BMW 545i 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 545i Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement is $158 with $63 for parts and $95 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
2004 BMW 545iV8-4.4LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$241.47Shop/Dealer Price$290.59 - $398.58
2005 BMW 545iV8-4.4LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$221.47Shop/Dealer Price$270.62 - $378.63
Show example BMW 545i 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

(37)

Rating Summary
33
3
1
0
0
33
3
1
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Jonathan

35 years of experience
486 reviews
Jonathan
35 years of experience
BMW 545i V8-4.4L - Battery - Tarpon Springs, Florida
Jonathan was great, he arrived early and completed the job very quickly. Great work!

Jim

12 years of experience
58 reviews
Jim
12 years of experience
BMW 545i V8-4.4L - Control Arm Assembly Replacement (Front Upper Left, Front Upper Right, Front Lower Left, Front Lower Right) - Chicago, Illinois
Jim was a great mechanic, he came over and worked on my BMW and after 3 months my car works great. Jim was friendly, knowledgeable​ and I would highly recommend him.

Jimmy

29 years of experience
186 reviews
Jimmy
29 years of experience
BMW 545i V8-4.4L - Brake Pads Replacement (Rear) - Charlotte, North Carolina
This was my first time using My Mechanic, Jimmy was on time very polite did a great job I am very please with his work. Thank you

Chris

22 years of experience
2239 reviews
Chris
22 years of experience
BMW 545i V8-4.4L - Car is not starting - Corona, California
hi, Mr Chris Allshouse. He came by to day . he had check the BMW 2004 545 i, he told me that the timing censer's on each side of the valve cover's was broke I just want to say that Chris Allshouse is a smart guy he said the problem is the censers he said that 90% it is the PROBLEM. i have took that car to a few mechanic's told me all deferent stories. why is not starting. so the truth is I paid the other mechanic's. they just took my money. so I am going to let him finish the job on my 2004 BMW 545 I . but he said it cost $80 dollars to check and that if he gets the job that $50 dollars will go to the repairs..thats fine. i want him to fix it and ill pay it by a money ORDER or CASH which ever you prefer when the job is DONE .but I am a man of my word. he get's it Running I will give him a money tip.PLEASE CALL ME SAMMY MITCHELL -951-818-8105 When it's running as he said to me . lets complete the job to get it running.if you prefer other armaments ,just call me please

Excellent Rating

(37)

Rating Summary
33
3
1
0
0
33
3
1
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Number of BMW 545i services completed
407+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT BMW MECHANICS
1100+
experts on our platform

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