Where is the BMW outdoor temperature sensor located?
2 Answers
BMW's air conditioning outdoor temperature sensor is located under the drainage trough in the engine compartment. It is used to provide the external temperature to the car's air conditioning system, preventing the air conditioning from operating in low-temperature conditions such as winter. The reasons for unpleasant odors in car air conditioning are as follows: 1. Accumulation of dust inside the indoor filter and copper fins: After years of use, dust can accumulate inside the indoor filter and copper fins of the air conditioning system. When this accumulation reaches a certain level, it can produce unpleasant odors. When the air conditioning is turned on, these odors are then dispersed into the air. 2. Moisture inside the indoor unit: After cooling or heating, the indoor unit of the air conditioning system often retains moisture. If the air conditioning is turned off immediately without a drying or anti-mold function, this moisture remains inside. Over time, mold can develop, leading to the natural production of musty odors.
Having driven BMWs for over a decade, my experience tells me that the ambient temperature sensor is usually tucked away near the front of the car's nose—specifically inside the front bumper or beneath the grille where airflow is good and less likely to be skewed by direct sunlight. It normally feeds temperature data to the dashboard and helps the AC auto-adjust. Once faulty, it may display erratic readings that mislead your clothing choices or even compromise safety in snowy/rainy conditions by affecting road-slip judgment. I once dealt with a sensor damaged by a pebble, causing the AC to blast freezing air unbearably. So, avoid high-pressure sprays or impacts to that area during car washes, and seek professional inspection immediately if abnormalities occur—warranty aside, safety comes first.
