BMW E39 Wheel Speed / ABS Sensor Replacement DIY

In this DIY, we replace a wheel speed sensor (ABS sensor) on a 2000 BMW E39 M5. The same process will be applicable on all E39 5-series models.
Required Parts:
Wheel Speed / ABS Sensor: 34526756375
Hex Bolt (2-per): 07129901130
E39Source WEBSITE: www.E39Source.com
BMW M3Source: / e65source
BMW E46Source: / e46source
BMW Reviews: / steptronic87

[@MichaelGennett]

another great video. Thanks! I had this trifecta happen 1.5 years ago. Tried sensor but no go. Found a place in Massachusetts via ebay that rebuilt the abs module for $125 total. Resolved my issue and 30k miles later still going strong. Keep the videos coming! Awesome!

[@marcelosoto-quiroga1965]

Great vid, thanks for sharing. It's important to note that earlier E39 versions (1997 and 1998) use different part numbers. They're 34521182159 front and 34521182160 rear. They really look identical to those you showed here (34526756375 front and ***376 rear), but BMW catalog states those are compatible to later E39's i.e: from 1998 to 2003.

[@DannysGarage]

If you hook up INPA and see a "precharge pump" error, then that's almost always the ABS module going bad. I send them out to BBA Reman, they have an eBay listing for right around $100 for the repair service. The turnaround is quick- if you send the module out on a Monday you'll probably have it back to you by Friday. I've had a few modules rebuilt by them and I'm pretty happy with their work.

[@McCarthyism_by_Youtube]

wow my oems just started acting up at 114K mi. Bought Bosch sensors at $43 each. thanks for the great diy!

[@danieltheron1390]

Hot connection in the module. Must rebuild or replace abs module. All the abs units that ends with a 001 on the Bosch part number seems to break often. The older type part nr ends with 0265 they last a lifetime.both units working on e39 cars.

[@E39Source]

Mine is the 002 model.

[@danieltheron1390]

E39Source ok maybe only on a m5. I'm so happy to see that you love this m5 so much. These in my opinion is the benchmark of bmw true drivers car. I would love to own one of them. 540i 6 still pretty awesome. Love your content

[@saab93aero41]

Had my drivers side rear sensor go bad about one month ago on my 2000 528it. Took it to a BMW specialist shop where it took 3.5 hours to get the sensor out without breaking the hub.

[@makveldz]

If it's only on warm days it could be the ABS Module, i've heard about it that they changed that, i can't remember the year but on my '97 E39 it's not located in the engine bay so it doesn't get heated up. So i guess you'll be fine with repairing it. Good luck!

[@derrickg5612]

It's the module. They are sensitive to heat so only driving a few miles wont heat soak the module enough to through a code. Had the same problem with my 540.

[@larryjohnson8168]

Derrick G I’m having this problem in my 540i right now. Did it lock up your transmission too?

[@Timmy5290]

You do not have to remove the tires. I just replaced all 4. But you definitely need to use the 5mm. But if u don’t remove the wheels just have a lil more patience and use smaller 3/4 socket set

[@drabun1959]

Mine was the hub relucter ring I replaced the sensor and had the module rebuilt my abs light only comes on when I move the car but goes out if i restart it , the hub had rust inside I tried cleaning it but no luck so I replaced both front hubs they were old it worked for me.

[@makveldz]

Good work and your E39 is so gorgeous btw. Have a nice day

[@alalal123421]

i have a 528 only abs light on though drives fine for now but idk how to check which wheel speed sensor has gone bad

[@holyshit4414]

I have a question - my e39 does not show me speed so I have tried to check the ABS sensors. Front left wheel looked pretty fine, without any dirt so I moved to the opposite side and realize that there is no ABS sensor on my front right wheel!? Like... I know how it looked like on the left side, so i thought it should be the same on the right side, however there is missing even the cable which should come from the ''top'' to the black box!!! What should I do?

[@kristiansuljic6940]

Without further dadoo - best part of the video :D thanks for the info man!

[@fuckjewtube69]

It takes literally 10 seconds to check the resistance of the speed sensor to see if its a module problem or not. Should be around 10 MOhm or compare it to the good side. If the module checks ok check the speed sensor resistance and tone ring and there you go.

[@mikixP]

I had p0500 Changed both rear wheel speed sensors , after changing them , I still have the problem where the speedometer not working along with Gas gage etc .. where should i look now ?

[@E39Source]

If changing the sensors did not fix the problem, I would be inclined to think that your ABS module is faulty. I would remove it, and send it out for repair. I frequently recommend Module Master for this in Idaho.

[@fabiandee8178]

These bolts are terrible. The new ones I got from BMW are longer than the original ones although they had the same thread. I cleaned out the hole and the bolt wouldn't go in all the way in the hub so the sensor wasn't flush against the hole and I snapped the bolt trying to remove it. I think maybe I overtightened it trying to get it in but still. Don't know if the same will happen on the other side yet as that old bolt snapped when trying to remove it. I have shortened the bolts now to mitigate further issues when I get the sheared bolts extracted. Screwing around with these bolts has been the most time consuming part, accessing the rear wheel sensor connectors behind the wheel arch lining was pretty easy in the end.

