In this video I show you how to replace your rear air spring on an air ride equipped E70 BMW X5. Rear air springs came standard on 7 passenger vehicles and was optional on all models.
I also show you my tow setup and talk about how the car performs when equipped with an aftermarket receiver.
I tow a 6 x 12 foot enclosed Uhaul trailer. The total weight of the trailer is around 4000 lbs loaded. The E70 X5 is rated at 6000 lbs of towing capacity. My vehicle is equipped with an N62 4.8L V8 making 350 HP and 350 TQ. When you see the word “affiliate” listed beside any link in my description please know that this is a custom link and I will earn a small commission if you opt to purchase using said link. This is at no extra cost to you so it’s a win all around 🙂 Thank you!
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Amazing video! I might be doing mine soon… Is it a must to disconnect the battery or can I just make sure that I don't touch the key or open the doors to avoid activating the vehicle's compressor? Thanks for your time.
What year is your car?And is this the same set up as a 2014 x6 M?
Does this same work with F15 model? Any differences? thx!
China air suspension factory, E70 rear air spring US$18/PCS, 1 year warranty! Contact:Vicky,Tel(whatsapp)0086 13711300514
Excellent video
Thanks
Am curious. What year was your e70? Is it pre LCI? I forget if you say in the video. The reason I ask, it appeared to be super easy to get your airbags out. Like two twists and a couple pulls and they were out. I bought a 2013 e70 x5 with 3rrd row and the n55 engine. My airbags completely failed on Christmas Day when I was about to do a 240 mile drive back home from my brothers. Let me say it was an extremely bouncy ride home. LoL. Well today I just went to do my airbag change (the parts came in just last night) omg the space between the suspension arm and the body was minuscule. It took me a good three hours to change both airbags in the back. Could there be a difference there? It looks like it could have been easier if I took off the strut so that the wishbone could drop lower. I did finally get it done and it’s a complete success thanks to your video. I love your content and always hope to see what new stuff I can learn.
Great video!
When put it together, you can put the top bag cover first ,and then put the hose ,it easy more
That not the way to put the air hose! You should use a razer blade cut the hose off,it's a mark on the hose already shouldn't use again, and push the hose back to the new bag,it's a one way lock.
Don't use cutter need good cut!
Follow the manual please.
A tip for put the cover back that cover under the air pump,seem twice time when people put that cover back ,accident push the air pump wiring cross the jack point,next time people jack up may damage the wiring!
Just my opinion, when you finish install new airspring. You shouldn't let the car down on un-inflate airspring. You should remain in wheel touch the ground only position. Then start your car & let compressor inflate to new air spring until it done. Then completely lower the car.
This method will protect new air spring from damage.
On the newer F15 X5, BMW advises against dropping the car down on uninflated air springs.
thanks for the tips on towing. Did you do the wiring as well? what did you use for a brake controller?
Part # https://amzn.to/2UJLZLp
Time to to order the rear air spring. A little nervous but we will see how it goes.
Do you need to remove any fuse or battery terminal?
It was help ful video. Most difficult part was blindly securing the top part. With rubber cuff arnot air suspension won’t go in. Spend 1 hour won’t go in. Than just threw away rubber cuff and worked fine. Another part that was difficult was that when you put on deflated one, hard to pull pack down. One side ended up securing the lower end of airbag by inflating for few seconds and than manually pushing the clips in place
Vehicular DIY your video was extremely helpful for me. I have replaced 2 air bags on the rear driver side and 1 on the rear passenger side. Now I can change these puppies in 15min. I almost converted to springs but since I had purchased 2 spares on Amazon by Suncor ~80.00 for a pair. Thanks again for making this video…
Thanks for the vid mate!!
I'll pipe in hear on the eBay air bags. I changed mine 20k ago doing for a pair @ $256. The OEM air bags are $900 each in Australia so Much cheaper on eBay.
My original bags had developed a slow leak on the left hand rear.
I changed both sides at the same time but with the extra of disconnecting the air compressor solenoid and air lines. You will find this allows you to pull down and locate the bags without any suction and no worries if you open a door as the pump won't activate.
Two weeks ago the left hand rear bag went POP!! Completely ripped a hold in the side. At the time when I installed them, I did feel the quality of the rubber wasn't as good as the OEM bags but went for the cheapies.
Just getting over the Christmas bills so did another eBay replacement @ $156 a pair. They feel even cheaper and the rear doesn't feel as firm as it should. I'll replace very soon.
I can obtain a pair of OEM bags from ECS for the same cost as one in Australia. Link here::Â https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-bmw-parts/rear-air-spring-priced-each/37126790079/
Moral of the story, if you are keeping your car and you need to replace the bags and you are in the States, get the OEM bags. Cheap insurance and with 170K on my originals they last well and also with my experience with my old E53, is that you would get a slow leak before it gets worse instead of a complete failure.
Also good idea to change the drier (looks like a small fuel filter) when you are at your compressor as it gets dirty and when you have a leak moisture and crud gets into the system.
Cheers Gaz