Brake, DTC, ABS Lights on

Vehicle is 2007 X3 3.0Si with 38,000 or so miles...Getting intermittently, the BRAKE, DSC and ABS warning lamps on.

Manual says systems have failed and car will be in RWD only.

Problem is, you stop, then start, and the lights will go out, only to come back on at some random point in the future. I've checked the obvious, only thing I've noticed is the brake fluid is a little down in the reservoir.

I'm going to call for an appointment, but was wondering if anyone had seen this before...

TIA...

Originally Posted by wingspan

Problem is, you stop, then start, and the lights will go out, only to come back on at some random point in the future.

Different BMW model but similar symptoms.

I was spinning my wheels until I opened this E39 ABS thread and this new DIY ABS diagnostic test procedure.


If we all pitch in to improve the ABS DIY diagnostic test procedure, we'll all save a bundle, considering the components costs thousands.

Originally Posted by wingspan

Vehicle is 2007 X3 3.0Si with 38,000 or so miles...Getting intermittently, the BRAKE, DSC and ABS warning lamps on.

I have an 08 X3 w/ 39K, and I just had my brake, DSC and airbag (not ABS, I know) lights come on. The other symptom I had that you did not mention was that the power assisted steering was noticably lacking. Sorry if this is off target, but this all happened after I left the key on and drained the battery, requiring my first jump start. I called a dealer and explained the situation. I was told that these systems were shut down to conserve power, or they were not receiving adequate power, perhaps.

I drove about 15 miles, and kept the engine running for over 30 minutes total after the jump start, all with these lights on. I was unable to leave him parked with a battery charger connected, as recommended. After my X3 then sat for four hours I restarted the engine. The lights were out and all systems were normal again. I have had no further issues.

I was just wondering if this could be a battery or electrical issue for you also. How'd your appointment go?

Originally Posted by wingspan

Vehicle is 2007 X3 3.0Si with 38,000 or so miles...Getting intermittently, the BRAKE, DSC and ABS warning lamps on.

...

This may or may not help:

Are you also having radio and/or Nav problems when the fault lights come on? If so, look at this thread. If not, probably doesn't apply.

Probably a wheel or steering sensor is out or the xDrive needs to be calibrated. Take it in, it should be completely covered under warranty. (If you have less than 50k miles)

So the truck is back from the dealer.

It turns out to have been one of these, a motor on the transfer case that had failed:

http://www.worldimpex.com/parts/bmw-...r_1517612.html

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...27&fg=15&hl=28 (part no. 12)

At $1K for the part alone, I am glad this was covered by warranty.

The dealer (Fields BMW, Winter Park, FL) did a great job. They even advanced and then performed the next Inspection I service that was due (in 2,000 miles) because it was in the shop anyway. They fixed a delaminating catch-release on the dashboard oddments tray, replaced the wiper inserts, and addressed a slow leak we had in the left rear (nail, covered by the tire warranty.) Vehicle was ready on time, and cleaned inside and out. I would give them high marks.

Wow...good still under warranty.

Originally Posted by wingspan

It turns out to have been one of these, a motor on the transfer case that had failed:

I have read of maybe a couple of other transfer case actuator/servo motors beinng replaced under warranty.

Can't find one on this forum, but this one from another board:
http://forums.roadfly.com/forums/bmw...8728042-1.html

I imagine your dealer had to order the part in - not an everday replacement.

They sound like the sort of dealer that some others need to measure themselves against.

winspan, did anyone explain what caused the part to fail? if so what was their explanation or perhaps their "guess" as to what caused the problem. is this a wear and tear problem for the X-drive?

Originally Posted by Supercourse

I have read of maybe a couple of other transfer case actuator/servo motors beinng replaced under warranty.

Can't find one on this forum, but this one from another board:
http://forums.roadfly.com/forums/bmw...8728042-1.html

I imagine your dealer had to order the part in - not an everday replacement.

They sound like the sort of dealer that some others need to measure themselves against.

The part appears to have been in stock. At least the truck was taken in on the evening of Tuesday, and I picked it up on Thursday morning.

We have bought two cars now from Fields in Winter Park and I have to say, the service is pretty good.

Originally Posted by noego

winspan, did anyone explain what caused the part to fail? if so what was their explanation or perhaps their "guess" as to what caused the problem. is this a wear and tear problem for the X-drive?

No, they did not. I'm not a real 4WD expert, to be sure.