2004 L322 rear height sensor broken

Hi guys, yesterday I changed the brake pads and decided to swap the wheels front to back to even out the wear. After we finished the job the N/S back was dropped right down onto the tyre. We couldn’t figure out why this had happened for a short time until we jacked it back up at the back and I noticed the N/S rear height sensor had snapped, soon as we pushed the sensor back up the car levelled out. Initially I thought it might be something to do with the “suspension inactive” message I’ve been getting since the ABS Ecu fault I’ve been getting but seemed not.

We glued it back together to get the suspension to stay up, it looked as though it has been broken a while. Is it possible to drive it then with a broken sensor and I’ve been driving around with it like this for some time?

Also I’ve been looking on eBay for a replacement and noticed that the ones with the part number RQH100030 say only suitable for models with halogen headlamps or just the N/S and from 2002-2004. I thought all L322 models has xenon headlamps. Then there is another part number for 2004-2009 models which is RQH500450.

Can anybody who’s had to sort these issues shed some light on the above questions please?

Can it be driven with a snapped/bodged sensor till I can get one in the next few days?

Can you post a picture of the broken part? I have heard of people gluing the arm back on and wrapping it in epoxy coated string. The arm just needs to be straight and true so gluing it will have no negative effects if done in a manner where it will not fail.

Also pull the part number - I assume it will be a BMW part. From there you may be able to find a used BMW part that is a direct fit or a source of parts.

Simple answer is yes it is possible. However, your handling will be off, your suspension will keep playing about and you will most likely keep getting fault messages. Personally I wouldn't do it at all and certainly not more than a few miles.
Drove mine , unintentionally, once with a failed sensor. I had parked up on some grass and when I came back on tarmac, got the suspension inactive message, put it down to the slight bump to get back on tarmac, reset and off I went. It felt a bit odd on handling but hadn't had any more faults. So didn't know until I got home that I had been driving a wedge of cheese ( rear end up , nose down). Needless to say, she rested until the part arrived.

gold rover said:

Simple answer is yes it is possible. However, your handling will be off, your suspension will keep playing about and you will most likely keep getting fault messages. Personally I wouldn't do it at all and certainly not more than a few miles.
Drove mine , unintentionally, once with a failed sensor. I had parked up on some grass and when I came back on tarmac, got the suspension inactive message, put it down to the slight bump to get back on tarmac, reset and off I went. It felt a bit odd on handling but hadn't had any more faults. So didn't know until I got home that I had been driving a wedge of cheese ( rear end up , nose down). Needless to say, she rested until the part arrived.

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Ah,the usual position then, R's in the air.

I didn’t drive it in the end as I didn’t feel happy to do so, I had to make arrangements to get my kids picked up. I’ve ordered the part, was going to fit it today until some little **** put my tailgate window through this morning with a concrete slab!

reggieroo said:

I didn’t drive it in the end as I didn’t feel happy to do so, I had to make arrangements to get my kids picked up. I’ve ordered the part, was going to fit it today until some little **** put my tailgate window through this morning with a concrete slab!

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Wow! Who did you upset?

Post a picture of the broken unit when you remove it. I am curious as to where it broke. Thanks