bmw scanner 1.4 does allows coding, but like everything else you need to know how to do it. Unless you spend the big bucks to buy the software from PA Soft, the knock off sofyware does not come with any manuals.

If you can remove the module yourself (lots of DIY here on this - 1 connector and ~6 torx head screws once you remove the left side headlight assembly for access), you can try to get it repaired through one of those services. If that works, it will run you about $100 for repair and not need recoding. I wouldn't replace any more sensors until you have tried this.

When I sent mine in, they told me it was not repairable. Having not done my homework, I bought a used one on ebay and sent it in for the module place to check and rebuild. They passed it, but it never worked on my car. There are many different Bosch modules - you should record the specific version you have when you remove it from your car - they thought it was an incompatibility between the used one and my car. I have no way of knowing...

I ended up finding a brand new module from a Bosch distributor for about $350 (wish I had started with this approach and not the ebay unit). I had an indy shop code it to my car for about $100. If you call around, they can tell you on the phone if they have this capability.

It more then likely the ABS module, with my luck I never get the easy stuff. I have all the symptoms of the module failure, the three lights, intermittent speedo, cruise control still works. Everything is pointing towards the module. If I could find a manual on coding with the 1.4 scanner I would buy one, be good for other Bimmers I have also. The thing about using the EBay guys is I am doubtful that you get your original unit back. Has anyone cracked one of these open and repaired it themselves? If it is just solder joints, I am proficient in that area I used to do avionics work. I might just try that route first before sending it in.

I'm in no rush to repair it, I have an E46 that is my DD, plus I have a road trip later this week to prep for.

you need to read the codes - if ABS unit off line, it is the ABS unit... if it is online, you might have something else throwing codes...

look into investing into software and the USB cable. our romanian dude on ebay sells the cable and disks, for about $40-50, search for INPA...

i would not send module for repair unless you know whats up...

didn't you say the shop read the codes? what were they?

No, the shop hasn't read my codes. I pulled over on the way to work to scan for any codes when I noticed the speedo failure. The only code was p0369 which I don't think is related. My check engine light has been on for a cat code, don't remember which code it was. The indy said it might need a cat on a previous visit, I just hadn't been very motivated to replace a cat for a maybe fix. I've actually been thinking about deleting the cat and installing an O2 simulator.
I've read on a post that someone else cleared the cat code with an exhaust cam position sensor replacement, maybe that is my core fault for the p0369.

will you be able to pass an inspection without a cat? will you be able to sell a car without a cat? there are pretty strict laws in that reference but it could be just in my state(s)... check into it before venturing there...

no inspection or emissions check in my county. plus i plan on running the wheels off of her, she has 211k right now. the extra hp would help the m54 in moving her fat ass.

Sounds like the left rear wheel sensor is bad since your speedo is not working. That will give you the trifecta of lights. If you have BMW software you can scan for DTC since you have the trifecta of lights.

An OBD II scanner will not be able to scan for these codes. OBD II scanner is only good for emission/engine relate DTC that set off a SES light.

following up
 

The loss of speedo is a good clue - as posted above, it gets its signal from one wheel - the left rear wheel speed sensor - I have had good luck with ebay wheel sensors from this vendor - YEMV - 34526756380 ABS Wheel Speed Sensor Rear L R BMW E53 x5 00 04 ALS452 | eBay

In regards to the module repair service - the whole point is that you get your exact module back to avoid having to recode the VIN into it. I wouldn't worry about getting a different one back. You could/should record the model/SN before you mail it in so you can check. Sometimes those guys will say it is beyond repair, but I have not heard anyone complaining about getting the wrong module back.

If you decide its the module, the module repair is a good first step. My advice is to avoid buying a used unit if the module repair doesn't work since the used ones are not that cheap and you still have to get it coded to your VIN/car.

@ upallnight, the software you are talking about, is that the 1.4 scanner? Does anyone have a manual of accessing and coding? I have seen the links for the EBay postings for them, I'd buy one if I could find a manual.

@David.X5, I'll definitly try the wheel sensor before going through the hassle of the module. I didn't know that they would indeed send me back my unit, that's good news.

This X is on the back burner for now, I drove it today btw with no fault lights down the road to pick up some parts for my E34 with the trailer a short distance. I want to do my front struts and water pump on the E46 for the road trip on Thursday. I'll order the cam sensor and the wheel sensor so that it's here when I get back home. I found a good write up at Bimmerforums in the E39 section that gives a good trouble shooting guide for the module and senors. The module is different, but should the sensors be the same?