ABS & DSC lights again!

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Bumpa
Joined: Fri 23 Jun, 2017 20:31
Posts: 70

  Z3 roadster 2.2i

ABS & DSC lights again!

Post by Bumpa »

My 2002 Z3 2.2 litre Sport has the later DSC type of ABS. Recently I have had the DSC triangle and the ABS lights coming on, both amber not red. It is very variable when they show. I can drive 20 miles and they stay off, or I can drive less than a mile before they come on.

First the triangular DSC lights starts flashing, and then after a minute or so it comes on permanently along with the ABS light.

My C110 code reader gives me
5E3C - Wheel Speed not Plausible
and
5E38 - Wheel Speed Sensor.

But which wheel? Is there any way to find out at home, or must I go to a specialist?

Mike
mickdev
Joined: Thu 18 Feb, 2016 17:38
Posts: 58

  Z3 roadster 1.8 TU

Re: ABS & DSC lights again!

Post by mickdev »

My C110 tells you which wheel it is, mine kept coming on periodically, turned out it was my ABS pump, expensive job, but you get a lifetime warranty with it.
therealdb1
Joined: Tue 25 Jun, 2013 21:47
Posts: 263

  Z3 roadster 2.0

Re: ABS & DSC lights again!

Post by therealdb1 »

It might just be corrosion or a reluctor ring caked up so the fix would be easy and cheap but it would be handy if you knew which corner was causing the problem.

Perhaps mickdev can advise where to look on the C110 for that specific information.
Bumpa
Joined: Fri 23 Jun, 2017 20:31
Posts: 70

  Z3 roadster 2.2i

Re: ABS & DSC lights again!

Post by Bumpa »

How can you get at the reluctor ring to clean it? After 16 years it could well be rusted and cruddy.
John Wilson
Joined: Fri 12 Jun, 2009 12:11
Posts: 252

  Z3 roadster 2.0
Location: Diss

Re: ABS & DSC lights again!

Post by John Wilson »

Have you cleaned the sensors themselves. They need regular cleaning. Its hard the first time because they corrode in place but after that it becomes a very quick job. Thats usually the problem, rather than the ring. Do the lot then you dont need to worry about which ones to blame.
Bumpa
Joined: Fri 23 Jun, 2017 20:31
Posts: 70

  Z3 roadster 2.2i

Re: ABS & DSC lights again!

Post by Bumpa »

John Wilson wrote: Mon 09 Jul, 2018 16:13 Have you cleaned the sensors themselves. They need regular cleaning. Its hard the first time because they corrode in place but after that it becomes a very quick job. Thats usually the problem, rather than the ring. Do the lot then you dont need to worry about which ones to blame.
That's good advice John. What would you use to clean them? All this modern stuff is foreign to me. I'm much more used to 40 and 50 year old cars.
John Wilson
Joined: Fri 12 Jun, 2009 12:11
Posts: 252

  Z3 roadster 2.0
Location: Diss

Re: ABS & DSC lights again!

Post by John Wilson »

They are easy to clean just with a brush to get the crud off the end. The hard bit is removing them to do the job. They are like a bung in a socket and are held in place with an allen head bolt. If they are corroded in I would suggest a good soak with releasing oil (not WD 40). This is firstly to prevent the allen bolt from shearing off while trying to loosen it, and also to aid pulling the sensor from the hole. I smear a tiny bit of grease around before refitting and that makes it an easy job in future. Good luck!
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andy18n
Joined: Tue 05 Feb, 2013 20:56
Posts: 62

  Z3 roadster 3.0i

Re: ABS & DSC lights again!

Post by andy18n »

Mine does this every year for a week or two after the MOT. Then stops and doesn’t re-show all year.
I’ve no logical explanation other than the test upsets the sensors and system a bit. Or it’s just total coincidence!

Cheers
Andy
2002 Z3 3.0i Sport Black Sapphire Black & Red Leather
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motco
Joined: Tue 18 Aug, 2009 18:12
Posts: 728

  Z3 roadster 2.2i

Re: ABS & DSC lights again!

Post by motco »

andy18n wrote: Mon 09 Jul, 2018 21:30 Mine does this every year for a week or two after the MOT. Then stops and doesn’t re-show all year.
I’ve no logical explanation other than the test upsets the sensors and system a bit. Or it’s just total coincidence!

Cheers
Andy
I avoid the roller brake test by saying there's a limited slip differential. Despite the manager knowing it's a Torsen (a soft kind of LSD) he won't risk using the rollers.
Mike Fishwick
Joined: Fri 19 Jun, 2009 10:27
Posts: 2093

  Z3 roadster 2.8
Location: Daglan, France

Re: ABS & DSC lights again!

Post by Mike Fishwick »

The Slip Control Module is voltage-sensitive, so if the car has been standing for a while without being trickle charged the lights will come on, and after a decent run they will go out when the battery is fully charged.

It is also sensitive to having rear tyres which are unevenly worn.

Having said that, annual removal and cleaning of the wheel sensors will also help prevent such problems. The same goes for the cam position sensors, which attract ferrous particles from the enigne oil. This coats the magnet, which prvents the sensor from 'seeing' the magnet. They are also helped by frequent oil changes - not waiting until prompted by the Service Indicator. Every 5000 miles or one year is about the limit.
A Z3 is not just for Christmas - it's for life!
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