BMW X5 E53 Air Suspension Level Control Fault (Self level inactive)
X5 E53 Self level inactive warning, what usually causes it?
The most common causes are a faulty level sensor or its broken wire, moisture and freezing in the compressor air dryer, and less often the control box. The sensor's operation can be checked with a diagnostic tool by raising and lowering the suspension and watching the values.
Where does the E53 level sensor wire break?
The wire usually breaks between the sensor and the body grommet, most likely where it passes under the interior sill. A fault inside the cabin is rarer. In a cheap aftermarket sensor both circuits may be connected together, so the code can remain even with a new sensor.
Why does the E53 air suspension stop working in frost?
The compressor dryer granules stop absorbing moisture, and the moisture in the system and the valves can freeze. Moist granules can be dried in an oven at about 250 degrees for 1-2 hours with the door slightly ajar, and they do not need to be replaced.