5 series F11 touring rear air suspension
Discussion
Well done.
I bought Aerosus bags when mine started to drop overnight at about 5 years/80k miles old, but took too long to get round to fitting them; the pump isn't intended to handle large volumes of air frequently and the dryer canister can't cope, so eventually moisture gets through to the solenoid valve which starts to corrode.
Fortunately the solenoid could be freed-off and the dryer granules were sorted with an overnight stay on top of the boiler followed by a few trips through the microwave.
I bought Aerosus bags when mine started to drop overnight at about 5 years/80k miles old, but took too long to get round to fitting them; the pump isn't intended to handle large volumes of air frequently and the dryer canister can't cope, so eventually moisture gets through to the solenoid valve which starts to corrode.
Fortunately the solenoid could be freed-off and the dryer granules were sorted with an overnight stay on top of the boiler followed by a few trips through the microwave.
Edited by IroningMan on Sunday 7th February 11:53
Hi everyone,
I had the same issue on my 15 reg 520d touring.
Have changed both air springs (Arrnot) a few month ago and now the pump is dead. BTW my air spring fails at the end of 5th year and 70k miles.
I haven’t noticed the drop on the rear suspension as I usually park the car with rear side facing the wall and there always are cars beside my parking bay. Probably should have changed the air bags a bit earlier?
The BMW specialist I usually use recommended me a reinforced pump sold on eBay which is about £200, saying he has been fitting a few of these and they all worked fine. Provided his previous good jobs on my car I think I will just take that recommendation.
However I just wondering for other pumps that sold on EuroCarParts or areosus they are around £300-400, and why the recommended pump is comparably cheaper.
Anyone has any idea?
Many thanks!
I had the same issue on my 15 reg 520d touring.
Have changed both air springs (Arrnot) a few month ago and now the pump is dead. BTW my air spring fails at the end of 5th year and 70k miles.
I haven’t noticed the drop on the rear suspension as I usually park the car with rear side facing the wall and there always are cars beside my parking bay. Probably should have changed the air bags a bit earlier?
The BMW specialist I usually use recommended me a reinforced pump sold on eBay which is about £200, saying he has been fitting a few of these and they all worked fine. Provided his previous good jobs on my car I think I will just take that recommendation.
However I just wondering for other pumps that sold on EuroCarParts or areosus they are around £300-400, and why the recommended pump is comparably cheaper.
Anyone has any idea?
Many thanks!
Edited by SeanYX on Friday 30th July 18:49
First time posting.. long time lurking.. 3 BMWs in!
Afternoon,
Very relevant for me.. 2015 535D just on 72K. Passanger rear air spring completed gone.. had been dropping slightly before waking up with both completely on the bumpstops.
At a reliable specialist today and have confirmed it is split hence no compressor air getting in.. compressor tested and confirmed working however I am concerned for just how long this has been overworked compensating for the perished bag.
Both being replaced at the same time and fingers crossed no compressor required.
Eurocarparts always have discounts that tend to result in decent prices so you could purchase the compressor from them with a warranty, or ask a garage to purchase and supply to achieve some form of warranty that the eBay item will likely not have.
I assume the eBay item is somebody just refurbing or repairing broken units that although may be working now, may in-fact have a few years on them already. If you chose reliable bags I would do the same for the compressor to save any future anxiety and also help any perspective future buyers also to show your care towards the car!
Other than this the car is perfect! Had a 640D previously but a 11 stone dog wasn’t suitable for a two door.. plenty of shove to get us going with a full car and pretty decent MPG.
Good Luck and keep us updated!!
Afternoon,
Very relevant for me.. 2015 535D just on 72K. Passanger rear air spring completed gone.. had been dropping slightly before waking up with both completely on the bumpstops.
At a reliable specialist today and have confirmed it is split hence no compressor air getting in.. compressor tested and confirmed working however I am concerned for just how long this has been overworked compensating for the perished bag.
Both being replaced at the same time and fingers crossed no compressor required.
Eurocarparts always have discounts that tend to result in decent prices so you could purchase the compressor from them with a warranty, or ask a garage to purchase and supply to achieve some form of warranty that the eBay item will likely not have.
I assume the eBay item is somebody just refurbing or repairing broken units that although may be working now, may in-fact have a few years on them already. If you chose reliable bags I would do the same for the compressor to save any future anxiety and also help any perspective future buyers also to show your care towards the car!
Other than this the car is perfect! Had a 640D previously but a 11 stone dog wasn’t suitable for a two door.. plenty of shove to get us going with a full car and pretty decent MPG.
Good Luck and keep us updated!!
My turn for the airbag to fail. Can't complain, first issue with the car in 2.5 years. Pump must be ok as it goes back up to standard ride height in 30 seconds or so. But conscious I could wear it out if I don't replace the air bag quickly.
Aerosus (£165) and Arnott (£190) Both seem to come highly recommended. Is one better than the other?
Aerosus (£165) and Arnott (£190) Both seem to come highly recommended. Is one better than the other?
Buy a pair off Amazon for £60 odd delivered.
