How To Reset Air Suspension on BMW 7 Series? Full Guide
The BMW 7 Series is a well-known and popular car series on this continent. However, with prolonged usage, their air suspension may fail, and you can simply address this problem by resetting it.
To reset it, switch off the engine but keep the ignition on. Now, turn off the suspension switch, and after a few minutes, turn it back on by pressing and holding the switch for exactly seven seconds. This will reset the suspension.
This method looks very easy, but there are several crucial aspects that you have to take into account. So, keep reading this article to gather enough knowledge about it.
How Do You Reset The Air Suspension On A BMW 7 Series?
If you know how to do it, resetting an air suspension on a BMW 7 series is fairly simple.
There are two methods to correctly reset it. You don’t need any technical skills for this method either. However, you must adhere to a particular technique.
Here are two methods to appropriately reset the air suspension on a BMW 7 series.
Method 1: Using Suspension swtich
This is the easiest method to reset an air suspension. You can reset practically all BMW models by using this procedure. Simply follow the detailed steps listed below.
- Step 1: First, turn off the engine but keep the ignition on.
- Step 2: After that, turn off the suspension switch by pressing and holding it for a few seconds. Now leave your car in this condition. On the dashboard, you can easily locate the suspension system switch.
- Step 3: Keep an eye on the panel’s green signal lines to ensure it is completely off because this green light will turn off automatically when the suspension turns off.
- Step 4: After a little while, switch on the suspension. Ensure you push and hold the button for precisely seven seconds. Here, the green light will turn on again.
- Step 5: Start the engine now. Here, the suspension should be reset automatically. You may also go on a drive to ensure the resetting process is carried out precisely.
Method 2: Disconnecting and reconnecting the battery
You can attempt this method if the previous approach fails or the switch malfunctions.
Adhere to the detailed instructions listed below to complete this process.
- Step 1: Find the battery connection first, then remove those from the battery.
- Step 2: Now wait between fifteen and thirty minutes with the cable unplugged from the terminal.
- Step 3: Now, reconnect the battery. This will completely reset the air suspension system.
It is important to realize that removing the battery would reset the suspension system and the entire car. As a result, the date/time and other important settings will reset completely.
What Are The Main Reasons Behind A Faulty Air Suspension In BMW 7 Series?
Air suspension is one of the most delicate components in modern automobiles, not just in BMW 7 Series models. As a result, there are a variety of reasons behind their malfunction.
You may simply prevent those situations if you understand the primary causes of these issues. That will assist you in avoiding getting into any major problems.
Here are the most common reasons behind an air suspension failure:
Rust
This is the most typical reason. Rust can develop on numerous parts of your car if you drive it in a moist environment or on the water and don’t clean it frequently. This corrosion can harm the airbag spring inside the suspension.
Faulty compressor
Depending on your desired performance, the compressed air in an air suspension system expands individual airbags to the correct pressure.
In this situation, airbags won’t last long pressurized if the compressor malfunctions. Which will later damage the air suspension system badly.
Damaged airbags
To maintain your rides comfortably and to control the ground clearance, a suspension system’s air struts and airbags help a lot.
However, like with other air suspension components, as they age, they degrade and fail, resulting in the failure of the air suspension system.
Malfunctioning air dryer
The air drier manages the quantity of the air’s moisture that passes through the shock absorber.
When a dryer breaks down, water gets on metal components in high amounts, creating corrodes and rust. Which leads to a pinhole leak or a damaged electronic system.
Faulty or loose air-lines
Inside the suspension system, several tiny air pipes link the airbags to all of the other parts of the system.
The airbags cannot be filled with compressed air from the pump if they are improperly attached or if the connections are damaged. Additionally, improper installation can also create this issue.
Read Also: Which BMW 7 Series Years to Avoid & Why?(Problems Included)
Read Also: Why Does BMW Remote Start Not Working? Quick Solutions!
What Is The Cost Of An Air Suspension Replacement?
The typical cost of replacing an air suspension on a BMW 7 series can range between $3000 and $4000.
A replacement part will cost you around $2,700 to $3,600, and you have to pay between $300 and $400 for the labor cost. This is not fixed because it will depend on the model and your location.
FAQs
You may still have some queries after reading this article. In this section, we did our best to answer the most frequently asked questions. Browse through this FAQ to find the information you need.
Are Suspension-Related Problems Serious?
Yes. It is not only for convenience but also helps the vehicle’s handling on the road. So, any malfunction suspension might cause a major accident, leaving the driver and others in danger of death or serious injury.
How Long Do Air Suspensions Last On A BMW 7 Series?
The lifetime of an air suspension depends on several aspects because it consists of many different parts. Additionally, they all have their lifetime. Such as its air compressor and valve manifold typically last between 3 to 5 years, air tank lasts almost a lifetime.
Is It Possible To Drive A BMW 7 Series With A Broken Air Suspension?
In a way, it can be said that it is possible. But you shouldn’t drive with a broken air suspension. Because the journey will be uncomfortable, and the vehicle will be challenging to maneuver.
How Often Do Air Springs In Suspensions Need To Be Replaced?
Air springs typically have a lifespan of 80,000 to 100,000 kilometers. After this period, its rubber cushion starts to dry up and crack. In this situation, you have to replace it.
Conclusion
In addition to delivering a smooth and pleasant ride, air suspension can also enhance a car’s performance and balance. However, there are certain disadvantages to using air suspension.
One of the major disadvantages is the price. Air suspension technologies are often more costly than standard metal spring shock absorbers and require extra upkeep and maintenance.
So, finally, don’t take any major or minor issues lightly. In addition, examine the suspension systems regularly and fix any issues as soon as possible. Because a minor problem can create several life-threatening situations.
