Encoding Steering angle sensor
 

Finally I replace my faulty angle sensor with a brand new OEM one. When I tried to encode the new angle sensor with SSS, it failed. Saying some fault code in the software or something, I don't remember. I followed every step in TIS to replace the angle sensor, but I did not disconnect the battery before the replacement. Do I have to disconnect the battery before encoding the new angle sensor? Thanks for help!

Finally I have the task done on my own. It seems nobody has done this before here. I just wish to share the experience with all of you in case anyone here wants to do the same job.

Actually replacing the steering angle sensor is not that hard, just remove all trim pieces in the driver side footwell and release the screw on the lower shaft. In order to successfully remove the screw, you have to turn the steering wheel a little bit to left or right, so that you can use two 13mm ranches to loose the screw and remove it. Follow below link to proceed to task:

Replacing steering angle sensor - Bimmerfest - BMW Forums

Although the link shows the task on E39, the setting on E53 is exactly same with E39. You may need to push the lower shaft very hard to make it work. One thing you have to remember, do not disconnect the battery before you can reach the sensor. After removing the screw, you may need to use a flat head screw driver to pry the slot to make it open bigger if you find it is very hard to push down the lower shaft. Noted that you must turn the steering wheel back to straight ahead and take out the key before you push down the shaft. Disconnect the battery after you push down the shaft, disconnect the plug of the steering angle sensor, cut the cable tie, then remove the steering wheel sensor downwards. Install the new sensor all way up, the fix pin must go through the hole on the sensor. Connect the plug, use a cable tie to fix the cable to the steering column (very important). Now pull the lower shaft all way up, as far up as you can, install the screw and turn the screw a bit so that it won't fall, you can put the key back and turn the steering wheel bit so that you can easily install the screw. Tighten the screw with two ranches as much as you can. Then install all trim pieces back to the footwell.

Now all you need to do is to encode the sensor. Before you encode the new sensor, remember to run DIS to clear all fault code first, then use SSS to encode it. You must remain the key in position 2 when using DIS to clear all the fault code, then keep the key in position 2, run SSS to encode the sensor and then calibrate the sensor. Remember do not start the engine or do anything that make the vehicle generate any fault after clearing all the fault code, otherwise encoding task will fail. If you do not have a battery charger to keep the voltage at 13V or higher, you can run the engine through out all the DIS and SSS job. Then you are all done with it.

Thanks for this. I had the ABS, Brake and Traction Control lights. The code read showed that it was the steering angle sensor. I replaced it myself. My local indy shop was unable to code the sensor and insisted that it was a faulty ABS module. I took it to Crevier BMW and they were able to code the sensor and all is fine now.

Thanks!

I used DIS/SSS . got to service funtions, steering , test schedule ( answer No) then follow instructions on the screen . Mine said to jack car up , turn wheels lock to lock , also said to make wheel as straight as possible. after sync, then turn key off for 30 sec, turn key on and machine will tell you if it was successful .

Following. I have a 4x4 light on now and a steering angle sensore code. How much for an agle sensor?

Anywhere from $73 to $300 on Ebay.

fault not preaent now. these x5 are a rubics cube. kinda frustrating.

When my SAS failed it came on and then wouldn't and then it would and then it wouldn't until it finally came on and stayed on. These trucks are definitely challenging.