upallnight, Are you sure it is the left sensor that sends signal to the speedometer?

The Bentley manual also reads that the right rear speed sensor provides vehicle speed recognition.

Yep,
right sensor is for the cruise control
left sensor is for the speedometer.

Don't believe me as ChevDog1 which side he replaced.

My speedo was out, and my cruise control still worked. Replaced the left rear sensor, and the speedo now works.

That being said, the Bently manual is correct in saying that it is deriving a speed signal from the right rear - of course, it it getting a speed signal from all four wheels. But it appears from my experience that the right rear speed signal is used for cruise, while the left rear is used for the speedometer.

As an update - the car made the 35 mile trip to work this morning with no warning lights or other failures - MUCH better than the 2.1 miles I got between the front driveshaft repair and this sensor nonsense. Hopefully I can drive it for at least a few months before working on it again. I'd like to spend some time working on my project truck...

I didn't say I don't believe you, I merely asked if you were sure. If I thought you were wrong I would have said so.

I certainly put more faith in actual experience. Sounds like speedometer is working this morning.

I am aware there are sensors on all four wheels The Bentley manual only references the right rear as reading vehicle speed recognition. Vehicle speed recognition must not mean speedometer. I sent an email to Gordon at Bavauto asking why the Blog says right side when X5 owners fix it by changing the left side. I don't believe everything on the internet but I thought Bavauto would be a reliable source. Oopsi.

RB's post #3 right after my post also stated that if the speedometer didn't work it is probably the left rear wheel sensor.

http://www.xoutpost.com/982081-post3.html

I always read all the posts, sometimes multiple times. I knew my input didn't match up. I thought my references were solid, and, right or wrong. I didn't read any post as being positively sure. If I offended you by asking you if you were sure, I apologize.

I never get offended on these forums, even when a Spirited poster on Bimmerforums kept referring to me as a she.

Sputtering Acceleration; rough idle; now, no start! Please help!

Rats, I thought that your picture was of you. I am so disappointed.

Just got a response from Gordon at Bavauto thanking me for finding the misprint and acknowledging the left rear sensor sends signal to the speedo. Sorry Chevdog1. No intention to mislead or cause confusion.