What Is This Part?

[DJM1450]

Hi,
I have an ’88 M3. I need some help to identify a broken electrical part that is next to the power steering fluid bottle. This is a plastic part that is about 3” long and is attached to the wheel well by a plastic clamp. The top of the part broke off and exposes two red wires that silver ends and plugs into the part. There is also an o-ring. Wires come from the part bottom and are fed thru a small hole in the wheel well. I hope this is enough info. Any help would be appreciated. Also, is this an expensive part or difficult to replace?
Thanks,

Dan

[jase007]

Dan:

Wires going into the wheel well are either brake pad sensor wires or ABS sensor wires. On my '90 iX, there is a fuse (orange plastic) that is clipped near where you are describing which I believe is part of the SRS system. Does your '88 have an airbag?

Is your brake lining light on?
Is your ABS light on?

Jason

[DJM1450]

Jason,
I think you are correct that it's the brake pad sensor or ABS sensor. I don't have an airbag and the ABS light is not on. It has to be the brake sensor. The brake lining light is on and sometime blinks off and on when I 'm on rough road. When the light first came on, I took it to the shop, and they said my brakes were ok, but did not say it was a sensor problem. The one on the other side is also in bad shape. How difficult and expensive are they to replace? Thanks for your help!
Dan

[jase007]

Well ... on most E30s with brake lining sensors ... they are in the F left and R rear (not on all 4 corners). The OEM pads have a place for the sensors and they are cheap to buy when installing new pads (or adding to old OEM pads). Aftermarket suppliers also carry these.

I don't use OEM pads (so no cutout in the material) So... I have mine tie wrapped to the strut in F left and trailing arm in R rear. Occasionally they'll barake loose and fround causing the light to illuminte on the dash.

How they work: once the pad material wears down to where the sensor is tounching the rotor ... the circuit to ground is complete and the brake lining light comes on in the cockpit. This is why when they are getting close to their limits the light is on and then off and then on, etc... as the pad is pressed against the rotor and withdrawn.

Jase

[DJM1450]

Thanks! Not sure if I have OEM or after market brake pads. Will check out this weekend.
Dan