BMW 1 series traction control / ABS sensor

[EllzJ]

Hello all,

My BMW 118d has unfortunately developed the traction control / ABS warning light problem.

I understand this can be fixed my replacing the reluctor ring and ABS sensor.

I have read the code which indicates it is the rear right wheel with the problem.

I’ve called a few garages, however they’ve quoted over £400 to replace the ring and sensor.

I have ordered the reluctor ring and sensor and need a garage to fit it for me. If anyone could recommend a garage in or around north west London that could fit it for me at a reasonable price I would be very grateful!

Thank you

Thank you

[Pica-Pica]

I may be wrong, but I can’t see how a ring can go wrong. A sensor maybe.

[6cylGolf]

they swell due to rusting driveshaft
take the sensor out clean the ring through the hole
place washer (0.5-1.0mm) under sensor bolt hole
free fix

[stevemcs]

The pick up rings are usually £10, the sensor £40 so its best to replace them around the same time, budget 2 hours ish to do them assuming the driveshaft comes out of the hub. Let the garage supply the parts.

[dasbimmerowner]

I had this about 18 months ago on one of my cars, it cost £300 to fix at a BMW specialist.

[BFleming]

Pica-Pica said:

I may be wrong, but I can’t see how a ring can go wrong. A sensor maybe.

They split, and can hit the sensor, damaging it.


The big risk with sensor removal is breaking it. Very common in older BMWs.

[EllzJ]

Hello all,

Thank you for your responses on this.

I spaced the sensor from the washer on the weekend which hasn't rectified the issue unfortunately.

I've just noticed that the corner with the problem has a different speed rating to the rest of the tyres (rated V where the rest are all rated W). It seems this could be the problem.

[Zener]

6cylGolf said:

they swell due to rusting driveshaft
take the sensor out clean the ring through the hole
place washer (0.5-1.0mm) under sensor bolt hole
free fix

Only works to a degree before the CV joint rusts some more thus swelling the ABS ring further and out of true before tting the sensor back to square one

[bodhi]

Had the same on my 125i, iirc it was around £450 to get replaced, as my driveshafts were pretty rusty and it was touch and go if they'd need replaced. As a workaround I could just turn the DTC off and the issue would go away, fine in summer, less ideal in winter however.

[monty999]

Maybe just replace the sensor would be my thinking.Not familiar with the access on these to give the ring a clean up with a small wire brush and replace sensor (Fleabay probably have plenty). Different vehicle, but just had abs/traction light on my tranny. Had it read and just replaced sensor, sorted.

[Sim89]

Definitely the reluctor ring. I wouldn't just replace the sensor as the ring swells and causes interference with the sensor.

If you can get the driveshaft out, the ring is quite easy to replace (£10) and the sensor too (£40).