Strange CEL. Not in manual.

[135iNewb]

I keep getting the same CEL combination. It comes and goes randomly. I've consulted my manual and this particular CEL is not listed. I took the car into BMW service and told them I saw a yellow DSC light and yellow Brake light stay on for several minutes. They pulled the codes and claim it threw code 5e45. The suggested fix was to recalibrate SZL sensor. I have no idea what the SZL sensor is, but the recalibration didnt seem to work since it has reappeared several times since.

I'll be returning the car to BMW service, but I'd like to know more about the situation if possible. Especially if there is any performance loss while the lights are displayed. I do notice that the turn signals do not disengage after completing the turn, which I can deal with. I'd like to know if the traction control system is still working while the codes are displayed.

Anyone ever heard of this problem?

[bluesunit]

I had the same combo on Saturday morning. I was like, "Oh crap, brakes and DSC? This must be major."

Spent 10 minutes digging through the manual to find what the lights meant. It's in there, just buried.

Yellow brake light and yellow DSC means that the drive-off assist system (hill-holder) has failed a test and gone inactive.

In my case, it cleared itself after driving a bit and has never returned.

I'm assuming SZL is german for "parking brake cable" or something.

Hope this helps.

[135iNewb]

The light combination for a failed Drive Off Assist is a yellow brake and an exclamation inside a circle inside parenthesis's.

I have a yellow brake light and an exclamation inside a triangle surrounded by a circle arrow thing. The same light that flashes when the tires slip. This combo isnt in the manual, or at least I cant find it.

Can anyone confirm what the SZL sensor is?

[135iNewb]

Oh, a quick google search says its the steering wheel angle sensor.

Makes sense since the blinkers dont shut of by themselves.

[Tom K.]

Originally Posted by 135iNewb

I have a yellow brake light and an exclamation inside a triangle surrounded by a circle arrow thing. The same light that flashes when the tires slip. This combo isnt in the manual, or at least I cant find it.

This sounds like the "Suspension System Failed" warning icon found on p.136 of the online '08 non iDrive owner's manual - apparently indicating a DSC/DTC failure.

Tom

[tankus]

I have had the exact same thing happen to me! And when it happens the turn signal lights don't click off automatically when i turn a corner. Took it to my dealership and they could not replicate the issue. Its happens every time i turn the car on now so i have taken a pic of it and emailed to my SA.

[tankus]

This are the two warnings i am getting

[135iNewb]

That's exactly it. The service code tells them not to replace the sensor, but calibrate it instead. Since they cant get it right, I'll be asking for it to be replaced. But since I've been searching I've found several post (on other forums) where the sensor has been replaced and this issue still comes up.

It usually clears in a few minutes, and the only performance loss I notice is the blinkers not working correctly. I'll post my results when I get time to take it in for service.

[tankus]

Thanks. Mines due in for its 30k service in a few weeks and they have promised to take another look at it for me, so i will do the same when i have more info

[Gimlet]

Originally Posted by 135iNewb

Oh, a quick google search says its the steering wheel angle sensor.

Makes sense since the blinkers dont shut of by themselves.

I've had to have this sensor replaced -