E46 Mechanics - Where Does This Go ?

[KTMsm]

E46 325 compact - I replaced the thermostat and radiator, there was a long gap between stripping it and putting it back together and I have this leftover

I also had the front bumper off but I recall seeing it and thinking it looks like a clip that holds a window winder on but of course this hasn't got winders

Also I have a slight coolant leak from this sensor in the right hand hose - it seems too easy to remove with just two plastic clips holding it in, is that correct ?

Thanks

[ReverendCounter]

The top piece of wire, can't help sorry.

The black connector is locked in place, or should be, by its own bit of formed wire that locks the connector over the two tabs that the connector slots onto. It might be that the tabs might be damaged and the wire can't lock it in place properly.

Looking at it again, the wire might not be pushing over the two tabs properly.

But its not the connector thats the issue, you're saying the sensor itself it coming out of the pipe?

Edited by ReverendCounter on Thursday 27th October 19:39

[KTMsm]

Sorry if I wasn't clear - the sensor wires click onto the sensor fine

But the sensor clicks into the hose just using two (weak) plastic clips with presumably an O ring underneath, it's leaking slightly, I gave it a wiggle and it came out very easily but clicks back in, it just didn't fill me full of confidence

[ReverendCounter]

Sound like a recipe for losing your coolant pretty quick if it pops out. Maybe you could get the pipe section off and do a temp fix with some sealant or something?

[outnumbered]

KTMsm said:

Sorry if I wasn't clear - the sensor wires click onto the sensor fine

But the sensor clicks into the hose just using two (weak) plastic clips with presumably an O ring underneath, it's leaking slightly, I gave it a wiggle and it came out very easily but clicks back in, it just didn't fill me full of confidence

Perhaps the O rings have hardened so it's looser than it should be.

[E-bmw]

That top pic looks like a horse retaining clip.

Like the one shown at the right-hand end of this hose.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/173629440871?hash=item2...

Not saying it is this one obviously, as this is from a different car, it is just the first pic I could find to explain it.

[KTMsm]

I had an MOT booked (15 mins away) so I had to risk it

Got there and back fine

MOT tester thought it looked like a clip that holds the sensor in the thermostat in - new housing came with a new sensor and a different fitting so I can't compare it - my old one was binned months ago

Can anyone take a look at their's ?

It would make sense as nothing has dropped off

[Pica-Pica]

Have you tried
https://www.realoem.com

Put your VIN in and search under system

[randomeddy]

E-bmw said:

That top pic looks like a horse retaining clip.

Like the one shown at the right-hand end of this hose.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/173629440871?hash=item2...

Not saying it is this one obviously, as this is from a different car, it is just the first pic I could find to explain it.

Neigh it isn't.

[tgr]

Looks like the metal spring that hold the sensor in place. If you have a new sensor with its own clip you can discard