BMW F11 - dropping its rear.

[Wilmslowboy]

We have a 2012 BMW F11 (520d) and twice in the past month we have come out (in the mornning) to find the rear suspension dropped. Once started it returns to normal height within a minute.


Our drive way is completely flat, however we often carry 70kg of dogs in the boot.

Is the sagging a fault we should get addressed or just a lag effect of the weight being in the car and then not.


It was bought from a BMW dealership 4 months ago, so fully warranted etc.

[pincher]

Sounds like the suspension airbags could be on their way out - get it down to the dealer and fixed under warranty ASAP, as it probably won’t be cheap otherwise.

Edited by pincher on Sunday 24th June 08:44

[P700DEE]

If its covered by warranty get it fixed
It will be one or both of the airbags going and you can carry on running the car like that for ages. However if you do you run the risk that the pump will be working overtime to keep the suspension pumped up. When that fails the back drops completely and it feels like you are driving a bouncy castle. Repair kits for the pumps are the best way forward and second hand pumps are available on ebay. Swap is easy DIY. If you go main dealer the pumps are circa £700!!!

[barney123]

Yes, just fit them yourself.

Get these https://aerosus.com/bmw/5-series/f07-f11/bmw-5-ser...

If the bag is deflated then the job is easier as you don't need to uncover the compressor connection (under rear bumper) to deflate it first.

[iSore]

Common problem on the F11 as the rubber is made from some sort of cheese and deteriorates quite rapidly. Modern BMW's are lovely things, but you have to question the quality of some of the parts.

[Wilmslowboy]

Thanks


In for a service in Sept - I will get them to address the saggy bum at the same time.


Even if they refuse ("one or two drops a month is normal") then at least its noted for the future (for when the car out of warranty)

[barney123]

Hi,

Bear in mind, it will fail its MOT - mine did, when the first one went, but luckily that one was under warranty.

It will wreck the bump stops also, so they will need doing.

The fun of > 3 y/o cars !