2001 BMW X5 Wheel Speed Sensor and ABS Control Module
 

Hey guys; I’m a new member and this is my first post. I’ve been having some issues recently with my X5 and decided to post it as a topic so that maybe it could help someone else having similar problems. I was taking a right turn in traffic a couple weeks ago and got a burst from my ABS system that made the engine stall. I started it back up and when I accelerated, the ABS kicked-in. I pulled into a service station and checked out my brake fluid level and it was good. When I started it back up, I had warning lights from Brakes, DSC, and ABS. Next day I got 2-diagnosis from the X5’s OBDII:
-- 1-From Auto Zone (Replace ABS Control Module, Code P0500)
-- 2-from my own OBDII scanner (05 Wheel-speed sensor, rear right, transmits implausible signals).

I replaced the rear wheel speed sensor noted by my scanner and all the warning lights cleared by themselves but I still have a problem. The ABS is engaging when I accelerate and when I apply the brakes. Though I had the diagnosis by Auto Zone about the control module, I still did a little research to confirm the issue. It may be a good idea to get confirmation with a BMW diagnostic but at a cost of $120, I’ve decided to save myself that bit of cash. I’ve heard quotes on having my module rebuilt for around $100. Various parts dealers offer the part from $400 to $1,500, and a brand new one from BMW costs from $1,000 to $1,500 depending on which dealer I buy it from.

I don’t want to spend $1,000 on a part but I don’t have any experience having a module rebuilt and don’t know what I’ll get if I go that route. I’m on the fence between trusting an online auto-parts dealer or just digging deep and buying a new one. One comforting aspect is that all the sources I’ve investigated say that this part rarely goes out. That means I may get another 16 years off the replacement console. An important factor for me is safety and peace of mind. This thing controls my brakes and the stability of my vehicle through the DSC system. ...So, though I want my replacement to be cheap, I’m more concerned for what happens when I need ABS and stability. That module has got to perform as intended. I’m making my purchase decision within the next 2 days and I’ll post an update to this after I decide. I’ll post a few pics of the work I’m doing; let me know if you have any questions.

From what I've heard it's probably just a bad solder joint within the module. You shouldn't shy away from getting it repaired or even repairing it yourself if you have some soldering skills.

I've done my share of soldering so if that's all it takes, I can handle it myself. Do you know of any decent vids or articles on a diy?

No, sorry, i don't. I just now it's a fairly common (not unheard of) problem with other car brands as well as BMW. Google what you can and then I would say just go for it, not much to loose and you can be confident with the repair if you do it yourself.

First, Are you really sure it's the module? I would get someone with BMW specific software INPA/DIS, AutoEnginuity, etc. to try and communicate with the module. There are guys that advertise on Craigslist to do this sort of mobile diagnostics. Look around...

The module is vin coded to your car. If you get yours repaired (maybe 50-50 chance it works) then just plug it back in and go. Boom! If you need a new module (it's a Bosch part, you can get a new Bosch unit for around $400, no need to pay more) then you also have to find a shop to vin code it to your X for it to work properly.

i had use a ABS Airbag Reset Tool from website,it does not only have extensive coverage of vehicles but also provides accurate and professional diagnosis of ABS and airbag faults.
and i had used it test successful my e90,this how to diagnosis

I don't know that product. The software I listed will talk to the DSC module directly and you can confirm it is communicating via OBDII. You could also read wheel speed data in real time while driving to see if the sensor data makes sense. If you can do both these things with that unit, then try and see what you learn.

Update – I just installed a brand new unit that I bought from an online parts dealer for BMWs. Not happy about paying $680 but hey, I’ve got peace of mind knowing that it’s new. The new unit came with some small plastic blue and white pegs or bolts and I have no idea what they’re used for. The install went fairly well and afterwards I moved the car to park it out of the way – That was enough to see that the module fixed my problems. The ABS issues went away and my X is back to normal. Warning lights for brakes, DSC, & ABS are on and I know it’s because I have to get the module coded at the dealer so I’ll get that done as soon as I can. I’ve got 2-questions for anyone who knows:

-- 1 – Has anyone ever driven their X5 after replacing the module? Would it be safe to drive 40 miles to the dealer on this new un-programmed module or should I get a tow?
-- 2 – What on earth are those blue and white pegs used for?

…posting a few more pics of the process.

Great! The blue and white things are to cap off the fluid connections on the pump side if you were unbolt in the whole pump. You don't need them.

I drove mine to get it coded. Not 40 miles, but don't see a difference between 10 and 40. Remember you will not have antilock brakes or stability/traction control so take it easy especially in bad weather.

Much appreciated -- I didn't want to hire a tow. I figured brakes & stability would be dysfunctional so yeah, I agree with taking it easy. I threw the blue and white pegs in the trash. Thanks for the heads-up.