E46 Fanatics Forum banner

5E21 pressure sensor 2

22K views 4 replies 4 participants last post by  LL i am  
#1 ·
As a followup to my other post on dirty brake fluid ==> Does this look like recently flushed brake fluid.


I have the DSC and Yellow brake light with a "5E21 pressure sensor 2 electrical faulty" code from the ABS module.

This points to part no. -34521164458 which is pricey (~$200) for the BMW Original part, is there a MANUF of the original part that would be a direct OE replacement ?
- other threads pointed to brake fluid so that is what led me to look at it, flushed the fluid but no change to the error at this point

I may not have a choice on the part, I am testing the parts tonight with INPA to see actual values to see what the issue really is.

Any pointers or advice... this seems like a part that does not fail often but still being smart.
 
#2 ·
Good idea to look at the live data of both pressure sensors. If their cables reach, try swapping them and see if the fault moves with the cable or stays with the sensor. We’ve seen bad DSC modules with internal discontinuity in signals such as wheel speed, brake pressure, and others.
You really want to isolate the bad part before replacing it.

Yeah, those sensors are stupid expensive. They were less than $50 just a few years ago. Used ones from a junkyard are probably $5 each!
 
#3 ·
Flushed system, light went off for a about a day. INPA confirmed sensor 2 was showing +10 to what Sensor 1 had.

I ended up getting an amazingly clean used master cylinder out of a 2005 e46 with two sensors for $37.10 also got a power bleeder. Drained the fluid because there was no way to get the sensor replaced without removing the lines. (Not proud of getting a used part but the $200 was a little steep, the parts looked brand new so clean so I have taken a chance. If it goes again I will spring for the new part. Plus I have a decent Master Cylinder if i ever need it for the 2004 or 2005)

Replaced sensor, bled system using power bleeder and INPA to activate DSC. Learned alot as it was the first time bleeding brakes because I was always hesitant to touch (bleed) them given their criticality to keeping me alive. All is well, test drives and 3 days so far so good.

Lesson... FLUSH YOUR FLUIDS.... save the headache. The bleeder is only ~100.00 and you can use it on all your cars.

Now I need to find my other INPA cable, had to order a new one because I can not find it...