[@E39Source]

The 07129901130 bolt? Mine fit perfectly..

[@livinwithmario4599]

ODOMETER isnt working on my e39 540i.. could this be a start to attempt ? I have been reading on some forums that wheel speed sensors might mess with the odometer

[@E39Source]

I believe the speedometer and mileage are recorded by the rear left wheel speed sensor. I would want to scan the ABS module and IKE error memories first to get a better idea of the problem.

[@Tyler-yb4mc]

Very good

[@joshrowton8616]

Can anyone recommend Module Repair Pro out of Van Nuys, CA?

[@larryjohnson8168]

Is there a resistance check for the sensors?

[@KKE1978]

Dude your car is gorgeous!!

[@E39Source]

Thank you!

[@KKE1978]

@@E39Source ...did the rebuild of the abs module fix the problem??

[@E39Source]

@@KKE1978 Yes, the Module Masters rebuild was ultimately my solution.

[@sbrave]

I'm not getting any codes from my e46, but the triangle light is on. To avoid cleaning/replacing all sensors, how do you know which is the bad one?

[@E39Source]

For the light to be on, there must be codes stored in the ABS module, LCM, or instrument cluster. Have you scanned these, or only the engine computer?

[@piercebancroft2566]

I assume your issue was the abs module… Are the VDO speed sensors definitely the same as BMW? I know the BMW ones have Siemens written on them, and VDO is part of Siemens. The price difference is huge, so don’t want to buy BMW if the VDO ones work perfectly! I’ve just fitted “apec” branded sensors and they didn’t help with the abs pulsing. Thank you!

[@E39Source]

VDO/Siemens is identical to Genuine BMW. And yes, my problem was the ABS module.

[@piercebancroft2566]

That’s great news. You have just saved me £200 / $275. Thank you. I don’t have any lights on, just abs kicking in just before stopping at low speed, so hoping it’s an aftermarket sensor issue. Thanks again 👍

[@valerianpantsulia1730]

Really good videos, Good tutorial. Thank's !?

[@genesssisss]

Good info

[@gnarkill32]

It wouldn't be the tone ring as the code is for an open circuit.

[@williamharris1232]

I’m having the same problem with my 2001 bmw 330i all the lights are on and my car goes into limp mode after driving it for a few minutes I replaced all wheel sensors

[@E39Source]

You need to scan the ABS module and see what codes its reporting!

[@rosenpcj]

Good info as always.

[@eliasmedelberg]

Hello, thinking about buying a E39 that got only the abs-light on. Not ESC or DSC. Could this be the abs-module or is it more probable that it's just a ABS sensor? The cars pretty cheap so if it's more likely to just be a ABS sensor issue it's worth buying and DIYing. Thanks! Also, Great video!

[@E39Source]

It could be anything. You need to pull the code(s) from the ABS module, and see what it is complaining about. Hopefully it's just a speed sensor or some glitch that can be reset along with the codes, but it could be a module too. Rebuilding a module is about $350.

[@eliasmedelberg]

Okey, sadly I don't have the equipment for checking the codes (will probably but if I buy the car). Might be worth gambling if I could get the price down a bit. Thanks for the reply

[@MercenaryRandoms]

I have this problem on my E38 740i. Sometimes when I hit the brakes hard enough, the brake pedal will litteraly vibrate as I hold it down. After that, the 3 lights come on...wtf?

[@RedstoneWolf531]

MercenaryRandoms the vibration is your ABS working to prevent you from locking up your tires (this is usually normal). However there is probably a problem if you are getting the lights and ABS turning on even when you aren't slamming down the brake pedal.

[@DG-od4si]

the same problem with almost every e39

[@bobogto540i4]

I could not find a follow up :). Can you please state your experience with Modulemaster. This is my 2nd E39 with the same issue. Last time I just ate the whatever price was the electronics rebuild circuit board from Bosch. Problem is it's on back-order now and who knows if they will manufacture it again. No one has it. I'm not paying 3k for the unit with the hardware. Please let me know. Or if you have started dipping into those waters of rebuilding units? :)

[@E39Source]

ModuleMaster is your answer. I have sent several units to them and have never had an issue again after the repair.

[@bobogto540i4]

@@E39Source OK. It's been decided then. Will take the unit down next week and send it out. Just an FYI. I've never had this happen before, but I'm assuming it's all consequence of the fact that DSC unit is completely down. DME reports loss of communication. So I have a speedo that goes in and out. Car doesn't seem to have lost power, but it will cut off at 5500rpm even if fully warmed up. Also fuel gauge goes a little crazy will drop or increase indicated fuel level within a quarter tank at times.

[@E39Source]

@@bobogto540i4 Missing DSC module can absolutely cause that, I would want to get that back in the equation before doing more troubleshooting.

[@watchdog3605]

Turn the wheels

[@redl1nerpm]

Did you also get tire control inactive at the same time (like your screen shot was showing)? And did the abs module fix the issue?

[@E39Source]

Yes, I did. Anytime there is an issue with your wheel speed sensors, it deactivates the tire control system since it uses those sensors. Rebuilding the ABS module fixed all of my problems. Replacing the speed sensor did not.

