RSescorts

very useful this thread all the same, ive got the same issue with compressor running longer and longer,
hose was split and replace over a year ago, but think it is time to change the compressor unit now,

cheers dudes

Ken

SteveD518

I'm getting the level control malfunction message intermittently. Compressor still runs and rear suspension isn't running lower than usual. I'm wondering if it's the load leveling sensors on each control arm(if that's what they are) that are bad rather than the compressor. The hose to the compressor has been replaced. I can't find any mention of the part in the Bentley manual which I noticed when changing the rear brake pads and rotors.
Steve

awmw

Hello.

This is my first post but I have been following this thread for a while.

I recently bought a 535d M Sport knowing it had the suspension failure warning coming up.

Sure enough, the pipe was split so I replaced it along with a new compressor from Germany.
I couldn't help taking the old compressor apart to see how it worked and if it could be fixed.
I didn't see anything obviously wrong inside except for the dirt that got in through the split pipe.
Maybe this dirt was enough to stop the valves seating properly?

Inside the compressor is a double ended piston, one end much larger than the other.
There is a hole in the crown of the larger end that feeds air through a port cast into the piston, through to a valve at the smaller end.
I'm guessing this is a 2 stage, low pressure and high pressure arrangement?

The piston is moved by a short conrod, driven by the motor through an offset shaft and bearing.


Here's the pics in case anyones interested






You can see the dirt around the valve here. Not sure why it's only one valve that's dirty as they are both fed from the same area.





I think this is the dryer.













Here you can just about see where the bearing fits into the conrod.

This is the limit for pictures in one post so I will show the last few next

awmw

Knowing what I know now, I wonder if cleaning the valves with carb cleaner would be worth a try.

I hope all the pictures don't cause problems, I just though some people would find this interesting.


Adrian

Rasmus

Great stuff!

It actually looks fine, but dirty. Not much visible wear. Seals on piston looks ok as far as I can see.

How does the bearings feel - hard to turn?
Are both seal on each side of the bearings in place? Just thinking of increased internal resistance could cause longer compression time

Did you try to hook it up to a 9-16V DC supply after removal?

karman1977

You can try to clean it up, but You must check seal-key at high pressure side (smaller one)
take it off and insert into compressor without piston and then You should see if key for that seal is closed or there is gap. if closed then You can assemble it and maybe it works some while if there is gap then need somehow made a new one

D-boy

Over the winter and I don't know if it was related to the 200kg snow ballast in the boot but the compressor failed, luckily the £850 + vat + fitting was covered under warranty. That on top of the Pana room fix saved me the differenc between the BM specialist price and the full BMW approved car I went for!! Wonder if it was only the pipe though???

Patrick E61

I am on a 1900km road trip in Sweden at the moment (business trip), and I have had multiple (as in 20+) WARNING messages about rear suspension leveling failure. I think that the end is near...

I also noticed that I get two different messages. One that I can erase through Check Control in iDrive (handling compromised, etc.), and another that sounds more severe (suspension failure) and will not go away until the ignition is switched off. Odd.

The car is handling fine and the suspension is not drooping over the wheels.

475km to go. Let's see if I make it back to that good ship in Stockholm tomorrow!

Nimesis

@Patrick-in your case, it is also possible, that your car have problem with rear Level sensor. Pic 1 and 6

OE part number 37 14 6 785 207

karman1977

hi guys.
can anybody tell for what reason at air compressor has this solenoid valve at the of dryer? what it do?
two wires at motors switches it on or off, two valve block open pass to Left or right side, but at that one ?????