alfredthunder1
BMW 8: Multiple Air Suspension Issues, Help Needed!
Warning light in the speedometer of the vehicle
Headlamp leveller malfunction
Fault stored
Uneven Ride Height
4 comment(s)
Thanks for sharing your experience! These issues started pretty suddenly last week. My car's at 137626 KM and just had its service done last month. I do have the error code stored, it's showing "4F21" on my OBD reader. I'm really hoping it's just a sensor issue like yours and not something more serious with the air suspension system itself. Everything was working perfectly fine before this. The uneven height is particularly noticeable when parked, and those misaligned headlights are really starting to bother me, especially during night driving. Were your headlights also affected when you had this problem?
Hey again! Yes, those misaligned headlights were definitely part of my issue too, super annoying, especially when driving at night. I remember getting flashed by other drivers a few times before I got it fixed! Looking at your error code and symptoms, it sounds exactly like what I dealt with. The way the headlights were acting up makes total sense because the level sensor basically tells your car's computer what position the body is in, and when it gets wrong readings, it messes with the automatic headlight adjustment. That's why they were pointing in weird directions. With your mileage being similar to what mine was when this happened (I was at around 130000 KM), and considering it started suddenly like mine did, I'm even more convinced it's the same problem. The fact that it happened right after a service is probably just coincidental, these level sensors tend to fail without warning. Quick tip from my experience, try not to drive it too much in this condition if you can help it. While it's not immediately dangerous, those misaligned headlights can be a real safety issue at night, and the uneven height isn't great for your suspension components in the long run. Let me know what you find out when you get it checked. I'm curious if it turns out to be the same issue!
Thanks so much for all this detailed info, it's super helpful! You've actually made me feel a lot better about the whole situation. I was worried I'd be looking at some crazy expensive air suspension replacement, but a faulty level sensor sounds way more manageable. The fact that you had such similar symptoms, especially with the headlights, really helps confirm what might be going on. I've already called my mechanic and booked it in for tomorrow morning. I'll definitely mention the level sensor possibility to them, it'll at least give them a starting point. Will try to avoid driving it tonight too, following your advice. Really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience, it's exactly the kind of real-world insight I was hoping for when I posted. I'll update the thread once I get the diagnosis back from the shop. Here's hoping it's a straightforward fix like yours was!
Hey there! I have some experience working on BMWs and had a similar issue with my 2019 BMW 7 Series. I feel your pain! I took my car to my regular workshop when I noticed similar symptoms, the height was off and warning lights were going crazy. Turned out the control rod on the level sensor was defective, which messed up the whole system's readings. The fix wasn't too complex, but it needed specific diagnostic equipment. Cost me about 110 Euro including labor. Could you share more details about your 8 Series, like mileage and whether these issues started suddenly or developed over time? Also, do you know the exact error code? That would help pinpoint if you're dealing with the same problem I had. The good news is that once fixed, I haven't had any issues since. My mechanic also mentioned this is fairly common on BMWs.