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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Oct 2007
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    Bolton, MA
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    876
    My Cars
    2001 740iL, 2001 325Ci

    Air suspension on all X5s?

    Hi all,

    For years, I've been an E36 and E38 owner - and quite happy. I'm newly an E46 owner (convertible) and love it. I am now considering getting an X5, something between a 2000 to 2003 or 2004 as that's about the limit of what I can afford.

    My question is: Are ALL X5s "air suspension" vehicles? I recall seeing something that Sport versions had springs... My ...concern is, I had a 2004 Lexus LS430 Ultra which had an air suspension and one day, the car sat about 4" higher and was brittle as could be. If I ran over a pine-needle in the road, I'd feel it. Worse still, I was told by Lexus that I was in "fail safe mode" and that, sure enough, something in the air suspension had 'failed' and I was looking at a $2,500 fee to fix. Give or take, I probably could've gotten it for less, but, not much. But bottom line, from that day on, I SWORE I'd never buy another vehicle with air suspension.

    Can someone enlighten me on how the 2000-2004'ish X5 come, with air suspension, if it's possible to find one that has springs/struts, or ...if I'm convinced, maybe I consider an air suspension version if they're reliable or ...affordable should I have a problem.

    Thanks in advance,

    Jay
    '01 325Ci Convertible, 5-speed
    '01 740iL, Stahlblau with beige interior & 18" M-Pars, GROM bluetooth
    '03 X5 3.0 six cyl, Gray on gray

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Location
    SF Bay Area
    Posts
    548
    My Cars
    98 M3 vert, 05 X5
    I believe it's an option with the Sports Package. If included, there is an adjustment switch on the dash to the left of the steering wheel and to the right of the headlights switch. I think it's an added feature for self-leveling with a load, and doesn't replace springs/shocks, but enhances them.

    Here's a link that explains all options on the e53 X5:
    https://xoutpost.com/articles/x5/gen...e53-years.html

    With money an issue, I suggest you opt for the 3.0 model.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    May 2011
    Location
    Northwest Ohio
    Posts
    809
    My Cars
    2001 750iL
    If you're looking for something to keep maintenance costs down look for the 3.0 version as M3rocket mentioned. Your best price would be for the 2000-2003 model years. The 2004-2006 have the panoramic sunroof, adaptive headlights, and other added features.

    3.0 will not come with 2 axle SLS (Air suspsension) and I don't believe the come with the rear axle SLS either. The 3.0 engine will also require less maintenance than the 4.4. And the 3.0 tires sizes are less expensive than 4.4 & 4.8 sizes.
    2005 X5 4.8is (DD winter) * 2001 750iL (DD summer) * 2001 Ford Excursion 7.3 L <> 2005 X5 3.0 * 2003 X5 4.4i * 2009 X3 3.0 * 2009 X5 3.0 * 2007 Toyota Avalon Limited

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    (northeast) Indiana
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    My Cars
    15 650ix GC & 14 X5 50i
    The e53 X5 (pre facelift & facelift) could be optioned with a rear (single axle) SLS or front/rear (dual axle) SLS system. BMW calls it EHC I (rear axle SLS) and EHC II (dual axle) SLS.

    The 4.6is and 4.8is can only be had with EHC I & EHC II (respectively)...the 3.0 and 4.4 could have regular, EHC I, or EHC II suspension...so a VIN decode is helpful or open the hatch and look below the cargo floor for the "dome" that covers the air supply...or get down on the ground and look below the vehicle to see if it has the air struts.

    Since the diesel e53 X5 was NOT sold in the US market...for those reading this where it was sold...I don't know how EHC I & II was implemented.

    If equipped with the dual axle SLS...then there will be a switch on the left side of the steering wheel on the dash that controls lowering/raising the suspension. And the pneumatic suspension could also be found on non-sport AND sport models.

    Now you know.







    Last edited by Qsilver7; 07-14-2018 at 01:27 PM.
    Become a BMW CCA member! Click HERE to join and feel free to use my BMW CCA member #191509 as a referral.

    2015 650ix GC (Moonstone/Cohiba Brown) <<~>> 2014 X5 50i (Space Gray/Mocha)

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Oct 2007
    Location
    Bolton, MA
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    2001 740iL, 2001 325Ci
    Thank you all!

    I guess my last question is: How reliable are the BMW air suspension systems? I was pretty surprised when my Lexus failed.

    Jay
    '01 325Ci Convertible, 5-speed
    '01 740iL, Stahlblau with beige interior & 18" M-Pars, GROM bluetooth
    '03 X5 3.0 six cyl, Gray on gray

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Oct 2003
    Location
    Raleigh, NC
    Posts
    69
    My Cars
    '12 X5M | '72 2002tii
    My '12 X5M is only air on the rear (self leveling). Front is spring and shock combo.

    Found this out by getting the H&R lowering kit which is only 2 front springs and 2 adjusting links for the auto level in the rear.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jan 2004
    Location
    (northeast) Indiana
    Posts
    19,321
    My Cars
    15 650ix GC & 14 X5 50i
    Quote Originally Posted by jpilk99 View Post
    Thank you all!

    I guess my last question is: How reliable are the BMW air suspension systems? I was pretty surprised when my Lexus failed.

    Jay
    Being that all 4.4, 4.6is and 4.8is e53 X5s have some version of EHC...and many 3.0 have an optional version of EHC...its not uncommon to find an e53 X5 without it. The topic comes up about the SLS suspensions...but not to the point that its an unusually high risk issue. Some owners choose to replace the shocks when they fail with a conventional set-up...but replacement of the air shocks is not that difficult and with aftermarket manufacturers like Arnott Industries supplying replacements (sometimes better quality components)...the original ride/handling of the air suspension can be maintained without having to offer up an arm/leg/firstborne as a sacrifice.

    To get a gist of replacement cost of shocks/air compressors etc...click the link to Arnott's website and pull up the BMW model you have to see what replacement costs are...you can also compare the cost of switching to a conventional set-up: https://www.arnottindustries.com/pro...air-suspension
    Last edited by Qsilver7; 07-15-2018 at 11:52 AM.
    Become a BMW CCA member! Click HERE to join and feel free to use my BMW CCA member #191509 as a referral.

    2015 650ix GC (Moonstone/Cohiba Brown) <<~>> 2014 X5 50i (Space Gray/Mocha)

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Oct 2007
    Location
    Bolton, MA
    Posts
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    2001 740iL, 2001 325Ci
    Quote Originally Posted by Qsilver7 View Post
    Being that all 4.4, 4.6is and 4.8is e53 X5s have some version of EHC...and many 3.0 have an optional version of EHC...its not uncommon to find an e53 X5 without it. The topic comes up about the SLS suspensions...but not to the point that its an unusually high risk issue. Some owners choose to replace the shocks when they fail with a conventional set-up...but replacement of the air shocks is not that difficult and with aftermarket manufacturers like Arnott Industries supplying replacements (sometimes better quality components)...the original ride/handling of the air suspension can be maintained without having to offer up an arm/leg/firstborne as a sacrifice.

    To get a gist of replacement cost of shocks/air compressors etc...click the link to Arnott's website and pull up the BMW model you have to see what replacement costs are...you can also compare the cost of switching to a conventional set-up: https://www.arnottindustries.com/pro...air-suspension
    Thank you. Great info
    '01 325Ci Convertible, 5-speed
    '01 740iL, Stahlblau with beige interior & 18" M-Pars, GROM bluetooth
    '03 X5 3.0 six cyl, Gray on gray

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Jan 2016
    Location
    Ca
    Posts
    6,981
    My Cars
    2001 525it
    All have air in the back front was an option

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