4.8is 2 axle air suspension issues

TheHerd · Post by **TheHerd** » Mon Dec 22, 2025 10:33 pm

Hi guys,

I’m back in an E53, previously had a 3.0d and I’ve recently bought a 2006 4.8is which needs a little TLC and some mechanical repair to return it back to its former glory. Starting with the 2 axle air suspension, I have been having some serious issues with the air suspension and need some help and advice from either you knowledgeable folks or a recommendation of a decent Independent BMW Specialist that still works on these models.

Firstly, the front left dropped to the floor so I replaced the ride height level sensor and it appeared to return to normal position and the car looked level again. I still had the 4x4 and DSC warning lights on the dash so I proceeded to clear all error codes with a Launch X431 Elite 2.0 PRO OBD2 code reader. Momentarily after the error codes were cleared the air compressor ran for a short period BUT the left rear air shock went BANG! It literally just burst and the left rear dropped to the floor!

I have now replaced both rear air shocks with Arnotts and when reconnecting the battery the compressor ran again raising the rear equally somewhat but the front right seemed lower than the other three corners. I used the code reader again but there were no EHC (Electronic Height control) errors reported but the 4x4 and DSC warning lights remained on the dash. I decided to take it for a short drive hoping that it would “naturally” rise the level and clear the error codes/lights after a little run. As I pulled off the drive the front right went BANG!

I am now looking to replace both front air shocks complete and then hopefully I can get it all calibrated and level once and for all.

In case I fail (again!) does anyone know of any decent Independents that can check over and properly calibrate the 2 axle air suspension on my 4.8is?

Alan Gunn · Post by **Alan Gunn** » Tue Dec 23, 2025 5:52 am

Your location ?.

TheHerd · Post by **TheHerd** » Tue Dec 23, 2025 7:25 am

I’m in Hitchin, Hertfordshire.

X5Sport · Post by **X5Sport** » Tue Dec 23, 2025 4:18 pm

I use a very good BMW Independent based in Bletchley. Autowerx Service Ltd. Matt (the Owner)is an ex-BMW Master Tech and all his team are ex BMW technicisns. He pays better

He looks after our X6 and 330 Convertible.

TheHerd · Post by **TheHerd** » Fri Dec 26, 2025 12:15 pm

Thanks very much X5Sport, I’m going to reach out to Autowerx Service and get it booked in. They are close enough to me so that really helps too!

TheHerd · Post by **TheHerd** » Fri Jun 05, 2026 7:40 pm

X5Sport wrote: Tue Dec 23, 2025 4:18 pm I use a very good BMW Independent based in Bletchley. Autowerx Service Ltd. Matt (the Owner)is an ex-BMW Master Tech and all his team are ex BMW technicisns. He pays better

He looks after our X6 and 330 Convertible.

Hey X5Sport,

Apologies for taking so long to give you some feedback.
So, I took your advice and booked the 4.8is into Autowerx Service Ltd. They were fantastic, replaced a failed coolant hose that they had to source from elsewhere because BMW no longer supply it, did a full oil service and brake fluid flush and replace. Thanks for the recommendation. Very happy with their level of service.

Now I need to chase down and repair a medium to major oil leak on my other X5...

X5Sport · Post by **X5Sport** » Fri Jun 05, 2026 7:58 pm

Glad you had a good experience too. I trust hike and know he’ll do his best to find parts.

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