Bosch 0280130039 Air Temperature Sensor, M12x1.5, Jetronic 2-Pin — Intake Air / IAT

Bosch 0280130039 Air Temperature Sensor – M12x1.5, Jetronic 2-Pin

The Bosch 0280130039 is the air-temperature member of Bosch’s widely used NTC sensor family — the intake-air counterpart to the 0280130026 coolant/fluid sensor. It is the most common intake air temperature (IAT / air charge temperature) sensor fitted by European manufacturers, and its NTC thermistor element, M12x1.5 thread, and Jetronic (Minitimer) 2-pin connector make it a direct plug-in for the air-temp input on virtually every aftermarket ECU.

Because the sensing element is a simple 2-wire NTC (resistance falls as temperature rises), it reads intake air, air charge, or airbox temperature for fueling and ignition compensation. It shares the same thread and connector as the 0280130026 liquid sensor, so the two are wired and calibrated the same way — the difference is the tip: the -039 has an exposed, fast-response element optimized for air, giving a wider measuring range and quicker reaction to air-temperature changes. It’s the standard IAT choice on F2000 Zetec/MZR and Honda-powered FF1600 installs running MegaSquirt, Life, DTA, Emerald, MoTeC, AiM, and similar systems.

Used in Zetec/ MZR F2000 cars and Honda powered FF1600.

Specifications

Wiring Into an Aftermarket ECU or Logger

As an NTC sensor, the 0280130039 needs a pull-up resistor (typically 1 kΩ to 3 kΩ, 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 air-temp analog input (with pull-up), the other to sensor ground. Because it shares the 0280130026’s NTC curve, most standalone ECUs let you select the same factory Bosch NTC calibration for the air-temp channel. Confirm your ECU’s recommended pull-up value and calibration.

-039 (Air) vs. -026 (Liquid): Which Do You Need?

• 0280130039 (this sensor) — measures air: intake/airbox/charge temperature. Exposed fast-response tip, wider range. Use it in your intake, plenum, or airbox.
• 0280130026 — measures liquid: coolant, oil, gearbox, diff, or fuel. Enclosed brass tip for immersion in fluid.
• Same M12x1.5 thread, same Jetronic 2-pin connector, same NTC curve — so they wire and calibrate identically. Pick by what you’re measuring: air = -039, fluid = -026.

OE Cross-Reference / Interchange

This Bosch number cross-references a number of OE and aftermarket part numbers, including: 1920C5 / 1920 C5, 95640497 (Citroën/Peugeot), 046905379 (VW/Audi), 13621711371 (BMW), 92860614300 (Porsche), and others. Bosch also references this element as 1920C5 in some catalogs. If replacing an OE air-temp sensor by number, verify thread and connector against your application.

OE Vehicle Applications (partial)

Fitted as OE intake air temperature sensor across many European models including BMW (E36 and others), Volkswagen, Audi, SEAT, Porsche, Citroën, Peugeot, Honda, Land Rover, MG, Opel, and Rover. 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

• This is the AIR sensor. If you need to measure a liquid (coolant, oil, fuel), order the 0280130026 instead — the -039’s exposed air element is not intended for fluid immersion.
• Not a temperature gauge sender in the resistive-sweep sense — this is an ECU/logger NTC signal sensor and won’t directly drive most mechanical-style temp gauges.
• Genuine Bosch quality — accurate, durable, fast-responding, and the most commonly specified air-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.