'94 525i Donus, Drifts, ETC

Lumotek · #1 (**permalink**) 12-11-2002, 10:01 AM

Ok, I've been driving a BMW e34 for over one and a half years now with few technical problems. Today i had to take it into the dealership to get the battery replaced and emissions tested. While i was there, i talked with the representative about the traction control, abs, asc, ect: about how it's kind of picky in wet weather, especially the anti-lock braking mechanism. He said that they're all that way, but i was hoping for a solution to the problem not just an answer.

Does anyone with a 525i or similar model know how to disable the traction control/anti-skid control. I realize that the car's saftey measures will be compromised, but the car seems so restrictive with it and really makes for an annoying ride. I enjoy driving it, it's the best manual transmission I've ever had, but i want to get more out of it. (i.e. have a little fun, like drifting and donuts)

What has to be done to disable the traction control/anti-skid in my car?

Thanks for your advice.

shragon · #2 (**permalink**) 12-11-2002, 10:43 AM

i thought there was a button to turn off traction control?

Lumotek · #3 (**permalink**) 12-11-2002, 03:23 PM

I've looked all over the dashboard, near the cigarette lighter and elsewhere. There is no traction control button near the ash tray / cigarette lighter. Has someone experienced it being located elsewhere in the car?

Again, thanks for your replys and advice.

UrineMachine · #4 (**permalink**) 12-12-2002, 05:31 AM

I am not positive as I do not have traction control on my '92 525i 5speed, but i know in my friends Audi's and VW's there are circuits in the fuse book for the ASC/Traction control. Check your fuse box. The computer will probably bing! at you everytime you start the car, but if there is a traction control computer fuse then you may be able to just kill the entire traction system.

Another suggestion: I was reading Bavarian Autosports catalog and saw an aftermarket traction control computer for E36 cars and I think E34 as well. If they are for the E34, i am sure they know what circuit is tied in with the traction control or at least how to disable it, since their kit alters it anyway. Not sure, worth a shot. Check for the fuses first.

EVOIIIM3 · #5 (**permalink**) 12-12-2002, 06:21 AM

If there is no button then you DO NOT have it. The early E34's hardly ever had it.

Then if you want to test and see, find a parking lot, drive into a tight corner, lift at the apex, then floor it. If you spin, no traction. If you get a blinking yellow light in the center of the dash you got traction.

I have yet to see any pre 95 525 have traction.

shragon · #6 (**permalink**) 12-12-2002, 06:44 AM

yep, that's what i thought. if there is no on/off button, then the car doesn't have it.

btw... EVOIIIM3... love the new e30 m3 collage!

UrineMachine · #7 (**permalink**) 12-12-2002, 08:03 AM

Lumotek, are you able to light 'em up? If you are and don't see any yellow light with a circular arrow, then you don't have it man. Like Evo said, I didn't think the older cars had it. I did think that it started in '93 or '94 though, but I could be wrong.

JimmyDoanM3nomo · #8 (**permalink**) 12-12-2002, 01:53 PM

Hey Buddy, you need to change your wording, older cars do have it, older E34's dont, for example an 88 750iL has it as standard equipment. So you have to say older E34's ok?
Thanks, im glad we got that cleared up
-Jimmy

UrineMachine · #9 (**permalink**) 12-12-2002, 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by JimmyDoanM3nomo
Hey Buddy, you need to change your wording, older cars do have it, older E34's dont, for example an 88 750iL has it as standard equipment. So you have to say older E34's ok?
Thanks, im glad we got that cleared up
-Jimmy

That's weird because I thought this was the E28,E34, and E39 forum... And no E28 (i believe) has it and all E39's have it... so what's the big deal, lighten up. When we say "Older cars" it is an implied "older E34" as the original poster of this topic won't give two shits if an E32 or E28 or E39 or E31 has traction control.... so just chill out, if you want to be super-anal go chat on roadflea.

Philth · #10 (**permalink**) 12-13-2002, 05:20 AM

Agree with others here, from what i've heard if you donthave the ASC button to the bottom left of the ashtray, you don't have it.

I have heard of ASC kits you can buy for cars that don't have it. I don't know if a button to enable/disable came with those kits. Is it possible the owner before you had one installed?

As for the brakes.. No idea there.

JimmyDoanM3nomo · #11 (**permalink**) 12-13-2002, 07:31 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by UrineMachine

That's weird because I thought this was the E28,E34, and E39 forum... And no E28 (i believe) has it and all E39's have it... so what's the big deal, lighten up. When we say "Older cars" it is an implied "older E34" as the original poster of this topic won't give two shits if an E32 or E28 or E39 or E31 has traction control.... so just chill out, if you want to be super-anal go chat on roadflea.

Hey Im sorry buddy, i didn't mean to offend anyone by saying that. I was just trying to make it clear.
Again i appologize to anyone that i have offeneded, OK?
-Jimmy

Jservis · #12 (**permalink**) 12-13-2002, 07:31 AM

On my car i have the optional traction control. there is a small button on the console to the left of the shiter uner the radio that says "ASC" i push it and the orange hazzard light goes on inbetween the speedo, and then i can do what i want.

Jservis · #13 (**permalink**) 12-13-2002, 07:33 AM

i beleive it was an option in '93-94 and came with the cold winter package also. ithink all canadien cars after '94 has it. not sure. check www.bmwe34.net. they ahve a whole section on that stuff

Jservis · #14 (**permalink**) 12-13-2002, 07:34 AM

i hve heard of people disbalbling ABS by pulling the fuse for that system. sounds stupid to me. doubt it even works without screwing somthing else up too.

shragon · #15 (**permalink**) 12-13-2002, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Jservis
On my car i have the optional traction control. there is a small button on the console to the left of the shiter uner the radio that says "ASC" i push it and the orange hazzard light goes on inbetween the speedo, and then i can do what i want.

yep, that's what i thought!

it's the same on my dad's e39.