BMWs are known to have problems with their sensors. This is a safety issue that should be addressed as quickly as possible. A sensor in an automobile is an electronic component that monitors the different aspects of the vehicle’s performance. It gathers information and sends it to the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) of the car.
When the ECU receives the information, it automatically makes adjustments and determines what to do next to maximize the car’s safety, efficiency, and performance. Modern cars are outfitted with many different types of sensors all throughout its different systems. Below are just a few examples of where sensors are located and what they do for your BMW:
Engine Sensors: Sensors in the engine gauge the different functions of the engine. When there is a problem, your Bimmer’s onboard computer lets you know.
- Oxygen (O2) Sensor: This sensor is part of the emission control system and measures the amount of oxygen in the car’s emission. It is found in the front and back of the catalytic converter.
- Mass Air Flow (Maf) Sensor: It measures the amount of air entering the engine and is critical for maintaining the correct ratio of air-fuel mixture. You will usually find this between the throttle body and the air filter housing.
- Engine Oil Sensor: Monitors the oil level and pressure
- Coolant Sensor: Measures the coolant temperature and levels.
- Crank Position Center (CKP): The CKP tracks the position and rotational speed of the engine’s crankshaft.
- Air Intake Temperature Sensor: This sensor, sometimes called the IAT, measures the air temperature that enters the engine. It is important because it allows the car’s computer to calculate the amount of fuel needed to have optimal combustion.
- Manifold Absolute Pressure (Map) Sensor: This sensor measures the vacuum in your car’s manifold. It sends the necessary information to the engine control unit (ECU, which then uses it to determine the correct air-fuel ratio for optimal combustion.
- Boost Pressure Sensor (BPS): The BPS sensor measures the air pressure in the intake manifold. It regulates engine performance.
Safety Sensors: As the name suggests, these sensors monitor your Bimmer’s safety systems, such as the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and airbags.
- Abs Sensor: This monitors the wheel speed and prevents the wheels from locking up during sudden stops.
- Airbag Sensor: Airbag sensors track the car speed and other factors. When it detects a crash, a chemical reaction is triggered, which inflates and deploys the airbag.
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Sensor: The TPMS sensor monitors the air pressure and temperature of your vehicle’s tires. When the pressure is too high or too low, you are alerted.
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning): The HVAC system has many sensors that keep track of the temperature and humidity inside the cabin. Without these, you and your passengers will be uncomfortable.
Rain Sensor: Your Beamer’s rain sensor automatically detects moisture on the windshield and starts the windshield wipers.
Light Sensor: The light sensor detects the illumination outside and turns on, off, dims, or brightens the headlights.
Parking Sensor: The parking sensor can recognize obstacles in front or behind your car, and your car alerts you.
How Do You Know You Have a Faulty Sensor?
Your car will either start to malfunction, or you will see any one of your many malfunction indicator lights (MIL) turn on. These are the lights, like the check engine light (CEL) and other similar ones on your dashboard, that turn on when there is a problem with the engine, emissions, HVAC system, or the safety system.
Fixing Faulty Sensors at DART Auto
The sensors listed above are only the tip 
of the iceberg. There are many other sensors in your car that are constantly monitoring and adjusting different aspects of your car. It is obvious that faulty sensors are dangerous and need to be repaired quickly. It is best to take your car to a professional mechanic because these are complex electronic systems. Your mechanic can tell you whether the sensor should be adjusted, repaired, or replaced.
At DART Auto, we offer dealer-quality parts and services for your German automobile. Call us or book an appointment to visit us in Englewood, Littleton, Centennial, or Denver in Colorado.
* White BMW E92 M3 Car image credit goes to: Brandon Woyshnis.
