BMW 128i 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 128i Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement is $123 with $19 for parts and $104 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
2011 BMW 128iL6-3.0LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$284.85Shop/Dealer Price$343.69 - $476.90
2010 BMW 128iL6-3.0LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$230.97Shop/Dealer Price$281.88 - $391.20
2008 BMW 128iL6-3.0LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$230.97Shop/Dealer Price$281.87 - $391.20
2012 BMW 128iL6-3.0LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$142.05Shop/Dealer Price$170.68 - $213.28
2009 BMW 128iL6-3.0LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$230.97Shop/Dealer Price$281.90 - $391.25
2013 BMW 128iL6-3.0LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$262.85Shop/Dealer Price$321.72 - $454.96
Show example BMW 128i 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.

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(91)

Rating Summary
85
4
1
0
1
85
4
1
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1

Adrian

12 years of experience
39 reviews
Adrian
12 years of experience
BMW 128i L6-3.0L - Oil Change - San Jose, California
Very happy with his work. Showed up on time. Did the work and left:-)

Jose

22 years of experience
7 reviews
Jose
22 years of experience
BMW 128i L6-3.0L - Door Lock Actuator Replacement (Driver Side Front) - Lake Mary, Florida
He is real professional, and he did repair service with great manner.

Jamahl

20 years of experience
830 reviews
Jamahl
20 years of experience
BMW 128i L6-3.0L - Oxygen Sensor Replacement (Front/Upper/Upstream) - Winter Garden, Florida
Jamahl is a true professional and works hard to make sure the customer is happy. That is the reason I requested him again to fix the problem with my sons BMW.

Derrick

20 years of experience
109 reviews
Derrick
20 years of experience
BMW 128i L6-3.0L - Oil Filter Housing Gasket - Fort Lee, New Jersey
professional and knowledgeable. arrived on time and completed the job in a professional manner.

Excellent Rating

(91)

Rating Summary
85
4
1
0
1
85
4
1
0
1
Number of BMW 128i services completed
1001+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT BMW MECHANICS
1100+
experts on our platform

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