ABS/DSC/Brake Light

[sometorque]

Greetings. I was out for a drive a bit ago to go run a quick errand, and a few blocks away, the ABS, DSC, and Brake light lit up for what was maybe 2-3 seconds. I heard the gong, saw it on the dash and within a second, they were gone and the car continued to drive normal. I drove the car around a bit longer hoping to replicate the issue, but nothing.

Anyone ever had this happen to them? Wondering if there's an issue here, or is this just a fluke thing.

[E82MSport]

Might be a fluke. If the indication in the cluster went away I wouldn't really worry about it. As long as you have full braking, pedal is firm and there's not irregularity I wouldn't be too worried.

Keep an eye on things and if it comes back talk to you servicing center.

[JTB]

There may be a code logged - worth looking. This can be caused by a failing wheel speed sensor. Another possibility, one I experienced in my e39 M5, is low brake fluid.

Good luck,

[sometorque]

Originally Posted by E82MSport

Might be a fluke. If the indication in the cluster went away I wouldn't really worry about it. As long as you have full braking, pedal is firm and there's not irregularity I wouldn't be too worried.

Keep an eye on things and if it comes back talk to you servicing center.

Yeah, that's the plan. Brake pedal feels firm and I did a few hard stops on an empty street nearby to make sure I had pressure. I drove it around a bit this morning and nothing. Put about 20 miles on the car since it happened and all seems fine for now.

Originally Posted by JTB

There may be a code logged - worth looking. This can be caused by a failing wheel speed sensor. Another possibility, one I experienced in my e39 M5, is low brake fluid.

Good luck,

Thanks. I was thinking wheel speed sensor, as I know that's a somewhat common thing to go on the e90's. I took a look at the brake fluid right after. In full disclosure, I had actually checked the brake fluid right before, along with all the PS and radiator fluid (I usually check them once every few weeks) and all looked fine. I did notice that the brake reservoir sensor on the cap was a tiny bit loose after the lights tripped up, so i firmly reseated it and no issues since so I'm suspecting that may have had something to do with it.

Car is still CPO for another year and a half, so it'll go to the dealer if it pops up again.

[fastdrivingjr]

I recently had this same issue but my problem was my steering angle sensor in my steering wheel. They fail but mine just needed recalibration that's done by the dealer or specialist.. when you get an alignment re code should it every time.. But you have no symptoms I had so I say speed sensor

[sometorque]

Originally Posted by fastdrivingjr

I recently had this same issue but my problem was my steering angle sensor in my steering wheel. They fail but mine just needed recalibration that's done by the dealer or specialist.. when you get an alignment re code should it every time.. But you have no symptoms I had so I say speed sensor

Yeah, I stumbled onto a thread on e90post with someone having that issue. However, seems the common cause is a bad wheel speed sensor or in rare instances, a bad ABS pump. Either way, I'll be keeping my eye on it. About to take a 50 mile trip south, so we'll see if it comes back up.

[chris82]

Have the same issue with my 128. Took it to the shop but there are no codes so they can never find the issue

[sometorque]

Just to update, I've driven about 140 miles since this issue came up and no lights. I'm just chalking it up to a fluke for now and if it comes back, i'll bring it by the dealer.

[chris82]

Originally Posted by sometorque

Just to update, I've driven about 140 miles since this issue came up and no lights. I'm just chalking it up to a fluke for now and if it comes back, i'll bring it by the dealer.

I can go 1000s of miles without it coming on, then all of a sudden, it will happen twice during a 10 mile trip. Not trying to be a downer, but you'll most likely run into it again. That being said, I've been having this issue on and off for about 10,000 miles I would say, and I have never had any issues related to ABS, DSC, etc. (knock on wood, not trying to gynx myself). Good luck with it though, if one of the lights stays on, try to bring it to the shop so they can pinpoint the problem

[sometorque]

Originally Posted by chris82

I can go 1000s of miles without it coming on, then all of a sudden, it will happen twice during a 10 mile trip. Not trying to be a downer, but you'll most likely run into it again. That being said, I've been having this issue on and off for about 10,000 miles I would say, and I have never had any issues related to ABS, DSC, etc. (knock on wood, not trying to gynx myself). Good luck with it though, if one of the lights stays on, try to bring it to the shop so they can pinpoint the problem

You we're right. Came back tonight right after starting the car. Stayed on for a few seconds, then turned off and hasn't come back. I'm beginning to notice the car having a hard time starting up on occasion as well, almost as if the battery is starting to go (pumped gas about an hour ago, and when I hit the start button after, the car struggled to crank and the radio flickered off and on).

Given the random nature of the lights and the symptoms I'm having, I'm starting to think the battery is on it's way out. Car is still under CPO warranty, so I'm taking it to the dealer tomorrow morning to see what's going on.

[chris82]

Originally Posted by sometorque

You we're right. Came back tonight right after starting the car. Stayed on for a few seconds, then turned off and hasn't come back. I'm beginning to notice the car having a hard time starting up on occasion as well, almost as if the battery is starting to go (pumped gas about an hour ago, and when I hit the start button after, the car struggled to crank and the radio flickered off and on).

Given the random nature of the lights and the symptoms I'm having, I'm starting to think the battery is on it's way out. Car is still under CPO warranty, so I'm taking it to the dealer tomorrow morning to see what's going on.

Very well could be. For me it mostly happens when it's damp or raining out

[sometorque]

Originally Posted by chris82

Very well could be. For me it mostly happens when it's damp or raining out

Turned out to not be the battery, but the negative battery cable was frayed somehow and loose at the terminal. Don't know how I missed that one, but oh well. Dealership gave the car a checkup and battery and everything else is healthy.

Since you're having the same issue, i'd go over your battery cables and make sure they're tight and in good shape.