BMW X5: Checking Air Springs For Damage

NOTE: If a vehicle has been driven with depressurized air springs, the air springs must always be replaced.

Lift vehicle.

Air spring is OK:

1. when the gaiter cannot be pressed in by hand
2. when no visible damage (e.g. kinks, cracks, porous areas, etc.) is discernible
3. when the rolling fold is uniform

Fig. 30: Identifying Air Spring

NOTE: If one of the above-mentioned points fails the test, then the air spring must be replaced.

REPLACING LOWER VENT LINE

IMPORTANT: Risk of damage! Extreme cleanliness must be ensured in the connection area of the vent lines during removal and installation. Even the smallest of dirt particles can cause leakage in the air spring system.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

• Remove front right wheel arch cover (rear section).

Disconnect quick-connect couplings (1, 3).

Seal connections of air supply unit supply line and upper vent line with sealing plugs.

Unclip lower vent line (2) and feed out.

Fig. 31: Identifying Lower Vent Line And Quick-Connect Couplings

REPLACING PIPES FOR AIR SPRINGS

WARNING: Risk of injury! Drain the air spring system before carrying out any work on the air supply unit, air pipes and air springs! Danger of injury if this instruction is not complied with! Risk of damage! Extreme cleanliness must be ensured in the connection area of the pipes during removal and installation. Even the smallest of dirt particles can cause leakage in the air spring system.

NOTE: Read and comply with notes on air spring system.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

• Deactivate and empty air spring system.
• Remove air springs.
• Remove right underbody panelling.
• Remove right tank underride protection.

IMPORTANT: It is not permitted to cut open the protective gaiter to feed through the pipe (with banjo bolt)!

Cut through pipe (2) and pull out of protective gaiter (1).

Installation:

Moisten protective gaiter (1) at pipe opening with water/soapy solution.

Insert pipe (2) through opening in protective gaiter (1).

Install new screwed connection.

Fig. 32: Identifying Protective Gaiter And Pipe

IMPORTANT: Do not kink, twist or crush new pipes.

To avoid leaks in the air spring system, it is essential to avoid scratches on pipes in particular in the connection area! Line, air spring, left: "Red".

Line, air spring, right: "Blue".

Unclip pipes (1) up to air supply unit from holders.

NOTE: Picture serves to show the routing of the pipes.

Fig. 33: Identifying Pipes

Unclip pipes (1) up to air supply unit from holders.

NOTE: Picture serves to show the routing of the pipes.

Fig. 34: Identifying Pipes

Installation:

Position pipes (1) so that holder (2) is between pipe markings.

The holder variant does not play any role here.

Fig. 35: Identifying Pipes And Holder

Release banjo bolts (1, 2).

Seal air supply unit connections with adhesive tape.

Installation:

Install new screwed connections.

Carefully screw in banjo bolts by hand to avoid damaging the plastic threads and with it the air supply unit.

Tightening torque, see 37 12 1AZ.

Fig. 36: Identifying Banjo Bolts

After installation:

• Activate and fill air suspension system.

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