No difference to ride feel or handling and better than Arnott for ride height out of the box without messing around coding the height. The Arnott one is slightly different and ends up with it sitting a bit higher. You can lower them to sit like factory but then the ride is a bit soft and bouncy. It is not a massive difference, but around 12mm or so.
Buy a pair, swap them both and keep the one that is still OK in the rear as a spare.
No difference to ride feel or handling and better than Arnott for ride height out of the box without messing around coding the height. The Arnott one is slightly different and ends up with it sitting a bit higher. You can lower them to sit like factory but then the ride is a bit soft and bouncy. It is not a massive difference, but around 12mm or so.
Buy a pair, swap them both and keep the one that is still OK in the rear as a spare.
deutsche.diagnostics said:
Buy a pair off Amazon for £60 odd delivered.
No difference to ride feel or handling and better than Arnott for ride height out of the box without messing around coding the height. The Arnott one is slightly different and ends up with it sitting a bit higher. You can lower them to sit like factory but then the ride is a bit soft and bouncy. It is not a massive difference, but around 12mm or so.
Buy a pair, swap them both and keep the one that is still OK in the rear as a spare.
Thanks for that, had read the Arnott sits higher on a different forum No difference to ride feel or handling and better than Arnott for ride height out of the box without messing around coding the height. The Arnott one is slightly different and ends up with it sitting a bit higher. You can lower them to sit like factory but then the ride is a bit soft and bouncy. It is not a massive difference, but around 12mm or so.
Buy a pair, swap them both and keep the one that is still OK in the rear as a spare.
Will take a look on Amazon. If you have a link to one you have experience of that would be great. Look easy enough to change even if they only last 3 years.
Why would anyone wirh a 1/4 ounce of sense recommend and fit no name cheap suspension bags just because they sit a bit lower. I'm comparison to Arnott which are about the best made, even better than OEM BMW...
Your car, your money...
But it'd be a stupid move IMO to fit s
tty bags to save money on what is really an important component of the suspension...
Your car, your money...
But it'd be a stupid move IMO to fit s
tty bags to save money on what is really an important component of the suspension...Gone for a pair of Dunlop's in the end. Looks like they are supplier to BMW from what I researched. Some of the "non branded" Amazon ones have hundreds of positive reviews, assuming they're all genuine and not 'bots. .
Avoiding Arnott's due to the ride quality and height issues reported, not even built to BMW spec. Just goes to show you don't always get what you pay for.
Avoiding Arnott's due to the ride quality and height issues reported, not even built to BMW spec. Just goes to show you don't always get what you pay for.
d_a_n1979 said:
Why would anyone wirh a 1/4 ounce of sense recommend and fit no name cheap suspension bags just because they sit a bit lower. I'm comparison to Arnott which are about the best made, even better than OEM BMW...
Your car, your money...
But it'd be a stupid move IMO to fit stty bags to save money on what is really an important component of the suspension...
It is air suspension, it is not like a coil spring. Your car, your money...
But it'd be a stupid move IMO to fit s
tty bags to save money on what is really an important component of the suspension...The garage I use did some pretty extensive testing between BMW, Arnott and the Chinese ones a few years back, swapping them and driving them back to back.
The BMW ones and the Chinese ones rode exactly the same, the Arnott ones sat higher and you could feel the back end was higher and when you lowered the rear in ISTA so it sat and felt right the ride was too soft and bouncy.
There is no issue with quality either, some of the cars they have fitted them too have done over 100k miles on them and they have been fitting them now to tourings and the X5s etc. for the last 10 years with excellent results. The reason they tried them was because the Arnotts kept getting ripped on the nearside bag fr too often. So just because they are expensive doesn't mean are better.
The only reason I know all this is because I would also adamant that I wanted Arnotts fitted when mine was losing air, and they talked me out of it.
Anyway, I will leave it there, and bite my tongue, as I only have 1/4 of an ounce of sense so what do I know?
deutsche.diagnostics said:
d_a_n1979 said:
Why would anyone wirh a 1/4 ounce of sense recommend and fit no name cheap suspension bags just because they sit a bit lower. I'm comparison to Arnott which are about the best made, even better than OEM BMW...
Your car, your money...
But it'd be a stupid move IMO to fit stty bags to save money on what is really an important component of the suspension...
It is air suspension, it is not like a coil spring. Your car, your money...
But it'd be a stupid move IMO to fit s
tty bags to save money on what is really an important component of the suspension...The garage I use did some pretty extensive testing between BMW, Arnott and the Chinese ones a few years back, swapping them and driving them back to back.
The BMW ones and the Chinese ones rode exactly the same, the Arnott ones sat higher and you could feel the back end was higher and when you lowered the rear in ISTA so it sat and felt right the ride was too soft and bouncy.
There is no issue with quality either, some of the cars they have fitted them too have done over 100k miles on them and they have been fitting them now to tourings and the X5s etc. for the last 10 years with excellent results. The reason they tried them was because the Arnotts kept getting ripped on the nearside bag fr too often. So just because they are expensive doesn't mean are better.
The only reason I know all this is because I would also adamant that I wanted Arnotts fitted when mine was losing air, and they talked me out of it.
