How to fix leaking air suspension in BMW E65?

[Natille]

Hi,

I have a problem with my BMW E65 2002 rear right air suspension; it leaks air. Is there a way to fix it? I don't wan to pay a lot of money for a new part.

Thanks.

[helix402]

Sorry. You probably need a new spring/strut unit which costs many hundreds of pounds. First diagnose the cause of your problem.

[Natille]

I was afraid to her this.

In a garage, they told me that a new replacement air suspension + shock will cost £300 + installation.

Can I buy it cheaper somewhere else?

[iSore]

E65 - shoestring maintenance. Always a laugh to see these things run on a 50p budget.

'£300 plus fitting' is what it costs to run an E65. The first of many such bills. Best get used to it!

[SebringMan]

helix402 said:

Sorry. You probably need a new spring/strut unit which costs many hundreds of pounds. First diagnose the cause of your problem.

For future reference it is a case of a simple airbag unit replacement? Will adaptations be required? If so, can INPA or DIS do these?

It's always good to consider these things for future purchases

[helix402]

SebringMan said:

For future reference it is a case of a simple airbag unit replacement? Will adaptations be required? If so, can INPA or DIS do these?

It's always good to consider these things for future purchases

I think the air spring and damper are a combined unit on the E65. No adaptions should be needed for a straight replacement. (Rear non air spring replacement on an E65 is a horrible job-did one last week).

[Natille]

iSore said:

E65 - shoestring maintenance. Always a laugh to see these things run on a 50p budget.

'£300 plus fitting' is what it costs to run an E65. The first of many such bills. Best get used to it!

I guess you are right.

[Natille]

SebringMan said:

helix402 said:

Sorry. You probably need a new spring/strut unit which costs many hundreds of pounds. First diagnose the cause of your problem.

For future reference it is a case of a simple airbag unit replacement? Will adaptations be required? If so, can INPA or DIS do these?

It's always good to consider these things for future purchases

Thank you, SebringMan for you message, Unfortunately, I don't know what INPA or DIS are. I think, I will just pay the garage to take care of everything.

[Natille]

helix402 said:

I think the air spring and damper are a combined unit on the E65. No adaptions should be needed for a straight replacement. (Rear non air spring replacement on an E65 is a horrible job-did one last week).

Is there an online resource with a list of steps and easy to follow instructions that you used or you know about?

Thank you.

[SebringMan]

Natille said:

Thank you, SebringMan for you message, Unfortunately, I don't know what INPA or DIS are. I think, I will just pay the garage to take care of everything.

INPA and DIS are diagnostic software for BMWs. I believe INPA was the factory floor software.

[helix402]

Natille said:

Is there an online resource with a list of steps and easy to follow instructions that you used or you know about?

Thank you.

If you Google “New TIS” or BMW TIS you should find instructions. I wouldn’t recommend doing a rear strut change on an E65 without a lift though.

[Natille]

SebringMan said:

INPA and DIS are diagnostic software for BMWs. I believe INPA was the factory floor software.

Thank you for the explanation. It's much appreciated.

[Natille]

helix402 said:

If you Google “New TIS” or BMW TIS you should find instructions. I wouldn’t recommend doing a rear strut change on an E65 without a lift though.

I think I found the website you mentioned. I have found some interesting information on this page.
https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/e65-730d-lim/re...

However, I don't see any details on how to replace an air suspension. I might be looking in a wrong place.

Could you share a link to a page that you found?

Thank you.

[Natille]

Also, I was looking on the internet for a cheaper replacement, but I am a bit confused which one is right as the price and the way the same part across different sites look.

For example, this site has two types of the air bag that I might need. The first one is with something they call 'EDC' and it costs £435, which is even more than the garage quoted me. The second one, without 'EDC' costs £315.
https://aerosus.co.uk/bmw/7-series/e65.html

While the other site has only one type for £145 each.
https://www.carairsprings.co.uk/bmw-e65-air-suspen...

Would you know why they price is different and which one is suitable for my car? Has anyone used either these sites before?

[helix402]

Re parts choice, if you use realoem website it will give you the BMW part no you need. You can then match up aftermarket parts via this no.

[Natille]

Thank you for mentioning RealOEM, it looks like a very useful website. I will follow your advice.