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horstzimmermann67

BMW Z4 ABS Light Mystery: Speed Sensor Malfunction?

ABS warning light

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ABS/DSC system is not working

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Loss of traction

Hey everyone! Got some concerning issues with my 2023 BMW Z4 (41k km). The ABS warning light is on and the car's acting weird with unusual traction control kicking in even on dry roads. The acceleration feels jumpy and I'm pretty sure there's something wrong with the speed sensors. Had a not-so-great experience with my last mechanic, so I'm looking for advice from other Z4 owners who might have dealt with similar problems. What was your fix and how much did it cost? Any trusted mechanics you'd recommend? Thanks in advance!

4 comment(s)


sarahdrache1

I experienced similar symptoms with my 2020 BMW M2 Competition last month. The ABS/traction issue turned out to be a faulty ABS control module. The main symptoms matched yours, unusual traction interventions and unstable acceleration behavior. The diagnosis revealed the control unit was indeed defective and needed a complete replacement. It's not just a simple sensor issue, the entire module was corrupted. This is actually a serious problem that needs immediate attention because it affects vital safety systems. In my case, the technician also had to recalibrate the new unit and reset all related systems after installation. The whole repair took about two days including parts delivery. I'd strongly suggest getting it checked at an authorized BMW service center since they have the specific diagnostic tools needed for these electronic modules. These symptoms aren't something you want to ignore, they can lead to more serious issues if left unattended.

horstzimmermann67 (Author)

Thanks for sharing your experience! That's really helpful as I'm facing exactly the same symptoms. I'm glad to hear you got it sorted with the ABS control module replacement. Would you mind telling me how much you ended up paying for the whole repair? Also, have you had any other issues pop up since the fix? I want to make sure I'm prepared for what might be coming next with my Z4.

sarahdrache1

Hey there! Just wanted to follow up on this. I'm happy to share that since getting the repair done, everything has been running perfectly smooth with my M2 Competition. The Speed signal fault that was causing all those scary unusual traction interventions is completely gone now. The total bill came to 1000 € for replacing the defective control unit. While it wasn't cheap, it was worth every penny for the peace of mind. The car feels like new again, no more jumpy acceleration or unusual ABS kicks. I haven't had a single issue pop up since the repair was done about three weeks ago. The handling is back to being precise and predictable, just like a BMW should be. I can finally enjoy driving without worrying about unexpected traction control interventions. From my experience, once this specific issue is properly fixed, you shouldn't expect any related problems. Just make sure you get it done at a qualified shop that knows what they're doing with these electronic modules. Let me know if you need any other details!

horstzimmermann67 (Author)

Thanks for the detailed follow-up! I took my Z4 to the mechanic yesterday and you were spot on. The ABS control module was the culprit. My repair bill was a bit higher at 1200 €, but I'm not complaining since the car's running perfectly now. The mechanic was actually great, really knew his stuff about BMWs. He showed me the old module and explained how these units can fail over time. The whole repair took about a day and a half, and they even gave me a detailed report of everything they did. Best part? Just took it for a proper drive and it feels amazing. No more scary unusual braking or traction issues. The acceleration is smooth again, and the handling is back to what you'd expect from a Z4. Really appreciate everyone's help on this. If anyone else runs into similar issues with their BMW, definitely don't wait to get it checked out. These safety systems aren't something you want to mess around with!

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