e36 abs problemo

[the ben]

I need to get my 320 coupe back on the road, but I cant becuase its needs an MOT, and I cant get an MOT until ive figured out what is causing the ABS light to come on! I really dont ewant to take it to a garage, unless it is something that I really cannot do myself.
Basically my problem is, I turn my engine on and the ABS light comes on and goes out as it should, as soon as you reach over approx 10 mph (I have a long drive) the light comes on! I have slammed my breaks on to see if the wheels lock up and the one that locks up is the front drivers. Now does that mean that is likely to be the sensor that is failed, or could it be something else like the ABS unit? Previous to this happening, the light was on permimnantly, and I changed the front passenger side sensor, and the light went out. But this really annoys my now, becuase its just when I go above the 10mph, and it doesnt go out until I turn the engine/ignition off, then the whole process starts again!

Any ideas suggestions most welcome.

[the ben]

Anyone?

[r5gttgaz]

Unplug the sensors in turn and test for resistance with a multimeter, I suspect one of them will be way out.

www.realoem.com may help with part numbers.

[bullitt rich]

One of the more common problems with 3, 5 and 7 series produced between 1993 and 1998 is the ABS (ASC or DSC) control units, the repair kits a between £500 and £900. A complete unit is between £800 and £1200 depending on car and year.

[the ben]

Owch, would not be liking that bill, I suppose a scrap ytard wouldn't charge that!

Edited by the ben on Sunday 2nd July 15:02

[the ben]

The drivers wheel is still locking up as well even with the new senmsor on!!! grrr

[thesilverfox]

r5gttgaz said:

Unplug the sensors in turn and test for resistance with a multimeter, I suspect one of them will be way out. .

When you spin the wheel it generates a small AC voltage which you check with a analoge multimeter only
get the codes read or you could replace a lot of items unnecessarily
Control boxes often go if the car is jump started

[m3psm]

Tape over the ABS light or take out the bulb

It worked for me 3 weeks ago.

No light = no problem.

Paul

[the ben]

I thought about that, but dont they/shouldn't they check the ABS check light?

[r5gttgaz]

Run a wire off your oil pressure light so that when it goes out so does the ABS light.

[the ben]

hmmmmmmm interesting!

[m3psm]

the ben said:

I thought about that, but dont they/shouldn't they check the ABS check light?

They can only check the light if you have one.

If you tape it over you no longer have one and they're not allowed to remove tape from your dash.

Same trick works on airbag light too

[bullitt rich]

m3psm said:

the ben said:

I thought about that, but dont they/shouldn't they check the ABS check light?

They can only check the light if you have one.

If you tape it over you no longer have one and they're not allowed to remove tape from your dash.

Same trick works on airbag light too

But then in the event of an accident, the Police will check the car over, if/when they find any of these suggestions thats been forwarded they will inform the insurance company who will cancel the policy for driving an unroadworthy vehicle as the MoT will be void and then they will arrest you for it. All that from not putting your hand in your pocket and paying for the upkeep of said vehicle, whats the point.

[the ben]

I rang a garage that was recomended to me, They are Specialists in BMW, however they dont advertise the fact. Anyway, I rang the guy there and told him my problem, and he is still adament that it is still a sensor, and would be one or both of the rear ones if the two fronts have been changed. He said the only other thing that he can think of that would be the problem from what ive told him is the hydrolic pump(what ever that is on the ABS) and they are £800, but if that is the problem, he has a good second hand one for £150. He also said though, in all his time fixing the bmw's, he has only known one other with the pump problem with the same symptoms as mine. so just got to wait and see I gues!! Must put the car back together and get it down there, cheers for your help folks!

Edited by the ben on Tuesday 4th July 11:45

[m3psm]

bullitt rich said:

But then in the event of an accident, the Police will check the car over, if/when they find any of these suggestions thats been forwarded they will inform the insurance company who will cancel the policy for driving an unroadworthy vehicle as the MoT will be void and then they will arrest you for it. All that from not putting your hand in your pocket and paying for the upkeep of said vehicle, whats the point.

It's meant as a quick fix, not a permanent solution, however, a car without airbags or ABS is not illegal as long as you have an MOT and have declared the fact to your insurance company.

My M3 has neither but my insurance company have been told. So even though I have taken out my ABS warning light bulb it is not illegal and I will not be arrested for it.

That said, on most cars I would recommend fixing the ABS as it is a safety feature that most driver need, plus most insurance companies would not cover you if the ABS or airbags are not working due to a fault, so, as suggested fix it It's probably only a sensor anyway. Common fault on BMW's

Paul

[bullitt rich]

m3psm said:

That said, on most cars I would recommend fixing the ABS as it is a safety feature that most driver need, plus most insurance companies would not cover you if the ABS or airbags are not working due to a fault, so, as suggested fix it It's probably only a sensor anyway. Common fault on BMW's

Paul

My point and yes they are common faults, we do about 20 a month.

[the ben]

It turns out, that it the perosn who had it before me had put on a new driveshaft(drivers rear)and it was from a non abs e36!!! then once they couldnt figure the ABS problem out, they took the bulb out!!! grrrr Also what the mechanic has said, that they whole of the rear suspention had been taken off at one point and it need 4 wheel alignment. Apparently BMW charge £290 for the privalage! So thank you Previous owners, how about stick to doing stuff you know about!!!!

[95Black318iE36]

Have this exact same problem with my 95 318i.
I have heard so many remedies for the problem over the past few years. Another thing I have been told is that the E36 ABS Relay becomes unreliable too & this is another common cause. However not the case on mine. But the mechanic always passes it for rego. I am just lucky that the light never comes on when I go for Rego, even during the brake test. But I think my mechanic would pass it anyway out of a feeling of guilt knowing that we have changed nearly the whole ABS system & it still happens.

As for the comment about needing ABS????
I dont think we do need ABS, cars never used to have it & I have never had trouble stopping a car without skidding. Its all about control and applied pressure. Personally I would rather they take out all the ABS & Smart systems from all cars & just remove the people from the road who cant stop without skidding/cant drive a car.
Give me a 68 - 73 Model car with no Air Bags & ABS and I will keep it on the road longer than any of the new cars. Of course I always performed regular maintenance on all my old girls so the brakes were all set even & the tires were all matching & the fluids were all perfect.
Honestly I bought my BMW cause I liked the look of it but I have never had so many fiddly sensors & fuses & relay issues with any other car ever. I still like BMW on the whole but I could do without the BS. I may well buy another one the same yet & strip it back to bare & build it from the ground up just so I know every bit of it is new.