Where is the outdoor temperature sensor located on the BMW 1 Series 118i?
2 Answers
The outdoor temperature sensor on the BMW 1 Series 118i is located near the air collector panel in front of the condenser. Outdoor Temperature Sensor: The vehicle's outdoor temperature sensor detects the ambient temperature and transmits the detected temperature to the engine's ECU, converting it into an electrical signal. This determines the temperature setting of the automatic air conditioning without manual intervention, adjusting the air conditioning to the most suitable temperature. BMW 118i: The BMW 118i is equipped with a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine featuring BMW TwinPower Turbo technology, including twin-scroll single turbocharging, high-precision direct injection, VALVETRONIC electronic valve control, and Double-VANOS dual variable camshaft timing. It delivers a maximum power of 125 kW and a maximum torque of 250 Nm.
I usually drive a BMW 118i, and the outside temperature sensor is located behind the front bumper, specifically near the grille at the front of the engine bay, generally close to the area below the front license plate. The design is quite thoughtful—placing it there helps avoid interference from engine heat, ensuring the climate control system can accurately adjust the cabin temperature. Once, I wanted to inspect it myself, so I crouched down and used my phone's flashlight to take a look. It's just a small sensor attached to the grille bracket. If it gets clogged with dirt or debris, it can cause erratic temperature readings, affecting driving comfort. In winter, inaccurate readings might even lead to misjudging the risk of icy roads, so it's a good idea to blow away dust in this area when washing the car regularly. If you're doing it yourself, handle it gently and avoid pulling hard on the wires to prevent damage.