Expert: Evan Slater - 8/21/2006

Question
Greetings, I have a 2000 BMW, 528i. Purchased bought used about two week ago. The car run great but, I need the emission test to register the Car in VA.  The DSC, ABS, and check engine/service lights are on. The car stops on a dime. I took the car to a certified mechanic twice. Who stated that everything check out. I paid over $200 but lights are still on. The Engine and service lights was out for 1 day after the service and came on again to include the DSC, ABS and break. The mechanic told me to dive the car for a few days and bring it back. I don't feel confident with this advice.  

Answer
Sherman, Most likely the DSC module has failed. That is the most frequent outcome I see with these symptoms. What faults did the mechanic get on his scanner? If He can't read out the faults then he doesn't have the correct equipment. I recommend taking the car to a dealer and have it diagnosed. If it does turn out to be the DSC module ($500-$600 for the repair kit) then it has to be coded to the car with the dealer programming station anyway. Sorry I'm ringing the dealership bell, but when it comes to diagnosis of electrical issues not many independent shops can measure up unless the tech was a former dealer tech.
-Evan