Warning lights on and no speedo - what's up ?

[windsorrob]

Any advice on the following appreciated ! E39 Yr 2000 523.

While driving yesterday, a number of warning lights came on - the ABS malfunction and DSC malfuntion. The speedo and odometer also stopped working. In addition the speed sensitive wipers don't function correctly. It seems to me that some kind of sensor that sends messages on wheel speed to all of these functions must be faulty.

There's also a clicking / rattle noise coming from one of the nearside wheels when I'm turning or bearing right. I'm wondering if this is something to do with a loose / faulty sensor that explains the above.

Any ideas on the likely culprit - easy to fix ? Garage job ?

[r988]

Sounds like a faulty sensor, also check for a blown fuse. On my old 5er a blown fuse was responsible for the ABS light coming on, speedo not working and a bunch of other stuff going haywire. Put in spare fuse and all was fine!

[Dr Jekyll]

Sounds like one of the speed sensors attached to the wheels is bust, a common problem. When it happened to me the BMW main agent had the part in stock and it cost about £150.

The ABS and DSC need the sensor to work so the warning lights are on correctly.

[fixedwheelnut]

Start by checking the left rear sensor as this abs sensor is used to signal the speedo, you could even try taking it out and cleaning it as dirt weakens the signal on E39s

[windsorrob]

Thanks for the replies - will check the sensor later !