Error “inactive suspension adjustment” in BMW – how to fix?

A drooping suspension and a message about inactive suspension adjustment suggest serious problems with the air springs in the BMW. Continuing to drive with such a defect can be very dangerous. Find out which cars are affected by this error and how to fix it.

BMW E46 3 z obniżonym zawieszeniem
BMW E46 M3 with lowered suspension | mdeuk, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

On which BMW models can the “inactive suspension adjustment” message appear?

The message about inactive suspension adjustment can appear on all models equipped with air springs. These are BMW models:

  • E91
  • E61
  • F11
  • G31
  • the entire X series
BMW E91 3
BMW E91 | 328cia [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

What is the reason for the “inactive suspension adjustment” error in BMW?

The message appears when the controller responsible for the operation of the air suspension control system receives information that the airbags have been pumped for too long. This situation can occur when:

  • the airbag is unsealed,
  • the air lines have been damaged,
  • the compressor is not able to inflate the airbags in time.

Additional thermal protection of the compressor causes it to shut down when it runs too long, and this can also be the cause of the error that appears.

Is it safe to continue operating a vehicle with an apparent “inactive suspension adjustment” error?

Any warning message should not be ignored by the vehicle user. Inoperable rear suspension adjustment causes the vehicle to drive unstably. Continuing to operate the vehicle in this condition could lead to an accident.

BMW E61 5
BMW 5 Touring E61 | Rudolf Stricker [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

The rear suspension on the BMW has fallen off. Is it possible to drive with such a suspension?

Driving a car with a sagging air suspension is not safe. It can cause damage to more suspension components.

Is it enough to delete the error in the BMW’s on-board computer to clear this message?

Simply clearing the error related to the deflated suspension does not solve the problem. It is necessary to check the entire suspension and all pneumatic components.

BMW F25 X3
BMW X3 F25 | M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 DE, via Wikimedia Commons

How should a sagging suspension on a BMW be properly repaired?

After the diagnosis of the pneumatic system is performed, all defective components are replaced. Then the suspension calibration is performed. A repair carried out in this way guarantees that the vehicle will be restored to its full capacity.

Related articles

Comments for this post are closed.