Which is better for the BMW E53 X5: coil springs or air suspension? BMW X5
I OWN A BMW X5 E53 2004 MODEL. Occassionally the rear shock air suspension ballons do get busted.
I am thus contemplating using a spring as replacement. But my worry is whether the spring will give the car the same dynamic stability like the air suspension ballons
Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hi there – the BMW air suspension system was developed to maximize the "sport utility" nature of the vehicle (kids and soccer equipment during the week, home DIY, camping, etc on the weekend, as well as the handling everyone expects from BMW.Switching to a traditional spring and strut/shock suspension doesn’t mean the loss of vehicle dynamics performance. It does mean you will have a narrower range of performance based on the solution you choose. Conversion packages are available with "target environment behavior" engineering packages such as: freeway cruising, spirited street cornering, or "sport", corner-carver capabilities. All of these will perform best in their target environments, and be less optimized, but quite usable, in the others. Check the forums for others’ experiences with the various packages available, then make an informed choice based on your needs. Good luck!
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Air shocks are lighter, easier to set up, and easier to tune. Their ride is crisper, poppier, and feels more efficient. Coil shocks are more durable and require less maintenance. Their ride is plusher, more sensitive, and can be more consistent on long and demanding descents.
On all other X5s, air suspension is an option and we`d suggest ticking that box because it`s very impressive. It maintains a super-smooth ride, even over sharp-edged potholes and ruts, without any unwanted floatiness over crests and dips.
The optional adaptive two-axle air suspension (standard on X5 xDrive50e) with automatic self-levelling employs an electrically driven compressor with pressure reservoir to maintain the optimum ride height at all speeds, regardless of how much load is being carried.
The average cost for a BMW X5 Active Suspension Air Spring Replacement is between $729 and $780. Labor costs are estimated between $193 and $243 while parts are priced between $537 and $537.
An air suspension is one the most comfortable and load bearing suspensions which is why they are used on most top of the line luxury and sports cars.
Coil spring suspensions provide more range of suspension movement and allow the user a wider turning envelop through the suspension range than the leaf springs. Practically all high-performance applications use coil springs where possible if the budget permits.
Ride Quality – Converting your shocks, struts, and coil springs to an air suspension setup allows for a better ride quality due to the design of the air shock. Air shocks make for a comfortable and softer ride quality that is leagues ahead of your factory suspension setup.
Air springs normally last 80,000 to 100,000 miles. Over this time, the rubber bladder dries out, and cracks appear around the bottom piston.
air suspension usually has a life span of 4-5 years.
2 Axel air suspension is Option code 2VR. Whenever I “thought” I found what I was looking for I always had the selling dealer send me a copy of the official BMW Build Sheet, this was the only way to really know all the features/options on the car. If you see 2VR on the build sheet then you know the car has it.
Air suspension reduces the tendency of short wheelbase trucks to bounce over rougher roads and terrain when the vehicle is empty. Air suspension improves the ride height based on the load weight and a vehicle`s speed. Higher corner speeds due to air suspension being better suited to the surface of the road.
On average, an air suspension part should be replaced between 6 to 10 years or between 90.000 to 160.000 kilometers because the rubber will have dried out. Off-road use also influences how often the replacement should be done. Over this time, the rubber bladder dries out, and cracks appear around the bottom piston.
Bilstein Suspension
German manufacturer Bilstein has been in the automotive game for around 70 years. In that time, they`ve marked themselves out as one of the best car suspension brands in the world, trusted by several OEMs to supply parts for their production cars.
What are some luxury cars that offer good suspension? Mercedes Benz S-Class, Landrover Defender, Cadillac XTS, and BMW 7 Series offer a superb suspension system for the best ride quality on rough roads with unparalleled ease.
The two main drawbacks to a coil spring suspension are cost and load-bearing. Cost isn`t so much an issue if the vehicle is originally equipped with coil springs, however the retro-fits can be quite expensive and time consuming.
How Long Do Coil Springs Last? There really is no set timeframe at which coil springs expire. A lot of coils last for the life of a vehicle, while others break down sooner.
1. The initial expenses of buying and maintaining an air suspension system – air suspension may sometimes cost three times as much in repairs over ten years as a leaf suspension system. 3. The larger weight of air suspension compared to leaf suspension might reduce fuel economy.
The airbags and air struts in your air suspension kit are responsible for keeping your rides cushioned and adjusting the ride height. But like all air suspension parts, they break down and deteriorate as they get older, leading to air suspension failure. Rust can also damage the air struts.
Summing up the advantages of coilovers over strut and springs are adjustable ride height and the higher spec units offering adjustable dampening and rebound and the ability to change springs to fine tune spring rates combined with lighter assemble reducing unsprung weight. Top end units will also be fully serviceable.
Air suspension is actually great for off-roading as it allows you to raise and lower your vehicle on demand to tackle any trail. With the rough-terrain nature of, well nature, having air suspension can help absorb a lot of the bumps and shocks you would normally feel with other suspension types.
