1996 328i - ABS & Traction light on

[Nim_rod007]

Hi,

My '96 bimmer drives like a baby. However, recently the ABS and Traction lights came on. One dealer told me that there is a problem with oxygen (??) sensors, but he would not give an estimate unless I left the car with him.

Any idea how much this might cost? What other problems could there be?

[Bmwcat]

i'd have a mechanic check this. bmw sensors do go bad after a while. i'm replacing a coolant sensor this weekend. good luck! :thumbup:

[Chris90]

When that happened to me it was an ABS wheel sensor - cost $200, but was tough for them to troubleshoot.

[BMW528i_Bilal]

i got the same problem in my 2000 528i, the dealer is charging $3200 for a whole brake job. :cry: :mad: :tsk:

[GD]

When that happened to my '94, I just had to clean the wheel speed sensor. If you look behind the front brake disc you will see what looks like a gear on the hub. I don't remember if it is on both sides or just one. Basically your wheel speed sensor watches the teeth of that gear to gauge the speed of the front wheels. If the back wheels spin faster than the front it kicks in the traction control. When those parts get caked with dirt and brake dust, the sensor can not read the speed and the traction control light comes on to indicate that it is not working properly. All I had to do was clean that gear and the wheel speed sensor itself and the problem went away. The Bentley Repair Manual should have diagrams.

[Nim_rod007]

Thanks guys. Went to a dealer. He says its the speed sensors on the rear wheels. He is willing to install a used set for $175.

[Chris90]

Thanks guys. Went to a dealer. He says its the speed sensors on the rear wheels. He is willing to install a used set for $175.

Outstanding! :)

[e36bmw328]

it may possibly be the 0xygen sensors, they should be replaced @ 100k miles, there are two, one before the catylac converter and one after. they cost about $150 each at bavarian autosport.

[Chris90]

it may possibly be the 0xygen sensors, they should be replaced @ 100k miles, there are two, one before the catylac converter and one after. they cost about $150 each at bavarian autosport.

But O2 sensors don't trip the TRAC light, I think they turn on the check engine light.

[estoril blu]

yeh thats what i thought whats the oxygen sensor got to do with the trac light? i had this problem with mine and was very hard to diagnose but it turned out to be this small electric motor which is connected the the throttle via another small cable youll see it right where the trottle cable is connected its a small tube like black motor with two wires this limits the revs for the trac control mine was just a bad connection once it was sorted when you first start the car youll see it move then stop the light doesnt need any reset.

[BMWredneck]

haha never go back to the mechanic that told you it was possibly your O2 sensors. ABS and Traction light have to do with your WHEELS. your wheels dont need oxygen to work right. If your ABS light still dont go off check your brake pads.they could be getting close to needing replaced. And they are decently priced. Nothing huge. Brake pads might be but the sensors shouldnt. You also might not have to replace the sensors, just wipe em off clean em up replace the pads and your set.