Sensors for BMW 3 Series E46 (1999-2005)

All vehicles will lose some degree of performance due to heat soak under the right operating conditions.  Engine management systems constantly monitor operating conditions and modifying parameters based on sensor inputs. BMW integrated the intake air temp sensor in the MAF housing on models such as the E39 M5, and, being sandwiched behind a hot radiator and in some applications next to an even hotter valve cover, this is less than ideal for performance applications. Absorbing excess heat from its surroundings, the MAF can’t shed it fast enough, and the ECU reads an inaccurately high intake air temperature. Compensating for this false hot air measurement, the ECU pulls timing and runs a richer fuel mixture, resulting in a significant loss of torque.

What can you do?  Locate an intake air temp sensor in a location where it can properly measure incoming air temps and where it's less prone to heat soak. Mounting the sensor further away from the heat source and isolating it from the MAF housing, it can both resist the effects of heat soak longer and respond to temperature changes more quickly.  The result is you’ll experience reduced torque loss and more consistent power output when you’re pushing your engine hard. 

The Turner engineering team was initially skeptical of the claimed performance benefits of this modification. They first set out validate the functionality and performance benefit of a temp sensor relocation. Replicating stop-and-go traffic heat soak in a 2001 540i was a simple task in a controlled environment - their dynometer. First the car was heat soaked to simulate being stuck in traffic or moving at low speeds by running the car four times on the dyno with the dyno's cooling fans disabled. The fans were then turned on for three more runs to observe the recovery rate once air flow was reintroduced. The test: following this procedure once with a stock IAT, and once with their relocation kit in place. 

The result? Turner recovered 11lb-ft torque at 2500rpm through use of their relocation kit, with even greater recovery to be found for M5 owners. Here are the heat soak-related torque losses Turner experienced:

Stock IAT location:
18rwtq at 2500rpm
10rwtq at 3000rpm
9rwtq at 3700rpm

Turner IAT Relocation:
7rwtq at 2500rpm
5rwtq at 3000rpm
5rwtq at 3700rpm

**Click here for installation instructions**

The Turner engineering team designed a complete plug and play kit (unlike all other options on the market) that makes for quick, easy, and reversible installation. Weather-sealed connectors keep out the elements, while sheathed wiring offers a clean appearance underhood. With a harness nearly 3 feet long - the Turner IAT relocation kit offers flexibility in positioning, but not too long that you're left with unsightly excess wiring. Turner recommends positioning the sensor in a location away from engine heat, but still within the intake ducting to achieve accurate intake temp readings - such as the far side of the base of the airbox. Vehicles with cold air intakes with cone-style filters can even position the sensor in the end of the filter. Simply drill a hole in your (cool) location of choice and plug in the harness. More information including installation instructions and some good examples of sensor mounting locations can be found in our DIY PDF. 

We include everything you need to relocate your IAT, just select your desired sensor brand below - Genuine BMW or original equipment Beru.

Also the perfect plug-n-play option for anyone looking to upgrade their intake to utilize an Alpha-N tune!

Note for vehicles with M62 engine: applicable to 1999 and up

Located on the intake side of the cylinder head, this sensor relays the position of the camshaft to the computer in order to determine proper ignition timing. When this sensor fails the engine will generally log a fault code and may place the vehicle into "limp" mode. When this happens it is advised to stop driving the vehicle and address the issue immediately as premature wear or long term damage to the engine is possible.

When doing any sort of repair or maintenance there is no replacement for genuine factory parts. Turner Motorsport carries the Genuine BMW brand with pride and has the parts you need to complete your next project with confidence.

OE BMW reference number: 12147539165
 

We also carry a this sensor with the required o ring Here

This part fits the following BMWs:
1998 - 2004 E39 Touring 525i 528i 
1996 - 2004 E39 Sedan 525i 528i 530i  
1999 - 2006 E46  323i 323ci 325i 325ci 325xi 328i 328ci 328xi 330i 330ci 330xi 

Includes connector housing with terminals and seals. Commonly used for the engine oil level sensor.

ECS Tuning replacement harness connectors include all necessary pins and wire seals for a complete harness repair. Whether you have a broken harness connector or need a complete wiring repair, we have the components you need.

Each connector includes an additional terminal in case one becomes lost or damaged during installation.

*OEM cross reference PN# 12521433915 - Commonly used for the engine oil level sensor.

Please reference the original part number from the existing connector to confirm fitment, before ordering.

Suggested tools:

Suggested crimping pliers: T#387193
Wire De-pin tools:
12pc De-Pin Tool Set - T#386379
23pc De-Pin Tool Set - T#641943

Includes connector housing with terminals and seals. Commonly used for the crankshaft position sensor.

ECS Tuning replacement harness connectors include all necessary pins and wire seals for a complete harness repair. Whether you have a broken harness connector or need a complete wiring repair, we have the components you need.

Each connector includes an additional terminal in case one becomes lost or damaged during installation.

*OEM cross reference PN# 12521433916 - Commonly used for the crankshaft position sensor.

Please reference the original part number from the existing connector to confirm fitment, before ordering.

Suggested tools:

Suggested crimping pliers: T#387193
Wire De-pin tools:
12pc De-Pin Tool Set - T#386379
23pc De-Pin Tool Set - T#641943