Can air suspension be used in the winter? Most certainly yes! While winter does provide some unique challenges to driving, some simple maintenance on your air system can make cold climate motoring a non-event.
If your vehicle is older or experiencing a multitude of air system issues, a coil spring conversion kit (also known as a delete kit) may be the way to go. Arnott offers coil spring conversion Kits which are meant to replace a vehicle`s air suspension system.
Other BMW X5 Years to Consider
As mentioned, X5 models from 2016 onwards are great options in terms of reliability and value proposition – particularly the 2016, 2017, and 2021 X5 model years. These recent models have earned high marks, not just in reliability but overall performance and value for money as well.
Sounds like you have an air leak in the air ride system causing the pump to run continually and drop the ride to the low setting while draining your battery. Find the leaky component and replace it and both problems will likely go away.
Relevant Questions and Answers :
the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue
Which is better for the BMW E53 X5: coil springs or air suspension? BMW X5
ANSWER : Hi there – the BMW air suspension system was developed to maximize the "sport utility" nature of the vehicle (kids and soccer equipment during the week, home DIY, camping, etc on the weekend, as well as the handling everyone expects from BMW.Switching to a traditional spring and strut/shock suspension doesn’t mean the loss of vehicle dynamics performance. It does mean you will have a narrower range of performance based on the solution you choose. Conversion packages are available with "target environment behavior" engineering packages such as: freeway cruising, spirited street cornering, or "sport", corner-carver capabilities. All of these will perform best in their target environments, and be less optimized, but quite usable, in the others. Check the forums for others’ experiences with the various packages available, then make an informed choice based on your needs. Good luck!
’08 Nav Needing Air Suspension Help
ANSWER : It is possible that you could have a restriction in the line that goes from the compressor to the rear air spring. This resriction would prevent the air from reaching the air spring. I would recommend dis connecting the line at the compressor and at the air bag and shooting compressed air through the line to make sure it is not restricted. If something comes out of the line, you should be able to reconnect the lines and the air suspension system should work properly again.
Air strut to coil spring suspension
ANSWER : Hello. Converting your rear air suspension to coil spring could fix your issues, depending on what exactly they are. If one of the air suspension components has failed and the rear suspension is no longer working properly then converting to a coil spring suspension may fix the issue. In most cases, however, any sort of rear air suspension or air strut problem should be repairable with the correct service, without the need to convert the entire system. I would recommend having a professional technician, such as one from YourMechanic, come to your location to inspect the rear suspension and determine what the most suitable repair would be.
How much would it cost to convert a 98′ range rover from air suspension to spring suspension?
ANSWER : The cost of conversion varies depending in part on where you purchase the conversion kit from. I suggest finding a kit with all the components needed rather than piecing it together. Cost will also vary depending on the quality of the components. To get an idea of the cost to install, YourMechanic can provide you with a quote for a suspension springs replacement. You will need to enter information about your vehicle and your location. You may need to call our service line at 1-800-701-6230 to clarify the job you want us to do and to determine the final cost of labor. Many kits will state the time needed for installation.
I am wanting to know if Air shocks or air lft suspension kits are better for pulling a trailer or heavier load ?
ANSWER : Any type of lift (whether air, air adjustable load leveling shock, automatic or manual, or helper springs) is going to give you basically the same effect. Leveling the load, due to the tongue weight, will not keep the transmission and clutch from wearing out prematurely if you go over the 2,500 pound limit. I presume you are contemplating using trailer brakes but at 4,000 pounds that raises control issues if the tow vehicle is rated for 2,500 pounds. Another issue you might consider is whether the rear sub-frame of that model can accommodate the tongue weight likely to be encountered with a 4,000 pound trailer. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you. And, please continue to keep us in mind for maintenance and repairs.
Air compressors and air suspension fail
ANSWER : This is a common fault that is found with vehicles that have air suspension. Though the compressors were most likely bad the first time, there is another problem causing them to fail. The most common would be a leak in the system or a failed air strut.
When the strut fails or a leak is present, it can cause the air compressors to never shut off as they try to compensate for the leak which causes them to fail prematurely. A qualified technician, such as one from YourMechanic, will be able to inspect your suspension system and make a proper diagnosis on the issue.
Hot air mixed with cold blows from air conditioning
ANSWER : Hey there. You will most likely have to have a mechanic bypass the heater coolant lines to have this resolved. Your A/C may not be controlling the air flow inside the evaporator correctly out of the vents and may be the blend door actuator stuck in the heat position. Have the AC system diagnosed first before bypassing the heater.
I want to change out my air suspension to coil springs.
ANSWER : Hi there. The best thing to do is go with the local parts store for the coil spring set. Any coil spring is a good spring as long as they are designed for the weight of your vehicle. Now since your vehicle has air springs on the suspension, you will have to get the hardware and base plates to mount the coil springs on your vehicle. If you need further assistance with your suspension, then seek out a professional, such as one from Your Mechanic, to help you.