Anyway, I will leave it there, and bite my tongue, as I only have 1/4 of an ounce of sense so what do I know?
Regarding the ride height, this is controlled by the control module, not by the spring per se. So when the air spring inflates, and the set height is achieved, it'll stop there - irrespective of the brand of air spring. You can use various tools to set the ride height. I used INPA when I swapped my front springs to Eibachs & wanted to lower the rear to match. But... lowering older springs means the fold in the air spring will no longer be where it has been for its life up to that point, and it can become a weak point in its new orientation. Hard to explain that one properly, but I've seen air springs fail pretty soon after adjusting the ride height. Best start with a pair of new springs & set those how you like them.
Lastly, there is no adjustment required if you're just swapping springs like-for-like.
Lastly, there is no adjustment required if you're just swapping springs like-for-like.
My two Dunlop airbags arrived, but oddly enough the one side which was an issue isn't going down overnight Very odd. Did it for two night in succession, but been good for the last 4 nights.
Will replace anyway as it's only a matter of time I guess. It's a 2017 F11 car with 53k miles.
Will replace anyway as it's only a matter of time I guess. It's a 2017 F11 car with 53k miles.
scz4 said:
My two Dunlop airbags arrived, but oddly enough the one side which was an issue isn't going down overnight Very odd. Did it for two night in succession, but been good for the last 4 nights.
Will replace anyway as it's only a matter of time I guess. It's a 2017 F11 car with 53k miles.
It's always wise to replace in pairs; like you said, it'd be sods law that the other fails when you replace the already failed one etcWill replace anyway as it's only a matter of time I guess. It's a 2017 F11 car with 53k miles.
d_a_n1979 said:
scz4 said:
My two Dunlop airbags arrived, but oddly enough the one side which was an issue isn't going down overnight Very odd. Did it for two night in succession, but been good for the last 4 nights.
Will replace anyway as it's only a matter of time I guess. It's a 2017 F11 car with 53k miles.
It's always wise to replace in pairs; like you said, it'd be sods law that the other fails when you replace the already failed one etcWill replace anyway as it's only a matter of time I guess. It's a 2017 F11 car with 53k miles.
it can be a tiny pin sized hole that causes a leak, but due to the way the airbag rolls/ folds on itself when in place, it could ‘seal’ over any tiny hole. park the car slightly and cause the suspension to move slightly, which could expand the airbag and then unseal/ cover the hole and it deflates….. but at some angles it seals off and frustrates you thinking you have some intermittent fault on the suspension!
I had the slumping air suspension issue about 6 months ago and decided to scrap the air bags and go with traditional springs. 6 months on I honesty can’t tell any difference in ride quality or handling (not that I chuck it about that much, it’s an estate car after all!) and the ride height is indistinguishable from the original.
No more worrying about pumps, leaks etc. definitely the best solution.
No more worrying about pumps, leaks etc. definitely the best solution.
deutsche.diagnostics said:
It is air suspension, it is not like a coil spring.
The garage I use did some pretty extensive testing between BMW, Arnott and the Chinese ones a few years back, swapping them and driving them back to back.
The BMW ones and the Chinese ones rode exactly the same, the Arnott ones sat higher and you could feel the back end was higher and when you lowered the rear in ISTA so it sat and felt right the ride was too soft and bouncy.
There is no issue with quality either, some of the cars they have fitted them too have done over 100k miles on them and they have been fitting them now to tourings and the X5s etc. for the last 10 years with excellent results. The reason they tried them was because the Arnotts kept getting ripped on the nearside bag fr too often. So just because they are expensive doesn't mean are better.
The only reason I know all this is because I would also adamant that I wanted Arnotts fitted when mine was losing air, and they talked me out of it.
Anyway, I will leave it there, and bite my tongue, as I only have 1/4 of an ounce of sense so what do I know?
Hi,The garage I use did some pretty extensive testing between BMW, Arnott and the Chinese ones a few years back, swapping them and driving them back to back.
The BMW ones and the Chinese ones rode exactly the same, the Arnott ones sat higher and you could feel the back end was higher and when you lowered the rear in ISTA so it sat and felt right the ride was too soft and bouncy.
There is no issue with quality either, some of the cars they have fitted them too have done over 100k miles on them and they have been fitting them now to tourings and the X5s etc. for the last 10 years with excellent results. The reason they tried them was because the Arnotts kept getting ripped on the nearside bag fr too often. So just because they are expensive doesn't mean are better.
The only reason I know all this is because I would also adamant that I wanted Arnotts fitted when mine was losing air, and they talked me out of it.
Anyway, I will leave it there, and bite my tongue, as I only have 1/4 of an ounce of sense so what do I know?
I'm on my second round of replacement bags and have previously used Aerosus, but looking at the potential cost savings, I'm considering something from Ebay this time. Do you know which brand your specialist used from China?
Avro176 said:
I have a 66 touring , and it sinks on both sides when the engine isnt running , but fine driving after a couple of minutes inflating. Is this the bags leaking , once the pump is off ?
Could be the pump; could be the bags... Going down evenly I'd say the pumpAll needs to be checked over
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