e46 318ti Compact/parking sensors

[nickc4]

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Hi there

Hope you are well.

When first purchasing the car, when placing in reverse I had one long beep for 5-10 seconds then nothing.

Took it to friend with INPA and saw that one sensor was open circuit. So ordered good quality after market one on ebay and fault (beep 5-10 seconds) was no longer there. Only issue it was picking up on stuff that was not there.

So asked the guy to send one other after market and it seemed to resolve but then noticed that when putting it reverse, it picks up on something when nothing there then stops. then ok. Or it will beeps to a constant beep and carry's on doing my head in. Place in park and then reverse then ok.

Any ideas as doing my head in! Plus really bad OCD!

I suspect another sensor may be an issue but putting in the other after market one will solve if had an issue originally? Or could it be an issue with wiring?


Your help will be much appreciated

Regards
Nick

[SebringMan]

People have tried the aftermarket or even 'OE' Lucas type in the E46 M3 world. None of them work right; sometimes you can get away by putting the aftermarket sensors as one of the inner sensors. However, it seems only the genuine sensors do the job. This unfortunately leaves you with two choices.

1) Take a chance on a secondhand set ; it may be worth seeing if they work if the car is being broken for spares
2) Go to BMW and be prepared to be bent over.

I was skeptical of the above from people but after last week I admit that I am biased.

FWIW I've been burned on on 'OE' oil cooler last week from a well known online motor factor. FWIW it wasn't any of the main high street brands but I doubt I'll use that factor again seeing as it seems they have put it back out again to be sold ; the part next to BMW's item looked like a reject in all honesty.

As a final thing INPA does give live data on each sensor if your friend doesn't know that. It's a handy feature when you don't have fault codes to go on.

Edited by SebringMan on Friday 14th April 21:45

[Locknut]

I have a similar problem with a three-year old 320d, F30. The bleepers go off while there is nothing there. I've had it back with the dealer under warranty and they tried a few things like swapping the sensors around but did not cure it. I've got used to it and ignore it.