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Chat Area => General Car Chat => Topic started by: Sir Tigger KC on 07 June 2017, 17:04:01

Title: BMW E39 ABS sensors
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 07 June 2017, 17:04:01
My ABS lights come on after a few miles every day.  :(

Following a guide on Bimmerfest I tested the sensors from the plug at the ABS ECU with my multi meter and the front offside was the only one that I couldn't get any sort of reaction from.  My local garage plugged their code reader in and said it was the front nearside.  ::)

I got a BMW sensor from the local scrappy, but no joy and today I've tried a cheap £10 pattern sensor on both front wheels and the light is still on.  :( 

Given that a new BMW sensor is £108 I'm reluctant to buy one unless I'm 100% certain that it'll sort the problem, hence the pissing around with second hand and cheap sensors....  ::)

The other thing of course is that it's the ABS ECU playing up which is apparently a well known fault as they're located by the exhaust manifold.  So I could whip it off and pack it off to BBA Reman.....  :-\

Any advice would be gratefully received! TIA!  :y
Title: Re: BMW E39 ABS sensors
Post by: henryd on 07 June 2017, 17:19:50
My ABS lights come on after a few miles every day.  :(

Following a guide on Bimmerfest I tested the sensors from the plug at the ABS ECU with my multi meter and the front offside was the only one that I couldn't get any sort of reaction from.  My local garage plugged their code reader in and said it was the front nearside.  ::)

I got a BMW sensor from the local scrappy, but no joy and today I've tried a cheap £10 pattern sensor on both front wheels and the light is still on.  :( 

Given that a new BMW sensor is £108 I'm reluctant to buy one unless I'm 100% certain that it'll sort the problem, hence the pissing around with second hand and cheap sensors....  ::)

The other thing of course is that it's the ABS ECU playing up which is apparently a well known fault as they're located by the exhaust manifold.  So I could whip it off and pack it off to BBA Reman.....  :-\

Any advice would be gratefully received! TIA!  :y

If the light goes out initially then comes on when driven its more than likely to be a reluctor issue(sensor can't read the rotor at speed) :y

often throws a different code ie Coherence
Title: Re: BMW E39 ABS sensors
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 07 June 2017, 22:33:42
So a quick Google suggests I can clean the rings with brake cleaner through the sensor hole?  :-\
Title: Re: BMW E39 ABS sensors
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 07 June 2017, 23:27:11
So a quick Google suggests I can clean the rings with brake cleaner through the sensor hole?  :-\
Later ones are sealed into the back of the bearings...

If yours has blue plugs then it's later...
Title: Re: BMW E39 ABS sensors
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 07 June 2017, 23:59:00
That doesn't sound encouraging......  :-\
Title: Re: BMW E39 ABS sensors
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 08 June 2017, 01:58:45
Imagine the castellated abs rings on the Omega, coated in a layer of resin... You can make out the peaks, but you can't really feel them.

In theory it should be next to impossible for dirt to affect them :-\
Title: Re: BMW E39 ABS sensors
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 08 June 2017, 09:30:50
I've never looked at reluctor rings before so don't know anything about them....  :(

I'll have another look at the weekend.... if it's dry!  ::)
Title: Re: BMW E39 ABS sensors
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 08 June 2017, 13:41:35
A picture paints a thousand words...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/for-BMW-5-Series-E39-530i-535i-540i-Front-Wheel-Bearing-HUB-31221093427-/231652258163?fits=Car+Make%3ABMW%7CPlat_Gen%3AE39&hash=item35ef8cf173:g:piYAAOSwBOtY93d1 ;)

I will be down in the New Forrest over the weekend if you need codes cleared/read... subject to boating and drinking schedule ;)
Title: Re: BMW E39 ABS sensors
Post by: henryd on 08 June 2017, 13:58:23
A picture paints a thousand words...

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/for-BMW-5-Series-E39-530i-535i-540i-Front-Wheel-Bearing-HUB-31221093427-/231652258163?fits=Car+Make%3ABMW%7CPlat_Gen%3AE39&hash=item35ef8cf173:g:piYAAOSwBOtY93d1 ;)

I will be down in the New Forrest over the weekend if you need codes cleared/read... subject to boating and drinking schedule ;)

Active sensor bearings so no abs rings as such,Had a few lately(not bmw) where the seal/sensor had deteriorated to the point where the sensor couldn't read it,ABS light would go out at start up but come on at around 20-30 mph
Title: Re: BMW E39 ABS sensors
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 08 June 2017, 15:09:21
Mine is consistently logging 95 Canbus signal error on the gearbox ecu... rest of codes for both abs and box vary... as do the failure modes... always starts with the abs going off but otherwise the cruise may or may not work, likewise the gearbox- won't change up automatically or goes into either third or fourth with no manual control.

