Traction Control Indicator Light?

[jemarin]

HI everyone, I'm brand new to this forum but hopefully will be a regular very soon. I don't currently have a 5-series but I'm actively in the market.

I found a 2001 530i Sport that's in great shape but one thing that concerned me was that the traction control indicator light remained on all the time. I'm pretty sure that's what is was... amber light in the lower middle part of the instrument cluster, triangle with a arrow/circle around it. Am I right about that?

[attachmentid=17064]

Why would it stay on? Does that indicate that there is a problem?used

Please help! I'm really interested in the car but I want to be aware of any potential problems before I commit to it.

Thanks in advance for your help!!!!

[Alex B]

I've just had this light on a couple of weeks ago. It indicates a fault with the abs or traction control system. In fact I've had it 4 times since i bought my e39 523i 5 years ago. Every time it has been a faulty ABS sensor. Is the cruise control working? If not then it is the RH rear sensor at fault. That was what was wrong with mine recently. The dealer replaced it at a cost of £191. The cost was more cos they had to drill out the retaining bolt which had seized and sheared.

Hope this helps

[maxxym]

There is a button right above the cup holder that turns that light off. It's for traction control. Mine is always off but when my wheels start to slip, it blinks telling you that traction control is working or the surface is slippery.

[///Matt]

Ok, it is not likely the ABS system on an 01, but there are a number of other causes to this problem. The most likely is that a sensor on the air intake system is failed or getting a zero read. Check any sensors (MAF sensor first) and see if its getting a read. Otherwise take it to a BMW mechanic, it probably wont cost much to fix. Good luck!

[Alex B]

I'm still pretty sure it's an ABS sensor. I've now had 4 replaced on my car since new. They are very unreliable and the first one went wrong at only 14000 miles and 1 1/2 years old. Let us know how you get on.