BMW E38, E39 Ultrasonic PDC Sensor Replacement

Replace a PDC (Park Distance Control) Ultrasonic sensor in a BMW E38 7 series, or E39 5 series. The car used in this demonstration is a 2000 E39 M5. Note that the sensors used before March, 1998, have two prongs out the back. The sensors used after March of 1998 use three pins instead. These sensors from BMW run about $210. On Ebay, they are very hard to find, but can usually be found in limited quantities for $50-$150 dollars.
I hope this helped you replace an ultrasonic sensor in your BMW! Hopefully your faulty sensor is not one of the painted ones in the middle of the bumper, those are much harder to remove and replace. Replacing one of the outside sensors is very easy, and can be done in less than 15 minutes. Required materials are: Flat blade screw driver, Replacement sensor, cloth (optional) to prevent screwdriver from damaging paint.
Best of luck!

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Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• bmw
• e38
• e39
• pdc
• park
• distance
• control
• sensor
• replace
• how
• to
• install
• series
• bumper
• ultrasonic
• m5
• 540
• 528

[fredz786]

Hi Ryan, I had my front bumper replaced and I couldn't get another one in time with front sensors. Can this cause a problem if no front sensors are fitted but all the wires are still connected, just no sensors.

Thanks in advance

[RyanKnowsTech]

@fredz786 I think the front ones (I only have rear ones) are actuated by the PDC button on the dash, so as long as you don't press it, it'll be fine. If you do, it'll probably just give you a long beep to let you know there is a problem(s).

[fredz786]

Thanks for a simple and straight forward video.

I have been having problems with my sensors and you have helped me out big time.

[RyanKnowsTech]

@fredz786 Thanks for watching! I'm glad to help. I have started a channel all about this car, @E39Source if you're interested.

[ltcolglennr]

Ryan--looks like you also have some dead pixels also. Have you tried getting a repair kit for it? I have an 2001 E39 with a couple of bad PDC sensors--two front left according to the dealership. I'll have to use your test to check them out.

[RyanKnowsTech]

@ltcolglennr I would love to fix those pixels, but I have take the entire dash pod out!! What a pain in the ass. Best of lucking fixing your PDC sensors!

[JCSBTVProductions]

New channel RyanKnowsCars 

[thetechfixer]

RyanKnowsCars Is Born

[RyanKnowsTech]

@mrbakeyballs Glad to help!

[mrbakeyballs]

Thanks, was about to take the whole bumper off a 7 series to sort out a pushed in sensor until i seen this, thanks.

[FrapsYou]

@RyanKnowsTech if it was made in china it would worth 1/3 of the actual price

[wolfdale00]

Please do more videos about the e39 m5!