2013 128I ABS and Brake light comes on and off

[LiveLikeKure]

I noticed for the past couple weeks or so the ABS and Brake light have been coming on and off while I'm driving. My car hasnt been appearing to drive any differently as far as I can tell.

Also, Idk if its in my head, but the light tends to come on and off more frequently when its raining.

I've checked the brake fluid and all seems good there. Any suggesteions? Sorry if something simple, I'm mechanic illiterate.

[Jessers05]

It is usually an ABS Sensor also knows as a wheel speed sensor. For me it would be turn on the DTC, ABS, and TPMS lights. You can go to an auto parts store and get the code read for free and they will tell you which side needs to be replaced. They are roughly about 100 bucks or so for Genuine BMW and 50 or so for other brands. The diy is simple too in my opinion.

[Rmtt]

Originally Posted by Jessers05

It is usually an ABS Sensor also knows as a wheel speed sensor. For me it would be turn on the DTC, ABS, and TPMS lights. You can go to an auto parts store and get the code read for free and they will tell you which side needs to be replaced. They are roughly about 100 bucks or so for Genuine BMW and 50 or so for other brands. The diy is simple too in my opinion.

+1. It's pretty common.

Also before buying the sensor, you can look at the reluctor ring that this sensor reads to see if maybe there is grime or dirt built up in it that would interrupt the signal.

Not sure where they are on the BMW, but there is typically one on the front side of the car and one on the rear from my experience with other cars. Maybe something like FL / RR.

[LiveLikeKure]

Thanks for the replies guys. Hopefully thats the case as it seems fairly simple! Am I in danger of the car stalling on me? I plan on taking a bit of a road trip in a couple days and my paranoia is kicking in. Wont be able to tackle the issue to this coming weekend.

[gjm120]

Don't know about our cars, but, on some vehicles low fluid level with cause a brake warning code.

[Jessers05]

Originally Posted by LiveLikeKure

Thanks for the replies guys. Hopefully thats the case as it seems fairly simple! Am I in danger of the car stalling on me? I plan on taking a bit of a road trip in a couple days and my paranoia is kicking in. Wont be able to tackle the issue to this coming weekend.

I have not had my car stall on me. The only issue I have had is the cruise control will be non operational. For the most part from my understanding about the ABS system is that it only goes into operation when you slam on the brakes, so as long as you are not expecting to do that you shouldn't stall. From my experience I never had any issues with it, and I ran with it for about a month.

If you do choose to DIY it the front and rear sensors are different from my knowledge. So make sure you have the right one before you check out.

[Suprgnat]

Originally Posted by Rmtt

Not sure where they are on the BMW...

ABS sensors = all four corners.

[Ric in RVA]

Cleaning the rings and the sensor is the first thing I'd do.

Sensor should pop out fairly easy...wipe them down then peer into the hole and see if you can see the ring as you rotate the wheel.

Might have to use a cell phone video to get a decent view. If gunked up clean it. Sometimes they corrode and split. Then you have to replace the ring.

If you still get a code then replace the lead. Very easy to do.

You can drive it with no issue just won't have cruise, ABS or DSC available.

[Rmtt]

Originally Posted by Suprgnat

ABS sensors = all four corners.

My bad...for some reason I was thinking brake pad sensors. Since pads are typically replaced in pairs, there are usually only two sensors unless BMW does it different in that aspect as well.

[LiveLikeKure]

Thanks for all the replies fellas. I will be attempting to clean out the sensors this weekend first and foremost as I definitely have not scrubbed that area in quite some time. IF that doesnt work I will look into replacing them.

Thankfully it doesnt seem like to major of an issue!