Air suspension self leveling inactive light is on the driver side rear is down.

first of all check the fuses: there are 2 fuses for the air compressor. 1 in the front fuse box in the glove box and the other one is in the back of the car on the right hand side. then if u hear the compressor working check the red and blue hoses that go from the compressor to the little expansion tanks on top of each airsping. if that doesn't solve it than u should check the air spring.jack up the car as high as u can, look for any punctures in the rubber part of the air spring. I had the same problem. They are very expensive, but u could find them on e-bay. I paid 100 euros for the two (second hand). they are not very complicated to replace. good luck

check for leaks in the lines, also check to see if the shocks have air leaks.

Do you have the self leveling rear suspension? If yes, then probably what you're hearing is the compressor running until the air pressure is boosted to a point that levels the car.

If this is what it turns out to be, I'd check closely for leaks in the plumbing to the rear shocks.

The cause of your concern could be a faulty Air Susp. Fuse, Rear Susp. air Spring, Air Lines, Air Control Valves or Open/short circuit.

I Suggest you to check the following if you want to check it by your self first;

1. Check the Fuse located at rear side of truck.
2. Check both rear the Air Srings for possible cracks especially at lower portion of rubber (folding area)
3. Using water with soap, check rear both air lines and springs for possible air leak.if possible check it in different hight level. Replace both air springs if found evident of air leak.
4. Swap Rear and Front Hight level sensor if possible. If the problem transfer to front then replace Sensor.
5. Check Air control Valve fro possible stuck up, knock it several times gently and observe. If doesn't make change, check power suppy with voltmeter. If you couldn't find the problem then Bring it to BMW Service Center.

Good luck.

It will only process a "down command" if it thinks all the doors are closed. If you have a bad door switch, it won't lower. Any courtesy lights on with doors closed?
The dealer can conduct a diagnostic scan test and retrieve any codes that will help identify the bad circuit. Did they do that?

Do you have 4 wheel air suspension or just rear?

Assuming rear only:
The system consists of unique rear air springs, the air compressor, air lines, air spring solenoids, height sensor, air suspension control module, attachments and associated signals derived from both driver and road inputs. With these components and signals, the air suspension control module commands changes in vehicle height that are necessary for the load leveling features.
The load leveling feature rear air suspension (RAS) systems shall automatically make adjustments in vehicle height so that the vehicle is always at trim height and constant front-to-rear vehicle attitudes are maintained over the expected load range of the vehicle. Adjustments in height that are necessary to correct height differences between the vehicle's left and right sides for the RAS system shall be restricted to what can be reliably achieved with one air suspension height sensor.
The system uses one air suspension height sensor, a steering sensor, generic electronic module (GEM) and other vehicle sensors to measure driver and road inputs. The system changes vehicle height using an air compressor, two air lines and the use of air springs with air spring solenoids.

Note this section.
The air suspension system holds vehicle height when the rear hatch or any door is opened. The system stores rear vehicle height the moment any open door is detected. The system then maintains this height regardless of the addition or removal of a load. The system will return to its commanded height when all doors are closed or the vehicle speed exceeds 16 km/h (10 mph).

Air Suspension Switch
The air suspension switch supplies power to the air suspension control module. Without the air suspension control module receiving this power, the load leveling system is inoperative and will not react when the rear of the vehicle is raised or lowered. If the air suspension system is disabled by turning off the air suspension switch, a "CHECK SUSP" will appear in the RH corner of the instrument cluster with the ignition in the run position.
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The vent solenoid:

• allows air to escape from the system during venting actions.
• is part of the air compressor cylinder head.
• has a 1,103 kPa (160 psi) internal relief valve.
• shares a common electrical connector with the air compressor motor.
• is enclosed in the cylinder head casting, which forms an integral valve housing that allows the valve tip to enter the pressurized side of the system.
• has an O-ring seal that prevents air leakage past the valve tip.
• opens when the air suspension control module determines lowering is required.
• provides an escape route for pressurized air that opens when system pressures exceed safe operating levels.
• is replaced with the air compressor as a unit.

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Air Suspension Height Sensor
One air suspension height sensor is mounted on the vehicle. The air suspension height sensor sends a voltage signal to the air suspension control module. The output ranges from approximately 4.75 volts at minimum height (when the vehicle is low or in full jounce), to 0.25 volts at maximum height (when the vehicle is high or in full rebound). The air suspension height sensor has a useable range of 80 mm (3.2 in) compared to total suspension travel of 200-250 mm (8 to 10 in) at the wheel. Therefore, the air suspension height sensor is mounted to the suspension at a point where full rear suspension travel at the wheel is relative to 80 mm (3.2 in) of travel at the air suspension height sensor. The air suspension height sensor is attached between the No. 5 frame crossmember (upper socket) and the panhard rod (lower socket).
When the air suspension height sensor indicates that the rear of the vehicle is lower than trim under normal driving conditions, the air compressor will turn on and pump compressed air to the air springs. When the sensor indicates that the rear of the vehicle is raised above trim under normal driving conditions, this will cause the air to be vented from the air springs to lower the vehicle back to its trim height level.
Compressor Relay
The compressor relay is energized by the air suspension control module to allow high current to flow from the battery to the compressor motor.

• A solid state relay is used in the air suspension system for air compressor control. The relay incorporates a custom power metal oxide semi-conductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) and ceramic hybrid circuitry. The relay switches high current loads in response to low power signals and is controlled by the logic of the air suspension control module.

