I've got the dreaded trifecta of brake warning lights: ABS, DSC, and Brake on my 2003 X5 4.4i. It still happens intermittently, but after doing all the research on here, I'm pretty sure it's the ABS module, but I took it in to get it scanned anyway. The BMW specialist / INDY said that it came up:

Bad brake light switch,
and Bad DSC Pressure sensor.

Even though I still think it's the ABS module, I decided to work backwards from cheap to expensive just to be safe. I replaced the brake light switch ($40) and nothing changed. I also bought a DSC pressure sensor for $130 and plan on replacing that tomorrow. I figure if that doesn't fix it, then I'll know 100% that it's the ABS module and I can send it in for rebuild or replace it and reprogram it.

My question is: Is replacing the DSC ABS pressure sensor as easy as just swapping out the old with the new one, then just plug it back in?

I've heard conflicting reports on other sites. Some say just swap it out. Others say you need one of the BMW diagnostic computers to put the ABS pump in bleed mode, and bleed the entire braking system afterwards. The one actual report from someone who did it on his 5-series said it wasn't under pressure and he just changed it out. His lights went out and all was well.

Has anyone replaced this before? Do I need to bleed the system? Or can I just unscrew the old one out, and screw in the new one, plug it back in and be on my way?

PS: The part number is: 34 51 1 165 467 if anyone's wondering.

Thanks in advance if anyone has any experience in this to share!