2004 X3 - 4x4 Light on Dash is Lit

[grossp]

Hi everyone. I've been reading a lot of threds in the forum and think that it is a great way of sharing information.

I purchased a 2004 2.5L manual X3 about 2 weeks ago and absolutely LOVE this vehicle!! It had 59,000 miles and appeared to be in excellent shape other than the one 4x4 light being lit on th dashboard.

The next service is in 10,800 miles. The records show the oil was changed in July 2008. Inspection was performed in August 2008. There is nothing else wrong other than the light being on. Should I wait until the next inspection (in 10,800 miles) to have this light looked at or should I have it loked at right now? Keep in mind that the warrenty has expired.

I'm assuming that this is related tothe DSC and will not engage, which is fine right, because the X3 drives fine without it?

Anyway, just looking to some reccomendations on what to do. Get it checked now or wait until the next service.

Also, being around 60,000 is there anything that I should have done now to avoid headaches later. Should I just take it in and have a full service performed?

Please let me kow your thoughts as this is my 1st BWM. Thanks!

[xx3]

If I remember correctly could be DSC or could be xDrive.

Are you under warranty?

[JCL]

The light being on usually means that the DSC button has been pressed, during off stability control. If it is on all the time it likely indicates a fault in the stability control system, likely a sensor.

[grossp]

The warrenty expired in Aug 2008. I bought it in Dec 2008 from a private party. The car is well taken care of and serviced. Everything works fine and it drives perfectly. The only thing is the 4x4 dash light is lit and I can't enguage the DSC botton by pushing it.

That makes sense that it may be a faulty sensor. I spoke to the dealership that sold the car originally and they said that it was probably a sensor problem.

Is it smart to put this repair off until the next service or is that the wrong attitude to have when owning a BMW?
Thanks!

[JCL]

There is enough discussion about BMW attitude without adding to it

If the DSC is not functioning, you aren't getting the benefits of the stability control system. It is the season when you may want it. I would take it in and get it looked at. Letting things go can sometimes cause other problems.

[ivan]

Hi everybody
I had the same type of problem on my 2004 3.0 diesel a couple of times; actually it was more like a bug because the first time, I solved it by removing the minus on the battery for about 10 minutes and putting it back again; and the second time I just had to turn the wheels slowly extreme right to extreme left a couple of times....and the light disappeared
just try either; doesn't cost anything and it might work; if you unplug the battery you'll lose fuel consumption data, time and date (but no radio memory apparently)
cheers
ivan

[grossp]

I tried the suggestions above. I removed the minus line from the battery for 10 mins and tried turning the wheel, but it did not seem to work. I took my X3 to a private foreign auto shop. They determined that 4x4 light was staying lit because the rotational rate sensor was faulty. This was preventing my All Wheel drive from working properly and I was only using my rear wheels. My DSC button was not working and my hill decent button was not working either.

1. A new rotational rate sensor was $700.95 and labor was $225.

Also brakes and rotors were almost metal on metal and needed to be replaced all around.

1. Replaced front rotors, pads and sensor (labor $95, brake pads $134, rotors 2 x $117, sensor $27 = $490 total for front)
2. Replaced rear rotors, pads and sensor (labor $95, brake pads $133, rotors 2 x $109, sensor $29 = $455 total)

Because I was at 59,600 miles a phase II inspection was needed, which is the expensive one!!! I chose to perform these other PM items

• Tune up ($151 labor, plugs 6 x 15 = $241 total)
• Power steering fluid flush $97 total
• Brake fluid flush $95 total
• Replaced air filter $25 total
• Replaced cabin filter $37 total
• Oil change at 7,500mi (labor and reset service lights $26, oil 7 x $3, filter $21, additive $11 = $79 total)
• New tires, Continentals (4 x 119, balance $40, misc $24 = $540 total)

Total bill was $3277.30 for everything. Now everthing works properly. If it was just to fix the 4x4 light it would have costs $926. Tires were $540. Everything else was $768 in parts and $633 in labor.

I just bought this used vehicle less than a month ago and this was a tough investment, but I feel now that everything is now up to par and I should have some enjoyable time with the X3.

Any comments, prices too high? good prices? Stick with a BMW dealer for all repairs? Please let me know what you think.

Thanks for the help,
Paul

[AzNMpower32]

Glad to see that your problems were fixed. It's unusual for the wheel speed sensor to crap out this early, so I don't know how much those are supposed to cost but obviously, its not cheap.

The tune up was not necessary, but most of the others were prudent if you intend on keeping your vehicle for a long time. I do not believe any additives are needed or recommended for the oil change, just use a good quality motor oil that meets BMW LL standards.

The filters (both interior cabin and engine) can be easily changed by yourself in the future, but your shop was reasonable in pricing since it costs about the same to purchase the parts yourself from the dealer.

As a reference point, I had an indy shop perform the following last summer:

*Inspection II (essentially the same as Insp. I, except with the addition of engine air filter replacement, which I did myself) I provided my own motor oil, replaced the cabin filter myself. Essentially I just paid them for the "check and make sure nothing's broken"
*Brake fluid flush
*ATF flush
*Transfer case flush
*4-wheel alignment

Total after BMW CCA discount: $762

[JCL]

Originally Posted by grossp

Any comments, prices too high? good prices? Stick with a BMW dealer for all repairs? Please let me know what you think.

Thanks for the help,
Paul

Couple of thoughts:

• DSC sensor makes sense. Your front wheels were still driving, the sensor only controls the DSC, but it needed doing regardless.
• BMW brakes have a pad depth sensor. They weren't likely nearly metal on metal since the light wasn't on for either axle. They may have still needed replacing, and the price is about right for an independent shop.
• Agree that the tuneup was perhaps a little opportunistic on the part of the shop. Won't hurt.
• Power steering fluid flush is not required.
• Brake fluid flush is a very good idea.
• The oil change is a caution flag. Not bad to do it, but make sure they used a synthetic oil ($3 sounds cheap) and any use of an oil additive is a red flag. Not recommended. I wouldn't drain it out, but I wouldn't do it again.

Agree that with everything tidied up, you should be in good shape for a while. Enjoy the vehicle!

[ayagutak]

how did you fix the problem with the rotational rate sensor and where can one be both