BMW X4 ABS Failure: Could Lateral Sensor Be the Culprit?

Hey there! I have some experience working on cars and had a similar issue with my 2015 BMW X3 last year. The ABS warning came up just like yours, and it was quite concerning given how important that system is. Took it to my regular workshop and they diagnosed it as a defective control unit. The whole repair, including parts and labor, set me back about 1000 Euro. They had to replace the ABS control module and recalibrate the system. The job took about a day and a half, but the car has been running perfectly since then. Before I can share more specific details about the fix, could you share: Have you noticed any other warning lights? Does the issue happen more when turning or on straight roads? Have you had any recent work done on the suspension or brakes? These details would help me understand if you're dealing with the same problem I had with my X3.

Thanks for your detailed response! As mentioned, my X4 has 192655 KM on the clock, and yes, the issue seems more pronounced when turning. Actually, I've noticed the traction control light occasionally flickers too, but only when taking corners. Haven't had any recent work done on the suspension or brakes, last service was just a routine oil change and inspection. That's interesting about the control unit on your X3. Did you notice any unusual sounds or vibrations before the complete failure? I'm hoping it's just the sensor in my case, as that should be a bit cheaper than replacing the entire control module. I've already started calling around to get some quotes from different shops.

Hey again! Thanks for providing those extra details about your X4. You know, hearing about the traction control light flickering during turns really rings a bell, that's exactly what happened with my X3 before things got worse. I actually didn't hear any weird noises, but I did feel this slight 'hesitation' in the ABS when braking during turns. Initially, I also hoped it was just a sensor issue (like you're thinking now), but the symptoms you're describing are super similar to what I experienced. After seeing your mileage (192655 km), I'm even more convinced it might be the same problem I had with the control unit. Mine had around 180000 km when it failed. These units tend to start acting up around this mileage, it's kind of a known thing with our BMWs. Quick tip though, before you commit to any repairs, make sure they do a thorough diagnostic. When I first started calling shops, some tried to sell me on just replacing sensors without proper testing. The place that finally fixed mine did a complete system scan first, which showed it was definitely the control unit. Let me know what the shops quote you. If they're saying anything wildly different from what I paid (around 1000), I'd be happy to share my mechanic's detailed invoice so you can compare.

Thanks so much for all this valuable information! It's actually quite reassuring to hear that someone else went through the same issue with such similar symptoms. That's really helpful about the mileage correlation too, makes a lot of sense given where my X4 is at. I've gotten a few quotes now, and they're ranging from 800 to 1200 for a control unit replacement. You were absolutely right about some shops jumping straight to sensor replacement, one wanted to do that without even running diagnostics! I'm definitely going to insist on a complete system scan first, just like you mentioned. Think I'll go ahead and book it in next week with the shop that seemed most thorough in their approach. They actually specialize in BMWs and mentioned the same things you did about these units typically failing around this mileage. Really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience, saved me from potentially wasting money on just replacing sensors! I'll probably skip calling around for more quotes now and just get it sorted properly.