, looked at online articles and surmised that the air compressor was at fault. Afterwards, our client went to a garage and asked them to change the compressor. They did as they were told, but the problem lied somewhere else, and as a result, the new compressor solved nothing.
Mr F had no other option than to bring his BMW X5 to Fitch Autos. He explained the issue to our BMW expert Matt, who listened with intent.
Matt could not deduce the fault from the client’s complaints and claims. Therefore, he had to look for himself and try to find a solution to the air suspension problem.
Faults Found
Our BMW technician had to start the vehicle and visually check the rear end for any loss in height. Interestingly, the suspension system was working fine, and Matt could not confirm if it was an air suspension malfunction or something else.
The client had just installed a new compressor, which meant that there was a problem somewhere else.
So, our BMW X5 technician scanned the SUV for fault codes. Usually, you can’t see the issue, but it is hidden somewhere inside and only visible through thorough investigation. In this case, Matt used the BMW ISTA manufacturer technology and ran the check. Unfortunately, no fault codes showed up on the screen.
This meant that the issue wasn’t in any sensors or an area governed by sensors. The malfunction was somewhere else, and the only way to find it out now was after performing a detailed inspection.
Therefore, Matt began to devise a plan while using the 15-step diagnostic procedure as his weapon. The detailed diagnostic process is the weapon of choice of all the technicians working at Fitch Autos. It helps declutter the problem while also clearing a path for the BMW specialist to identify the cause.
Diagnostic Procedure
The first step in the 15-step diagnostic procedure turned up nothing. The full-vehicle scan did not return any fault codes, which meant that it was time for Matt to move on to the next step.
Our BMW technician started with the fundamentals. He tested the suspension system and checked its functionality. Interestingly, the vehicle was rising and lowering on demand. There was no hint of failure at all.
Matt scratched his head and thought about focusing on the next procedure.
He moved towards testing for leaks, by using the leak detection spray. This approach was the best choice moving forward, as none of the other components was showing signs of decay. In such cases, the most fragile part is the most vulnerable and here it was the airbags.
The leak detection spray worked wonders and revealed the fault within a few seconds. Our BMW technician found that both the passenger and driver-side rear airbags had small holes in them. The driver-side rear airbag was in a much worse condition compared to the near-side airbag. But it was better to change them both to avoid any future mishaps.
Matt advised Mr F about the repair and explained the diagnosis to him. The client was assured that the new airbags would solve the issue, and he agreed.
The Solution
Our lead BMW X5 technician tackled the repair the next day and asked Mr F to pick up when the work is done.
Matt’s job was a bit longer because replacing the airbags in a suspension requires a lot of work. You have to lift the vehicle using safety jacks, remove the suspension components, add new ones, and put the system back together.
Once all that is done, a test drive is necessary, and that was Matt’s course of action.
Our BMW expert tested the air suspension’s functionality by lowering and raising the ride height. Fortunately, everything was working great, and nothing seemed to be out of order.
As a result, Matt could move further and look at the BMW ISTA software and recheck the X5 for fault codes. That’s because some fault codes can pop up after the repair. Luckily, all was good with Mr F’s BMW X5.
Now Matt took the vehicle for a test drive, and the air suspension worked beautifully well.
When all was done and dusted, our BMW expert called Mr F and handed over the keys to his X5.
Summary
Mr F couldn’t believe his bad luck when he saw the air suspension on his X5 malfunction. He used the internet to self-diagnose the problem and deduced the compressor was at fault. He took his SUV to a garage to find someone to replace the costly compressor on the X5.
However, the issue did not go away, and thus the client got in touch with Fitch Autos, your local independent BMW specialist.
Initially, Mr F was adamant and unwavering about the compressor issue. He was sure that his X5 needed no diagnosis and that the compressor was indeed again at fault.
Matt had to explain to him the importance of a proper diagnosis, and after much deliberation, the client agreed to let our technician use the 15-step diagnostic procedure.
Sure enough, the results proved why Matt was right in convincing the client. The detailed process led our BMW technician to the root cause of the problem and finally to the solution.
The issue was solved without costing the client unnecessary time and expenditure.
Mr F got value for his money, and we earned the right to add one more success to our record books.
If that’s the type of exemplary service you desire, it is time to contact Fitch Autos.
We have professional technicians who can tackle any problem presented to them. Not only do our guys solve issues quickly, but they do it in a way that you always get the best value for your money.
Give us a call on 01543 401 252 and talk to our BMW experts.
