BMW X5, 2001 – Inoperative Speedometer & Brakes, ABS & DSC Warning Yellow Lights

[Jelasky]

I replaced the drivers side rear sensor as directed. The same intermittent issue happens where I lose the speedometer, abs and traction control. Doesn't happen every time, but seems to happen more often when the car is warm. It never stops working while the car is running, but only occasionally after starting. Any other theories for this DIY guy before I take it to the dealer and get a large bill?

[Gary1bv]

Also had the 3 lights on the dash (ABS, DSC and Handbrake). Borrowed a friends laptop/software to diagnose the issues and found to be the front right wheel speed sensor was open circuit.

Bought a compatible replacement and went to fit it. Should have been simple but half of the original sensor had broken off inside the hub. Crap! Had to very carefully drill out what was left in the hub without going to deep and damaging the internals of the hub.

Cleand out the bore and fitted new sensor. ......all dash lights cleared as soon as I started to move the car!

Result!.....and also considering BMW were loking at over £200 to diagnose and repair. They may have even charged more as they would have also had to take time to drill out the old sensor.

So, 2 nights work and £15 = 1 happy X5 owner!

[upallnight]

If you don't want to throw parts at it get the truck scanned. There a reason why those lights are on and a scan can tell you why the lights are on.

[HEISING]

ABS/DSC module would still be suspect. Sometimes a strong new sensor will fix the problem temporarily.

[Ricky Bobby]

If you're quick you can still get the Bosch 5.7 module rebuilt for $90 including 2-way shipping, with lifetime warranty, a steal of a deal (and it should solve your problems since you replaced the sensor already its most likely the module):

2nd time in 2 days I posted this

Bosch 5 7 ABS Module Repair Service | eBay

[TerminatorX5]

i thought he already scanned the car using his friends laptop and found the sensor... i don't think the module is on its way out but... but i could be wrong...

still, i would cross that bridge when i get there - system is operational for now...

good luck

[upallnight]

Originally Posted by TerminatorX5

i thought he already scanned the car using his friends laptop and found the sensor... i don't think the module is on its way out but... but i could be wrong...

still, i would cross that bridge when i get there - system is operational for now...

good luck

This is what happens when people hi-jack other people thread instead of making a new thread about their problems.

[HEISING]

Scanning the vehicle for error codes is alright. You need to remember that the ABS/DSC module will trick you if the internal bonding wires in the module are intermittant. The bonding wires connect the semiconductor substrate to the pins in the module housing. When a bonding wire opens or comes loose, the module will not see the speed sensor. If it doesn't see the sensor, it will call the speed sensor "faulty", when in reality, the sensor is just fine.
When the ABS/DSC module fails, bonding wires are almost always the culprit. This is what the module rebuilders fix.

Just keep this in mind when replacing anything related too, or around this module. (sensors and such)

[Kristophe]

Would be OK to drive the X with the unit out for repair?

[Ricky Bobby]

Whoops, I meant for the posters above!

OP got his issue fixed with a new sensor, but the guys above still getting random "trifecta" lights and losing speedometer, if you have already replaced the sensor and those check out fine, the next logical step is getting the ABS module rebuilt.