BMW 550i 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

(79)

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

(79)

Ambient Temperature Sensor (Switch) Replacement Service

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

On average, the cost for a BMW 550i 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
2009 BMW 550iV8-4.8LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$241.47Shop/Dealer Price$290.59 - $398.58
2016 BMW 550iV8-4.4L TurboService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$560.01Shop/Dealer Price$665.83 - $766.33
2015 BMW 550iV8-4.4L TurboService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$560.01Shop/Dealer Price$665.81 - $766.30
2007 BMW 550iV8-4.8LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$221.47Shop/Dealer Price$270.58 - $378.56
2012 BMW 550iV8-4.4L TurboService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$680.81Shop/Dealer Price$816.97 - $1008.17
2011 BMW 550iV8-4.4L TurboService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$560.01Shop/Dealer Price$665.81 - $766.30
2006 BMW 550iV8-4.8LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$226.47Shop/Dealer Price$275.38 - $383.21
2008 BMW 550iV8-4.8LService typeAmbient Temperature Sensor (Switch) ReplacementEstimate$226.47Shop/Dealer Price$276.04 - $384.35
Show example BMW 550i 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

(79)

Rating Summary
72
3
1
0
3
72
3
1
0
3

David

16 years of experience
635 reviews
David
16 years of experience
BMW 550i V8-4.4L Turbo - Oil Change - Carmichael, California
Honest person, knows mechanics.

Chris

22 years of experience
2229 reviews
Chris
22 years of experience
BMW 550i V8-4.4L Turbo - Oil Change - Anaheim, California
Chris was great. He was on time, answered any questions I had, and efficient worker.

Wayne

23 years of experience
65 reviews
Wayne
23 years of experience
BMW 550i V8-4.4L Turbo - Oil Change - Bothell, Washington
Wayne was knowledgeable, friendly and just a cool guy overall!

Max

10 years of experience
56 reviews
Max
10 years of experience
BMW 550i V8-4.4L Turbo - Oil Pressure Sensor Replacement - Fort Worth, Texas
Very professional, great guy overall , definitely would recommend and use again

Excellent Rating

(79)

Rating Summary
72
3
1
0
3
72
3
1
0
3
Number of BMW 550i services completed
869+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT BMW MECHANICS
1100+
experts on our platform

Recent articles & questions

How Are Car Wires Protected From Damage?
The highest tech cars can contain miles of electrical wiring. Wires must be secured and protected from heat and debris in order to work properly.
P0815 OBD-II Trouble Code: Upshift Switch Circuit
What What the P0815 code means Your vehicle’s powertrain control module (PCM) has recognized a problem in the electrical circuit of the upshift switch circuit. The upshift/downshift switch is located in the passenger compartment near your vehicle’s shifter. Please note...
P1103 OBD-II Trouble Code: Mass Airflow Sensor in Range But Higher Than Expected
P1103 means there is an issue with the mass airflow sensor, likely due to faulty or loose wiring and connectors in the sensor, or an air leak.

Airbag

Hello and thank you for your question. Air bags are a useful safety feature. If you live in a jurisdiction where auto inspections are mandated, the vehicle might fail inspection if any essential safety equipment is non functional. If you...

My check engine light is on , mechanic said it is catalyst converter however the car run perfectly fine , no misfire or more

The impact on engine operation (and fuel efficiency) of a "failed" catalytic converter depends on exactly what the failure mode was. In one scenario, if the catalyst within the converter is simply "poisoned" and thus there is no longer any...

My car was working perfectly the today I was stopped at a light when it turned gree I pressed the gas and it did not. I turned off

The clues to what that was all about are within the trouble code(s) that were stored when the check engine light illuminated. Those codes, which can be downloaded, are not themselves a diagnostic or pinpoint identification of the failed or...

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 (855) 347-2779 · hi@yourmechanic.com