Is this normal for rear air suspension?

On my recently purchased X5 I noticed that when I opened the door after sitting in the garage for a few hours, the rear suspension aired up a few inches.

Is this normal operation, or should there never be a need to air up like that?

This is not normal and usually indicates that you have a leaking air spring, bad level sensor or module. Does both sides go down or just one side?

Originally Posted by Hit Redline

This is not normal and usually indicates that you have a leaking air spring, bad level sensor or module. Does both sides go down or just one side?

Just one side. About 2 weeks ago, I finally got the self leveling susp. inactive light, and it was stuck in the down position on the driver's side. I "reset" everything by disconnecting the battery for about 15 minutes, and it came back up and hasn't gone down since.

I plan to convert the rear springs to Coil springs to fix the problem for once and for all. $370 in parts, and about $100 to have the BMW dealership tell the computer that it no longer has the self leveling system.

Then I'll sell some of the more desirable parts ie compressor, module, etc to make some of the money back.

I had both susp. replaced on mine for $1400 parts & labor. (2001 x5 sport, 138K) in Jan. Both susp. started leaking air and problem got alot worse as time passed. Last month timing chain retainer borke. Another $1800 to fix. The car still runs great and paid for, but not reliable anymore. Ordering a 3.5 Sport this week.

Just wanted to share with you guys, I have had problem after problem with this $%^* suspension. After dumping about $3,500 into compressor, struts, module, then another compressor I looked around and found a company that has a kit that you install regular struts/springs. The kit doesn't lower the car like those other spring kits that they sell online. I am no Mechanic by any means but the guy I spoke to "Diego" actually encouraged me to do it my self. It took me most of the day, followed the instructions, but it wasnt that bad and I just have normal tools. This is the absolute best thing I could have ever done. I should have looked online before I threw away all that money at my BMW mechanic. It rides fantastic !!!!!couldnt be happier!!!! I wanted to tell you DONT waste your money on replacing the factory stuff, my guy's name is Diego and his number is 1-877-401-8028. best purchase I could have ever made for my X5.

thx
BMWX5r