Ext. Temp Sensor on E36

[Rompsku]

Hey guys, so I've fixed pretty much every other electrical issue on my E36 328i. Only remaining issue is the external temp sensor. Currently it is permanently showing the temp as -37C. I've tried to find the sensor in the brake ducts, only problem is, I don't have any brake ducts and can't find anything that remotely resembles what the temp sensors should look like!

So what I need to know is:
- Are the brake ducts important? Where can I get replacements? Had a look at a few cars at scrapyards but none of them had brake ducts. Are they easy to install? It looks like my car had a plastic cover under the front bumper that is been partially ripped off, can I get this replaced as well, is it part of the brake ducts?

- Where can I get a temp sensor and how/where I can connect it up so that it shows the correct temp on my OBC?

I want to get my car by to factory/stock conditions as far as possible.
Any help is much appreciated!
raise:

 

[msm]

In the E36, I think the sensor is in the front right bumper section, behind the fog light. The actual sensor might be sitting exposed under the car. Will try to find a pic as I know what it looks like, but not sure of location on your car.

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Here's what the sensor looks like:

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Should look something like this on the car:

 

[Rompsku]

All the posts I've read said the sensor should be in the passanger side brake duct on our cars.
Looking at my car, I can see the spots where the brake ducts would sit, but like I said, they're missing as well as a large chunk of the plastic shield thing under the front bumper.

I'm sure I checked all around the front bumper and beneath the head lights, but going to have the car on jack stands this weekend to clean the under carriage so will have a proper look then.

 

[msm]

All the posts I've read said the sensor should be in the passanger side brake duct on our cars.

Might be US spec cars that they're referring to???

 

[Rompsku]

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Should look something like this on the car:

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:thumbs: Nice! Haven't seen this. Is that on an E36?
Now that plastic bit the sensor is sitting in (which I assume is beneath the front bumper) is partially ripped off on my car. So I'm guessing the sensor must've gone with it.

If that is the case, where would I connect a new sensor to?

 

[msm]

Looking at my car, I can see the spots where the brake ducts would sit, but like I said, they're missing as well as a large chunk of the plastic shield thing under the front bumper.

On most BMW's that's where the temp sensor is mounted to

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:thumbs: Nice! Haven't seen this. Is that on an E36?
Now that plastic bit the sensor is sitting in (which I assume is beneath the front bumper) is partially ripped off on my car. So I'm guessing the sensor must've gone with it.

If that is the case, where would I connect a new sensor to?

If it was ripped off, difficult to say from which point it was removed. Best thing to do is stick you head under there and have a look for the wiring. If you're lucky you should see it. If not, try finding another E36 and see what colour the wire is, then try to trace it in your car.

 

[Rompsku]

and mine is all torn up.

Should I even bother getting it replaced? Looks like something you won't easily find at scrap yards (at least not in good condition), and I'm not ready to get raped by the stealerships for a piece of plastic. Going to get an M3 bumper later on anyway.

Can I not just replace the sensor and mount it somewhere else? Just want to get all my electronics working properly for now.

 

[Pfw28]

No panic, I'll look up the wire colour codes a little later and post, along with the part no. I seem to remember the part is around R400 from G/WAGEN, open to correction though. You can mount it wherever, in terms of function, taking note that the air it is sensing must be clear of any engine bay heat. Easy to diy.

 

[Pfw28]

Ok, according to a BMW electrical troubleshooting bulletin, the temp sensor is located at the rear of the engine compartment behind RH fresh air cowl. It has a brown/orange wire with a blue. Bentley says it's mounted in the RHS BRAKE COOLING DUCT? So who knows, but the colour codes match, blue with brown/orange.

 

[davy]

Gents

on my E36 318 Motorsport I, the temp sensor is located in the passenger side brake duct which has a hole for the sensor to clip into.

 

[Rompsku]

Thanks guys! Had another look behind the fog and under front bumper. Can't find anything, will check back of engine too. Seems like the wire might have been cut/ripped off or really well hidden... :argh:

 

[Rompsku]

Checked everywhere I could think of, but can't find any sensor or wires that would fit the profile. Lots of the wires are wrapped up with insolation tape though, so might be hidden somewhere... but have no clue where to look. :bangdesk:

 

[wikk3d88]

Post some pics

Sent from my GT-I9100 using Tapatalk 2

 

[Thunder]

I havent seen this on my E36 either.

Good new info. :thumbs:

 

[LPM320]

What year model is your car?

 

[Rompsku]

I'm driving a '96 E36 328i.
Will post up pictures tomorrow, but I think I found the wire that is supposed to connect to temp sensor. Was hidden under some plastic bits behind the passenger side fog light.

 

[Inactive]

Im busy with a e36 328i at the moment. (race car project)

I have two sensors available - offers?? (help me fund my project )

The sensor is on the passenger side behind the bumper.....i.e. front left corner.