2012-2015 BMW 6 Series Air Temperature Sensor

Also known as

Ambient Air Temperature Sensor

Outside Air Temp Sensor

Ambient Temp Probe

Exterior Temperature Sensor

OAT Sensor

Outside Temperature Switch

What this part does

The outside air temperature sensor measures the ambient air temperature exterior to the cabin. It mounts low behind the front bumper cover, typically snapping into the lower grille trim, radiator air guide, or brake cooling duct. The BMW climate control system relies on this data to regulate automatic cabin heating and air conditioning functions. The engine control unit also references this ambient temperature reading to optimize air-fuel mixtures and idle speed during cold starts. When this probe fails or loses connection, the instrument cluster frequently defaults to an implausible reading, such as -40 degrees, and the automatic climate control may fail to blow cold air.

Fits these vehicles

OEM and interchange numbers

65816905133

65-81-6-905-133

65816905133-01

65816936953

Before you order

Inspect your existing wiring harness and connector pigtail before purchasing a replacement sensor. Because this component sits at the lowest point of the front bumper, the wires are frequently torn or sheared off by parking blocks, steep driveways, or road debris. A broken wire will produce the exact same -40 degree fault code as a dead sensor. This is a simple plug-and-play component; no coding or programming is required, though the dashboard temperature reading may take a short drive to completely recalibrate and update after installation.