[ob2ob2]

I have driven back to back to compare the F10 and F07 at the time I bought the car, the F07 is feeling a lot more comfortable. I saw somewhere says the F07 has the air suspension on the rear axel. Why does BMW include the air suspension on the rear axel of the F07 as standard? Why didn't they do it on both front and rear axel as standard?

While I couldn't feel the stiffness changes on the suspension - Does any one know, in different modes like Sports, Comfort, EcoPRO, does the car's ride height changes?

[jadnashuanh]

The F07 is built on the F01 (7-series) chassis. As a result, it's bigger than the other 5-series with a longer wheel-base, so auto-leveling becomes more important. As far as I can tell, it does not change the ride height when changing modes.

[ob2ob2]

When I switched off the engine, I could hear some air pump noise when I stood near the rear axel. What was it doing? Pumping up or pumping down? or is it something else making the air pump noise? I couldn't tell easily.

I thought the reason they added the air suspension was for the comfort. On the other hand, as the rear axel has the air suspension already, why doesn't it offer changes to the stiffness when changing to Sport mode?

The F01 does have the same self-levelling air suspension at the rear axel. The F07 and F01 are the only two cars with this wheelbase of 3070mm. How does the auto-level works? Why is it only necessary in a longer wheelbase car, why only the rear axel?

[jadnashuanh]

When you exit the vehicle, you're removing some weight. After a delay, the vehicle needs to vent some air to return to the 'design' ride height, so what you hear is normal. I've never noticed that happening when a load is added except when the motor is running, otherwise, it would be wasting battery power.

The nice thing about air springs is that they are much more linear than regular steel springs. IOW, it allows the chassis to maintain the same responses, almost regardless of load. A conventional vehicle would end up potentially hitting the bump stops when it was loaded heavily, potentially compromising the ride, handling, and safety.

Now, why it is only offered on the GT and 7-series, is probably related to the overall costs and is one reason why the GT costs more than a similarly spec'ed 5-series.

The first new vehicle I ever bought way back when was a Citroen ID-19, which also had a version of air springs, but instead of adding more air, it pumped in hydraulic fluid which pushed against a nitrogen filled bladder...a really neat ride. If you've never ridden in one, you should try it sometime.

[LukeS1994]

My F07 lol i've had it 1 day and the air suspension has gone on the rear. I estimate this will cost thousands of dollars.

[TheBlackGT]

Originally Posted by LukeS1994

My F07 lol i've had it 1 day and the air suspension has gone on the rear. I estimate this will cost thousands of dollars.

You might fall under the recall notice, which would cover that. Check with your dealer.

[LukeS1994]

Originally Posted by TheBlackGT

You might fall under the recall notice, which would cover that. Check with your dealer.

It was a $15 relay would you believe. They changed it and the suspension compressor kicked in and now everything is good. They checked the air bags and they were fine.

I suspect it blew the relay being tied down on a truck when it was delivered.

Fingers crossed this is it now.

[mvpf07]

I had my rear air suspension (L) replaced twice in year and 2 months. Notified compassionate BMWNA, well, it's after one year... no coverage. This time, I replaced with Arnott. See what happens.