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It is driving me nuts not knowing what this sensor it!?!?!? I'm chasing down a problem with my 2015 320i xDrive and none of the service documentation or parts catalogs even shows that this sensor (goes into hole in intake tube with red arrow) exists on this car in diagrams of the engine or intake system. Anyone know?
Last edited by Adaptel; 05-25-2017 at 02:00 PM.
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Looks like that's where the pcv hose from the valve cover goes into, has a plug connector for a heater circuitOriginally Posted by Adaptel
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No, it isn't. The PVC hose to the valve cover is behind the large hole with a 2-wire sensor in it (that my arrow points to). This sensor is plastic, round (about 40mm dia), has an o-ring, snaps in place with 2 plastic tabs, and has only a 2-wire connector on it. I have seen lots of pictures online of 3-series cars with N20 engines and most don't have this sensor. Scratching my head on this one!
Thin Air
It looks like there are two type of N20 engines. N20B16 (with three variants) and N20B20 (with two variants). It may help if you can pin down which of these you have.
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The thing the red arrow points to is not a sensor. That is a heater for your crackcase vent line. It is a 2 wire and I believe it is white and brown wires...maybe white and yellow as I get the t-stat connector confused.
Last edited by SlackTube; 05-25-2017 at 08:36 PM.
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Just took some pics of an n20b20
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Yep, that's what I have on my engine so I guess I have a n20b20 as well. Hope this heater doesn't ever fail because it doesn't appear in any of the realoem diagrams for my car! Now I can rest easier even though I can't wrap my head around why you would need to "pre-heat" the vapors from the crankcase before sending them into the intake. Thanks for your help!!
Member
It's probably in a different group number, maybe engine(11)? There is also the sulev motor which is a n26b20. The preheating is supposed to prevent any sludging/clogging of the hose. Why don't you go to the dealer for the issue? Should be covered under new vehicle warranty, unless our have over 50k miles?
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Thanks for that info. Now it makes sense knowing I have heard a lot about people having sludge problems with these motors. This car only has 3999 miles on it, but it's problems are not something that would be covered under warantee. I bought it for peanuts from my sister-in-law's insurance company and am putting it back together after a front end collision which totalled it. I have completed all the bodywork & mechanical repairs but am now chasing down a few problems and functional errors.
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Oh I see, makes more sense. Good luck!
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