BMW X5 Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement at your home or office.

Our mobile mechanics offer services 7 days a week. Upfront and transparent pricing.

Estimate price near me

Service Location

Customer Ratings

(719)

Included for free with this service

Online Booking

Mechanic comes to you

12-month / 12k-mile warranty

Free 50 point safety inspection

Our certified mobile mechanics can come to your home or office 7 days a week between 7 AM and 9 PM.

Customer Ratings

(719)

Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement Service

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

On average, the cost for a BMW X5 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
2012 BMW X5V8-4.4L TurboService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$790.81Shop/Dealer Price$926.66 - $1117.63
2011 BMW X5V8-4.4L TurboService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$680.81Shop/Dealer Price$816.83 - $1007.93
2002 BMW X5L6-3.0LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$253.35Shop/Dealer Price$310.47 - $442.39
2016 BMW X5L6-3.0L TurboService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$560.01Shop/Dealer Price$665.60 - $765.92
2005 BMW X5L6-3.0LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$221.47Shop/Dealer Price$270.65 - $378.68
2015 BMW X5L6-3.0L Turbo DieselService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$680.81Shop/Dealer Price$816.81 - $1007.90
2013 BMW X5L6-3.0L TurboService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$708.31Shop/Dealer Price$843.01 - $1033.11
2005 BMW X5V8-4.8LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$226.47Shop/Dealer Price$276.04 - $384.35
Show example BMW X5 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.

Fast and easy service at your home or office

Backed by 12-month, 12.000-mile guarantee


Meet some of our expert BMW mechanics

Real customer reviews from BMW owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(719)

Rating Summary
671
14
9
8
17
671
14
9
8
17

Rodney

36 years of experience
541 reviews
Rodney
36 years of experience
BMW X5 V8-4.4L - Car is not starting - Sacramento, California
He was very knowledgeable

Nick

10 years of experience
25 reviews
Nick
10 years of experience
BMW X5 V8-4.4L - Coolant is leaking - Sacramento, California
Had a great experience with Nick. Very knowledgeable and provided excellent service. Would definitely recommend to anyone in need of a repair.

Theodore

16 years of experience
1587 reviews
Theodore
16 years of experience
BMW X5 L6-3.0L Turbo Diesel - Oil Change - Issaquah, Washington
Theodore was extremely friendly and helpful. He let me ask questions and went over his suggestions for maintenance throughly. I will be using yourmechanic again when it’s time for new brakes.

Royal

16 years of experience
80 reviews
Royal
16 years of experience
BMW X5 V8-4.4L - Electric Problems Inspection - San Antonio, Texas
Very personable has good knowledge of vehicles will probably call him back for future work.

Excellent Rating

(719)

Rating Summary
671
14
9
8
17
671
14
9
8
17
Number of BMW X5 services completed
7909+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT BMW MECHANICS
1100+
experts on our platform

Recent articles & questions

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
If If you’re looking for an SUV, but don’t need much space or off-road capabilities, the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport just might be the ticket. With it’s stand-out appearance that is sure to be noticed, it provides the features and...
How to Prepare for the Rhode Island Driver’s Written Test
A A big part of getting ready to drive is learning the rules of the road. Before you can take your road test, you need to have your permit. The only way to get a permit is to pass the...
How to Buy a Classic Fiat 124 Sport Spider
The Fiat 124 Sport Spider is a highly desirable compact convertible produced by the Italian carmaker from 1966 to 1982. Its classic design incorporates sporty performance with sleek European looks, to make it as fun to drive as it is...

My car jerks slightly when I'm at a steady speed or trying to stay at a constant speed only around 40mph to 50 mph

In the future, please include the codes as they can help use pinpoint and give you a more accurate answer. The surging you feel while under light throttle, which is what is happening at a cruise, is due to a...

Occasional difficult startup - 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport

Hey there. Heat alters operating parameters and causes phenomena ranging from higher resistance in ignition circuits to vapor lock. When the car is HOT, it would be sensible to investigate the ignition system first and see if any obvious faults...

Intake manifold swirl flap leaking air and control bar as come off 2007 Saab 9-3

Hello - this "intake swirl runner (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-intake-manifold-runner-control)" problem may require removal, and repair or possibly replacement, of the intake manifold. The "swirl flaps" are internal to the intake manifold, and work to keep air velocity high during low speed operation...

How can we help?

Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST.

1 (844) 997-3624 · hi@yourmechanic.com