Outside temperature sensor

The outside temperature sensor supplies the value for the ambient temperature to the instrument panel. The ambient temperature is shown on the liquid crystal display. The display resolution is 0.5°C (1°F). The value for ambient temperature is also made available to other control units via the K-CAN. The signal from the outside temperature sensor is digitalized in the instrument panel. A calculation model suppresses the effects of thermal radiation from the engine compartment on the signal. At higher driving speeds and lower engine temperatures the system selects lower damping action. The real outside temperature value can only be reliably expected starting at driving speed of about 80 km/h.

Fig 1: Identifying Outside Temperature Sensor Components

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.