Bosch 0280130026 Temperature Sensor – M12x1.5, Jetronic 2-Pin
The Bosch 0280130026 is one of the most widely used temperature sensors in motorsport and aftermarket EFI. Originally a Bosch OE coolant temperature sensor fitted to a range of European cars, its NTC thermistor element, compact M12x1.5 thread, and Jetronic (Minitimer) 2-pin connector have made it the default fluid-temperature sensor for standalone engine management systems — and it’s a direct plug-in for most aftermarket ECU temperature inputs.
Because the sensing element is a simple 2-wire NTC (resistance falls as temperature rises), it can read coolant, engine oil, gearbox oil, differential oil, or fuel temperature equally well — wherever you have an M12x1.5 port and an ECU or data logger analog input to feed. That versatility is why it shows up on everything from F2000 Zetec/ MZR and Formula Ford Honda installs to sports racers and club cars running MegaSquirt, Life, DTA, Emerald, MoTeC, AiM, and similar systems.
Used in Zetec/ MZR F2000 cars and Honda powered FF1600.
Specifications
| Manufacturer | Bosch |
| Part Number | 0 280 130 026 (0280130026) |
| Sensor Type | NTC thermistor (Negative Temperature Coefficient), 2-wire |
| Measuring Medium | Coolant / water, oil, fuel, natural gas — any compatible fluid |
| Measuring Range | -40°C to +130°C (-40°F to +266°F) |
| Rated Resistance | 2.5 kO ±5% at 20°C (approx. 280 O at 80°C hot) |
| Thread | M12 x 1.5 (male) |
| Spanner / Wrench Size | 19 mm |
| Connector | Jetronic / Minitimer 2-pin (non-polarized) |
| Insulator Color | Blue |
| Body Material | Brass sensor body |
| Terminals | 2 (non-polar — can be wired either way) |
| Sold As | Each |
| Approx. Weight | [MEASURE & INSERT — est. 0.1 lb] |
Wiring Into an Aftermarket ECU or Logger
As an NTC sensor, the 0280130026 needs a pull-up resistor (typically 1 kO to 3 kO, ECU-dependent) between the signal wire and the ECU’s 5V reference. The signal voltage then rises and falls inversely with temperature. The two terminals are not polarity-sensitive — one goes to the ECU analog input (with pull-up), the other to sensor ground. Most standalone ECUs include a factory Bosch NTC calibration in their software, so you can often select this sensor from a dropdown rather than building a custom cal table. Confirm your ECU’s recommended pull-up value and calibration.
OE Cross-Reference / Interchange
This Bosch number supersedes and cross-references a large number of OE and aftermarket part numbers, including: 0 280 130 023, 025906041, 1332396 / 1332396A (Volvo), 13621709966 / 13621709967 / 13621357414 (BMW), 94460612500 (Porsche), 125769 (Ferrari/Fiat), 60523383 (Alfa Romeo), 9357021, 32101534, and others (SNB-802, TX107, DBC3728). If you’re replacing an OE sensor by number, this is a common consolidation point — verify thread and connector against your application.
OE Vehicle Applications
Fitted as OE coolant temperature sensor on various 1985–1995 European models including BMW 3-series (318i/318is/318ti, 325i/325is/325iX), BMW 525i, BMW M3 (E30/E36), Porsche 968, Volvo 740/760/780, plus applications across Saab, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, and Volkswagen. Confirm exact fitment by your vehicle’s original sensor number — for motorsport use, thread (M12x1.5) and connector (Jetronic 2-pin) are what matter.
Good To Know
- Not a temperature gauge sender in the resistive-sweep sense — this is an ECU/logger NTC signal sensor. It won’t directly drive most mechanical-style temp gauges without matching electronics. For a dash gauge, confirm your gauge expects a Bosch NTC curve.
- Genuine Bosch quality — accurate, durable, fast-responding, and the most commonly specified fluid-temp sensor in club and pro motorsport.
- Pairs with a Jetronic 2-pin connector pigtail (sold separately) for a clean install if you’re wiring from scratch.
