BMW 535i xDrive Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement at your home or office.

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Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement Service

How much does a Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement cost?

On average, the cost for a BMW 535i xDrive Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement is $114 with $19 for parts and $95 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
2014 BMW 535i xDriveL6-3.0L TurboService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$152.55Shop/Dealer Price$179.44 - $220.74
2011 BMW 535i xDriveL6-3.0L TurboService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$246.75Shop/Dealer Price$302.22 - $429.19
2016 BMW 535i xDriveL6-3.0L TurboService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$132.55Shop/Dealer Price$159.47 - $200.79
2012 BMW 535i xDriveL6-3.0L TurboService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$246.75Shop/Dealer Price$302.18 - $429.12
2010 BMW 535i xDriveL6-3.0L TurboService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$221.47Shop/Dealer Price$270.65 - $378.68
2015 BMW 535i xDriveL6-3.0L TurboService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$132.55Shop/Dealer Price$159.47 - $200.79
2013 BMW 535i xDriveL6-3.0L TurboService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$258.35Shop/Dealer Price$315.23 - $446.97
2009 BMW 535i xDriveL6-3.0L TurboService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$226.47Shop/Dealer Price$276.04 - $384.35
Show example BMW 535i xDrive Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement prices

What is the Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) all about?

Modern automotive HVAC systems have advanced by leaps and bounds over those used just a few years ago. Today, many high and even mid-range cars offer automatic climate control. This function basically allows you to “set it and forget it,” allowing the car’s computer to control the heating and cooling based on your preferred interior temperature. In order to do this, the computer needs information about not only the temperature inside the car, but also the ambient temperature outside the car.

The ambient temperature sensor (switch) is located either behind the front grille or in the front bumper. Its only job is to monitor air temperature (which it does through increasing/decreasing resistance in response to temperature fluctuations). This information is transmitted to the car’s computer, which then adjusts the climate control to meet your specifications.

If the ambient temperature sensor is damaged or fails, the car’s computer will not be able to automatically control the HVAC system, and the heater and air conditioner will only work in manual mode.

Keep in mind:

  • Because of its location, the ambient temperature sensor can be easily damaged in even minor front-end collisions.
  • Sensor failure is common even without an accident.

How it's done:

  • The ambient temperature sensor switch is verified to see if it needs to be replaced
  • The defective ambient temperature sensor switch is removed
  • The new ambient temperature sensor switch is installed
  • The ambient temperature sensor switch is tested for operation
  • The vehicle is tested to ensure proper operation of the ambient temperature sensor switch

Our recommendation:

Without the information provided by the ambient temperature sensor, your car’s computer does not have sufficient data to control the interior temperature, and will revert to manual HVAC control. You’ll still be able to use your air conditioner and heater, but only in manual mode, not in auto. If you suspect a problem with the ambient temperature sensor, have it diagnosed by one of our expert mechanics and replaced if necessary.

What common symptoms indicate you may need to replace the Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch)?

  • HVAC auto mode will not work
  • HVAC auto mode produces delivers inconsistent/incorrect operation
  • HVAC will only work in manual mode
  • Outside temperatures may display incorrectly

How important is this service?

Having automatic climate control is definitely a convenience, but not critical to the operation of your vehicle. The heater will still operate to clear the windows and provide heating and cooling on manual mode. If the ambient temperature sensor is faulty, have it replaced.

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Meet some of our expert BMW mechanics

Real customer reviews from BMW owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(52)

Rating Summary
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Jermaine

24 years of experience
250 reviews
Jermaine
24 years of experience
BMW 535i xDrive L6-3.0L Turbo - Oil Change - Silver Spring, Maryland
Thanks for the great job. Mechanic arrived for the appointment earlier than than the appointment, meaning he was on time! Thanks

Rigoberto

11 years of experience
739 reviews
Rigoberto
11 years of experience
BMW 535i xDrive L6-3.0L Turbo - Brakes, Steering and Suspension System - Northbrook, Illinois
Very professional, highly knowledgeable, pleasant and prompt.

Rodney

36 years of experience
544 reviews
Rodney
36 years of experience
BMW 535i xDrive L6-3.0L Turbo - Thermostat - Sacramento, California
I really appreciate Rodney working on my car and would recommend him to any and everyone. When the repair took longer than expected, in the rain no less, Rodney stayed and completed the work, even after showing up an hour early. He articulated additional problems clearly and let me know what issues were absolutely critical.

TJ

22 years of experience
34 reviews
TJ
22 years of experience
BMW 535i xDrive L6-3.0L Turbo - Oxygen Sensor Replacement (Front/Upper/Upstream, Rear/Lower/Downstream) - Hunt Valley, Maryland
TJ was courteous and professional and finished the job quickly.

Excellent Rating

(52)

Rating Summary
46
2
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46
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Number of BMW 535i xDrive services completed
572+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT BMW MECHANICS
1100+
experts on our platform

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