E30 325is ABS light is on - United Bimmer Community

**dev6315** · 11-07-2007, 05:01 PM

I just bought a really nice 1989 325is. When I bought the car the ABS and Brake lining light was on. The previous owner said he just replaced the rotors and pads. I already bought the front left and rear brake lining sensors. How many ABS sensors does this car have? I am waiting until I have everything I need before digging in to fix both probs. Also, is there a good source for new or used ABS speed sensors? Thanks in advance.

**Exilion** · 11-07-2007, 05:49 PM

As far as I know there is one sensor per wheel. Cause I'm lazy I'll just copy from the bentley manual

If the ABS warning indicator comes on a visual inspection of the system may help to locate the fault. Carefully inspect the wiring harness. Check especially the harness and connections near each wheel for chafing or damage due to incorrectly routed wires. If the wheel sensor harness is damaged, the wheel sensor with its integral harness should be replaced
The pulse wheels themselves may be responsible for faulty speed signals reaching the control unit. Inspect the pulse wheels for damage such as cracks or missing teeth. Check to see that a crack has not made the pulse wheel loose. Spin the tire to check to see if the pulse wheel is out-of-round. Check for dirt or worn wheel bearings which could reduce the clearance between the sensor and the wheel. Even accumulated metallic brake pad dust has been known to cause problems. A faulty pulse wheel should be replaced

**celsdogg** · 11-07-2007, 06:42 PM

this happened to my first E30. i fixed it by taking out the light bulb to the dummy light.

id prefer to not have abs, and thats what that light is just saying that your brakes wont "pump", but they will still apply fine.

**Exilion** · 11-07-2007, 06:49 PM

that's so much simpler (and cheaper)

witeshark · 11-07-2007, 07:46 PM

It may come on if the brake fluid needs changing. But I don't think it would be on all the time.

**dev6315** · 11-07-2007, 07:58 PM

Thanks for all the replies. I will most likely just disable the idiot light right now. I checked and all the wiring is in good shape, so I dont know. I might replace them down the road when I upgrade to drilled and slotted rotors. Thanks again for all the help!!

**dev6315** · 11-07-2007, 08:10 PM

Also, where do you guys get a lot of your parts. I know the main places (this is my 3rd E30), but didnt know you knew of some other sites. Ebay is huge and BAVAUTO, but they are getting tough to find. Thanks in advance!

**BrettsE30** · 03-04-2008, 04:31 PM

I have a 1990 325i and going through the same thing. Only my light will go out, for a while, and then come back on. Still looking into it but have you found the problem? Please let me know.

nick_318is · 03-04-2008, 07:55 PM

i like pelican parts, and Tischer BMW has a good discount for forum members.