XSeries-forum

No problem just let me know when your free , any time is ok for me . Malc

Hi Guys

Just joined - about time too - only had my X5 from brand new since March 2004!

Well sorry to drag this up again, but I can't see (or rather feel) how to do this bit >

"The sensor is mounted in a 2 part bracket with a cowling on the outside of the rear panel and a plastic holder for the sensor that clips into the cowling. First locate the lug on the bottom rear of the plastic holder (see photo) push it upwards while applying pressure to the middle of the sensor on the outside. Not too bad but a doodle for a double jointed midwife! The holder and sensor should come away and the cowling will fall out of the rear panel. Remove the plug if still attached then detach the sensor from the holder by gently prising the black plastic clips on the side of the holder while pushing the sensor back out of the holder (easiest to do if you have a third hand). That's it!"

Does anyone have some photos of a whole sensor with cowling and back holder removed but reassembled if you know what I mean? Unfortunately I don't know how to find the photos referred to in the post. When I know how, the inner ones seem feasible to get out without removing the bumper, but I'm not convinced there's room to get a corner one out - someone has actually done that without breaking something in the process?

If its a diesel its very easy to access the sensors via the removable panels in the rear skirt. If its a V 8 and has a towbar fitted, that may be a problem gaining access.
It's straight forward to do, you have the instructions, give it a go 
When you have it apart its self explanatory to see how it goes back xtogether. If you need a sensor  I think there was a link in where you got the above information
Good luck

Cheers

As I have a diesel and pretty small hands by a bit of trial and error, I have found a way of getting the sensors out without touching the rather fragile outer cowlings and inner brackets at all.

Will post up some photos as soon as I get the time.

Now I know how my way, I reckon I could replace all four rear sensors in little more than five minutes.

Sounds like useful info...... Especially as I have 2 new sensors in boxes awaiting fitting.

Does anybody know if you can buy just the cowling / shroud for the sensors, two of my rear sensors are just sitting in the holes in the rear bumper with no cowling / shroud.

Certainly can as I did a few years ago. Use realoem to get part numbers then call your dealer.

I recently bought this, it's the cowling for the corner sensor