BRAND NEW *OEM Quality* coolant temperature sensor to suit the BMW E36 3 Series.

A failed sensor on these engines commonly shows up as an inaccurate temperature gauge or a cooling fan that will not switch off. Same-day dispatch before 12pm from Cranbourne VIC.

TO SUIT

BMW E36 318i built 1991 to 2000, fitted with the M40 B18 or M43 B18 1.8L four-cylinder engine. This sensor also fits the full E36 3 Series range from the 316i through to the M3. See the full model and engine list below for exact date ranges.

FITMENT CHECK

Some early E36 318i Convertible variants have this sensor fitted in the radiator hose rather than on the cylinder head. Check the sensor's current mounting location before ordering if unsure.

OEM PART NUMBERS

13621703993
1703993

OTHER PART NUMBERS

V20-72-0439-1
ECT-BM-010
TS10258

PACKAGE INCLUDES

1 x Coolant Temperature Sensor with 4-pin round connector and seal ring.

ABOUT THIS SENSOR

Across the M40 to S50 engine range fitted to the E36 3 Series, this sensor sits on the side of the cylinder head or intake tract and feeds the Motronic engine management system, which relies on it for cold-start fuelling and idle control.

A worn sensor commonly causes hesitant cold starts and an idle that hunts until the engine warms up, and on the higher-output 328i and M3 can also affect ignition timing accuracy.

COMMON SYMPTOMS OF FAILURE

Check engine light with fault code P0115, P0116 or P0117
Hesitant or rough cold starts
Idle that hunts or surges when the engine is cold
Temperature gauge reading incorrectly or not moving
Cooling fan cycling on and off unexpectedly

[09/95 - 12/99] BMW 316i E36 1.6L 4cyl M43 B16 75kW
[01/99 - 12/00] BMW 316i E36 1.9L 4cyl M43 B19 TU 77kW
[01/91 - 12/94] BMW 318i E36 1.8L 4cyl M40 B18 83kW
[01/95 - 12/98] BMW 318i E36 1.8L 4cyl M43 B18 85kW
[01/92 - 12/96] BMW 318is E36 1.8L 4cyl M42 B18 103kW
[01/96 - 12/99] BMW 318is E36 1.9L 4cyl M44 B19 103kW
[01/96 - 12/00] BMW 318ti E36 1.9L 4cyl M44 B19 103kW
[01/91 - 12/95] BMW 320i E36 2.0L 6cyl M50 B20 110kW
[01/96 - 12/98] BMW 323i E36 2.5L 6cyl M52 B25 125kW
[01/95 - 12/00] BMW 328i E36 2.8L 6cyl M52 B28 142kW
[01/99 - 12/00] BMW 328Ci E46 2.8L 6cyl M52 B28 142kW
[01/96 - 12/99] BMW M3 E36 3.2L 6cyl S50 B32 236kW

How do I test a coolant temperature sensor?

The most common test is to measure the sensor resistance with a multimeter at a known coolant temperature and compare against the manufacturer resistance curve. A cold engine (20 degrees C) typically reads 2,000 to 3,000 ohms and drops to around 200 to 300 ohms at operating temperature (90 degrees C). An OBD2 scanner showing a fixed temperature reading that does not change as the engine warms up is also a strong indicator of sensor failure.

Can a faulty coolant temperature sensor cause my engine to overheat?

Indirectly yes. If the sensor reports a lower temperature than actual, the ECU may not activate the cooling fan at the correct time, allowing the engine to overheat. It can also suppress the dashboard warning light, meaning you may not be alerted until the engine is already at a dangerously high temperature. Replace a suspected faulty sensor promptly.

Do I need to drain the coolant to replace the sensor?

Not always - many coolant temperature sensors can be replaced quickly with minimal coolant loss if you work fast and have a replacement ready to thread in immediately. However on some vehicles the sensor location requires partial coolant drainage. Check the sensor position on your specific engine before starting. Always use fresh coolant when topping up after replacement.

What are the symptoms of a faulty coolant temperature sensor?

Symptoms include poor fuel economy, black smoke, engine overheating warning, incorrect temperature gauge reading, hard starting when cold, and rough idle. Fault codes P0115 to P0119 are commonly associated with coolant temperature sensor faults.

Is it safe to drive with a bad coolant temperature sensor?

A faulty coolant temperature sensor can cause the ECU to run rich fuel mixtures and prevent the cooling fan from operating correctly, risking engine overheating. Replace it promptly - it is a low-cost part that can prevent expensive engine damage.

How do I know if my coolant temperature sensor or my thermostat is faulty?

A faulty thermostat typically causes the engine to overheat or never reach operating temperature. A faulty coolant temp sensor causes incorrect gauge readings and running issues but the coolant itself may be at the correct temperature. An OBD2 scanner showing live coolant temp data helps distinguish between the two.

Are there two coolant temperature sensors on my vehicle?

Many vehicles have two sensors - one for the ECU (engine management) and one for the dashboard temperature gauge. They look similar but are not interchangeable. Check your vehicle's service manual or contact us with your vehicle details to confirm which sensor you need.

Identification
SKU	CCS55_1
Brand	Aftermarket OEM Replacement
Part Numbers
Part Number	CCS55
Reference OEM Number	13621703993
Other OEM Numbers	13621703993, 1703993, MEK100160, MEK000020, MEK100160A
Related Part Numbers	CS899, CTS1075, OCS55, WALKER 211-1053
Trade Part Numbers	V20-72-0439-1, ECT-BM-010, TS10258
Product Specifics
Product Type	SENSOR
Sensor Type	ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR
Fitting Position	side of cylinder head
Spanner Size	22
Number of pins	4 -pin connector
Connector Shape	Round
Socket colour	Black
Supplementary Article Info	with seal ring
Rated Voltage	12 V
External Thread	M12x1.5 mm
Switch Point	150 °C, -40 °C
Other Details
Note	In Radiator Hose on some E36 318i Convertible variants.