Only common denominator is the abs ecu, and unlike the Omega, it's a question of when, not if, it fails :'(
Title: Re: BMW E39 ABS sensors
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 11 June 2017, 18:48:42
I had a go at cleaning the front reluctor rings this afternoon, which I did by stuffing a rag through the sensor hole and wiggling with a screw driver while spinning the hub. I also tried some cotton buds.

The nearside seemed have plenty of crud and I cleaned it all out as best as I could and put the new sensor on.

The lights came back on about 6-7 miles down the road.  :(
Title: Re: BMW E39 ABS sensors
Post by: Viral_Jim on 11 June 2017, 21:27:22

The lights came back on about 6-7 miles down the road.  :(

Now that is cruel! I bet that was just far enough for you to think you'd cured it!
Title: Re: BMW E39 ABS sensors
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 12 June 2017, 12:32:54
Yes my hopes were rising and then when I pulled up at a junction I felt the familiar shudder from the brake pedal and the lights came back on to mock me!  ;D

I'm wondering if the bearing is leaking grease onto the reluctor ring and so the sensor can't read the wheel speed as Henry suggested earlier.  :-\
Title: Re: BMW E39 ABS sensors
Post by: henryd on 12 June 2017, 13:11:14
Yes my hopes were rising and then when I pulled up at a junction I felt the familiar shudder from the brake pedal and the lights came back on to mock me!  ;D

I'm wondering if the bearing is leaking grease onto the reluctor ring and so the sensor can't read the wheel speed as Henry suggested earlier.  :-\

The rear seal on the bearing is the reluctor ring and they do deteriorate with age,code reader should tell you which wheel is the cause
Title: Re: BMW E39 ABS sensors
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 12 June 2017, 13:39:45
Yes local garage said it was the nearside which was the side which I removed the most crud from.  Seems that's the answer then.  :y
Title: Re: BMW E39 ABS sensors
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 12 June 2017, 18:45:30
What other codes though?

Every other time, mine throws up offside rear, which has had a new bearing and two new sensors... I know my issue is ecu related,  but just throwing it out there ;)
Title: Re: BMW E39 ABS sensors
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 12 June 2017, 19:56:34
The garage just said it's the front nearside sensor and to be honest I didn't ask for codes.

I did query whether it might be the ecu as all the BMW forums that I've read say that they are particularly vulnerable, but they said if the ecu was toast there would be no signal.  :y  I now remember this was the case when the abs ecu went on my Omega.  ;)

Given that I've tried 3 different sensors and cleaned a load of greasy crud out, I think its the bearing..... Not 100% sure though.  ::)  ;D

And if I do change the bearing and the abs lights come back on I'll be well pissed off!  >:(  but I guess I'll then know it's the ecu.....  ::)
Title: Re: BMW E39 ABS sensors
Post by: STEMO on 12 June 2017, 19:58:01
Take the bulb out and sell it.  :y
No need to thank me  :-*
Title: Re: BMW E39 ABS sensors
Post by: Webby the Bear on 12 June 2017, 20:06:19
Henry was spot on with his first post. Generally speaking if you clear it and the light comes back on immediately it'll be the sensor and if it comes back on a while after driving it'll be the pick up.

I had one the other day where the sensor took the reading from the bearing....
However the little ring that was on the end of the driveshaft presumably there to stop junk getting in t the Bering / ABS pick up area  :-\ had broken in to pieces....
Title: Re: BMW E39 ABS sensors
Post by: TheBoy on 12 June 2017, 20:38:34
Tig - when the light comes on, if you brake, does the ABS kick in?

This happened on the little Rover, and it was due to one of the front reluctor ring splitting due to corrosion, so the sensor was getting an inconsistemt signal.
Title: Re: BMW E39 ABS sensors
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 12 June 2017, 20:49:16
Reluctor ring is encased in plastic within the bearing assembly...

This is a rear bearing, but fronts are to all intents and purposes identical.

http://share.photobucket.com/shareprofile/indexshare.php?id=ODQ5OTM=
Title: Re: BMW E39 ABS sensors
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 12 June 2017, 22:17:51
Tig - when the light comes on, if you brake, does the ABS kick in?

