I should clarify -- this is for an '89 535i.

A while back I ordered some aftermarket plug wires. This particular brand didn't come with the pulse sensor on it (I think the number 6 wire???), so they left one of the ends off. I had to slide on the sensor and then crimp an end on that wire.

The problem I had was that the wires were thicker and that sensor didn't want to cooperate at all. I finally ended up hacking at the insulation and thinning it out enough to get the sensor on. Ugly but functional.

Here's my question: Since putting it on, I've heard from a couple people that this sensor is actually not utilized by the computer in engine management -- that it's only there for diagnostic purposes when they hook it up in the shop. Does anyone know how I could confirm this? If it's true, I'd just as soon get a replacement wire (without the sensor) and tidy things up in the engine bay a bit. Where could I find out for sure?