CV axle ABS ring missing?
 

I have 03 E53 3.0 automatic. The front driver side cv boot needs replacement and I've found brand new axle for $102 at local O'Reilly store with no core return. Upon closer inspection I've noticed that the CV axle outer joint does not have ABS ring installed. I had to put the axle back on the shelf until i find out if the ABS ring is installed on OEM axle.

I've done few axles ond FWD cars and all of them had ABS rings installed on the outer CV joint. Why does X5 doesn't?

Where does the front ABS sensor get its signal from if the ABS ring is not pressed on to the CV axle?

From looking at many DIY, I'm convinced that the front CV axles on X5 don't come with ABS rings installed.

And finally, any tips on pressing the OEM axle from the transfer case/tranny?
Will gentle prying with crow bar get it to pop out?

Thanks !!!

The signal for the ABS is on the side wall of the wheel bearing, not on the axle as you have found before on other cars.

Right, but how does the sensor see/pick up pulses from smooth axle surface without the ring on it?

What he was saying is that the wheel speed sensor reads a magnetic wheel on the inner seal of the wheel bearing, not on the axle. It simply doesn't read the axle.