sounds like my issue
found on
http://www.bba-reman.com/content.asp...w_abs_problems ABS WARNING LIGHT ON
MODELS AFFECTED:
3 series (E36) and Z3 produced up to 5/96
FAULT:
The ABS warning lamp is on in the instrument cluster, and fault code 145 (pump inoperable) stored in the ABS control module memory.
CAUSE:
Faulty relays produced prior to may 1996.
SOLUTION:
Use the DIS tester to confirm that fault code 145 is set in the ABS control unit. Work through test instructions in DIS confirm that the fault is not caused by any other components. Then replace the gray ABS pump motor relay, witch is located in the power distribution box, rear left side of engine compartment.
ASC AND/OR ABS WARNING LAMP ON
MODELS AFFECTED:
3 series (E 46), vehicles produced up to 9/98
FAULT:
The ASC and/or ABS warning lamps are on, with fault code 31 or 41(rear wheel speed sensor) set in memory.
CAUSE:
Faulty rear wheel speed sensor.
SOLUTION:
Replace the wheel speed sensor with a sensor with production date 22/08 or later.
ABS, ASC, AND ASC+T MALFUNCTION
MODELS AFFECTED:
All models equipped with ABS,ASC OR ASC+T
FAULT:
Any of the ABS ASC and ASC+T systems inoperative, intermittently inoperative, or illuminating the warning lamp.
CAUSE:
All BMW'S with slip control systems use 4 wheel speed sensors which monitor each wheels speed of rotation with a high accuracy. The system control unit uses this information to calculate a vehicle speed. In this way it detects wheel speed variation. If the inputs vary from each other by a certain amount, the control unit is not able to do the calculation reliably (plausibility fault) and takes its self off-line as a safety precaution(fail-safe).This can be because the wheels and tires are non-approved partsand therefore do not agree with the system.
SOLUTION:
Make sure the vehicle is fitted with BMW approved wheels and tires. Then do further diagnostic testing to check if fault is resolved.
ABS REAR WHEEL SPEED SENSOR
MODELS AFFECTED:
3series (E36)- 1992 models
FAULT:
After diagnosis of a ABS system using the BMW service tester the following faults may be set:
- 84 or 88 wheel speed sensor missing or defective, left rear/right rear.
- 100 or 104 wheel speed signal not plausible, left rear/right rear.
CAUSE:
The ABS wheel speed sensor at either rear wheel have poor solder connections at the coil connections.
SOLUTION:
The solder connections were improved in production from date code 0811(81st day 1991). If the date code of the failed sensor is 0801 or lower, both rear wheel speed sensors need replacing.