E46 M3 traction control fault - permanently off

[Toilet Duck]

Hello,

Poodling along in my 2005 E46 M3 convertible today when I heard a warning beep. Looked down and the traction control had deactivated (the yellow triangle warning thing was displaying on the instrument cluster). Also, where the red handbrake icon is normally displayed when the handbrake is on, was a yellow version of the same icon. Tried pressing the traction control button but could not activate it, turning the car off and on didn't cure it either. However, after parking up for a few hours and getting back in, everything was back to normal until I got a few miles into my journey. After that, both warning lamps were back on. The car has a fully comp top tier BMW/Mondial warranty so hopefully this will prevent a main dealer bum rape. Going to book it in tomorrow but would appreciate any info/experience from anyone who has experienced this fault. Is it likely to be an ABS sensor? My local main dealer charges £170 per hour for labour so I would like to be armed with any information that may help me, I don't want to be taking it there if its likely to be something not covered by the warranty.

Many thanks in advance for any help!

[bennyboysvuk]

I'm pretty sure my 2002 did something like this. I read up on it and got in there and began removing and cleaning the wheel/ABS sensors. Fortunately, the first one I cleaned did the trick and the problem never arose again. Good luck with yours.

[MattOz]

Pretty common problem. It's either the ABS, steering angle or wheel speed sensor. Mine has done it a couple of times, but has "cured" itself for the time being. I'm in the same position as you, so hopefully the warranty will sort it when it goes in for a service next month.

[ghibbett]

I have had this issue on my E46 330i. You really need to pull the codes to find out which sensor it is (steering sensor/wheel speed sensor/brake pressure sensor). However there are a few things you can do:

Steering sensor - with the engine running turn the wheel from lock to lock. This can act as a reset for the sensor.

Wheel speed sensor - these get extremely dirty. They're relatively easy to get to and clean up.

Brake pressure sensor - these are a bugger of a job. Being on the RHS means access is extremely limited, plus you're also going to be trying to minimise the amount of brake fluid spilt as well as then having to bleed the brakes. The sensors are about £90 each from BMW (there are two).

I have loads of links at home that I will post back with later.

HTH

[Bolognese]

Mine did this when at the Le Mans classic this year. Was doing a little bit of drifting in a muddy field and the light came on. After washing the car when I got back it went off again.

Didnt really bother me as I normally tunr it off anyway.

[ghibbett]

Ok here are some links:

Replacing the steering angle sensor: http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=9173...

Cleaning the wheel speed sensors: http://www.bmwfanatics.co.za/showthread.php?tid=17...

BMW TIS for replacing the brake pressure sensors: http://tis.spaghetticoder.org/s/view.pl?1/04/69/69

HTH

[Toilet Duck]

Many thanks for all the replies chaps, much appreciated!

Cheers for the links ghibbett, I shall have a read through them

I actually booked the car in this morning for later this week. I shouldn't be surprised really, but my car behaved itself all day today, the fault has magically "disappeared" since booking it in to be looked at. I'm hoping that the ECU will have logged some fault codes otherwise it will be a pointless visit!

Thanks again all!

[ghibbett]

Yes the ECU will have logged the fault code(s). Make sure you ask the dealer exactly what the code was - not what it means. After that, google is your friend!

[housen]

Toilet Duck said:

Hello,

Poodling along in my 2005 E46 M3 convertible today when I heard a warning beep. Looked down and the traction control had deactivated (the yellow triangle warning thing was displaying on the instrument cluster). Also, where the red handbrake icon is normally displayed when the handbrake is on, was a yellow version of the same icon. Tried pressing the traction control button but could not activate it, turning the car off and on didn't cure it either. However, after parking up for a few hours and getting back in, everything was back to normal until I got a few miles into my journey. After that, both warning lamps were back on. The car has a fully comp top tier BMW/Mondial warranty so hopefully this will prevent a main dealer bum rape. Going to book it in tomorrow but would appreciate any info/experience from anyone who has experienced this fault. Is it likely to be an ABS sensor? My local main dealer charges £170 per hour for labour so I would like to be armed with any information that may help me, I don't want to be taking it there if its likely to be something not covered by the warranty.

Many thanks in advance for any help!

pressure sensor

200 £ fix at garage

happened to mine

commom fault

[a1burns]

My 330 did this, checked it out and believe it or not it was the battery, low voltage I believe... battery was 7 year old original and the clear window had changed colour to indicate battery was on way out. Also im pretty sure your traction control is still actually on, although I drove like Miss Daisy just to be sure.
Worth a check before delving deep into sensors etc?!

[ftypical]

Blast from the past.

Mine just stopped working - apparently while parked.

The decision now is whether to get the codes read first, or go through all the connectors and check they're in good shape followed by inspection of the wheel sensors...

[joema]

Get it read.

[jh1806]

Total RTAB failure can cause this, it makes the car crab slightly which throws off the wheel speed sensors. The car just gives up in the end, giving you the Christmas tree dash. RTAB replacement is the fix, get a limiting kit whilst you're at it. Don't go for poly bushes though, they ruin the ride.

[Toilet Duck]

Blimey, forgot about this thread I started. My M3 is long gone, but it was a brake pressure sensor that caused this. Fixed under warranty