Did you identify where the original leak was coming from by using soapy water? Were the old bags actually leaking? Is the leak from pipework or the valve block maybe?

Have you checked where the leak is coming from?

Also if replacing them use a sharp knife to slit them length ways before you attempt to remove them as the plastic receivers snap off the valves very easily if you try to twist them off.

I didn't disconnect the battery but unplugged the compressor when deflating the system by undoing one of the supply pipes

Cant see why you couldn't do this but accessing the compressor isn't any real hardship to be honest to deflate the system. As for setting levels, the car should automatically do this without the need for using ista. Just check that the level sensor arms are all pointing the same way (outwards kinda).

You say control arms and track rod ends done but what about the other front suspension links?

Do you get a feel when driving it which side or end of the car is wobbling?

Does the wobble reduce when braking or get worse?

henrym3 wrote: ↑Sat Mar 21, 2020 4:48 pm If you have a tow bar fitted I’m sure you can tap into the 12v supply with a charger and put enough oomph in to unlock

Thats the way i got into mine as couldnt reach a live underneath

Yes, check the wiring from the sensor plug as mine had a broken wire 4 inches from the plug. I only realised after replacing the sensor twice with the warning and fault still present. I noticed slight scuffing on the tape covering the wires. Upon peeling the tape back I could see the damaged wire. A...

That is a sore one to be honest and with a car that age and value you have to weigh up whether its worth repairing. That is the reason many are broken for parts. I suppose you have to decide on how long you will keep it for and what is its condition other than that. If you were to keep it for a few ...

As I understand it, the cause of these failures is thought to be the extended intervals between oil changes.

To be honest the parts arent that much its the labour costs involved. Shop around and even a bit further afield to get a decent quote

I picked up a 2010 x5 40d for a friend a few weeks back and it had a receipt for new chain fitted a few months earlier. If I recal it was around £1500 for parts and labour at a local indie. You are correct, the engine has to come out as the chains are at the rear. If it is noisey I wouldnt use it un...

Welcome aboard Richard you sound like you have some skills we could all benefit from on here.

I retrofitted an Oris swivel towbar on my E70. It is not yet quite functional as I think there is an internal problem with the swivel motor but yet to have a look.