A strange thing happened on my ride out last month!

Alan Godwin

Dedicated Member
British Zeds
Joined
May 14, 2019
Points
29
Location
Stockton on Tees
Model of Z
Z3. 3 Litre sport (automatic)
Went out for a little trundle around the Yorkshire dales last month in my Z3 3L sport, 2001. An idiot pulled out from a side road without looking and then slammed the brakes on and stopped in the middle of the road. My little car behaved perfectly, I hit the brakes, ABS and traction control activated, warning lights came on on dash. It was clear I was going hit them. Fortunately nothing coming the other way and I was able to swerve round them, only a clean pair of pants required,I thought…However warning lights did not go out. A week later still had abs, traction control, and brake pads lit up.
Tried out my new little OBD reader, came up with 5E21 pressure sensor 1, 5E24 pressure sensor 2, 5DA3 front right wheel sensor.
I was unable to locate a new 2 wire wheel sensor 34526752690 , only the 3 wire option available. I did find a couple of traction control sensors
34521164458. when I read up on these they are a bit tricky to get at and the fluid system needs bleeding after changing. At 70 years old I think I’m getting a bit old for climbing under cars. Fortunately there are a couple of lads opened a BMW repair centre near me, trading as Sterling services.
never used them before but thought I would give them a try. It took them a couple of days to locate the parts, genuine BMW, of course. 2 hours labour and we are up and running again. The guys did say they are having great difficulty in locating parts for Z3’s now, not surprising I suppose.
Having looked into the problems caused, I can see that the traction control sensors have a hydraulic valve in them which I guess couldn’t cope with the sudden pressure of an emergency stop, old age again I think. I’ve no idea why the wheel sensor gave up the ghost, it’s electronic!
Any way it’s all going well now and me and the old lady are back to enjoying our rides up the dales. Might try Hawes next week, and over the butter tubs , back through Reeth, lunch in the black bull!
Enjoy!
 
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