after reading alot of forums on here all day about the "trifecta of lights" i am wondering if anyone knows of a good reliable place to get a speed sensor?

 

Here you go;

http://www.waymotorworks.com/r50-r53...ed-sensor.html

Start with replacing the passenger side sensor as this is the most common one known to fail.
(Strange but true)

 

Spend a little time some evening exploring the vendor directory by visiting their websites to see what all is out there. It is a gold mine of stuff.

Here is an especially comprehensive list of just about everything MINI you could think of that is worth getting familiar with, also.
http://soopercooperinfo.com/