ABS Light.

[sean16tbc]

Wondering if you can help?
Just got my Z3 out after 18 months in garaged storage and the ABS light is on...so cannot pass MOT.
I have been told that it is the driveshaft rear driver side or just the sensor.
Has anyone come across this problem or can advise.

Cheers

Sean.

 

[NZ00Z3]

Hi Sean

Have you had the ABS module scanned for trouble codes? If you have them, post them here with the description and we can help you.

If you need to get it scanned, make sure the scanner has the BMW specific software to be able to read the ABS module and connect to the 20 pin round port under the bonnet/hood. Most scanners only read the engine computer (DME) and nothing else.

There may be someone on the forum who lives close to you with scanning gear that can help.

You talked about the right side rear sensor. Take it out carefully and give it a clean. It could have rust and metal flakes on the magnet at the end of the sensor.

 

[Jack Ratt]

How do you know that it's the rear driveshaft or sensor? Have you had the codes read? I've never heard of a Z3 driveshaft failure so I'd be amazed if this is the cause. The problem will almost certainly be with one or more of the wheel sensors. During my Z3 ownership I've found that the front sensors tend to fail more that the rears, although other owners might have different experiences.
Once you've identified which sensor is faulty it's a relatively straight forward job to replace them. The biggest problem you're likely to have is if the old sensor is seized in the hub. You can get them out easy though.

 

[Synclare]

Have you actually driven it? The reason I ask is because my 2.8 when left a good while has the ABS light permanently on. When I started it a couple weeks ago the ABS light was permanently lit, been idle since end October. A run of a few miles takes it off. If not I park up and switch off, wait a minute and then restart and drive off, the ABS light then goes off after it's gone through it's self check mode. I had a breaker that did the same, stood a month or three and ABS light on. Quick drive and off it went.

 

[sean16tbc]

Thank you for the comments and good advise. I am replacing the drivers side sensor to get through the MOT and hope that this will solve the issue. In regard to a Driveshaft it seems that it is not possible to source one anyway having spoken to a number of motor factors today and not even able to refurb my old one!

How do you know that it's the rear driveshaft or sensor? Have you had the codes read? I've never heard of a Z3 driveshaft failure so I'd be amazed if this is the cause. The problem will almost certainly be with one or more of the wheel sensors. During my Z3 ownership I've found that the front sensors tend to fail more that the rears, although other owners might have different experiences.
Once you've identified which sensor is faulty it's a relatively straight forward job to replace them. The biggest problem you're likely to have is if the old sensor is seized in the hub. You can get them out easy though.

Thanks...Looks like this may be the problem that i have!!