XSeries-forum

How do i remove a faulty rear parking sensor on my E53 X i have a after market skirt fitted at the rear and can just get my hand up to the sensor with a bit of cursing but i cant see what i am doing, so does the sensor come out from the front or the rear of the bumper and do i have to turn it to remove it    :-\

Does the skirt stop you from using the standard procedure from the TIS?  Annoying if that's the case, as it 'seems' straightforward on a standard E53....

Can't remember for sure (but will in a few days as I'm removing my rear bumper but you have two clips on the back that need to come off - these are for the connectors.

Then the sensor twists out (I think).

If you can wait a few days/week I'll make sure. But two bolts from underneath will allow the bumper to come forward enough to get your hand in (have to restrict the pull based on the PDC wire slack).

The BMW TIS doesn't apply to mine as the skirt is restricting me , i also cant pull the bumper forward by removing the two bolts as once again i am restricted, you mention removing the two clips i cant feel any clips but i can feel the electric plug, Sanj it would be a big help if you could take a look for me next week when you remove your bumper,
Thanks Malc

Top
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on DiggShare on DeliciousRe: Parking sensor removal?
by rsbent » Fri, 13 Apr 2012 17:05:33 UTC
Hi all. I saw this post on another forum, Im having a problem with my PDC as well, so I listened to the ticking sounds of all the sensors, and the right rear inner is not ticking, so I followed the instructions below and had the sensor off in 2 mins. ( I know it is different for you Malc as you have the rear skirt body kit, but for others on the site, who are having problems. ) I have ordered one off ebay, fingers crossed !!!


The subject of fault detection I think has been covered in some depth but I found the information regarding removal of the offending sensor a bit limited so hear my my bit for what it's worth. In my case it was the right centre sensor but I think the process is much the same for the outer ones also.

Mine is a 55 plate E53 X5 Sport Diesel so the exhausts do not come through the rear panel below the bumper. The following may apply to the petrol versions with exhausts through the panel if you can get sufficient access. Firstly you do not have to remove the bumper as I have read somewhere, simply pop out the plastic blanking plates in the rear panel. There are two lugs on the bottom edge so apply firm but careful pressure to them and the bottom edge should pop out and the panel then drops down. If you can, shine a light up behind the bumper and it will give you a better idea of the layout. I was hoping to include photos in this description but I can't attach them look in the gallery under X5 parking sensor.

You can either remove the electrical connection first or after the sensor is loose. Feel the rear of the plug near the wires and on one of the short sides there is a small clip that requires squeezing before pulling the plug out. By squeezing it lifts the front part of the clip off a small lug. If the plug is reluctant wait until you have removed the sensor so you can see better..

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!

Replacement is a reverse so with the sensor in the holder place the cowling in position on the outside and make sure the holder and sensor are aligned so the plug is at the top on the inside. Press the internal rear lug on the cowling down while pushing the holder into the cowling and it should pop into place.

I paid £41.50 for a new BMW sensor from Ebay and it worked a treat. The local dealer was circa £100 + VAT + fitting. Got to be a £200 rip off!

Hi Horizon  so the plastic lug is at the bottom and there is only one push it in and the sensor and holder come out together from the inside of the bumper, sounds easy well we will see tomorrow !!

Fitted the new sensor today with a few alterations to it as i was sent the wrong one off Ebay,
first i had to cut off the plastic ring that went round it as it was catching on the body under the car then cut out the locating pegs in the plug as they were different and the plug and wouldn't go in , working ok now,
Thanks all 

BMW REAR PARKING SENSOR E38 7 SERIES, E39 5 SERIES E53 X5... (170891053843)
Member ID bobilimbmw | Feedback score of 531 | 100.0% 
Sale date: 12/08/12
Tracking number: -- £14.99

+ £2.00

Mine arrived today, 2 mins to fit worked perfectly, only ordered off ebay at weekend . £ 16,99 inc postage BARGAIN !!!!!!

postage & packaging

Paid with PayPal on 2012-08-12. Dispatched 13/08/12 Feedback not left Positive Feedback received Leave Feedback
Contact seller
More actions

Cheaper than the one i got off ebay i paid £30 and it was the wrong one but got it to fit and it works ok ,
how are you getting on with the scanner ?

Hi Malc
Scanner came today as well, delivered next door coz it needed a signiture. So I sorted the PDC and was on a high until I tried to install the scanner!!!
Beam me up scotty !!!!
I tried on the wifes laptop Win 7. when I looked at what was on the disk it was empty !
I installed some software of the net, but when I launched the scanner from desktop it says " drivers not installed "
I tried following the instructions I posted yesterday ! no joy.
I tried to install on to my works  laptop on XP still the same problem.
I think I will be calling on you Malc to sort it for me If thats OK.sort you out with some beer tokens )
Is your win7 on 32 or 64 Bit ? 
I hate computers.why cant they just make a disk that installs no probs 

Man, I feel your pain.

[quote="Horizon"]
Hi Malc
Scanner came today as well, delivered next door coz it needed a signiture. So I sorted the PDC and was on a high until I tried to install the scanner!!!
Beam me up scotty !!!!
I tried on the wifes laptop Win 7. when I looked at what was on the disk it was empty !
I installed some software of the net, but when I launched the scanner from desktop it says " drivers not installed "
I tried following the instructions I posted yesterday ! no joy.
I tried to install on to my works  laptop on XP still the same problem.
I think I will be calling on you Malc to sort it for me If thats OK.sort you out with some beer tokens )
Is your win7 on 32 or 64 Bit ? 
I hate computers.why cant they just make a disk that installs no probs
[/quote]

most incl myself have this running without a prob on XP.

what's the issue you get on XP, ensure that you have it hooked into the OBD port on the car and the usb connected to the computer and then install the driver (the device gets powered by the OBD not the USB, so unless its hooked to the car it wont' be powered therefore it wont' be recognised).

Hi Horizon it was a friend of mine that installed the software and drivers on my netbook running windows 7,
he down loaded the software off the net , you are welcome to take a look at mine i can bring it over to you , send me a P/M with your address or Tel No and i will bring it over, or you can come over to mine. Malc

try this

Thanks everyone for your help.
Thanks for the offer Malc, Im mad busy with work at the moment and have to work weekend probably, with staff been off.
I will def take you up on the offer of help, I will PM you when I know when im free, to see if we can meet up when your free, and try and sort out my scanner. Wish I'd never bought one now !!!
Cheers Pete