Anti-lock brake problem - BMW Forum

littlecanoe · 06-01-2008, 09:14 PM

As you can see, I'm new and this is my first post. I hesitate to post so quickly but was unable to find the answer that I'm looking for via the search option.

I am presently considering purchasing a 99 528i. This car is 1 owner and has been factory serviced for it's life. The only problem is the brakes. It seems that the anti-locks will engage each time the brakes are used for the first 2-3 miles the car is driven. After this, the warning light comes on and the brakes function as Non-anti-locking. Driveability isn't affected.

To me this sounds like a sensor(s) going bad. Has anyone else experienced this or know of a fix? I'm trying to make an estimate of what this might involve before purchasing.

Thanks,
lc

witeshark · 06-01-2008, 10:06 PM

I think you're on the right track. A change of brake fluid wouldn't hurt I bet.

darkhorse737 · 06-01-2008, 10:57 PM

"factory serviced for it's life...", you said? I don't see why the factory can't find the solution to that prob...

really, diagnostics at the factory should be able to say what is wrong within 5 mikes

anywayz, whitesark sez u on the right track and you are. Behind your rotors are the sensors. arm urself with cans of brake cleaner and clean 'em good. maybe, just maybe it will solve your problem.

littlecanoe · 06-02-2008, 08:20 AM

Thanks,
The Mech who has worked on the car is a former BMW dealership Mech. His recommendation was "back to dealer". I'm still sorting out the details as I don't live close to the car so am working on this one via phone.

Good Heads-Up on the brake cleaner. I'll check those things out. If I buy this car I'll most likely be doing a lot of the more basic maintenance on my own most likely.

I'm assuming that the fronts are the likely culprit. Any idea on braking bias percentage front to rear on the BMW's?

lc

Dudesky_E36 · 06-02-2008, 08:32 AM

Failing ABS modules on the e34 & e39 are a common known issue. If it's not the sensors, you should look into having the module rebuilt. However, the rebuild success is hit or miss, but it's cheaper to try that first before having a new one installed; I believe the difference in price is as much as $1000. A lot of e39 guys have had good results with this place:

ModuleMaster

littlecanoe · 06-02-2008, 10:43 PM

The owner isn't a mechanical kind of guy but he said that the "chip" was replaced several years ago for a different ABS problem. Sounds like the module is a good place to look also.

littlecanoe · 06-04-2008, 04:34 PM

Another question.

Considering the mileage and that the car is in good shape asthetically, would you think that 2000 to 2500$ would be right and offset any maintenance costs/issues?
He wants out of it what was put in to it last year.

pinnaclebass · 06-05-2008, 12:56 AM

what is mileage? 1999 528i for $2500?? most likely ABS speed sensor. otherwise ABS repair $500. not including labor.

littlecanoe · 06-05-2008, 02:11 AM

mileage is right at 190K.

darkhorse737 · 06-05-2008, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by littlecanoe

mileage is right at 190K.

New Car Prices and Used Car Blue Book Values - Official Kelley Blue Book Site punch in your year, model, mileage, etc... and that gives u an idea of what is right ;-)

littlecanoe · 06-15-2008, 10:03 PM

Well, instead of starting a new thread I thought that I'd just tie in to the original. Looks like I'll be posting here more as I've decided to buy this car.

I talked more in depth to the owner. He had it serviced most of it's live at a dealership. Then a fella that he goes to church with, a former BMW dealership mechanic, opened up his own shop.

I was able to talk to the mechanic who had replaced the ABS control module. All is looking good.

Thanks for all the feed back.

lc