BMW Serie 5 E39 (1995–2004)BrakesABS and stability control (ESP)
ABS module failure on the BMW 5 Series E39 in the BMW Serie 5 E39
According to the owner reports collected by fiches-auto.fr (317 for the 1995-2003 5 Series), there are 16 cases of ABS module failure.[1]
Why this rating?
High severity: Risk of a serious engine, turbo or gearbox failure.
Frequency occasional: 16 of 317 owner reports (nearly 5%) on fiches-auto.fr, with no other source.[1]
Symptoms
- ABS warning light on.[1]ABS/ESP light: other faults that cause it · Garage soon
Why it happens
Affected years and cars
The page does not narrow it to specific years.[1]
All faults of the BMW Serie 5 E39 by affected year
How much it costs to repair
Includes: Repair or replacement of the ABS module.[1]
We have not found a reliable reference price in euros for Spain.
Prices in Spain, including VAT. A workshop hour costs on average €38–66 at independent garages and €77–134 at dealerships in Spain, depending on the region and the brand. How we calculate costs
How to check for it before buying a used car
- Check that the ABS warning light goes out when you start the engine.
Parts for this fault
The affected part, searched for your car or engine. Use the diagnosis to confirm what is failing before you buy it.
Affiliate links: if you buy from these shops, MotorFiable may receive a commission at no cost to you. Check compatibility against the registration plate or VIN before ordering. Affiliate links
Recalls, campaigns and claims
As of 5 October 2026, we have no record of recalls, campaigns or extended manufacturer warranties for this fault. Check with an official dealer using the chassis (VIN) number: they will tell you whether the car has any outstanding campaign.
What owners say
Frequently asked questions
What can you do now?
We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.
Other faults of the BMW Serie 5 E39
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalSuspensionPremature wear of the front arm bushes on the BMW 5 Series E39According to the owner reports collected by fiches-auto.fr (317 for the 1995-2003 5 Series), there are 16 cases of front arm bushes with play, vibrations and vague steering, and 8 of ball joints.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalElectrical systemAlternator failure and battery drain on the BMW 5 Series E39According to the owner reports collected by fiches-auto.fr (317 for the 1995-2003 5 Series), there are 13 cases of alternator failure, 7 of battery failure (one that went flat in two days) and 7 of starter motor failure.
- Low severityFrequency: CommonElectronics and infotainmentFading pixels in the instrument cluster of the BMW 5 Series E39According to the owner reports collected by fiches-auto.fr (317 for the 1995-2003 5 Series), 43 reports describe cluster pixels that gradually fade out.
- Low severityFrequency: OccasionalElectrical systemElectric window failure on the BMW 5 Series E39According to the owner reports collected by fiches-auto.fr (317 for the 1995-2003 5 Series), there are 15 cases of failed window motors, mostly on the rear windows.
The faults of its engines are on the BMW Serie 5 E39 page.
The same problem in other cars
- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequentHyundai Tucson IIIFire risk from the ABS control module (HECU)Yes. Hyundai recalled the Tucson TL built between February 2017 and August 2020 (campaign 11DC03) because the ABS module can fail internally and cause a short circuit with a risk of fire in the engine bay, even with the car parked. In the US the same campaign (20V543000) covered model years 2016-2021.
- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequentKia Sportage IVShort circuit in the ABS/ESP unit with fire riskYes: Germany's KBA and the US NHTSA have recorded several campaigns (2021 and 2025) over a short circuit in the ABS/ESP unit that can cause a fire in the engine bay, even with the car parked and switched off.
- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequentOpel Corsa FBrake fluid leak and loss of ABS/ESP from the EBS valve block (2024 production)The manufacturer recalled Opel Corsa F cars built between 24 May and 27 August 2024 because of an EBS valve block with a casting defect that can cause an internal brake fluid leak and the loss of stability control, ABS and electronic brake distribution.
- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequentPeugeot 2008 IIReduced braking effectiveness from an HBC electronic fault (2023 production)On Peugeot 2008 II models built between 2 October and 15 November 2023, an error in the vacuum circuit can make the electronic unit send an invalid value to the hydraulic brake compensation (HBC), which reduces braking effectiveness.
- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequentPeugeot 208 IIBrake fluid leak and loss of ABS/ESP due to the EBS valve block (2024 production)The manufacturer recalled Peugeot 208 IIs built between 27 May and 6 June 2024 over an EBS valve block with a casting defect that can cause an internal brake fluid leak and loss of ABS and ESP. The Opel Corsa has an equivalent campaign with different dates.
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalAudi e-tronElectromechanical brake booster failure and corrosion of the brake pressure unit (ABS/ESC)In 2021 Audi recalled two batches of the e-tron because of the electromechanical brake booster (2,303 cars, recall 47R1) and the corrosion of the brake pressure unit (361, recall 47R7). Both can affect the brake booster, the ABS and the ESC and lengthen the braking distance.
All faults with the ABS and ESP (140)Cars with the most brakes problems
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Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- Tous les problèmes sur Bmw Série 5 1995-2003 (317 témoignages)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French