On a 2007 to 2018 X5 with rear air springs, a rear that sags overnight, a suspension warning, or a compressor that runs constantly, is the rear air bag. On a 2019 and newer G05 with two-axle air suspension, one corner sitting low is a sealed air strut, spring and damper together, and the ride height has to be calibrated afterward. We have shop prices for the older bags and parts prices only for the G05 strut.
Last updated · By BimmerQuote (how we build guides) · Costs on this page come from the linked repair pages, each citing its sources.
E70 and F15 rear bags
The bag page covers 2007 to 2018 X5 models with rear self-leveling air suspension, including cars with a third row or the 50i. Symptoms are a rear that sags overnight, a suspension or chassis warning, and a compressor running constantly. See X5 Rear Air Suspension Bags, BMW E70 repair costs and BMW F15 repair costs. X5 Rear Air Suspension Bags on a BMW E70/F15 typically costs $497–$1,250 at an independent shop, $1,300–$1,800 at a BMW dealer, or $200–$317 in parts DIY, based on 10 real owner-reported prices.
On the G05 the air spring and the damper are one sealed strut, so the whole strut is replaced. Symptoms are one corner sitting low after parking, a "chassis function restricted" or suspension warning, a knock or clunk from a strut over bumps, and a compressor that runs often. Ride height has to be calibrated with ISTA on a level surface. The page says we have not found a real G05 strut invoice. One owner had a front strut replaced under warranty. The figures are parts prices. See G05 X5 Air Strut Replacement and BMW G05 repair costs. G05 X5 Air Strut Replacement on a BMW G05/G07 typically costs $999–$1,814 in parts DIY, based on 3 real owner-reported prices.
The G05 note says if one side fails, ask whether the other side shows the same wear. It also says a forum owner reported a bad experience with one rebuilder, so check reviews and the warranty before buying rebuilt struts.
A sag is not a subframe crack
An E46 that clunks and has cracks in the trunk floor is the BMW E46 Rear Subframe Cracks, not air suspension. A clunk over bumps on a 3 Series with standard springs is the strut or the thrust arm, not an air bag. The G05 clunk in this guide is from the air strut itself, and the page lists it next to the low corner and the compressor.
Common questions
Why does my BMW X5 sit low in the back?
On an E70 or F15 with rear air springs, the page lists a rear that sags overnight, a suspension warning, and a compressor that runs constantly.
How much do X5 rear air bags cost?
X5 Rear Air Suspension Bags on a BMW E70/F15 typically costs $497–$1,250 at an independent shop, $1,300–$1,800 at a BMW dealer, or $200–$317 in parts DIY, based on 10 real owner-reported prices.
How much is a G05 X5 air strut?
G05 X5 Air Strut Replacement on a BMW G05/G07 typically costs $999–$1,814 in parts DIY, based on 3 real owner-reported prices. Those are parts prices. The page says it has no shop invoice yet.
Does a G05 air strut need programming?
The page says ride height must be calibrated with ISTA on a level surface after the strut is replaced.
Where this comes from
Every cost on this page is pulled from these repair pages, which list the price, the forum or shop source and the details for each report. This guide adds no prices of its own.
