"Complete failure of DSC/ABS"... help!

[erdnase]

Today, the dashboard of my Z4 lit up suddenly with the yellow DSC, yellow ABS and red handbrake light. After pulling in, a quick investigation of the manual revealed that this signifies a complete failure of the DSC/ABS system. Not good..

I limped home, and on the 30 mile drive back, the yellow runflat indicator came on. After getting home I checked my tyres (letting them cooldown a bit), and they seemed fine. The manual suggests getting to a dealer ASAP, which I'll do tomorrow if nothing's changed. Anyone have any ideas what the problem is?

[pgilc1]

I had the same problem on my AMG mercedes a couple of years ago. It also stopped the speedo working and the cruise control. Nearly poo'ed in my pants.

Mercedes quoted £1500+ for a new ABS unit - turned out to be a relay @ £15

Its probably something simple. It'll flick the warning light on for a sensor failure.

Good luck!

[R1_NUR]

Did you switch off and on again? That may help!

Did you do a burnout before this happened?

Did you leave the handbrake on?

If you answer no to all 3 of those questions I agree that you need to contact your dealer.

[erdnase]

Hopefully it is just some sensor or computer-reset thing.

I did turn on and off a few times, but nothing changed, and I didn't drive with the handbrake on. I had been driving on some windy NSL roads prior, but nothing I'd consider frisky and nothing near the point of screeching or loss of traction. I'll leave it until the morning and see if it's still showing the same warnings, and give the dealer a call.

It's just back from its service 2 less than a month ago, and had new brakepads and 4 new tyres fitted. Stress, stress, stress...

Thanks for the advice guys.

[M5Dave]

Sounds like a wheel speed sensor to me. Straight forward and reasonably cheap to put right.

[Mroad]

M5Dave said:

Sounds like a wheel speed sensor to me. Straight forward and reasonably cheap to put right.

That sounds logical. Wheel speed/ABS sensor is needed for the ABS and DSC system and also used for the tyre monitoring system (if one wheel is travelling slower or faster than the opposite axle pair then one of them has a flat tyre).

[mmm-five]

You don't really need DSC or ABS do you - surely it just makes it more of an "ultimate driver's machine"

[erdnase]

True, I don't really need ABS/DSC, it's just that I'm scared to travel above 50mph without it

I had a look this morning and the problem's still there. Booked into the dealer for Monday morning, so fingers crossed I'm not going to be charged an arm and a leg. I'll keep you posted on what the problem is. Thanks for the help.

[pgilc1]

mmm-five said:

You don't really need DSC or ABS do you - surely it just makes it more of an "ultimate driver's machine"

Yes it was great for doing donuts in my AMG C36. Not so good when it comes to MOT or resale time though. :-(

[John the Blind]

Had this fault intermittently on my 335i. DSC, ABS, Tyre Warning etc all lit up like a christmas tree. Ignored it for a white as it cleared every time I switched off and restarted, and I know from bitter experience that dealers can be a nightmare finding these occasional faults.
Just happened to come on once the day before the car was due to go in for service. I mentioned it and they solved it within a hour. Apparently all of the above systems are controlled in one box. A fault with any one part will throw up a fault messages up for all associated systems.
Turned out to be a sensor. Service reception seemed very unsurprised, suggesting a common fault. repaired under warranty so I did not see an official bill, but spotted paperwork invoice with about £200.00.
Hopefully nothing to major. John

[erdnase]

Got her into the garage this morning, and just had a call from them there. Apparently everything's pointing to a faulty "pulse generator" on the rear wheel, which I assume is the sensor. They're going to replace that for £150 all in, and hopefully I'll be back in action tomorrow. Good outcome, considering what the worst case scenario could have been.

Just in case it can help anyone, the first sign of this problem was when the dash lit up, with yellow DSC, yellow ABS, red and yellow handbrake, and an intermittent yellow runflat light (03 Z4). Sometimes the handbrake light was red, sometimes yellow, and wouldn't change status when the handbrake was pulled on. Powering on/off wouldn't change anything either.

Thanks a lot for the help, guys!

[pgilc1]

Glad it worked out as a cheapish option. Always worrying when lots of expensive looking warning lights come on!