Even if it was unplugged, he would still have to calibrate it

:confused:

confused - elaborate, please...

If it was unplugged this whole time then the steering angle sensor(lew) will need to be taught into the dsc control unit ie:calibrated....my question is why would it be unplugged in the first place

By saying calibrate u mean write the EEPROM using the bmw scanner ?

And if you didnt read it my car before i bought it was sitting in a garage for 5-6 months

ninja, you do need the code before moving further, but here is a link to a DIY on bimmerforums, DIY: E46 Steering Angle Sensor - Bimmerforums - The Ultimate BMW Forum, it will give an ideai about the steering angle sensor

Man i wish it talked about how to code it.

did you have a chance to read the codes for the 4x4 light? we still do not know if the problem is with the angle sensor

I have it written but i am not home right now, will update tonight with the codes

When I say calibrate, I mean exactly that. You are basically telling the dsc module where the zero point is. By zero point I mean wheel straight ahead. This is how dsc know wheel position for things such as traction control activation, bi xenon swivel module movement, etc.... (The signal for headlight movement is a bus signal from the vehicle gateway which is the kombi aka instument cluster)

Now say the wheel is far off center while driving..... The dsc control unit looks at the LEW( steering angle sensor) and sees the wheel turned, then compares it to individual wheel speeds(during turning one wheel moves faster than the other... And the control unit can also tell the direction of turn just from these signals as well)realizes that this is not plausible( conflicting data) then sets the steering angle sensor plausibility fault. Steering angle is used for a lot of things, on the new cars it is also used for dynamic cornering lights( curb lights), turn signal deactivation( seeing the wheel turn then return to center)