parking sensors not working

[dooosuk]

Why do you have to check?

You say the parking sensors don't work...so you must know what happens when you engage reverse. At this point I'm not talking about checking each sensor for clicking I'd just like to know why you think they don't work.

[k9my83]

I just bought the car and have only driven the car for 5 mins as I've been busy.I reversed the car the day I bought it but the sensors didn't work.I wasn't listening for clicks.the guy I bought it off said they didn't work.I clicked the ps button inside but as far as I'm aware nothing happened.I will check more later today.thanks. It needs a service so I will find a bmw independent as you say.

[k9my83]

I don't hear any clicking or beeping from the sensors when I reverse or go forward.the idrive is saying pdc failure.I had a look in fuse compartment but there's so many diff ones.how do you check which ones for the pdc? Thanks.

[to3m]

k9my83 said:

I don't hear any clicking or beeping from the sensors when I reverse or go forward.the idrive is saying pdc failure.I had a look in fuse compartment but there's so many diff ones.how do you check which ones for the pdc? Thanks.

BTW you don't mention whether you get a noise *inside* the car when you put it in reverse - my parents' BMW 320d had problems with its sensors, and it would beep constantly when put into reverse, to warn you. My 330d with the broken fuse... nothing. So, if you don't get any noise inside the car, then I guess fuse/computer/beeper/etc. would be a better place to start looking than the sensors. I don't know whether the iDrive's statement rules one of these out, or rules out nothing at all, but since a new fuse is only 50p, it would be worth trying...

There should be a diagram card in the fuse box telling you which one is which. If not, google should find you one. A google image search for "bmw e46 fuse box diagram" got me a few pics of what looks to be the one from my car. (Obviously, I make no guarantees, etc.!)

[k9my83]

I get no sound inside car or outside but the green light on ps switch flashes when switched on.the idrive shows image of car with ps catchment area in form of an arc at front and back of car.I will check fuse after work.thanks.

[Fun Bus]

dooosuk said:

And don't take it to BMW...find yourself a local BMW Independant (there's a thread at the top of this forum recommending local ones) and use them. You'll save a fair amount of £'s.

I wish my local Independant was cheaper than my main dealer. I also wish they were the slightest bit interested when I call them too.

[Gaygle]

Fun Bus said:

I've just spent £250 on getting my rear sensors sorted (E46 coupe) and they're still faulty. BMW just say they need to charge again for diagnosis and then charge for further repairs.

It's the last straw with my car so I'm not bothering and selling it instead.

Jesus, why did you go to BMW to sort a couple of parking sensors? When one of mine went on my E46, i ordered a replacement from ebay for £20 and it took, no word of a lie, under 2 minutes to fit.

OP - turn the ignition on (but do not start the engine), put the car into reverse gear, get out of the car and put your ear to each of the sensors, at the rear of the car, to listen for a very faint "clicking" sound. The one that does not have this "clicking" sound is the sensor which is faulty. Then go on ebay, search for "E60 parking sensor", buy one for £20, look up a DIY online of how to fit E60 parking sensors, fit the sensor.

EDIT: Read error - OP are you trying to say that when PDC is enabled (such as when you put the car in reverse) none of the sensors are making a faint clicking noise?

[k9my83]

I'm from dumbarton.who would best place to give car to for a service and to get ps fixed?? Where did you buy 50p fuse from??? Where is nearest independent bmw specialist???

[k9my83]

Yes that's exactly what I am saying.there is no clicking sound from front or back sensors and there is no beeping inside car either.so what next?? I will check fuse diagram n see if that gives any answers.my bmw is a 525d m sport 2005 model automatic.

[Fun Bus]

Gaygle said:

Fun Bus said:

I've just spent £250 on getting my rear sensors sorted (E46 coupe) and they're still faulty. BMW just say they need to charge again for diagnosis and then charge for further repairs.

It's the last straw with my car so I'm not bothering and selling it instead.

Jesus, why did you go to BMW to sort a couple of parking sensors? When one of mine went on my E46, i ordered a replacement from ebay for £20 and it took, no word of a lie, under 2 minutes to fit.

The specialist wanted £100 more than the main dealer and my car is a Sport so colour coded sensors which I couldn't find on Ebay in Silver Grey - at all.

[k9my83]

Hey guys I stand corrected I checked the sensors again.I put car on and put into reverse and then checked each sensor. there is a clicking on every one apart from front drivers side.the idrive shows pdc failure on it.so the fact that every1 has clicking does that mean the fuse must be fine??? What do you think guys?? Thanks.

[mbtech01]

it might be worth checking the actual parking sensor control module. If memory serves me right its situated under all the trims/covers in the spare wheel well. Its not unknown for a leak to occurr in the boot & then water collects & builds up in the spare wheel well & enters the control module shorting it out or corroding all the wiring & terminals. Worth a look just to put your mind at rest.

[k9my83]

can the central control unit be damaged for just one sensor??? if the rest click would it be the control unit or just a sensor?

thanks.

[mbtech01]

Basically the control module has a live feed, earth, reverse sensing wire, all the parking sensor wires & possibly some sort of speed sensing wire. It only takes one of the terminal contacts for one of the front or rear parking sensors to be corroded or damaged & that will affect the sensor operation which in turn will probably stop the whole system from working. As said im not trying to diagnose your problem without seeing it but it's still something to consider & probably check. You'll soon see if there's any dampness in the control modules plug when unplugging it. Look for signs of corrosion usually indicated by a green/brown stain around the pins/terminals. At least if you spend 20 mins checking it out & you find nothing wrong it'll put your mind at rest.

[k9my83]

yeh i will have a look at this tommorow. thanks.

[k9my83]

hi guys, i got my car serviced from b4bmw and ive been told that i need 3 rear sensors. for a cost of 400 quid!! any cheaper alternatives???? as at this price i will leave it.

also does bmw do a service without changing coolant???? so did b4bmw. this is a surprise as i thought a full service would include this??

thanks.

[Fun Bus]

£400 for 3 sensors? Fitted? I'd say yes to the work in a heartbeat.

[k9my83]

yeh thats for the three sensors and fitting. so you would say this is good>??

[Fun Bus]

Being an '05 M-Sport your car will have colour coded sensors? For the E46 coupes colour coded sensors are £110 each. I paid £160 to have one fitted.

[k9my83]

Yeh but 400 quid is still a lot of money for a few sensors I feel so will probs just leave it.

Any guys know of cheaper alternatives? Used ps?