DSC/4x4/ABS/BRAKE/Traction/SelfLevel Susp. Inac ERRORS
 

I have an 05 4.8is with around 56k miles. Every time I start the car and drive 5 feet, I get ABS, BRAKE, and traction light come on, followed by "DSC/ 4x4 Inac." on the DIS, then followed by "SelfLevel Susp. Inac." I know the second DIS message is very common on X5's, but does it usually proceed all the other messages? The car isn't in limp mode (can drive up to 65mph) but the car feels funny. Really don't want to go to stealership, but may have to.....

BTW, front struts were replaced 2-3yrs ago with Arnott ones. Never received a message when those went out and I had GT1 calibration/reset after replacement. Also, disconnected battery and checked fuses, all fine and problem still there. What do you guys think it is? Air module behind glovebox?

Thanks

when was the battery last replaced?

Battery was replaced 2 yrs ago with OEM one. It is still "green eyed." Also, it is put on a trickle if the car sits for more than 3 days.

Also, Dinan stage 3 was installed in Nov.

May be alternator/regulator
 

I had your symptoms. Battery was dying and scan showed alternator problem including overcharge to 15.6 volts. Don't ask me how or why. This was my experience. Battery and alternator replaced and no more issues.

Good luck.

Thanks for the info. Isn't there a way to get voltage to appear on the DIS using the "secret" menu (the one that does the gauge needle sweep)?

I'm use a CTEK 800 trickle which has "patented" technology that doesn't overcharge the battery... I don't think this is causing the problem, since Porsche, Aston Martin, Ferrari, and Bentley use this trickle on their cars!

just guessing here....perhaps some sort of sensor involved with the stability system??? it is suspect that it happens after the truck is moved versus directly upon start up.

True, only after it moves.

This would be my guess. Check your sensors at the wheel sensors and the sensors for the air suspension too (for functionality and location).

Especially if you had any recent suspension work. Something might have been knocked out of whack.

Someone replaced a wheel bearing and was installed backwards that gave the trifecta lights.

Also might look into the steering angle sensor. That's the sensor which can be reset by usually turning the steering wheel lock-to-lock and clearing the trifecta of lights.

I had the same issue then after a while of ignoring ( 1 month) my abs would actually engage when I would be between 5 an 15 mph in traffic.

I started driving with the voltage read out on test 9 of the DIS and noticed when the abs kicked in while in traffic that the voltage would jump past 16v.

I decided to replace the voltage regulator and it corrected the problem. No issues for the last 16 months.

Not saying that its the solution for you but I took a chance since it was a cheap part (about $60) and was a straight forward diy.

Could you give me more details on what you mean by running test 9 of the DIS? Did you actually drive around with the GT1 connected or do you mean you used the diagnostic mode that displays through the instrument cluster?

My wife complains that sometimes, and only at slow speed, that it feels like the brakes are engaging and that she feels it through the accelerator pedal too. I've ben trying to replicate this problem but have had no luck so far.

Did you actually get the ABS light? She said no lights or warnings come on when it happens.

When I get my GT1 back I'll scan for codes/faults. Looks like a voltage regulator is a little over $100 through ECS for our 4.8. Wonder if I can replace it without removing the alternator.

RealOEM.com * BMW E53 X5 4.8is Alternator, individual parts

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