FixVault

Wheel Speed Sensors (Active): Notes

The E46/16 uses Hall-effect wheel speed sensors similar to other models with Bosch DSC III 5.7. The advantages of the Hall sensors over the inductive sensors of the Teves MK 20EI are:

The pulse wheel for the front axle circuit is integrated into the wheel bearing inner seal, identical to that of E38, E39, E53, E52 models.

The pulse wheel for the rear axle circuit is identical to 2wd E46 models. The pulse wheel is a plastic coated metal wheel attached to the rear stub axle outboard C.V. Both pulse wheels produce 48 pulses:1 wheel revolution.

The color of the sensor connector is blue, just as the Magnetoresistive sensors of the Teves MK 60 used on 2wd vehicles. The front sensors of the 2wd and 4wd versions of E46 are physically different and will not fit in the wheel hub.

The rear sensors can be confused with the Teves MK 60 sensors and will fit in the rear axle of the 4wd car however they are not compatible with the Bosch system.

Fig 1: DSC III 5.7 Wheel Speed Sensor Circuit Diagram
G03396140Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.