What is the function and installation process of the Coolant Temperature Sensor in the six cylinder engine on BMW X3?

The ECT sensor is an NTC sensor that decreases resistance as coolant temperature rises. The ECM adjusts ignition timing and air/fuel mixture based on the engine coolant temperature, receiving a 5-volt reference voltage from the sensor, with the voltage drop varying as the temperature changes. If the ECT sensor input is faulty or implausible, the MIL illuminates, prompting the ECM to assume a substitute value of 80 degrees Celsius/176 degrees Fahrenheit to maintain engine operation, while setting ignition timing to a conservatively safe basic level. The ECT sensor is positioned below the cylinder 6 intake port at the rear of the engine, underneath the intake manifold. To access it, the intake manifold must be removed after ensuring the engine is fully cooled. The ECT sensor connector should be disconnected, and the sensor unscrewed from the cylinder head, with precautions taken to catch any small amount of coolant that may escape. Installation follows the reverse order of removal, requiring a new copper sealing washer for the sensor, replacement of any lost coolant, and checking and clearing fault codes from the ECM memory.

Genuine BMW X3 Coolant Temperature Sensor

Coolant Water Temperature Sensor

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9 Coolant Temperature Sensors found

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BMW X3 Coolant Temperature Sensor
Part Number: 13621433077
$46.66 MSRP: $66.05
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Product Specifications
- Other Name: Temperature Sensor, Coolant; Temperature Sending Unit, Temperature Sensor
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by BMW's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2004-2006 BMW X3 | 2.5i(E83), 3.0i(E83)
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BMW X3 Temperature Sensor Water/Oil
Part Number: 13621433076
$46.66 MSRP: $66.05
You Save: $19.39 (30%)
Ships in 1-3 Business Days
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Product Specifications
- Replaces: 23-01-7-838-935
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by BMW's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2004-2017 BMW X3 | 2.5i(E83), 3.0i(E83), 3.0si(E83), sDrive28i(F25), xDrive28i(F25), xDrive35i(F25)
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BMW X3 Temperature Sensor Water/Oil
Part Number: 13627580635
$46.66 MSRP: $66.05
You Save: $19.39 (30%)
Ships in 1-3 Business Days
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Product Specifications
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by BMW's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2011-2020 BMW X3 | M40i(G01), sDrive30i(G01), xDrive30e(G01), xDrive30i(G01), xDrive35i(F25)
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BMW X3 Cylinder Head Temperature Sensor
Part Number: 13628649765
$46.66 MSRP: $66.05
You Save: $19.39 (30%)
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Product Specifications
- Other Name: Temperature Sensor, Cylinder Head; Coolant Temperature Sensor
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by BMW's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2018-2019 BMW X3 | M40i(G01), sDrive30i(G01), xDrive30i(G01)
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BMW X3 Coolant Temperature Sensor
Part Number: 13627797957
$46.66 MSRP: $66.05
You Save: $19.39 (30%)
Ships in 1-2 Business Days
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Product Specifications
- Other Name: Temperature Sensor, Coolant
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by BMW's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2015-2017 BMW X3 | xDrive28d(F25)
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BMW X3 Coolant Temperature Sensor
Part Number: 13628650714
$46.66 MSRP: $66.05
You Save: $19.39 (30%)
Ships in 1-2 Business Days
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Product Specifications
- Other Name: Temperature Sensor, Coolant; AC Temperature Sensor, Temperature Sensor
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by BMW's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2020-2024 BMW X3 | 4 Cyl 2.0 L GAS, 4 Cyl 2.0 L PLUG-IN HYBRID EV-GAS (PHEV), 6 Cyl 3.0 L GAS, 6 Cyl 3.0 L MILD HYBRID EV-GAS (MHEV), M40i(G01), sDrive30i(G01), xDrive30e(G01), xDrive30i(G01)
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BMW X3 Coolant Temperature Sensor
Part Number: 13627823993
$46.66 MSRP: $66.05
You Save: $19.39 (30%)
Ships in 1-2 Business Days
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Product Specifications
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by BMW's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2015-2017 BMW X3 | xDrive28d(F25)
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BMW X3 TEMPERATURE SENSOR, COOLANT
Part Number: 13625A115F5
$46.66 MSRP: $66.05
You Save: $19.39 (30%)
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Product Specifications
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by BMW's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2025 BMW X3 | 6 Cyl 3.0 L MILD HYBRID EV-GAS (MHEV)
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BMW X3 Temperature Sensor
Part Number: 61278647873
$50.97 MSRP: $67.50
You Save: $16.53 (25%)
Ships in 1-3 Business Days
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Product Specifications
- Other Name: Battery Temperature Sensor, Sensor
- Warranty: This genuine part is guaranteed by BMW's factory warranty.
Fits the following Vehicles:
- 2020-2021 BMW X3 | 4 Cyl 2.0 L PLUG-IN HYBRID EV-GAS (PHEV), xDrive30e(G01)

BMW X3 Coolant Temperature Sensor

BMW X3 Coolant Temperature Sensor acts as the vehicle's thermal messenger, feeding real time coolant data to the engine control module so powertrain settings stay balanced and overheating is avoided. Threaded directly into a coolant passage, the Coolant Temperature Sensor touches antifreeze and, using an NTC thermistor, changes resistance as heat rises, allowing the ECM to fine tune injector pulse width, spark timing, idle speed and switch the electric fan. Earlier X3 models that required only a binary signal relied on a coolant temperature switch, an on or off contact that heated the fuel mixture until the engine warmed up. Modern X3 editions use the full range Coolant Temperature Sensor, sending steady data instead of a single threshold, improving fuel economy, emissions control and driveability. Within every BMW powertrain, the Coolant Temperature Sensor also signals when to enable systems like EGR and the clutch, functions the X3 delays until heat is reached, ensuring the BMW engine stays safe. Despite this evolution, each BMW Coolant Temperature Sensor still shares a rugged threaded body, a 5 volt reference feed and a return wire that carries temperature based voltage back to the computer.

If you are looking for OEM BMW X3 Coolant Temperature Sensor, we highly recommend to shop with us. Not only do we offer budget friendly prices, but we also provide fast delivery. In addition, we have a hassle-free return policy on all genuine BMW X3 Coolant Temperature Sensor that come backed by the manufacturer's warranty.

BMW X3 Coolant Temperature Sensor Parts Questions & Experts Answers

Temperature Sensor Water/Oil
13621433076
Q:
What is the function and installation process of the Coolant Temperature Sensor in the six cylinder engine on BMW X3?
Posted by Julie S.
A:
The ECT sensor is an NTC sensor that decreases resistance as coolant temperature rises. The ECM adjusts ignition timing and air/fuel mixture based on the engine coolant temperature, receiving a 5-volt reference voltage from the sensor, with the voltage drop varying as the temperature changes. If the ECT sensor input is faulty or implausible, the MIL illuminates, prompting the ECM to assume a substitute value of 80 degrees Celsius/176 degrees Fahrenheit to maintain engine operation, while setting ignition timing to a conservatively safe basic level. The ECT sensor is positioned below the cylinder 6 intake port at the rear of the engine, underneath the Intake Manifold. To access it, the intake manifold must be removed after ensuring the engine is fully cooled. The ECT sensor connector should be disconnected, and the sensor unscrewed from the cylinder head, with precautions taken to catch any small amount of coolant that may escape. Installation follows the reverse order of removal, requiring a new copper sealing washer for the sensor, replacement of any lost coolant, and checking and clearing fault codes from the ECM memory.
Answered by BMW Parts Specialist Koleman / Jul 14, 2023