'99 e39 external temp sensor ripped off! Help!

[bordelon05]

A couple days ago I lost control of my 528i and ended up in someone's yard. My external temp sensor got ripped off, and the lower front spoiler got cracked up. Now, when I start the car, the temp on the on-board computer is saying -40 degrees, and my climate control is not working. My a/c is not cooling. Is the a/c related to this external temp sensor? I haven't been able to replug the sensor back in yet, there's other stuff to fix first. Please let me know if this is in some way related to each other.
Thanks.

[Cacatfish]

I dont think they are related (dont see why they would be). Do you runj the AC in auto mode or manual? If auto, maybe try manual and see what happens. The sensor is cheap, only about $30.

[B Low]

Yes, if you have auto climate control, the AC is directly related to that external temp sensor. If it's gone (I lost mine the same way recently), the temp reads -40 deg and the climate control believes it's very cold outside. MAX mode will no longer work, and I have to play with the settings to get some cold air - I can set it down to 60 deg and push the fan up to get something working ok. The sensor is not that expensive, but I'm betting you need to replace that pass. side front fender liner too, since it probably ripped off and took the sensor with it. Both parts are still fairly cheap at the dealer, or try bavauto.com

Good luck!

[MJFX328]

Yes, if you have auto climate control, the AC is directly related to that external temp sensor. If it's gone (I lost mine the same way recently), the temp reads -40 deg and the climate control believes it's very cold outside. MAX mode will no longer work, and I have to play with the settings to get some cold air - I can set it down to 60 deg and push the fan up to get something working ok. The sensor is not that expensive, but I'm betting you need to replace that pass. side front fender liner too, since it probably ripped off and took the sensor with it. Both parts are still fairly cheap at the dealer, or try bavauto.com

Good luck!

Try pelicanparts.com instead.

[bordelon05]

Thanks for the info. I feel 100% better now! I still have the sensor, found it in the ditch. I'm going to try to remount it, and see. I may still have to replace it. I didn't hit anything when I lost control, just slid around in a circle off of wet pavement and grass. Now, I've got a bad vibration throughout the car. I think the exhaust got pushed up against the frame, don't know for sure. Going to check it out this weekend. Thanks again for the info.
Susan

[B Low]

I just reread that you still have all of the parts, so maybe you won't have to replace them. Why don't you try plugging the sensor in and just start the car to make sure it all works? Then, you can figure out what needs to be replaced before you start putting it all back together.