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Thread: The (evil) triad of lights: ABS-Brake-4x4

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Oct 2018
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    Laguna Beach, CA
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    2008 X3 3.0si (e83)

    The (evil) triad of lights: ABS-Brake-4x4

    My son recently parked his 2008 X3 3.0si on a steep roadway. When he returned and started the car the (evil) triad of lights--ABS + Brake (amber) + 4x4 were illuminated and the car would not shift out of park (unless the engine was turned off). Previously, the car had been running perfectly with no clicking sound coming from the transfer case.

    After reading some forums, I decided to buy a Foxwell NT510 (BMW programmed) scanner. After running diagnostics DTC 5EEE read "Present" and 5EEF read "Not Present". Since both relate to the ABS Module / Pump, and there was no sound coming from the transfer case, I am assuming that the ABS Module / Pump needs to be replaced.

    With this as the backdrop, I have a few questions;

    1. Does everyone agree with my diagnosis?

    2. I understand that since 2006 the ABS Module and Pump are one unit. Is this correct?

    3. If I do have to replace both the Module and the Pump how big a job is this (I'm a DIY guy not a mechanic--but I am not afraid of a little grease)? Does the ABS Module / Pump need to be programmed after Installation? Do the brakes need to be bled after installation?

    Thanks in advance for your input.
    Last edited by mgejr; 10-03-2018 at 05:44 PM.

  2. #2
    Join Date
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    I fix BMWs for a living, and I have several excellent diagnostic scan tools at my disposal. All of them speak English. I don't memorize any of the ten thousand possible codes for codes. Can you please tell us the WORDS that the Foxwell tool gave you for the codes?

    Chris Powell
    Racer and Instructor since, well. decades, ok?
    Master Auto Tech, owner of German Motors of Aberdeen
    BMWCCA 274412
    German Motors is hiring ! https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...1#post30831471

  3. #3
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    0x5eee 5EEE - brake light switch (BLS): plausibility 1: plausibility check: pressure sensor versus brake light switch (BLS) (low brake pressure range).
    0x5eef 5EEF - brake light switch (BLS): plausibility 2: plausibility check: pressure sensor versus brake light switch (BLS) (middle brake pressure range).

  4. #4
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    E39M5, E500 4WD
    Thank you.
    Given that information, I'd not even consider replacing the ABS Module, much less the pump.
    Do the brake lights work?

    This code would seem to show an issue with correlation between the brake light switch and the pressure sensor -- like that the sensor is reading pressure when the brake switch is saying the pedal's not pressed.

    See if you can pull up live data in the ABS module for the 2 pressure sensors and the brake light switch, preferably on the same page. Then see which piece of data doesn't match, and replace that item.

    Sure, it's vaguely possible that the ABS module is responsible for the error, but it's a fair way down the list if that's the only code you've got.

    Are you sure there are no other codes in any related module? If you clear the code, when does it return? When you start the car? Does it fail to clear at all? When you press the brake pedal? When you drive?

    Chris Powell
    Racer and Instructor since, well. decades, ok?
    Master Auto Tech, owner of German Motors of Aberdeen
    BMWCCA 274412
    German Motors is hiring ! https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...1#post30831471

  5. #5
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    Given how expensive things are I would start with the brake light switch

  6. #6
    Join Date
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    2008 X3 3.0si (e83)
    After trying to figure this out on my own I finally broke down and took the car the the BMW dealer. The diagnosis; Faulty Brake Light Switch (you nailed it jclausen). Since you cannot shift out of park if the brake pedal is not depressed, when the brake light switch is broken the car thinks you are not depressing the brake and does not allow you to shift out of park. Dealer cost for parts + labor; $471.00 Ouch!!

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jun 2002
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    I guess I explained the diag process too much? Same conclusion, inevitably, just wanted the extra step, to prove it....never mind.

    Still, that $ 471 hurts, especially considering the retail cost of the genuine BMW part is $ 40., from an actual dealership:

    https://www.getbmwparts.com/oem-part...ch-61316967601

    Chris Powell
    Racer and Instructor since, well. decades, ok?
    Master Auto Tech, owner of German Motors of Aberdeen
    BMWCCA 274412
    German Motors is hiring ! https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...1#post30831471

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