DSC Internal Sensor?
 

The DSC/xDrive (4x4) light came on and its a solid yellow. I also get the SLS Inactive message on the Check Control Alphanumeric Display.
http://thumbnails86.imagebam.com/208...2208160824.jpg


Tried pressing the DSC button on the console to turn the DSC light off - no change.

Pulled, checked and re-installed fuses in the back and glove compartment - no change.

BTW ... there's a 30amp fuse in the back panel, looking at the panel its the last one all the way to the right, that only has one connector on the female side - unlike the others which have two. I think I found another one IIRC that was marked "trailer socket" and it also had one connector in the fuse block. Weird.

Anyways, scanned it with the GT1. Got a "5F0C DSC sensor, internal" fault in memory that was not selectable or deletable.
http://thumbnails41.imagebam.com/208...3208160837.jpg

Went through the Test plan and got these screens.
http://thumbnails21.imagebam.com/208...3208160739.jpg http://thumbnails81.imagebam.com/208...0208160757.jpg

Based on those screens, I interpret it as the internal sensor fault was found in the DSC module not a separate sensor that could be replaced.

So, before I buy a DSC module I want to see what the forum has to say.

The external sensors are a Brake Pressure sensor, (Four) Wheel Speed sensors, (Two) Rotation Rate sensors, and a Steering Angle sensor. There's also a DSC Hydraulic unit but it doesn't seem to be related to any of these at first glance.

Maybe I should disconnect the battery for about 1hr and see if that helps.

SOLUTION:
Replace Rotation Rate (yaw) sensor under the center console. Old sensor (discontinued) on the left and made in Germany. New sensor on the right and made in Hungary. After replacement, the DSC/xDrive (4x4) light and SLS Inactive message went away. I did not have to code/program anything.
http://thumbnails102.imagebam.com/21...a210207060.jpg

sound like your dcs module is going south...time sent it out to get it repair.mine was that way.i end up bought the new one installed and recode.

Did you replace it yourself? I'm a little confused if the DSC module is integrated with the DSC Hydraulic unit or if its a totally separate unit. Was it easy to physically replace?

I know it needs ZCS coding but I'm not sure if I need the dealer to do that or if its simply reading existing module info. and transferring it to the new one.

Any details would help. Maybe I should just call you instead. LOL!

Isn't the DSC module same as the ABS module?... The ABS module is held by 6 torx screws (T15?) in the coolant overflow tank area, can be removed, car can be driven for no more than 200 km (or is it 200 miles?), while the unit is being repaired (about $200), and then reinstalled, no recoding needed since it is the original unit...

If, however, the DSC module is not the same as the ABS module, then I have no idea...

Also, the fact that the EHC is acting up at the same time - is it coincidence, or is it related?

I don't know. It might be the same since in the documentation the ABS light is connected to the DSC module. Have you had a DSC/ABS module repaired? Where did you go?

It may be related because I got the SLS intermittently before. Not sure.

After a quick search I found these places that can rebuild the module.

Autoecu.com

ModuleMaster.com, Moscow, ID USA


I'll keep researching the issue for now and look for other rebuilders too.

And yes, to answer your question the ABS module is also the same unit that controls the ASC or DSC depending what year your car is. It's very easy to remove.

Tom, you have a place that will rebuild?

I had it repaired twice on the 4.6iS - once it was in Moscow, when the -40 degrees got the best of the thing, and the guy repaired it while i was waiting (I flirted with a nice girl at the little coffee shop next to his shop... I am sure KGB just planted that coffee shop with that girl to chit chat with me, as she was insanely beautiful, and did not mind talking to old, fat guy!!!!)... Ater he fixed it, somehow my ODO started to read in km, instead of 120K miles, it was like 200K kms... then, after few drive-arounds, the thing resetted back to miles... weird... I just chalk it up to many other weird things happening there... lol...

second time i fixed it here in the US, i got a repair service off the ebay, with a lifetime warranty, but never had a chance to test if they fixed it right or not, as the engine went to the engine heaven (and the rest of the car to the car hell!!!)... these guys actually followed up on me, by calling me, and asking if everything was ok...

when you remove those torxes, be careful as not to strip the heads - it cost me $70 to get the last screw out, as it got stuck...

You remove the left headlight, and wiggle your way in there - i also used "snake" adapter to get to some of the torx screws...

Okay, thanks for the info. and tips - appreciate it. I'll check ebay too. :)

Well, just checked the rebuilder with lifetime warranty. They only work on 5.7 modules (2003 and below). :(

BMW DSCIII documentation says:
The X5 is equipped with DSC III for its stability control system. The components are the
same as the DSC III system (version 5.7) currently installed in the E38/E39 vehicles.
However the software and programming are changed to allow for new functions associated
with all wheel drive and off-road use.