Wheel speed sensors.....

[np6000]

Overkill,

This is a pretty typical German car issue, with the sensor feedback being tied to the control strategies for various systems, ABS, traction control, gear specific engine calibration, cooling system strategy, smart charging strategy and the list goes on.

Bad steering position sensor on an X5 - limp
Bad cooling fan fuse on an N20 X1 - maximum water pump duty cycle 35A current draw at all times from the WP alone.
Bad throttle circuit on N55 X5 - limp
Bad Alternator circuit or disconnected field sensor - limp

Audis and Mercedes are similar, but I have had more painful experiences with BMW's in the near past.

These cars are fantastic engineering pieces when they work. When they are not working, they are a nightmare to troubleshoot. The factory BMW scan tool is particularly fussy, making the process even more painful.

 

[JOD]

Originally Posted By: OVERK1LL
Originally Posted By: JOD
My Freestyle is exactly the same; both the transmission and Haldex system relay on data from the WSS, and the car will go into limp mode if something goes sideways. So, this isn't a "BMW-only" thing.

My guess is that supposed to prevent damage to other components in the event of the problem with the WSS. I'm not sure I really see what this is such a big deal.


As I said, I'm just surprised that one sensor (of four) going bad can essentially cripple the vehicle. Not a "big deal", just surprising.

But you answered my question on whether this was "BMW only" or not, so thank you

Yeah, my comment was really directed at those pulling the "BMW hate card" on this one. I just don't see it as a big deal. Funny thing, this has come up with some Freestyle owners when they change hubs (the sensor ring is part of the hub on this car). It normally goes like this: owner installs Chinese wheel bearing, car stops working... Then it's "what the @#$, first my wheel bearing, now my transmission is failing!". I think a couple of other folks damaged the sensor when doing the brakes.

 

[Vikas]

Is this Xdrive or rear wheel drive? If it is rear wheel drive, somebody from BMW corporate needs to commit harakiri. If it is AWD, I will give them a pass.

 

[OVERKILL]

Originally Posted By: Vikas
Is this Xdrive or rear wheel drive? If it is rear wheel drive, somebody from BMW corporate needs to commit harakiri. If it is AWD, I will give them a pass.


RWD.

 

[OVERKILL]

Car needs a battery too. Getting that tomorrow. Would barely start for my wife this weekend. I think the battery is original....

 

[artificialist]

Originally Posted By: OVERK1LL
Car needs a battery too. Getting that tomorrow. Would barely start for my wife this weekend. I think the battery is original....

Does your car have the battery located in the trunk? Batteries not under the hood tend to last twice as long.

 

[OVERKILL]

Originally Posted By: artificialist
Originally Posted By: OVERK1LL
Car needs a battery too. Getting that tomorrow. Would barely start for my wife this weekend. I think the battery is original....

Does your car have the battery located in the trunk? Batteries not under the hood tend to last twice as long.


Yes, in the trunk.