R36 - Front Parking Sensors

[prn31]

So yesterday I had my 120K major service on my R36 - no issues accept they suggested the replacement of the 'noisy' timing chain, which they had recommended at the 105K service too... (To my ears the noise diminishes after a few seconds, but I will keep an eye, sorry, an ear on it...)

Anyway the reason for the thread was that when they ran a diagnostic scan two of the front parking sensors came up as defective - the far sensor on drivers side (painted one) and the inner sensor on passenger side (silver one.) There had been issues when I bought the car and one (or two) sensors were replaced - with non-original sensors. We discovered later that the car had a minor hit in the front and replacing the wiring loom for the sensors seemed to sort things, notwithstanding the non original sensors.

But now those front sensors seem to activate randomly and irregularly - hence the errors. I was quoted $169 and $217 plus GST for two genuine sensors. This seems an awful lot and I'm confused as I thought all the front sensors were the same (3CO919275 S) - is this not the case? Would I be better off buying some sensors off an R36 wreck (with rear damage) - as I don't think the genuine sensors are problematic. Thoughts?

[Domatron]

I imagine the price difference is for painted/ chromed. Other than that can't help...

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[Vr32wa]

I had problems with my front sensors but it ended up being the parking control module, not the sensors, have you tried swapping one that works into the one that doesn’t a scanning again to see if it still throws an error?


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[kamold]

The two inner sensors are a different part number because they have a different shape (connector plugs in in-line with the sensor, as opposed to a 90 degree bend)
Inner sensors: 3C0919275AD (this is a supercede part number)
Outer front and all rear sensors: 3C0919275S.

You can get to the inner sensors and swap them over one side for the other easy enough by removing only the top of the inner grill and holding it out while you fish in for the sensors.
The outers however require removal of the front bumper. It's not too bad but there are 4 nuts in behind the front wheel arches that are a long reach with a deep M10 socket.

You can buy them second hand from Europe pretty cheaply on Ebay etc.
Or Chinese ones of the correct part number for like $10 each. Can't vouch for their quality personally as I haven't used them.
If you can't find them in the correct colour they are very easy to paint just get a can of colour matched spray paint from Supercheap or wherever.

I have a can of Biscay Blue and a can of clear you're more than welcome to make use of for the outers.

[prn31]

Thanks Kamold for that comprehensive response - sorry about my tardy response.

Since the service I haven't had an issue with the sensors and I'm inclined to leave them alone as long as I don't lose my RVC - it's a bitch of a job to replace them. If I had to buy second hand sensors I would probably try one of the wreckers as it might save me having to paint them…

In any case, I'm not entirely sure if there is really a fault – the scan came up with incorrect voltage, or something like that. They haven’t stopped working – just occasionally seem to stay on until it is overridden once you hit 15km/h. I recall at my last service the scan revealed an error with the fuel sender – one of the techs (who has a Tdi Passat wagon) had to replace his fuel pump and apparently it comes incorporated with the sender, which he didn’t need and was happy to sell it to me when mine carked it. Only it hasn’t… and it didn’t come up in the latest scan, so go figure...

[kamold]

If you do happen to come across a wreck with an intact front end let me know as I'm on the lookout for a front bumper as mine is pretty scratched up underneath and on one front bottom corner.

[prn31]

If you do happen to come across a wreck with an intact front end let me know as I'm on the lookout for a front bumper as mine is pretty scratched up underneath and on one front bottom corner.

There is a blue MY08 sedan at a wreckers at Ingleburn that has an intact front end (has been hit in the back) which looks ok in the pics. You can find that on Ebay but not sure what has and hasn’t been sold – 65 plus parts are listed on Ebay. Maybe worth a call…

[kamold]

There is a blue MY08 sedan at a wreckers at Ingleburn that has an intact front end (has been hit in the back) which looks ok in the pics. You can find that on Ebay but not sure what has and hasn’t been sold – 65 plus parts are listed on Ebay. Maybe worth a call…

Gooone already....