Help single pin or double pin water temp sensor

[pete1476]

Hi I hope some one can help me out, I have a 1996 518i my temp guage is not working I have earthed out the single pin conectore and my guage goes off the scale dodgy sensore. My problem is I have two plugs next to the sensor one with two pins and one with two, I know only the single pin is for the sensor but what is the other plug far and ware dose it go.

[genphreak]

Post a pic perhaps. Few of us are familiar with M40s, u might get a better response on an e36 forum as 518s are Europe only. Search online for procedures that test temperature sensors on M40 engines, that will let you know the resistances they should test at and where the connectors fit.

[whiskychaser]

I dont think they made the 518i E34 in 1996 but put your vin in here (or realoem.com) to confirm. If its a late '95 I'd suggest its an M43 and your other connector may be for the engine temp sensor for the ECU. IIRC that is a two pole and is blue:
Cylinder Head Attached Parts BMW 5' E34, 518i (M43)

[pete1476]

That's correct what I can find is one blue double pin sensore on the head at the rear, but am unable to locate the temp guage sensore with the single pin connection, what I can see is only one blue sensore on the cylinder head.