Brake pressure code 5E20

[JohnL]

Hope someone can help me out with more questions on this common subject
My car is a 2001 Z32.2 with DSC fitted and has the 2 pressure sensors fitted into the bottom of the master cylinder
I am trying to understand how the logic might work so if anyone can answer these questions I would really appreciate it
1. Fault code ( 5E20) is common when read with my code reader but only puts the 2 warning lamps on occasionally. Does anyone know the logic for the warning lamps to illuminate
2. The warning lamps never illuminate when driving it’s always after a brief stop in the car and the 2 warning lamp come on directly at next ign on. What could be the reason for that?
3. With this fault code is it a very high probability that it’s the sensor and not a real system fault with some part of the master cylinder. The BMW price for the sensor is a couple hundred quid so I would probably replace it with a good make aftermarket part.
A new master cylinder will is also very expensive so I want to get the correct diagnosis before changing anything
Appreciate any help
Thank you

 

[Stevo7682]

Will more than likely the sensor as the master cylinder itself is not prone to failure.
Stephen.

 

[Lee]

Changed a few of these recently, very simple and quick job. £25 for a new sensor. Big spanner needed

 

[JohnL]

Thanks for quick reply
Lee you mentioned you have changed a few of these recently…do happen to know the make and did you get them from an online supplier, if so do you know which one
From what you have said will change the sensors and see if that fixes it before doing anything else
Thanks again for reply

 

[Lee]

These are the sensors I've been ordering.

Genuine ABS DSC Pressure Sensor for BMW E46 E60 E61 E63 E64 E36 E85 34521164458 | eBay UK

My source for the part number

RealOEM.com - Online BMW Parts Catalog

 

[colb]

I have also sourced these sensors from ebay some time back, unbranded versions, they were £12 then, I see they ask £16 now. Looking at the master cylinder Circuit 1 Rear Brakes is the sensor nearest the front of the car, Circuit 2 Front Brakes is the rearmost sensor. Codes set for these usually state which sensor is at fault. A good scanner can also Balance the pair of sensors.

 

[Lee]

I have also sourced these sensors from ebay some time back, unbranded versions, they were £12 then, I see they ask £16 now. Looking at the master cylinder Circuit 1 Rear Brakes is the sensor nearest the front of the car, Circuit 2 Front Brakes is the rearmost sensor. Codes set for these usually state which sensor is at fault. A good scanner can also Balance the pair of sensors.

As an fyi these sensors are both the same. I just replace both at the same time to save the obvious happening.

 

[JohnL]

Hi Lee
Thank you so much for your help.
Will replace both sensors and hope that cures the fault
Price is a lot different to the dealer