ABS control module failure.

- Fort Worth, TX, USA

The design of the ABS controller on a 2000 BMW 528I is prone to failure and will render the ABS functions inoperable. This is an extremely common problem on this series of BMW automobiles. The failure starts with various warning lights that indicate the ABS system is inoperable. These failures can be intermittent and it appears to be related to heat as the controller is mounted inside the engine compartment very near the exhaust system. Once failed the faulty ABS computer can cause and does cause the failure of the speed sensors mounted on the wheels. I replaced a bad wheel sensor at a cost of $93 and within 30 minutes of driving the brand new wheel sensor went bad (resistance measurement of the original bad wheel sensor was 4.4M ohm while the resistance measurement of the new wheel sensor was 8.8M ohm. After 30 minutes of driving the dashboard mounted warning lights came back on and the resistance measurement of the brand new wheel sensor was 4.4M ohm and further troubleshooting indicated a faulty ABS computer). Upon opening of the ABS computer to investigate it was discoverd that the design of the priinted circuit card uses poor reliability mechanical design properties for a unit that is exposed to extreme temperature variations and high vibration. This is a widely reported problem with these cars but BMW and Bosch (ABS computer manufacturer) refuse to acknowledge the problem and provide remedy for affected owners. This problem is dangerous as the entire ABS could fail at any time reducing the stopping power of the car entirely or intermittently. This is a big safety defect in these cars and by ignoring the problem both BMW and Bosch are putting drivers and property at risk.

- San Jose, CA, USA