E46 Rear Parking Sensors

[storeys66]

So I finally picked up my new toy this evening and am mightily impressed. However, it seems the rear parking sensors don't work...

When I engage reverse (it's an automatic), there's a solid beep at first and then nothing. I tested it against a flat fence panel and there are no beeps as it approached (got to within a few inches and still nothing).

Is this an easy fix, assuming there's a fault? I'm guessing that the solid beep at the start means there's a fault somewhere in the system. Any help would be much appreciated.

[Mtech79]

Yes solid beep means malfunction, if you turn ignition

On but don't start it and stick it in reverse then put your ear to each of

The sensors u should hear a ticking noise from each of the sensors. If u can't then it's

Probably a faulty sensor, if that fails get it plugged in to a diagnostic machine and read.

I've replaced several sensors on e46s.

Hope that's some help

[storeys66]

Cheers Mark. I'll give that a try in the morning. Are they expensive / easy to replace? I've not had a car with parking sensors before...

[Mtech79]

Na the sensors are cheap enough from main dealer, but u may have to spray them. on some models

They do a colour coded alternative or find some on eBay. U may have to drop the rear bumper but that's

Easy enough on those.

[Mtech79]

Oh and if you do end up getting sensors and spraying them don't put the paint

On to thick because they won't work.

[storeys66]

The sensors are in the plastic strip on the facelifted M-sport bumper, so hopefully no painting required.

On another note, was having a spare wheel an optional extra? Mine has a spare wheel well in the boot, but nothing there... I understand the space save for the 330i was a 17" when the rest of the range had a 16". Urban myth?

[Mtech79]

Yeah your right they have a space saver on the e46 and the 330 does have the 17"

I think it's a 125/80 17 or something along those lines. And most others do have the 16"