Rear axle air suspension (BMW 5 Series E39)

As an additional equipment, the car can be equipped with an air suspension of the rear axle. The air shock absorber is a combination of a gas-filled shock absorber and an air spring. The air spring includes an air tank, a diaphragm-type casing, and a piston with an additional chamber. The diaphragm-type casing creates a sealed, movable connection between the air tank and the shock absorber. With its internal working surface, the casing takes the load of the car through air pressure.

Rear shock absorber strut

On the left and right side of the rear axle, under the covers, there are ground clearance sensors, which are connected via control rods to the corresponding pneumatic shock absorber struts.

The control unit is located under the spare wheel behind the chassis cover.