[@ps35012]

I recently got the traction and abs lights. Engine power was reduced with the module in and when I took it out I got full power. Had to replace the module for 800 bucks and that fixed the problem for about a month. Now it's come back. Any suggestions? Maybe a wheel speed sensor?

[@E39Source]

Pull the module code(s) and that'll tell you where to look!

[@ps35012]

Hey E39 Source, pulled the codes and turned out it was a left front wheel speed sensor. Ordering the part and gonna do this DIY. Fingers crossed

[@fernandorochafontesdeolive6637]

Did you solve it ? I have a intermitent DSC light problem

[@fernandorochafontesdeolive6637]

And theres not Trifecta in my car, just the DSC turns on randomly, and sometimes in D position, when i drive uphill inclination, my gearbox shows “ transfailsafe” i did Scan and theres no issue on my tranny.

[@E39Source]

@@fernandorochafontesdeolive6637 My problem was with the ABS module. I had it rebuilt, and that fixed everything. Trans fail safe is an automatic transmission problem. You will need to replace or rebuild your transmission.

[@chrismccarthy284]

/177 is the rear i think

[@mahdey]

I have to ask, who refinished your wheels?

[@E39Source]

I replaced them with factory new wheels a few years back.

[@OpenAirAdventure]

I'm having the same issue, new sensor and light came back on. I've been told that the problem is the after market speed sensor. Has to be oem bmw or ATE sensor so I have read. What's your opinion?

[@E39Source]

I would only recommend Siemens/VDO or Genuine BMW. The cheaper aftermarket ones are cheaper for a reason, they don't work!

[@OpenAirAdventure]

@@E39Source thank you

[@OpenAirAdventure]

@@E39Source scanned system and right rear speed sensor out, installed genuine bmw sensor and lights went out, then back on again a few miles later. I just noticed the left rear sensor is not bmw, is it possible that they are not compatible together and that both rear should be genuine bmw?

[@E39Source]

@@OpenAirAdventure That doesn't sound probably to me. What code is it reporting now that the lights have come back on? Check the connection to make sure that the sensor you just installed didn't come apart or something?

[@OpenAirAdventure]

@@E39Source 5db3 on code reader but going to recheck tomorrow because I switched right and left rear sensors. Reluctant rings are in great shape also.

[@raomar0]

Hey, does anyone know what Wheel Speed Sensor Circuit "A" is?

[@E39Source]

That sounds like a generic code. Get a BMW scanner and it''ll tell you which corner.

[@raomar0]

Ok thanks so much for the reply!

[@quentinalston5479]

I have a BMW 530i 2001. I'm trying to know what sensor to replace i been checking online to know where to start from but I've gotten no where. The code is P0500 and it says inside In the message center something about transmission speed check/programming failed. The way I'm saying it may not be exact but it's something to this nature

[@E39Source]

Transmission Failsafe Prog?

[@quentinalston5479]

E39Source yes

[@quentinalston5479]

So do you have any suggestions?

[@E39Source]

Get a diagnosis by a professional BMW specialty shop. You don't have enough information to go off of.

[@quentinalston5479]

It's the speed sensor

[@BimmerM5e39]

Anyone having their Auxiliary Fan running because of a bad speed sensor?

[@E39Source]

The aux fan shouldn't run because of a bad speed sensor... it's either too hot, or the AC is on. Keep in mind that the fan runs whenever the AC is turned on.

[@mikemoyercell]

Ryan: I have to replace my precharge pump. Did you bleed the brakes afterwards?

[@E39Source]

Mike Moyer I had the pre-charge pump done years ago by a shop. I’m unsure if a brake bleed is required afterwards.

[@DanRichter]

How much do you figure it will cost to rebuild the module? Also.. can you drive without any speed sensors plugged in? I took the car to a mechanic because I had no idea what was going on and they replaced the sensors like you did. They said that will fix the problem. Then after I pay, and see that it doesn't work, they take another look at it and tell me I'm gonna need to pay another $900 for a used module. Told them fuck that, take out your sensors and give me my money back, getting the speedo working again isn't worth $1500. They're telling me the car needs the ABS sensors in or I can't drive it.

[@E39Source]

The module was about $350 to rebuild. You should not drive with any sensors not plugged in. You could tow it home though and then send out the module for a rebuild. I recommend Module Masters in Idaho for this. It'll come back like new.

[@DanRichter]

E39Source thanks. What will happen if nothing is plugged in? My old ones were plugged in, but weren't even working so I can't imagine there would be a difference. I just wouldn't have ABS right?

[@E39Source]

Well you could possibly get a tamper light on the instrument cluster, which then makes your car worth nothing as the mileage cannot be confirmed. But if you didn't already get that.... you might be okay. I recommend replacing any faulty wheel speed sensors, and then sending the ABS module out for a rebuild.

[@DanRichter]

E39Source yea the odometer hasn't worked for at least a year because of this lol, I've really been putting this issue off. Thanks for the suggestions

[@E39Source]

So your mileage is now thousands of miles off?