2EEA error - Replace coolant temperature sensor?

FYI, E46 is a 3 Series BMW. I have a 2004 325ci, but never had this error code. The back of the service manual has a list of error codes; they all start with a "P" followed by a 4-digit number.

 

First, you know this is a Ferrari forum, correct? Ferrari knowledge runs deep, BMW not so much although many of us own and drive BMWs (me included).

You have over 200,000 kms on the car, and while I don't know where the coolant temp sensor is on the Bimmer, it cannot be expensive to change it out. My practice on my own E61 BMW (5 series) is to change out the entire cooling system every 100,000 miles. That includes: radiator, coolant tank, coolant hoses, water pump, and thermostat. I probably should add the coolant temp sensor to that list at 200,000 miles coming up here.

 

I do the same on my E39 540 M-Sport...been through three "cooling system overhauls" over the years. I also add the fan clutch, valley pan and a few other things...one and done for another 100k. I passed 347,000 miles this weekend... Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

I started doing that since all BMWs I have owned broke down right at 100,000 miles like clockwork. The neck of the radiator breaks, or the water pump goes, or the coolant hoses, so they all get changed out at the same time on every BMW I own. For radiators, I only buy from the dealer. The after market ones don't seem to fit, have all accessories, or work at all.

 

I've done the same...though I try to buy from the original equipment supplier where possible. It bit me a couple years ago when I bought the Behr expansion tank OES online and the thing kept throwing "low coolant" warnings. I tried to diagnose the issue and even swapped out the sensor, but still happened. I think the float was messed up inside the tank, but seemed to be freely moving. Tons of negative reviews on FCP Euro....so I ordered a factory BMW one...also made by Behr. Works perfectly. The BMW/Behr one is made in Germany, the OES one by Behr is made in China...go figure.

Never had an issue with the OES water pump. Both BMW and OES are Saleri and both made in Italy. $200+ price difference

 

I have learned to buy factory OEMs on certain things. Radiators, coolant tanks, thermostats, water pumps are those that I only buy from dealers. Especially on cars driven by the women in my life (wife and daugters). Those girls will drive the cars with the engine light flashing until the cars go no more. It's best to just avoid those things that break.

 

I have Behr radiators made for BMW leak right out of the box. I have Behr radiators made for Audi missing mounting brackets for the fans and the fan controller. The aggravation is so much that $500 for a dealer radiator seems so small.

 

My experience with Behr radiators whether from dealer or OES is mixed. I have had both fail early (less than 50k miles).