Hi

I have a few times had a failure where I get a "yellow warning" saying "Drive Control System Failure, Drive Moderately" - or something like that

After the failure occurs, the adaptive lights no longer turns, and the indicator light no longer turns off after making a turn. So, I assume it has something to do with a sensor somewhere on the steering column?

Has anybody else had this problem, and is it a easy fix to change the sensor? Does anybody know where the sensor is placed?

BTW: After turning the car off and then on, the problem goes away - but then comes back after some random amount of time.

Any input is appreciated.

Thanks,
Thomas.

 

it does sound like a steering position sensor problem.
check out realoem.com and see if you can find a part in the column.

 

Yea that's a good idea. It does sound like some sort of a sensor...maybe linked to active steering if you have it. If your lucky the sensor won't cost too much.

 

It might be low battery voltage.

 

+1
I don't think it's a DIY because of dealer coding.



http://www.google.com/cse?cx=partner-pub-7...L&sa=Search

 

Sounds like the Steering Angle Sensor, which is located behind the steering wheel.
The sensor is not seriously expensive, but it does need to be coded to the car, so you will need either a $tealer or someone with the requisite equipment.
There was a bad batch of these Sensors in 2005 I understand, and there is now a modified part (check out RealOEM for part number and cost).

I'm having the same trouble at the moment. All my $tealer has done is reset the error message, which lasted a couple of days before the error returned. My error comes on most of the time when I start the car, but there are no ill effects like lack of indicator cancelling. When my car was on the Diagnostics, they couldn't find anything wrong - I just need the time to take the car back for them to relieve me of more of my hard-earned cash.

Mike

 

Thanks for all the replies! Did not know the sensor needs coding at the dealer. Better go talk to them and see what the say. The car is from 2003, so probably not covered by the mentioned recall. Is there anybody who has a reference to the service bulletin where the recall is mentioned?

Thanks again,
Thomas.

 

In true BMW tradition, as far as I'm aware, there has been no recall for the Steering Angle Sensor - it is just replaced when it goes wrong.
There's a number of posts on this forum, and most of those cars affected seem to have been done whilst still under warranty - something that doesn't apply to us unfortunately.

I think it affected mainly 2005 cars, and as yours is an '03 and mine an '04, it could be something completely different!!

Mike

 

Just happened to me today on my way to work
Will be hooking up GT1 today to my car to read out the codes and see possible solutions. Spoke with my mechanic and he mentioned that if SZL is not at fault then only optical disk might need to be replaced and that does not require coding
otherwise I will be heading to the dealer and I can't code MOST car with my GT1.