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Home >> BMW >> 2000 >> X5 >> Repair and Diagnosis (Single Page) >> Suspension >> Electronic Suspension >> Level Control Systems - Overview - 5-Series, 7-Series >> Level Control Systems >> System Components >> Control Valve
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Control Valve

The rotary control valve located on the rear suspension has three positions:

The control lever is attached to the rear stabilizer bar to sense vehicle loading. When the vehicle is loaded (passenger or luggage) the suspension drops and the stabilizer bar twists. The control lever is moved in the "raise" direction.

With the engine running, oil flows from the pump to the bottom of the rear struts. The body of the car is lifted and the control lever returns to the level position.

In the level position, the oil bypasses the valve and returns to the reservoir through the return line.

A minimum pressure of 440 Psi (30bar) is maintained at all times. If service is required, a bleed off valve is installed on the control valve to drain the systems pressure.

Fig 1: Identifying Control Valve
G03403622Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.