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Thread: which wheel's speed sensor controls the power steering boost?

  1. #1
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    which wheel's speed sensor controls the power steering boost?

    2011 BMW 328xi, E90

    99% sure i have a bad speed sensor feeding the power steering boost control, causing erratic power steering.

    i know one of the sensors controls the speedometer, which for me is working fine.

    anybody know which wheel's speed sensor controls the power steering boost?
    Last edited by rmswenson747; 09-27-2016 at 04:14 PM.
    1999 silver 2.3 z3 roadster (retired)
    2011 black 328xi sedan

  2. #2
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    This I don't know but the Speedo sensor may do more than one job too so don't rule that out. Before spending money though scan the car and make sure a code didnt come up then research that sensor

    Sent from my LG-H901 using Tapatalk

  3. #3
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    Do you have active steering (servotronic)?

  4. #4
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    not sure if i have 'servotronic'... i will research. in regard to codes, i checked and there are no codes. still trying to understand the mapping of the different speed sensors, wheel by wheel.
    1999 silver 2.3 z3 roadster (retired)
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  5. #5
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    from what i can tell, all US 328xi have servotronic steering....
    1999 silver 2.3 z3 roadster (retired)
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  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by rmswenson747 View Post
    not sure if i have 'servotronic'... i will research. in regard to codes, i checked and there are no codes. still trying to understand the mapping of the different speed sensors, wheel by wheel.
    I very much doubt that any particular speed sensor affects anything other than the action of the ABS/DSC overall. The speedometer, AFAIK, is an average of all of them, not off any particular one.

  7. #7
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    do you have any facts, or just guesses? this answer provides no help at all.
    1999 silver 2.3 z3 roadster (retired)
    2011 black 328xi sedan

  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by rmswenson747 View Post
    do you have any facts, or just guesses? this answer provides no help at all.
    Why don't you do this: remove/unplug each sensor in turn, while driving it. I'll bet you a dollar that you will never note a change in the speed-sensing steering. And notice that the speedo will still read, no matter which one is disabled.

  9. #9
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    the purpose of my question was to ask this forum if anyone knew how the speed sensors were utilized... not to solicit guesses and make bets.
    1999 silver 2.3 z3 roadster (retired)
    2011 black 328xi sedan

  10. #10
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    Speed sensors at the wheels work abs and traction control only if i remember correctly

    Speed sensor that controls steering is either mounted on the bell housing (where the starter is mounted) or transmission. It dosnt jest show the speed on your dash but has more parts to it doing other stuff

    Sent from my LG-H901 using Tapatalk
    Last edited by Saii; 10-02-2016 at 08:58 AM.

  11. #11
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    Quote Originally Posted by Saii View Post
    ...
    Speed sensor that controls steering is either mounted on the bell housing (where the starter is mounted) or transmission.
    No e46 or later car has a speed sensor on the transmission. Check realoem.com if you don't believe me.

  12. #12
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    Quote Originally Posted by floydr View Post
    No e46 or later car has a speed sensor on the transmission. Check realoem.com if you don't believe me.
    Yes that's what I said....I didn't look it up so I'm going by memory and that's the only 2 places where it could be

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  13. #13
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    Ok, servotronic is an additional option it is not standard equipment. If your E90 has the servotronic option then yes there is intervention from the DSC control unit has it requires input from steering angle, Yaw and road speed. Post the last 7 of your VIN and I will check if it has servotronic, or go to your local dealer with your VIN for a print out of the build sheet.

    If you do not have servotronic then you will need to look elsewhere in the steering system. Common failure item is the steering column lower U joint to the steering rack they seize causing hard/stiff steering to one side, poor on center feel or a on/off power steering feel.

    Mark.

    - - - Updated - - -

    Quote Originally Posted by floydr View Post
    No e46 or later car has a speed sensor on the transmission. Check realoem.com if you don't believe me.
    Quote Originally Posted by Saii View Post
    Yes that's what I said....I didn't look it up so I'm going by memory and that's the only 2 places where it could be

    Sent from my LG-H901 using Tapatalk

    For the record the A5S3xx does have a speed sensor that is used for looking at the transmission output turbine speed. The transmission control or turbine speed sensors have no relation to the steering input.

    All BMW transmissions use a speed sensor whether internal or external for comparing input and output speed within the transmission

    Mark.
    Last edited by mandd; 10-02-2016 at 06:50 PM.

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