Wheel speed sensor replacement

[pokeybritches]

For this DIY, I'm replacing the driver's side rear sensor on a 2003 Z4 3.0i. The front sensor is easier to replace, since no panels need to be removed (shown in last pictures). The BavAuto sensor will need to be zip-tied since it's mounting points are slightly different. The rear sensors are the same part number, but the front sensors each have their own unique part numbers.

1. Remove the wheel. The sensor is behind the brake rotor.

2. Find the sensor.

3. The sensor can be removed with a 5mm allen key.

4. Unclip the wiring.

5. Continue to follow the wiring over the river and through the woods. Do not try and pull the sensor through. The other end is smaller, and we will pull it out from front to back once we unclip the other end.

6. Eventually the wiring disappears behind this wheel liner cover. The cover is secured with two 8mm screws on top, one 10mm plastic bolt on top, and one 8mm screw on the bottom.

7. Looking underneath the car, in front of the wheel at the rocker panel, you will see the 8mm screw on the bottom. You don't need to remove any other screws on the bottom of the car.

8. After removing the liner cover, locate this black box. You will need to pull off the rubber drain to access it (not shown).

9. Inside the box you will find the blue plastic connection for the wheel speed sensor. Remove it, and pull out the wiring from the black (allen key) sensor end. Remember to route your new wheel speed sensor before connecting it, since the black end is too large to be routed correctly.

[Finnegan]

Thanks! I'm sure this will come in handy eventually!

[Steeler]

Excellent DIY Josh.

I may suggest you clean out the drains for the convertible top while you have that cover off, shown in pic 7,8&9. Just above the box.
There is a matching one on the other side.

[pokeybritches]

Originally Posted by Finnegan

Thanks! I'm sure this will come in handy eventually!

Not a problem! I should have added that this is on a non-M, but I can't see the M being much different. Thread updated .

Originally Posted by dbarton62

Excellent DIY Josh.

I may suggest you clean out the drains for the convertible top while you have that cover off, shown in pic 7,8&9. Just above the box.
There is a matching one on the other side.

I hadn't paid much attention to the convertible drains until I removed them to replace the speed sensor. One side was completely clogged, but the other was clear. I've cleaned it out and will look to clean the whole drain line.

[pokeybritches]

Updated. The front sensor is easier to replace, since no panels need to be removed (shown in last picture).

For the BavAuto sensors, I needed to use a zip tie since the mounting points were not the same between the BavAuto sensor and OEM.