Which component is right for my 2005 BMW X5 E53 3.0i with the deactivated self-leveling suspension?

[CheresX]

if I fail to provide the necessary details to render assistance....here it is!

The "self level sus. inact." notice has been appearing on the dashboard of my 2005 plate E53 X5 3.0i, which I have had for 17 years. I think there is a sensor on each side of the rear suspension, and my local BMW store is offering me £148 to repair them based on the car's VIN. When I go online to attempt to get the part number, they won't provide it to me, and there are a lot different sensors to choose from. Since my vehicle only has a rear air suspension, I'm thinking that part no. 37146784697 is the right one to get instead of the two axle air suspension (part no. 37146754921). Am I accurate in thinking this?


I would like to find a replacement component that is OEM similar since the dealer pricing is so high. However, I'm worried that my problem is made worse because the driver's side sensor also outputs to the headlamp levelling system. Is this correct?

Are there any OEM-level options that members of this site know function just as well as the OEM parts but don't cost as much? I know to avoid the cheap knockoffs sold on Amazon and fleabay, but I'd still want to keep my budget in check.

Please let me know if you need any further information, and I am grateful in advance for any responses.

[br1anuk]

You can get all the part numbers and photos for the automobile on www.realoem.com. Just enter the last seven digits of the vehicle identification number (VIN).

[br1anuk]

https://www.realoem.com/

[EatSuru]

After searching online for "OEM BMW suspension sensors," I received

Several prominent automobile companies provide Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) suspension sensors for BMW. The main suppliers are Continental/VDO, Bosch, Tenneco (Monroe), and ZF (Lemforder/Sachs).


When it comes to ride height/level sensors, Continental VDO is a common supplier. Both Aerosus and Arnott provide other, equally good substitutes.

Tenneco (via their Continuously Controlled Electronic Suspension system) and Continental (a ZF trademark) are common names for electronic damper control (EDC) and acceleration sensors.

Find a brand name when you know the apart number. I don't believe AI or Google are perfect, but you're absolutely correct that the BMW box was overpriced.

[CheresX]

Thank you so much for this! For a better sense of who to approach for stockists, particulars about their sensors, compatibility, etc., I have sent an email to Aerosus and am now perusing the websites of other manufacturers. When I hear back from anyone, I will provide an update in this topic.

[dave783]

The back sensor on the right or left side? Also, are xenon headlights standard on this vehicle? The sensors on the driver's side are responsible for auto-leveling the headlights.

[IrvesBMW]

I tried it on with mine, and although it didn't quite fit perfectly, I'm very confident it would work with any side.
Their replacement takes no more than two minutes and is available at a lower price.

[IrvesBMW]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/336344703673?_skw=e53+level+sensor&itmmeta=01KFYYFR3DTJ6ZV60DKAY0S7FM&hash=item4e4fb4e2b9:g:bPMAAeSwek1pa1C8&itmprp=enc:AQALAAAA8O7PUuNWmJ++UShgI9tQz/rRMAIpOdbTqVf9SfZq5FoBpo+Ev+foSjo1DBbaBlV5mKItH6cS2FCVBXPYBvBpmk+RIEcQt5NEMK0TzezT/8GlBw5v80VtGgDcPjwcJ/rEM6ZPSP/apbC2I/x6iNgY0CPBtnJu8pQBYUdkn8QBLbOtjXL7t6ACua96w1YWcBwq9kFW8qBJzwB6URuRlv4a50SqVFyP49QQ5Q+4Y3Bai85yT6s/nzzCH3BBjDTt89ki6disYsr4ZC+tfFQVHakLkKZiMyex6zUAmBAJ9KP3HPbXsMsTn/ZJzK5XrPlw5+698g==|tkp:Bk9SR_yBv97_Zg&mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&campid=5338774556&toolid=10001&customid=130832X1595858X9bc4008e145cca1ee27c1e0bdd3641a8&subId2=15