This happened on the little Rover, and it was due to one of the front reluctor ring splitting due to corrosion, so the sensor was getting an inconsistemt signal.

Yes but not everytime.  :y

Reluctor ring is encased in plastic within the bearing assembly...

This is a rear bearing, but fronts are to all intents and purposes identical.

http://share.photobucket.com/shareprofile/indexshare.php?id=ODQ5OTM=

Can you feel the serrations on the ring through the plastic Al?   ???

Because on mine I can when spinning the hub.
Title: Re: BMW E39 ABS sensors
Post by: henryd on 12 June 2017, 23:16:07
Here go Tig,a pretty pic ofb the hub which is a piece of piss to change.no pressing out bearings or anything nasty  ;D

https://www.energizedcustoms.co.uk/shop/bmw-5-series-e39-1996-2003-front-hub-wheel-bearing-kit-49548.html?gclid=CjwKEAjw9_jJBRCXycSarr3csWcSJABthk07oIaq43dahsUF606nF1rayonSQgHHK11CAB261PNHlxoCA-7w_wcB
Title: Re: BMW E39 ABS sensors
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 12 June 2017, 23:46:43
Here go Tig,a pretty pic ofb the hub which is a piece of piss to change.no pressing out bearings or anything nasty  ;D

https://www.energizedcustoms.co.uk/shop/bmw-5-series-e39-1996-2003-front-hub-wheel-bearing-kit-49548.html?gclid=CjwKEAjw9_jJBRCXycSarr3csWcSJABthk07oIaq43dahsUF606nF1rayonSQgHHK11CAB261PNHlxoCA-7w_wcB

That's my kinda job!  :y
Title: Re: BMW E39 ABS sensors
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 13 June 2017, 01:00:32
Tig - when the light comes on, if you brake, does the ABS kick in?

This happened on the little Rover, and it was due to one of the front reluctor ring splitting due to corrosion, so the sensor was getting an inconsistemt signal.

Yes but not everytime.  :y

Reluctor ring is encased in plastic within the bearing assembly...

This is a rear bearing, but fronts are to all intents and purposes identical.

http://share.photobucket.com/shareprofile/indexshare.php?id=ODQ5OTM=

Can you feel the serrations on the ring through the plastic Al?   ???

Because on mine I can when spinning the hub.
Yes, just ;)
Title: Re: BMW E39 ABS sensors
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 13 June 2017, 01:02:03
Here go Tig,a pretty pic ofb the hub which is a piece of piss to change.no pressing out bearings or anything nasty  ;D

https://www.energizedcustoms.co.uk/shop/bmw-5-series-e39-1996-2003-front-hub-wheel-bearing-kit-49548.html?gclid=CjwKEAjw9_jJBRCXycSarr3csWcSJABthk07oIaq43dahsUF606nF1rayonSQgHHK11CAB261PNHlxoCA-7w_wcB
Easy as long as your strut to hub joint hasn't welded itself together :D
Title: Re: BMW E39 ABS sensors
Post by: henryd on 13 June 2017, 09:11:48
Here go Tig,a pretty pic ofb the hub which is a piece of piss to change.no pressing out bearings or anything nasty  ;D

https://www.energizedcustoms.co.uk/shop/bmw-5-series-e39-1996-2003-front-hub-wheel-bearing-kit-49548.html?gclid=CjwKEAjw9_jJBRCXycSarr3csWcSJABthk07oIaq43dahsUF606nF1rayonSQgHHK11CAB261PNHlxoCA-7w_wcB
Easy as long as your strut to hub joint hasn't welded itself together :D

Shouldn't matter to change the bearing ???
Title: Re: BMW E39 ABS sensors
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 13 June 2017, 09:15:14
I've got some slight brake judder as well, so it's a good time to slap new discs and pads on as well.  :y

Looks like I need to do some parts shopping!  ::)
Title: Re: BMW E39 ABS sensors
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 13 June 2017, 10:28:49
Here go Tig,a pretty pic ofb the hub which is a piece of piss to change.no pressing out bearings or anything nasty  ;D

https://www.energizedcustoms.co.uk/shop/bmw-5-series-e39-1996-2003-front-hub-wheel-bearing-kit-49548.html?gclid=CjwKEAjw9_jJBRCXycSarr3csWcSJABthk07oIaq43dahsUF606nF1rayonSQgHHK11CAB261PNHlxoCA-7w_wcB
Easy as long as your strut to hub joint hasn't welded itself together :D

