[Em135eye]

Just got my rear wheel slightly "stuck" in a patch of mud on a hill (the verge next to our driveway). The wheel span and the car wouldn't move so rolled back and got moving (with more slipping).

Anyway half the warning lights are now on - TPMS, ABS, DCT and handbrake (I think). At one point even the airbag light went on.

I called BMW Assist and they said pretty much all that stuff runs off sensor which often goes a bit haywire if you spin the wheels - it also kicked up a lot of mud (been using the 4x4 car in all this snow and then when I do use the BMW, I end up unintentionally "off roading!"). Apparently the sensor should clear - if not then BMW might need to reset it but it's fine to drive. The gouge it has left in the grass would be impressive for a tractor - 428lbs + road rubber + hill = extreme earth moving!

Can I just check with someone that knows that I haven't broken my car?!

If spinning a bit in an inch of mud breaks it then they really are PANTS on anything but smooth tarmac!!!

Cheers all!!

[Dave_3]

Originally Posted by 335diesel

If spinning a bit in an inch of mud breaks it then they really are PANTS on anything but smooth tarmac!!!

Cheers all!!

The sensors, and your DSC system, probably got in a bit of a fit because one wheel was going like the clappers while the other was stationary. May just need reset.

GET WINTER TYRES.

At this time in the UK many people are trying to get about using modern high-performance summer compound performance tyres and get surprised that they don't work at all in snow.

In other countries with much worse comditions than the UK has at present we use winter tyres and you can get about (without needing AWD). Unless you have experienced the difference these dedicated winter tyres make you may be sceptical. But once you have experienced them you will just shake your head when you see stories decrying how pants your car is

Same thing applies whem trying to use a cold summer tyre on wet/icey mud.

D.

[Em135eye]

Dave - this was just mud. Our snow and ice has completely melted. TBH our 4WD would have spun it's wheels too (slightly) in this stuff.

Can I reset it myself (if it doesn't clear) or is it a garage job?

Rather than Winter tyres, if it's icey, we just use the other car - it's utterly brilliant in bad conditions.

[M3-FAST]

It will reset next time you drive it

[Em135eye]

Cheers - spot the BMW beginner (me)!!

[R80TER]

Originally Posted by Dave_3

GET WINTER TYRES.

have you tried to buy some recently? funnily enough, there is not much stock about! cant think why...

[Dave_3]

Originally Posted by R80TER

have you tried to buy some recently? funnily enough, there is not much stock about! cant think why...

Nope, but I don't live in the UK

And yesterday I took the Bus and had a couple of beers at lunch time due to snow covered roads.

If the winters start to get a bit more severe, like this year, hopefully the average motorist will be informed about the benefits of a proper winter tyre, and actually comprehend.

I am surprised at all the reports I see about people trying to venture out on modern, high-performance, ultra-low profile, special compound summer tyres and then looking bewlidered as to why their car "is shit in snow".

But as you say with the lack of winter tyre stock, some are clicking. The attitude of the British insurance companies towards winter tyres, as shown in another thread, STINKS though. Short sighted eejits.

D.

[Em135eye]

My bro in law lives in Sweden - you legally have to fit winter tyres after November.

[xenon]

You might have got sufficient mud around the ABS wheel sensor to prevent the hall-effect working. Should clear in time.

[Em135eye]

Hall-effect? Any more info? I love stuff like that.

I kicked up a lot of mud - possible sensor dirtyness?

[xenon]

Originally Posted by 335diesel

I kicked up a lot of mud - possible sensor dirtyness?

That's what I meant.

I'm guessing (but I'm not 100% certain) that the e9x sensors are Hall Effect, many are but some are optical. Essentially there is a toothed metal wheel like a cam sprocket on the wheel hub and next to this is a sensor with a magnet. As the toothed wheel rotates the sensor picks up eddy currents induced by the toothed wheel rotating next to the magnet and the frequency of these pulses gives the wheel speed.

[Em135eye]

Xenon - I should know that having done Physics A level and an engineering degree - DOH! Cheers for "reminding" me (not sure if I ever knew that anyway though)!

[Dr Dave]

All ABS wheelspeeed sensors are hall-effect sensors, optical sensors would not be durable enough in this environment.

[Ham09]

Originally Posted by Dave_3

Nope, but I don't live in the UK

And yesterday I took the Bus and had a couple of beers at lunch time due to snow covered roads.

The buses here are useless too. What is a 20 minute journey down the motorway in my car is 1.5 hr bus marathon