Inacurate Speedometer
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Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Baltimore, MD
My Ride: 2006 550i, Alpine White, Beige Ltr, Sport Pkg, Cold Weather Pkg, Premium Sound, Active Steering, Comfort Access, Steptronic, Nav, Satellite Radio, Split Fold Rear Seats, V1
I think my speedometer is indicating I am traveling faster than I am. It may be off by 15 mph at higher speeds. Are there ways to test this besides clocking a measured mile? If my speedo is showing a higher speed, is my odometer accumulating miles faster than I am driving them? Help! 
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Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Singapore
My Ride: Nothing to boast about!
15mph is quite off.
See this thread to get the reading off the hidden menu.
http://forums.e60.net/index.php?showtopic=5829&st=0
See this thread to get the reading off the hidden menu.
http://forums.e60.net/index.php?showtopic=5829&st=0
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Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Southern California
My Ride: 2006 550i SMG
The easiest way to check your speedo is to find a relatively straight road with mile markers on it. If you hold the throttle steady at 60MPH as you pass a mile marker, it should take you exactly 60 seconds till you pass the next mile marker. If it takes longer than 60 seconds to reach the next mile marker, your speedo is reading fast and visa versa if its less than 60 seconds the speedo is reading slower. Hope this helps, beyond that, there is probably a formula to figure the exact amount the speedo is off by. 
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From: southestern pa
My Ride: 2008 550I,manufactured 2-27-08,delivered 4-2-08.Platinum bronze,natural brown interior,light poplar trim,cold weather package,heated rear seats,HD radio
Originally Posted by MidnightRider' post='224432' date='Jan 15 2006, 01:21 AM
I think my speedometer is indicating I am traveling faster than I am. It may be off by 15 mph at higher speeds. Are there ways to test this besides clocking a measured mile? If my speedo is showing a higher speed, is my odometer accumulating miles faster than I am driving them? Help!
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Joined: Jun 2005
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From: Scotland, UK
My Ride: E61 530d Touring, May 2004
Can you can borrow a GPS device of some form ? My neighbour's E39 was under-reading so he borrowed my GPS based speed camera detector to check it. Any yachtie will also have a handheld GPS, though may need to reset the calibration units.
My speedometer always reads within 1mph of the independent GPS.
My speedometer always reads within 1mph of the independent GPS.
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Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Austin TX
My Ride: 2014 X5 xDrive 5.0 M Package Carbon Black Metallic/2008 M Roadster Imola Red
Originally Posted by MidnightRider' post='224432' date='Jan 15 2006, 01:21 AM
I think my speedometer is indicating I am traveling faster than I am. It may be off by 15 mph at higher speeds. Are there ways to test this besides clocking a measured mile? If my speedo is showing a higher speed, is my odometer accumulating miles faster than I am driving them? Help!
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Joined: Dec 2005
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From: Seattle, WA Metro Area
Originally Posted by grogan545' post='224479' date='Jan 15 2006, 07:28 AM
Sounds like more than an adjustment.The speedo's are usually about 2% fast on BMW's(2 mph @ 70).If yours is 15 mph high I would take it to the dealer.
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Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Iowa
My Ride: 2006 550i, Sport, Alpine White, Biege Interior, Steptronic, NAV, HUD, Ventilated Seats, Active Cruise, Active Steering, Comfort Access, Logic7, Sirius
I think you can use the limit feature of your navigation system to get an accurate speed. I am pretty sure it get it's speed via the GPS system not the speedo itself. (someone correct me if I am wrong on this)
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Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Long Island, New York
My Ride: 2005 525i Titanium Silver Metalic and 2003 325xi Jet Black with the Premium Package in both cars.
Damm, I always thought my speedo was off, but I just fiqure the car was build so solid you really couldn't tell, 
I have to read that thread mentioned above. Thanks for that info. 
I have to read that thread mentioned above. Thanks for that info.
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Joined: Oct 2005
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From: Ohio, USA
My Ride: 2006 530xi. Deep green with beige interior. 6 speed manual. Premium package.
I ahev an aftermarket gps - and it gives speed - and it is always 1-2mph less than the speedometer on the car
