It hasn't happen to me, but from what I have read, it needs to be replaced. There is a DIY I think somewhere..

But get the codes read first..

OBD II codes are only set by the vehicles electronic engine emissions systems...you know when these codes are set because your MIL (malfunction indicator light) illuminates which is either your CEL or SES light on a BMW. The OBD II codes (and system) is a federal mandate for ALL car mfg's to adhere to and have a basic (generic) code system for all as well. Plus OBD II code readers/scanners are something totally different than being able to communicate with the BMW proprietary communication bus.


You need to find an Indy or go to a BMW dealership...or purchase the hardware/software so that you can do it yourself.

its 2005 4.4 w/92k miles...

I love that term "WAG" - but I think the folks here are giving something more than a guess - more educated guesses but guesses nonetheless.


I have the same year and model. Before you go and spend cash, I would try everything you can find on this forum. Guys here know there S!@#!#@!. When this happened to me, I did the steering wheel bit and eventually pulled the battery cables and the steering bit again and it worked - no more 4x4 light. No harm in doing these things. It only take s few minutes of your time.

Find a good indy in your area and they should charge no more thean $80 to read the codes and clear them.

I'll look in my repair manual and see if I can find anything and will get back to you.

Good luck.

or, search ebay for inpa and cables, and you will find something from romania for about $30-50, that comes with a cable and some disks... those disks are not 100% dealer equipment equivalent (there are still, some pieces that are waaaay too expensive, so only dealer and higher end indys would have) but not 5% what the local autostore has either (the store code reader reads only a handful of generic codes) - you can read a lot of codes using the sw that comes with the cable, and cut your chase down a bit... once you have a code, you will know where to look further... 4x4 light is a function of the ABS module, and can be anything related to the stability of the car, from the steering angle sensor, to the yaw sensor (below center console) to the speed sensors to the ABS module itself or the wiring in-between... with the code, you can eliminate some of the possibilities and focus on the most likely issue...

Your car doesn't have the 20 pins connector so a regular OBD II connector will be sufficient.

I agree with terminator on this one. That tool is very handy to have. On a side note. I bought the cable and hardware from the same ebay member that is being referred to here in romania. Thats was a little over two weks ago and still no cable and software. It is coming from Romania so i expected a wait however. You may not be wanting to wait as long to fix your issue. Id take it to an indy to have the code read.

do we have anyone in OPs area who has a reader/software? maybe somebody could help him out?

Thanks all for the helpful feedback. I just found a Porsche/BMW repair shop near me that will read the BMW codes for $45.. I'm going to run the X up there in a moment.. I'll update with any code info they can tell me...

Not to hi-jack this thread but, my 4 x 4, red brake and ABS light came on this morning. Damn it- Beavis!
Didn't reset with a shut down and restart. Will try the steering angle theory....I have P.A. Soft 1.4 and will read the codes when I get home. I'm thinking my transfer case took a crap and needs an oil change, maybe turn the worm gear but, not hearing any noise on shut down.... Will know more tonight and update. Ugh!