Coolant Temp Sensor - Gradual death?

[LockDots]

I'm in the middle of planning and ordering parts for a cooling system overhaul and it got me thinking about possibly replacing the Coolant Temp Sensor while I'm in there (famous last words).

I know that the gauge is buffered and that ultimately an aftermarket sender and gauge will give me a more realistic or live reading, however, is it possible for the temp sensors to die gradually providing the ECU with erroneous or inaccurate data? Or is it one of those things that you don't change until it dies?

I'm not sure if the US M3 works the same but I believe the Euro M3's ECU sends "position data" to the cluster which puts the temp gauge needle where it should be. I think there are 5 positions total, each designated by a value or code (most likely somewhere between 0 and 255 or FF in hex). If the temp sensor is no longer reading linearly (if it was to begin with that is) it could throw off what the temp reading really should be, thus affecting where the needle rests.

If it makes a difference my car is a '97 M3 S52b32

I'm probably overthinking this but I figured it couldn't hurt to find out and replace it if it does start to read inaccurately over time.

Thanks.

[boarder2k7]

I believe the sensor is just an NTC thermistor, and I'm not aware of those having a service life limit. I think if they work they work.

Corroded contacts will add resistance and cause it to read a false low temperature however.

[LockDots]

I believe the sensor is just an NTC thermistor, and I'm not aware of those having a service life limit. I think if they work they work.

Corroded contacts will add resistance and cause it to read a false low temperature however.
That's what a I figured, thanks bud.