E53 X5 4.4i Self level inact - PROBLEM SORTED

[octet]

Hi guys,

Ran into the above problem last week and I finally sorted the car today, so I thought I'd share it here in case anyone else finds it useful.

Symptoms:
• SELF LEVEL INACT message on dashboard - intermittent
• Rear suspension collapsed

Diagnostic:
• used iDiag from X431 / CNLaunch to troubleshoot, read the valves values, voltages on each rear sensor, test the suspension, clear errors etc.
• remove wheels and inspected the bags and sensors

Findings:
• rear left sensor was cracked and perhaps water and dirt got in damaging the sensor, whoever fitted the rear left sensor before overtightened one of the hex bolts, so it cracked the plastic case of the sensor.
• rear left bag busted

Solution:
• replaced rear left sensor - purchased from Amazon - https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00HFLV8SK - paid just over £40, went up nearly double today!!!
• replaced both bags - purchased from eBay - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/182049731198
• replaced control unit - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/271455785509

Will upload some pics in a minute, just sync'ing my Photos app.

So far no error, suspension looks ok. iDiag can't adjust the suspension height, emailed CNLaunch, they're updating the software for BMW so it should work pretty soon, end of the month. I haven't got a working copy of the classic BMW software, INPA or whatever is called

[octet]

As promised, some pics:

Faulty unit error shown by iDiag:



Rear left sensor dead, airbag deflated as it was blown:



Old rear left sensor:





Location of the rear left sensor, once the wheel and the sensor were removed:



Rear left airbag part number:



Blown bag vs new bag:



New control unit:



Location of the old control unit, under the spare tyre and close to the battery:





Voltages checked after replacing the faulty unit and errors cleared: