Bmw 550i Xdrive ABS Wheel Speed Sensor in US

Your Bmw 550i Xdrive ABS wheel speed sensor is the component that makes anti-lock braking possible on your 550i Xdrive. It monitors the rotational speed of each wheel in real time and sends that data to the Bmw 550i Xdrive ABS control module, which uses it to prevent wheel lockup during emergency stops. When a sensor fails on your 550i Xdrive, your ABS loses the input it needs. On wet, icy, or gravel road surfaces, the difference between a controlled stop and a skid can come down to whether your Bmw 550i Xdrive wheel speed data is reaching the module.

What Is the ABS Wheel Speed Sensor on Your Bmw 550i Xdrive

The ABS wheel speed sensor on the Bmw 550i Xdrive is an electromagnetic or Hall-effect sensor mounted near each wheel hub or bearing assembly of your 550i Xdrive. It generates an electronic signal as a toothed reluctor ring rotates past it, producing a frequency the 550i Xdrive ABS module interprets as wheel speed. On most modern Bmw 550i Xdrive vehicles, this same data feeds the traction control system, electronic stability control, and electronic brake force distribution, making a functioning wheel speed sensor critical to the safe operation of multiple 550i Xdrive systems simultaneously.

Signs of a Failing ABS Wheel Speed Sensor on the Bmw 550i Xdrive

• ABS warning light on your Bmw 550i Xdrive dashboard, the most common first indicator of a failing sensor
• Traction control or stability control warning light illuminated alongside the 550i Xdrive ABS light
• ABS activating on your Bmw 550i Xdrive during normal stops at low speed where it should not engage
• Complete ABS deactivation on the 550i Xdrive, wheels lock under hard braking on wet or icy roads
• Speedometer on your Bmw 550i Xdrive reading erratically or dropping to zero at speed
• Fault codes in the C0035 to C0050 range stored in the Bmw 550i Xdrive ABS control module

Passive vs. Active ABS Sensors for the Bmw 550i Xdrive

GeoBrakes stocks both passive and active ABS wheel speed sensors for the Bmw 550i Xdrive. Passive sensors use an analog signal and are found on older 550i Xdrive vehicles and many trucks still in service. Active Hall-effect sensors require a small power supply and output a clean digital signal, offering greater accuracy at very low speeds. Active sensors are standard on most Bmw 550i Xdrive vehicles manufactured after the mid-2000s and are required for full compatibility with modern 550i Xdrive traction and stability control systems.

Why GeoBrakes for the Bmw 550i Xdrive ABS Wheel Speed Sensor

Signal accuracy matters as much as fitment with Bmw 550i Xdrive wheel speed sensors. A sensor that generates the correct frequency for your 550i Xdrive ABS module ensures consistent ABS calibration, proper traction control thresholds, and accurate stability control response on your Bmw 550i Xdrive. Every sensor in the GeoBrakes catalogue is matched to the Bmw 550i Xdrive through our vehicle selector, with front and rear positions listed separately to eliminate position errors on your 550i Xdrive.

Frequently Asked Questions - Bmw 550i Xdrive ABS Wheel Speed Sensor

Can I drive my Bmw 550i Xdrive with a faulty ABS wheel speed sensor?

You can drive the Bmw 550i Xdrive with a failed ABS sensor, but the anti-lock braking system on your 550i Xdrive will be completely disabled. On icy or wet American roads, this significantly increases stopping distances and the risk of losing steering control during hard braking on your Bmw 550i Xdrive. Replacing a failed sensor promptly is strongly recommended, particularly before winter.

How do I find the right ABS sensor for my Bmw 550i Xdrive?

Use the GeoBrakes vehicle selector and enter the Bmw 550i Xdrive year, make, and model. The system displays only the sensors confirmed to fit the Bmw 550i Xdrive, with front and rear positions listed separately. Select the position matching the sensor you are replacing on your 550i Xdrive to avoid receiving the wrong unit.

Do I need to replace all four ABS sensors on my Bmw 550i Xdrive at the same time?

No. ABS wheel speed sensors on the Bmw 550i Xdrive are independent components and only the failed unit needs to be replaced. However, if your 550i Xdrive has high mileage and one sensor has failed, it is worth visually inspecting the connectors on the other Bmw 550i Xdrive sensors for corrosion while the wheel is removed.