steering angle sensor fix?

[ap208_1988]

For the past 2 weeks the yellow handbrake and dsc lights came on a couple of times ( only on Saturdays for some unknown reason ) I know this is most probably caused from the steering angle sensor as this issue appeared again during the summer and when it was connected to the diagnostic tool it showed this error. my mechanic reset the sensor and it run troublefree for some months. I read on other forums that as this sensor is optical is is easily affected by dirt and if it is cleaned it might be fixed. is that possible?

 

[ranski]

Probably not...But I had a similar issue and it was down to a dodgy alignment that I had done - have you had new wheels fitted since the problem arose?

http://www.z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=47272

 

[ap208_1988]

well the issue pre existed before i bought the car as i took it for an inspection before buying it and the diagnostic showed this error has occured at somd point as it was stored in the memory . i got a discount to compensate for a faulty sensor. i then had the whole memory of the car reset. then i changed tyres though to non run flats and had an alignment. during the past 6 months the issue appeared about 5 times ..i doubt that it is caused from either the tyres or the aligmment though..i also had the sensor recalibrated after the alignmemt

 

[bcworkz]

An optical sensor would be unusual, it seems every other sensor in the car depends on some magnetic field effect, typically Hall Effect. I've no idea really, it could be the one optical sensor in the car for all I know. Since it's in the passenger compartment, it shouldn't be compromised by dirt too easily if it is optical based. If this is in fact the problem, you more than likely will need to simply replace it.

 

[moe]

Try to do this...Its normal for BMW to have this issue.

Steering wheel angle.

Turn steering wheel lock on left then lock to right then go back middle. Reset fault.