Shouldn't matter to change the bearing ???
No access to the front lower bearing bolt unless you move the hub down the strut... only removing 3/4s of the bolts won't release the bearing assemly ::)  ;)
Title: Re: BMW E39 ABS sensors
Post by: henryd on 13 June 2017, 10:55:42
Here go Tig,a pretty pic ofb the hub which is a piece of piss to change.no pressing out bearings or anything nasty  ;D

https://www.energizedcustoms.co.uk/shop/bmw-5-series-e39-1996-2003-front-hub-wheel-bearing-kit-49548.html?gclid=CjwKEAjw9_jJBRCXycSarr3csWcSJABthk07oIaq43dahsUF606nF1rayonSQgHHK11CAB261PNHlxoCA-7w_wcB
Easy as long as your strut to hub joint hasn't welded itself together :D

Shouldn't matter to change the bearing ???
No access to the front lower bearing bolt unless you move the hub down the strut... only removing 3/4s of the bolts won't release the bearing assemly ::)  ;)

Bugger,its been a while since I did one :-\
Title: Re: BMW E39 ABS sensors
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 13 June 2017, 11:31:38
So I'll have to be careful to mark the position of the hub on the strut, to maintain the alignment?  ???
Title: Re: BMW E39 ABS sensors
Post by: Nick W on 13 June 2017, 12:02:32
So I'll have to be careful to mark the position of the hub on the strut, to maintain the alignment?  ???


No, the BMW engineer was clearly new in the job, and missed the opportunity to come up with a  complicated design that requires lots of unnecessary adjustments every time it's dismantled.
Title: Re: BMW E39 ABS sensors
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 13 June 2017, 12:05:44
So I'll have to be careful to mark the position of the hub on the strut, to maintain the alignment?  ???


No, the BMW engineer was clearly new in the job, and missed the opportunity to come up with a  complicated design that requires lots of unnecessary adjustments every time it's dismantled.
They even label the strut for the correct position according to side. Pretty much impossible to opps it up ;)
Title: Re: BMW E39 ABS sensors
Post by: henryd on 13 June 2017, 12:14:56
So I'll have to be careful to mark the position of the hub on the strut, to maintain the alignment?  ???


No, the BMW engineer was clearly new in the job, and missed the opportunity to come up with a  complicated design that requires lots of unnecessary adjustments every time it's dismantled.
;D ;D :y
Title: Re: BMW E39 ABS sensors
Post by: Webby the Bear on 14 June 2017, 21:36:11
I still do it now tig..... mark where the knuckle "neck" meets the strut... just to be sure 👍
Title: Re: BMW E39 ABS sensors
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 08 July 2017, 22:50:28
So I fitted the new wheel bearing assembly and as usual after 6 or 7 miles the bastard ABS light came on!!  >:(  So that's a new sensor and new reluctor ring and no difference, what a waste of an afternoon!  ::)  >:(

I guess I'll have to get the codes read again and see where to go from there....  :-\
Title: Re: BMW E39 ABS sensors
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 09 July 2017, 00:00:05
Wait until you have to reset the gearbox every 2-150 miles... Then the fun really starts...

Bitten the bullet with mine and ordered a tested second hand ecu for mine in the faint hope that fixes it :-\
Title: Re: BMW E39 ABS sensors
Post by: sjc on 10 July 2017, 13:22:45
At least it was a front hub... the rear ones are a right idiot to do.
Title: Re: BMW E39 ABS sensors
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 10 July 2017, 13:53:39
At least it was a front hub... the rear ones are a right idiot to do.
Ain't that the truth :'( invariably requires the drive shaft replacing...
Title: Re: BMW E39 ABS sensors
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 10 July 2017, 16:45:23
I'm now wondering if the garage gave me a bum steer on which side was buggered.  As said earlier I tested from the ECU plug and the only sensor which I couldn't get a reaction from was the OSF, however the garage plugged their code reader in and said it was the NSF.  I think they got their Yoof to do it and his mind was more than likely on when he was next going to get his leg over.  ::)

Think I'll invest in a code reader. :-\
Title: Re: BMW E39 ABS sensors
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 10 July 2017, 19:31:44
Multimeter will do it :y

Bimmerfest gives a table with the resistance values :y

Any variation in resistance is the clue to the faulty one... Code reader confirmed diagnosis, but now resistance is equal across all four sensors... Still showing osr as faulty, but various other unrelated codes point to abs ecu rather than a re replaced sensor.