F11 Saggy Bum - Cheshire

[Wilmslowboy]

Our 2012 BMW F11 needs a new airbag (suspension) on the passenger side.

I can hear it inflating and then the air escape out of it, (I can even feel it leaking when I reach under).
(Had the other one done about 18 months ago).
It also has an inspection service due soon.


We have always taken it to BMW to date, but now feels the right time to try a good indie.

We are in Cheshire (East) any recommendations for a decent independent to use.

[MattEl325]

I'd happily recommend Rockvale in Cheadle. Bought my current car there and they've looked after it since. Owner, Mark, is sound.

[Wilmslowboy]

MattEl325 said:

I'd happily recommend Rockvale in Cheadle. Bought my current car there and they've looked after it since. Owner, Mark, is sound.

Thanks, not too far from us, completed their inquiry form - although struggled what to put in this field 'Facsimile Number'

[Knoxville2410]

I have always used Darren Wood in Bradbury. Amazing service, very honest guys and whatever they don't know about BMW's isn't worth knowing. Check out their reviews online.

[Jabba1977]

If the car has a full BMW service history I would stay with a dealer for two reasons. Firstly, the labour element to replace a bag is not huge which negates the cost saving of an indie.

Second, it is not unknown for BMW to offer some goodwill on these if the service history is cast iron within the network. You may need to press your retailer to submit on your behalf, but as a loyal customer I would expect them to do this for you. You may be unlucky, but you don’t get if you don’t ask.

[Wilmslowboy]

Jabba1977 said:

If the car has a full BMW service history I would stay with a dealer for two reasons. Firstly, the labour element to replace a bag is not huge which negates the cost saving of an indie.

Second, it is not unknown for BMW to offer some goodwill on these if the service history is cast iron within the network. You may need to press your retailer to submit on your behalf, but as a loyal customer I would expect them to do this for you. You may be unlucky, but you don’t get if you don’t ask.

Local BMW is Haliwell Jones ....... nice but dim

[Wilmslowboy]

Knoxville2410 said:

I have always used Darren Wood in Bradbury. Amazing service, very honest guys and whatever they don't know about BMW's isn't worth knowing. Check out their reviews online.

Thanks, back up plan.

[Wilmslowboy]

Knoxville2410 said:

I have always used Darren Wood in Bradbury. Amazing service, very honest guys and whatever they don't know about BMW's isn't worth knowing. Check out their reviews online.

7 week lead time for service.

[Knoxville2410]

Jesus. It's always been a couple of weeks for me. Although last service was in January - I guess Covid has caused a huge backlog!

[gizlaroc]

Replace it with this....

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-Rear-Air-Suspension...

You can do it on your drive, wheel off, and nice and easy.

I have done a comparison between oem bmw at £350, Arnotts at £160 and these at £22 and there is absolutely no difference.

[gizlaroc]

If you need more info shout.

I will write out a 'How to...." tomorrow for you.

[Wilmslowboy]

gizlaroc said:

If you need more info shout.

I will write out a 'How to...." tomorrow for you.

Thanks for the heads up - Have to say I was tempted by a DIY job.
Managed to get a mobile mechanic (familiar with this BMW issue) out in a week.

[gizlaroc]

I bought another 530d F11 tonight, the rear nearside air spring was replaced recently, however, it is sitting very high compared to the other side, so I have a feeling they put the oem spacer back onto the new spring, and the aftermarket ones don't need it. A job for tomorrow I guess.

[BFleming]

The BMW airbags were in the news this week, with BMW UK saying (of course) that they had no knowledge of any faults with the airbags. But they said people should contact them with any faults - so I suggest it's prime time for anyone with faults.
https://www.which.co.uk/news/2020/08/the-nissan-bm...

You have precisely zero chance of a claim if you have already replaced the air suspension bags with aftermarket units, but for anyone else...

[Wilmslowboy]

BFleming said:

The BMW airbags were in the news this week, with BMW UK saying (of course) that they had no knowledge of any faults with the airbags. But they said people should contact them with any faults - so I suggest it's prime time for anyone with faults.
https://www.which.co.uk/news/2020/08/the-nissan-bm...

You have precisely zero chance of a claim if you have already replaced the air suspension bags with aftermarket units, but for anyone else...

Thanks for the heads up, I have a quote for £130 fitted at my house, or £180 for the same but with an OEM part. At this price I'd rather just get it done, than spend weeks arguing with BMW.

This fault aside, our BMW 520d is one of the best cars we have ever owned.

[stevemcs]

The genuine parts are a bit more than £180 on there own.

[gizlaroc]

Use the ones off eBay for £50 the pair.


I have fitted quite a few now, feel the same and tougher than oem too.

Takes around 1 hour to fit both sides.

[74merc]

As a precaution I would also inspect the air compressor for the airbags. These frequently fail due to the solenoid seizing, as a result of moisture in the system. You can get rebuild kits with new seals and dessicant, but at a minimum I would spray the solenoid with wd40 and cycle power through it to keep it moving.

[Wilmslowboy]

40 mins done and dusted on the drive, the mobile mechanic was a class act - £180


Wifes arse no longer dragging