Very Expensive common fault with 1 series/3 series

[< FORZA WEST]

Over the last 4 weeks Ive had 8 enquires for quotes on the replacement of the DSC (dynamic stability control) control unit for 1 and 3 series all around the 54 - 55 plate vehicles, also I have diagnosed 3 this week.

Theres is an internal fault with the pressure sensor. This is integral to the control unit and has to be replaced as a complete DSC pump and control unit.

This little baby comes in at £1800 fitted via BMW (£1239 for the unit alone) and they are fitting loads of them. I have done some digging around and one dealer had 16 in stock at the start of september and are now down to 3, spoke to a tech and they have been fitting 2 - 3 a week.

I have been giving quotes but strongly urge people to try and get goodwill from BMW....This is a premature failure of a devise that is designed to last the life of the vehicle.....

[mike325112]

I had mine done recently on the 1er. Got a goodwill gesture from BMW which bought the bill down to £300 - better than a kick in the balls.

I went to BMW customer services as the first offer the dealer go me was quite low, got a better deal afer speaking to them myself. The offers appear to be dependant on if you bought from BM and/or have full service history.

[cptsideways]

Interesting, the DSC is part of the reason why the cars have low NCAP ratings, failure in such a system is pretty serious on many counts.

[NBTBRV8]

As a matter of interest what is the part number?

[cptsideways]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

I meant HIGH NCAP ratings as in five stars etc ooopppps


Would be an interesting angle to push BMW for free repairs

[sjj84]

My dad had this problem with his 06 320D, fortunately under warranty at the time. Dealers had to get the part in from Germany and was a bit of a wait.

[va1o]

Am I right in thinking that the same Teves Mk 60 ABS part is used in the VW Golf MK5 (and all derived cars) and tends to have a habit of failing just outside of warranty?

I really think a recall ought to be done, didn't realise it was so widespred.

[PJR]

Had this on the 120D auto a couple of months ago. The car is 4 or 5 years old now, but fortunately has an extended warranty! BMW told us it would have been a £1700 bill otherwise.. Ouch..
Besides the ABS/traction light sticking on, the car appeared to drive fine otherwise. I had no idea it was a common problem until I saw this thread.

P,

[mike325112]

There are lots of threads on www.babybmw.net about DSC failures. Its also worth noting that if you pay even the smallest contribution to it BMW will warranty the new part for 2 years - if you get it done for free there is no warranty.

[Killwilly]

I have been following this post with interest. Whilst most of the cars affected are 4/5 years old, could the same thing apply to the new 120d and 123d M sport coupes?

[Klankie]

Thankfully I,ve not experienced any problems with my 1 series, but its still under an AUC warranty, I take it this would cover any costs were it to go wrong?

[va1o]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

It says 3-series in the title. Nobody replied to my post, but I am fairly sure this is the same problem that affects a huge huge number of VAG cars.

[sonnyb]

Are we talking about E46 or E90 here?

[va1o]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

Not for sure, but according to Honest John it is, and they both fail at the same time and cost the same ammount of money to replace.

[< FORZA WEST]

sonnyb said:

Are we talking about E46 or E90 here?

E90/91

[vinnie83]

Bumping of an old thread, as it seems that maybe my 320d is suffering a similar problem.

A couple of weeks ago, driving a steady 70 on the motorway, the traction control light flashed occasionally. After a few miles, every time I applied the throttle, the TC/DSC kept flashing and not letting me accelerate.

I had to turn off the DSC (holding the button down until the ! symbol is on the dash) and then the car drove fine.

Main dealer read the faults, said the brakes had overheated (can't see how at 70mph on the motorway), reset the fault and set me on my way.

Over the last couple of weeks, it has become more and more common, now happening every journey.

Since yesterday also, the ABS warning light is on, however upon testing, the ABS appears to be working.

Car is booked in again tomorrow, so will see what they say - but does anyone else have any experience with this?

Car is E92 57 plate 320d coupe M-sport running the 19" wheels with runflats in case that is of any help.

[cptsideways]

The yaw sensor is the usual problem, afaik. It thinks the car is pulling x y z G force when its not. Car applies brakes as its thinks its going to fall over etc. Overheats brakes in some cases yes as thats how it controls the cars via the brakes.


I would NOT be paying for this repair!!! its a faulty part that should last indefinately

[Blair357ci]

It's very common and well known fault (as is PDC failure and Steering angle sensor failure) BMW sell an refurb kit for it and a number of aftermarket places will also refurb your unit for under £300.

[MondeoMan1981]

DSC fault repair kit (modulator) is available from BMW for £139+VAT I believe. Fully fitted prices seem to be in the region of £300-£350 all in.

If your car has FBMWSH then just complain like hell to the dealer and customer services and you should get a least a contribution.

[TheEnd]

Yep, it's an internal brake pressure sensor, faults codes are usually 5E20, 5E21 or 5E24.

If you get those codes on an E46, there is an external sensor that can be easily swapped.