
BMW X1 radar module is located under the storage box in the right rear corner of the trunk. Definition of automotive radar: Automotive radar, as the name suggests, is radar used for cars or other ground motor vehicles. Therefore, it includes radars based on various different technologies such as laser, ultrasonic, and microwave, with different functions such as obstacle detection, collision prediction, adaptive cruise control, and employing different working principles. Function of automotive radar: Reverse parking radar is a safety assist device for cars when parking or reversing. It can inform the driver about surrounding obstacles through sound or more intuitive displays, eliminating the troubles caused by the driver's need to look around when parking, reversing, or starting the vehicle, and helping the driver overcome blind spots and unclear vision.

The radar sensor modules of the BMW X1 are primarily located inside the front and rear bumpers. The small circular sensors at the front are usually hidden beneath the grille or along the front edge of the bumper, serving the front parking assist system. The rear sensors are positioned in a row of small dots at the bottom of the rear bumper, responsible for detecting obstacles behind the vehicle. This design is common in many cars to prevent damage or obstruction during movement, which could affect parking alert functionality. While their placement is discreet, these sensors are crucial. Issues like false alarms or malfunctions often occur when sensors are dirty or covered by debris, so regular cleaning of the sensor points is recommended. When inspecting them yourself, avoid removing the bumper without professional tools to prevent damaging the wiring—refer to the owner’s manual for precise location diagrams. If radar functions act up, first check if these sensor points are clean to avoid unnecessary errors.

When helping others repair cars, I noticed that the BMW X1 radar modules are mostly embedded in the front and rear bumpers. The front ones are commonly located in the mesh area at the lower part of the bumper, while the rear ones are housed within the row of small circular sensors at the tail end of the bumper. This positioning ensures full-angle coverage for the parking system, especially during nighttime or rainy conditions when reliance on these sensors increases. The sensors are encased in plastic, making them relatively fragile—impacts or water accumulation can easily disrupt signal transmission. During daily use, I’ve observed that high-pressure water jets should never be aimed directly at the sensor points during car washes, as this may cause short circuits or malfunctions. While their placement is fixed, slight variations may occur depending on the model year. If the rear radar triggers false alarms, it’s highly likely due to excessive dust buildup near the sensor or loosened mounting screws.

The radar module on the BMW X1 is thoughtfully positioned. The parking assist sensors are typically embedded in the front and rear bumpers—near the license plate base at the front and along the lower edge of the rear bumper. This placement minimizes air resistance and enhances durability, shielding the module from impacts like stones or mud. Wiring runs internally through the bumper to ensure smooth system operation. If the radar malfunctions, accumulated dirt near the module is a common culprit; gently wipe it with a soft cloth for cleaning.


