M20 Temperature sensor/ hard to start

[Z3M2000]

Hello all,

I have a 1989 325ix that is hard to start so I was planning to change my engine temperature sensor #13 part number 13621357414 you can find it in

http://realoem.com/bmw/showparts.do?model=1293&mospid=47311&btnr=11_0759&hg=11&fg=35

I have the part but when I went to change it I was shocked that the part and connector on the engine had 3 prongs not 2!!!!!!!!
I search and could not find anyone who has a 3 prong temp sensor in an M20!!!

Any information is helpful... I have no idea what to do now!!!!

Anyone knows what this sensor is?

I have attached the pictures

[jlevie]

Only two of the contacts are used, as I recall.

While a bad ECT sensor is a possibility and can cause starting/running problems, much higher on the list of possibilities are intake leaks. A smoke test is needed to find them.

[Z3M2000]

After some more research and going to the dealer I think it might be # 16 in the realoem schematic above... The guy working in the parts dept. was surprised to see a 3 wire sensor since he an E30 and never seen one with 3.
Can anyone shed a light of what the part number would be???

[jlevie]

I believe the part you want is 12621710511 (#14 on the link in the original post). Part #13 is the gauge sensor.

[Z3M2000]

I am going to try to clarify.
Part number 12621710511 or 12621710512 is the 1 pol sensor that sends the temperature information to the temperature reading on the dashboard. It is usually brown and you can even see it if my pictures on the right side. it is part 12 in the realoem diagram. Following is the picture of the part from Autohaus:


Part number 13621357414 is a 2-pol sensor that sends the information to the ECU/DME to help with the timing/infection. The sensor is usually blue or white. It is part 13 in the real oem diagram. Picture from Autohaus:


I do not have this sensor in my car but instead I have a 3-pol sensor that is pictured in my original post. I can not find any information about the sensor in my car so I can replace it. I have not seen a picture of a 3-pol sensor... Does anyone know what sensor it could be???

[Z3M2000]

Anyone?

[603Racing]

Start with the silly questions... Did you do the RealOEM search based off your VIN? Does this car have the original motor, m20b25?

Does the other (temp gauge) sensor only have one connector?

Does it look like the electical connector on the 3 prong wire has been replaced?

[Z3M2000]

Problem solved!!!
This is information that might be useful for someone someday!
So the BMW dealer called back today and said that my sensor is the same as an E32 750iL temperature sensor and that it is very rare to find them on a E30 M20 engine but that have seen it once before!!!!! The part number is:13621707366
I found it on Autohaus for abt $38

http://www.autohausaz.com/search/product.aspx?partnumber=13621707366&gclid=CKfL6MHA-7UCFa9aMgodQxQAwA

Here is how it looks:


Thanks for the help guys!

[603Racing]

Very odd indeed.