Air Suspension Control Module
NOTE: The 4WAS air suspension control module is used for the RAS system. The internal processor recognizes external circuitry to determine if it is installed in a 4WAS or a RAS equipped vehicle.
NOTE: The air suspension control module is calibrated with information from the air suspension height sensor. A new or exchanged air suspension control module requires a ride height adjustment calibration process to be performed.
The air suspension control module controls the air compressor motor (through a solid state relay), and the air spring solenoids. The air suspension control module also provides power to the air suspension height sensor. The air suspension control module controls vehicle height adjustments by monitoring the air suspension height sensor, vehicle speed, a steering sensor, acceleration input, the door ajar signal, transfer case signals, and the brake pedal position (BPP) switch. The air suspension control module also conducts all fail-safe and diagnostic strategies and contains self-test and communication software for testing the vehicle and related components.
The air suspension control module monitors and controls the air suspension system through a 32-pin two-way connector. The air suspension control module is keyed so that the air suspension control module cannot be plugged into an incorrect harness. There are two sides of the harness connection to the air suspension control module. Each is uniquely colored and keyed to prevent reversing the connections.
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May be a bad module too.

do you have just rear air suspension? here's rear only. 4 wheel different. Deler an run a diagnostic test with WDS machine and get fault codes.
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The air suspension system is designed to improve ride, handling and general vehicle performance for static, on-road and off-road driving conditions:

• Ride is improved by using an air type spring (the soft ride is inherent).
• Handling is improved by maintaining constant vehicle attitude.

The system consists of unique rear air springs, the air compressor, air lines, air spring solenoids, height sensor, air suspension control module, attachments and associated signals derived from both driver and road inputs. With these components and signals, the air suspension control module commands changes in vehicle height that are necessary for the load leveling features.
The load leveling feature rear air suspension (RAS) systems shall automatically make adjustments in vehicle height so that the vehicle is always at trim height and constant front-to-rear vehicle attitudes are maintained over the expected load range of the vehicle. Adjustments in height that are necessary to correct height differences between the vehicle's left and right sides for the RAS system shall be restricted to what can be reliably achieved with one air suspension height sensor.
The system uses one air suspension height sensor, a steering sensor, generic electronic module (GEM) and other vehicle sensors to measure driver and road inputs. The system changes vehicle height using an air compressor, two air lines and the use of air springs with air spring solenoids.
The air suspension system holds vehicle height when the rear hatch or any door is opened. The system stores rear vehicle height the moment any open door is detected. The system then maintains this height regardless of the addition or removal of a load. The system will return to its commanded height when all doors are closed or the vehicle speed exceeds 16 km/h (10 mph).
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Air Suspension Height Sensor
One air suspension height sensor is mounted on the vehicle. The air suspension height sensor sends a voltage signal to the air suspension control module. The output ranges from approximately 4.75 volts at minimum height (when the vehicle is low or in full jounce), to 0.25 volts at maximum height (when the vehicle is high or in full rebound). The air suspension height sensor has a useable range of 80 mm (3.2 in) compared to total suspension travel of 200-250 mm (8 to 10 in) at the wheel. Therefore, the air suspension height sensor is mounted to the suspension at a point where full rear suspension travel at the wheel is relative to 80 mm (3.2 in) of travel at the air suspension height sensor. The air suspension height sensor is attached between the No. 5 frame crossmember (upper socket) and the panhard rod (lower socket).
When the air suspension height sensor indicates that the rear of the vehicle is lower than trim under normal driving conditions, the air compressor will turn on and pump compressed air to the air springs. When the sensor indicates that the rear of the vehicle is raised above trim under normal driving conditions, this will cause the air to be vented from the air springs to lower the vehicle back to its trim height level
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• Uneven vehicle height

• Circuitry.
• Rear pneumatic fault.
• Air compressor assembly.
• Air suspension control module.

• Go To Pinpoint Test I .

SIMPLE SOLUTION :
Turn engine on, without moving the car, turn steering wheel from one extreme side to another 4 times, message "air suspension inactive" should be over now (; ])

Automatic self-levelling is standard on the seven-seat models. What model do you have?

your leveling sensor will be on the rear suspension it will hook to one of thwe control arms.
you can un hook the arm and push it all the way down and should let air out

Hi,

Your concern is your BMW displays the message "SELFLEVEL SUSP. INACT" which indicates that the car's computer detects a problem with your active suspension system. Self-leveling is standard to most late model BMWs. It works on a pump, an air system and a computer that tells which suspension gets how much height, ride stiffness and other suspension settings.

Your concern is a known issue though not that fairly common. Technically, the best would be to contact your dealer or if in The USA, BMW of North America, LLC. call (800) 831-1117 or email [email protected].

You may want to mention a possible problem with the firmware/software of the EHC (Electronic Height Control) Control Module. They may want to recode (flash). It is also possible to have air leaks in the system specially on the suspension bladder.

Other things you can check are tire pressure (30PSI), see if your ride is a bit stiff/hard now compared to before the earning displayed showed up, handling difficulty, loopsided/tilted level among others.

Incidentally, if there is nothing out of the ordinary in how the car ride, handle or drive, it may just be a systems glitch. Try jockeying the key to ON/OFF a couple of times.

Hope this be of initial help/idea. Pls post back how things turned up or should you need additional information.

Good luck and kind regards.

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