Thread: Air Suspension Issue

Hi Brains Trust,

I've picked myself up a cheap L322 (2002 BMW V8) at auction, and couldn't find too much wrong with it until it went in for a RWC...
Along with some simple items (bushes and cv boots), it failed because it had a dashboard warning message "AIR SUSP. INACTIVE - MAX 50KM (or whatever speed) FRONT AXLE", which I didn't have prior to the RWC. (height sensor issue after being on the hoist?)

I've cleared the fault code with my xTool D7, but it looks like I'm stuck in Access height level (460mm/460mm/445mm/455mm).
I've played around with trying to change heights via the dash switch, and forcing with the D7, but the best I get is ~10mm gain in the rears (along with flashing LEDs on the dash switch), which is not surprising as it's only the rear bellows valves that are showing as opening (not the front).

Now the D7 is showing:
- Ride Height Mode = INVALID (could this be the LR staying in Air suspension Inactive safe mode even though I cleared the fault code?)
- The compressor comes on (I can feel it), and the compressor temperature increases, but cuts out very quickly (relay told to turn OFF after a few seconds), especially considering that...
- The Air reservoir maintains pressure between 8.7 to 9.0 Bar (which is lower than the specification of 14bar in the manual)
- Average Height Inhibition = YES (does this confirm my first dot point above?)

So my conclusions are (that I'd like advice on);
1. I don't think that I have a leak in my front suspension, as the ride height is maintained overnight, along with the air reservoir pressure.
2. My compressor is/maybe OK (I've ordered a service kit anyway).
3. There is something up with the air tank pressure control setting, causing it to maintain only 9 bar and not ask the compressor for more air.
4. 9 bar isn't enough to raise the heavy v8 at the front (though I'm confused as to why the front valves aren't opening to try to raise the front as well?)
5. I need a better tool to see/change air reservoir pressure switch controls (if possible?) - I've heard that the Gap IID G3 isn't that great on early L322 EAS, is there an alternative?

Thanks in advance for your advice!

Just to follow up on my original post... After finding a flooded spare tyre well, and needing to do the LCA bushes for a rwc, I gave up and fitted two new front struts/airbags, and went ahead and fitted a new piston ring to the compressor.

The garage fittied the height sensor arm facing inwards (which is not a nice surprise when you reset the EAS fault, and the car tries to level itself but pumping up one side and deflating the other!) but I've fixed that.

I'm now getting normal pressure in the tank, the air compressor seems to be faster, and apart from a bit of calibration to be done, the height logic seems to be working like it should. so far so good.....