Water Temp Sensor - Confusion.

[SkorcherX]

So I am working on the wiring to get my 1992 E36 M50NV into my 1987 E30.

The M50 has 2 temp sensors (blue and black) threaded into the head. I understand that the E30 Temp sensor needs to be swapped in order for the gauge to work properly.

Do I need both the blue and the black E36 temp sensors in the head PLUS the E30 temp sensor? Or can one of the 2 E36 temp sensors come out and be replaced with the E30 temp sensor?

ALSO... The E30 temp sensor has a larger diameter threads and cannot thread into the M50 head naturally. I have read bits and pieces that there are adapters. Can someone point me to a site where I can purchase one? Or perhaps a DIY with pictures to aide me in fabricating one?

Thanks!

[328ijunkie]

You should be able to pull out the Cluster sensor from the M50 and put in the E30 cluster sensor.

[N2MYE30]

You just hafta replace just the one...the front most one i think. No need to make any mods or adapters.

[SkorcherX]

You just hafta replace just the one...the front most one i think. No need to make any mods or adapters.

This cannot be done. The old E30 physically does not fit. I got excited when you posted then cause I did not remove either sensor (only the water port).

I want to say that I read here or e30tech.com that there are adapters or a re-threaded sensor, so that I don't have to tap the M50 head.

Anyone have any clues? Just for clarification the old E30 one is a brown 1-pin plug.

[328ijunkie]

Then you dont have a M50NV or your head isnt original. The M50NV should have 3 total ports, 2 for sensors and 1 throttle body heater port.

Also make sure youre using the right E30 sensor, the late models had a smaller sensor than the early models.

[SkorcherX]

Okay, so the E30 brown 1-pin sensor has to be re-threaded in order to fit the E36 M50 head. Finally found a good thread on it.

I will buy a new one and see if my buddy (who is a millwright) can do this for me.

Many people delete the TB heat lines by removing the water port and screwing the E30 temp sensor in. I will likely go this route as well.

[328ijunkie]

I sell these.

[Gnarles]

If you have two sensors and the throttle body coolant fitting, you shouldn't have to modify anything. Remove the e36 black top sensor and replace it with the e30 brown top sensor.

[e30rapidic]

If you have two sensors and the throttle body coolant fitting, you shouldn't have to modify anything. Remove the e36 black top sensor and replace it with the e30 brown top sensor.

this

[Philo]

I didn't read your post carefully enough. For your engine, the sensor should just thread right into the second port.

[jahnaboi]

As everyone stated there should be 3 ports.

First port (closest to the front of the car) - Blue sensor (temp sensor for ecu)
Second port (middle) - Black sensor (temp sensor for cluster) <---- remove and replace with e30 sensor
Third port - Plug it up unless you're going to run the throttle body heater hoses.

[328ijunkie]

Thats what ive been saying all along. Noone listens :(

[jahnaboi]

I was listening. I just reiterated what you said. =P