DSC lights are on

I just bought this damn car and there seems to be so many things going wrong!

I was just driving along on the highway today and the warning lamp, ABS, and Brake lights come on.

Is this something that's normal? The car is an 03 and has about 65k on it. I'm wondering now if I bought a lemon.

Return it.

Yes return it asap. I was reading a few months back same thing happened to this one guy and it leads to some really fvcked up ****.

Originally Posted by SalM

Yes return it asap. I was reading a few months back same thing happened to this one guy and it leads to some really fvcked up ****.

I tired to find some other threads on this (on this site) and didn't find too much. But some did say it could just be a sensor. - Thoughts?

It doesn't sound like this is a "normal" thing, so does that mean someone just really jacked up the car or did it just roll outta production with a few problems?

Originally Posted by dishrags

I tired to find some other threads on this (on this site) and didn't find too much. But some did say it could just be a sensor. - Thoughts?

It doesn't sound like this is a "normal" thing, so does that mean someone just really jacked up the car or did it just roll outta production with a few problems?

The thing is 7 or 8 years old now, there are things that are going to fail at this point. Just a fact of life.

As far as what's wrong, I would check wheel speed sensors and ABS sensors first before you dig more. Should be fairly easy to check by taking each wheel off and checking the sensor. If you just bought it then take it back to the dealership and tell them to fix it. If it was private party then better roll up your sleeves and get to work.

PS: http://www.bimmerfest.com/wiki/index...illuminated.3F

Read it, learn it, love it.

Originally Posted by dishrags

I tired to find some other threads on this (on this site) and didn't find too much. But some did say it could just be a sensor. - Thoughts?

It doesn't sound like this is a "normal" thing, so does that mean someone just really jacked up the car or did it just roll outta production with a few problems?

There's no such thing as "roll out of production with a few problems". If it did, that was 7 years ago.
Why do you say it's normal to have a light on? The lights tell you that something needs attention. Maybe you're trying to ask "how deep in the hole am I?"
Only a mechanic can tell you for sure. Now if you want us to speculate... give us some more details. Like get a Peak tool and get the error codes.

I forgot where I read it but He said it lead to some real fvcked up ****.

Scan codes- probably a wheel speed sensor.

Originally Posted by Master Po

There's no such thing as "roll out of production with a few problems". If it did, that was 7 years ago.
Why do you say it's normal to have a light on? The lights tell you that something needs attention. Maybe you're trying to ask "how deep in the hole am I?"
Only a mechanic can tell you for sure. Now if you want us to speculate... give us some more details. Like get a Peak tool and get the error codes.

I know what the lights are for, I'm asking if these kinds of issues are from normal wear an tear.

Originally Posted by dishrags

I just bought this damn car and there seems to be so many things going wrong!

I was just driving along on the highway today and the warning lamp, ABS, and Brake lights come on.

Is this something that's normal? The car is an 03 and has about 65k on it. I'm wondering now if I bought a lemon.

Talk to a mech.

DSC w/ BRAKE light on means the system disabled itself because the car isnt caluclating right. Just be lucky you werent relying on the DSC for the LSD effect and has it go on mid turn like I did.

ABS is seperate, maybe its just fuses. Research or take it to a shop.

Originally Posted by SamDoe1

The thing is 7 or 8 years old now, there are things that are going to fail at this point. Just a fact of life.

As far as what's wrong, I would check wheel speed sensors and ABS sensors first before you dig more. Should be fairly easy to check by taking each wheel off and checking the sensor. If you just bought it then take it back to the dealership and tell them to fix it. If it was private party then better roll up your sleeves and get to work.

PS: http://www.bimmerfest.com/wiki/index...illuminated.3F

Read it, learn it, love it.

Thanks Sam. I suppose my fault though, I didn't do a pre inspection prior to buying the car. It was exactly what I wanted and there was only ONE other one in the NW for sale.

There are a few maintenance records and I'm just wondering now if all this is an on going problem that couldn't be fixed (why they got rid of the car).

Originally Posted by SKIPPY PB

Talk to a mech.

DSC w/ BRAKE light on means the system disabled itself because the car isnt caluclating right. Just be lucky you werent relying on the DSC for the LSD effect and has it go on mid turn like I did.

ABS is seperate, maybe its just fuses. Research or take it to a shop.

+ 1, this is a start point

Originally Posted by Ivanhoe

+ 1, this is a start point

Thanks everyone. I think I'm just freakin' out a bit.

I got in a pretty nasty accident last summer, my car was actually in park it was the craziest freak accident, but long story short my left rear wheel got hit with a tree. (will post the story another time)

ANYWAY: my left rear control arm was bent and this triggered the same lights that you are seeing. I think it had to do with what Kubica said which is the wheel speed sensor. Maybe go get an alinement done? that could give you some hints

Originally Posted by dishrags

I know what the lights are for, I'm asking if these kinds of issues are from normal wear an tear.

We don't know what issues you have yet, do we?

This may be unrelated, but I had a ABS light pop up on my VW about a year ago and it required a new ABS control. The VW part was about $800. Not certain if this is your issue or if this may be the price to fix it. You may be able to find a re-manufactured unit as well.

Get the codes pulled. DSC + ABS work together.
They will both be disabled not one of the other.
Check power steering fluid and brake fluid levels.

i know that when i would unplug my battery when I used to show my car at indoor car shows, at the end of the day when I plugged it back in my abs/dsc/brake lights would go on but turn off after driving around afterwards...

doubt that helps tho lol

Originally Posted by TrickTizzle

Get the codes pulled. DSC + ABS work together.
They will both be disabled not one of the other.
Check power steering fluid and brake fluid levels.

+1.

Originally Posted by Gottalovethexi

i know that when i would unplug my battery when I used to show my car at indoor car shows, at the end of the day when I plugged it back in my abs/dsc/brake lights would go on but turn off after driving around afterwards...

doubt that helps tho lol

Yeah mine does the same anytime I disconnect the battery. They turn out after I drive about ten feet.

OP- did the place you bought it from do any work on it before you bought it? Maybe new brakes, axle, bushings, etc.? If so, they probably chewed up one of the sensors.

For a problem like this you need to scan codes first and foremost though.

Originally Posted by Gottalovethexi

i know that when i would unplug my battery when I used to show my car at indoor car shows, at the end of the day when I plugged it back in my abs/dsc/brake lights would go on but turn off after driving around afterwards...

doubt that helps tho lol

+1... OP, you might try to disconnect the battery for half an hour and then reconnect. The DSC/ABS etc will be on when you start driving for a few miles at most if the system is normal. You might check all the fuses while you are at it but I doubt this is the issue.

If that does not clear it up, you have an issue in the system that is impossible to diagnose over the internet. You can either take it to the BMW dealer (I would not use an indy here unless you are sure they can read the BMW specific codes) or buy yourself a Peake tool and scan the codes (either way it is going to cost you the same).

Also, fair warning... you will do more maintenece on your BMW than most cars you have owned. Around 65k to 75k seems to be when a lot of it is needed too. More things are considered maintence items as well (colling system, control arms, VCG etc)... This is the price you pay for driving a sports car. Good news is that these cars are very easy to work on compared to most other modern cars.