E39 - ABS Light & Auto gearbox Issues

[Pickled Piper]

My trusty 528 Automatic has been showing ABS and Traction control lights for a few days. I wasn't unduly bothered, I assumed an ABS sensor had failed, However, I have also noticed an issue with the auto transmission, if I am cruising at 60mph and then floor the accelerator, the box will change down from 5th to 3rd but will not then change up again. The only way I can get it to change up is to switch to manual mode and change up manually.

A quick Google suggests that the auto trans uses a signal from a front ABS sensor. Has anybody else had similar issues? I am hoping a new ABS sensor will solve everything and that I am not looking at expensive gearbox or ABS module repairs.

Car will be going in to indy next week.

Has anybody experienced similar?

pp

[Oi_Oi_Savaloy]

I had something similar to this; they had to change an abs sensor on the passenger side and replaced the front anti-roll bar drop links too (both sides).

It's definitely made a difference to the autobox changing properly (rather than holding it's gears).

[nerf]

i had the same kind of thing on my old 540. turned out to be uneven, worn tyres, bizarely.

diagnosed on PH of course...! changed tyres, and the problem stopped. I wasnt getting any warning lights pop on though....

[williamp]

yes I had this exact same thing on my 540. The three lights came on, and it wouldnt change gear out of 2nd by itself.

I replaced the abs sensor on the front left wheel and.... nothing. I got the module overhauled and...the same thing.

I replaced a wheel bearing and...nothing

I found a lot of crud on one sensor (where had that come from???) I cleaned this off thoroughly and ...nothing

Then I replaced the abs sensor with an official BMW part (with BMW cast into the plastic)- the "OEM part" fitted by the "specialist" didnt work- and the problem resolved itself

The sensors are a lot more expensive from a dealer then one from German and sweedish, but in this instance I would say the difference is worth it. Overall tt would have been cheaper for me had the specialist used an official part which I paid for...

[Pickled Piper]

Cheers chaps,

Here's hoping it is straightforward and not too hard on the wallet!

pp

[hoppo4.2]

I have the same prob some times on my alpina not always but just when you really floor it. It won't change back up.

There was an abs fault logged on the ecu but no light on? but since I cleared it it's been fine fingers crossed