E39 525i Infamous ABS/DTC Lights on, speedo off

///MALCOLM325

///Member
Hi all,

Purchased a 2002 E39 525i (A) recently with the infamous orange lights on, causing intermittent speedo/odometer faults. If the lights are on, no speedo/odo/consumption/fuel gauges. If the lights are off, everything works.

Read the codes and found the rear left speed sensor had a fault, replaced both rear sensors and still having the issue sometimes.

Am I heading towards repairing the ABS unit?


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Peter@AEW

BMWFanatics Advertiser
Official Advertiser
Also check brake fluid reservoir level and ensure that the level sensor works before you go any further.
 

samman325

///Member
Not sure if the e39 wheel speed sensor also reads of a toothed wheel bearing. I would assume it does. Over time, dirt accumulates in the teeth causing a false signal to the sensor and hence the lights.

You could try spraying a good degreaser to the back of the wheel around the bearing area and then washing it off with a pressure washer. You may need to repeat this a few times.

Had the same issue on my e90 which I solved with the above method.
 

Monter

New member
I had the same issue with my 2001 525i. After having car diagnosed twice at Bosh and replacing all the speed sensors and relay (total waste of money), the problem persisted. It turned out to be the ABS ECU that failed. Stealers wanted R40k (!) for a new one and it has to be coded to work with engine ECU.
TuneTech saved my car by supplying and fitting a brand new genuine Bosh ABS ECU for R7k (still a lot of money) but the car has been working faultlessly ever since.
Speak to TuneTech before spending any more money on the problem!
 

applehero

///Member
Get the codes read! Would be cheaper than replacing bits.

You can get the problem described when all the fuses for the DSC are blown. Check all the fuses, and power supply to DSC.
 

///MALCOLM325

///Member
All sensors changed, fuses checked, brakes all round done, the diagnostics showed left rear sensor first then showed front sensor. Must still read the codes again after doing the change as the problem still persists.


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