Also is this the right sensor? Again not for bottom radiator hose, I’m talking about the one under the intake manifold

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/b/import-direct-ignition-4488/engine-sensors---emissions-25132/engine-sensors-25049/coolant-temperature-sensor-sender-switch-11362/aec49c4ca931/import-direct-ignition-2-terminal-cylinder-head-temperature-sensor/171444/4576052/2004/bmw/325i

 

not sure for your model, some suggest 22mm deep socket. i haven't touched mine.

 

2004 325i

 

i'm sure being here for a while, u have read suggestions on using realoem.com. that's where u check correct part numbers using ur vin, then cross reference with fcpeuro (or the likes), not with o'reilly, autozone...

if u have 22mm handy, u can verify urself.

 

oh! why is my flag not US? if u hover around, it says palmdale, socal.

 

I’m asking if that sensor from o’Reilly is the right sensor for coolant temperature sensor

 

the O'Reilly sensor looks correct for your car.

The size is 22mm. The best way to remove/install it is to get a cheap 22m open end wrench and cut it in half. The area under the intake is too tight for a full length wrench. Take the now-stubby 22mm open end wrench and reach under the intake from the back to loosen it. It should not take much torque to break it free.

These coolant temp sensors rarely go bad.

 

Cutting a cheap 22mm wtench in half is probably simplet, but you can also use the short crows foot O2 sensor socket as describe in post 8 in following thread:

Engine Coolant Temp Sensor Back of Block

'02 325Xi - symptom - occasional hard cold starts and erratic temp gauge display. We have a replacement engine coolant temp sensor on hand but are not sure of A. Whether we located the correct sensor on the head. B. Have the correct sensor for replacement. Attached is a pic of the back of the...

www.e46fanatics.com

 

Got the new se

Are you doing this with the manifold in place? Never tried it but you might have more success cracking it off with a small adjustable wrench then using your fingers.

i finished and replaced it with the intake manifold in place, just before this job I changed the coolant pipes on the bottom under the intake manifold and had to take it out, after I put it back together I found out the sensor was failing, I was not about to take apart the intake manifold again lol, thank god I have small hands, was pretty hard though

 

Are you doing this with the manifold in place? Never tried it but you might have more success cracking it off with a small adjustable wrench then using your fingers.