The camshaft position sensor is used to synchronize fuel injection and as a feedback device for VANOS (variable camshaft timing) control.When a camshaft sensor fails, the check engine light will illuminate and a fault code will be stored. I have seen faulty sensors cause engine stalling and poor engine drivability. If you have a camshaft sensor fault code and your engine isn't running right, I suggest replacing the sensor before digging too deep. Show
When you are dealing with camshaft position fault codes, be sure to test the sensor and confirm it is faulty. Other items could also set a camshaft position fault code, for example a dirty or defective VANOS solenoid. If you have a fault code for either camshaft position sensor, check the VANOS solenoid first. It is easy to do and could save you time and money. Remove both VANOS solenoids from cylinder head, see our tech article on VANOS solenoid replacing. Check VANOS solenoid for cleanliness and or debris. Clean both solenoids and reinstall. If the fault code for camshaft position sensor goes away or swaps position from intake to exhaust (or vice versa), the fault code is being caused by the VANOS solenoid. Replace the solenoid that the code followed. Here are fault codes you may have if a VANOS solenoid is causing your problem, 2A9A Cam sensor, inlet signal invalid for synchronization, 2A98 (P0016) Crankshaft intake correlation value outside ref range, 2A82 intake VANOS jammed mechanically, 2A9B exhaust camshaft sensor signal invalid for synchronization, 2A99 (P0017) Crankshaft position sensor and exhaust camshaft, correlation value outside reference range, 2A87 exhaust VANOS jammed mechanically. Check out our complete Technical Article Directory for guides to many other procedures. Check out our Basic Maintenance section, which has all the parts you'll need to get your vehicle running its best, including filters, fluids, brakes, spark plugs, lighting, and more for your E90! Affiliate link disclosure – The BMW Repair Guide uses affiliate links in their site. For more information on affiliate links, please click here.
Repair Summary This article gives detailed instructions on replacing the camshaft position sensors in a BMW vehicle with the N52 6 cylinder engine. Even though we used a 2006 530xi to perform this repair, this article can be applied to any BMW vehicle with the N52 engine including most 2004-2013 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, X1, X3, X5, and Z4 models minor modifications to the repair steps. See all vehicles this article applies to E90 3 Series 323i E90N 3 Series 325i E90N 3 Series 325xi E90N 3 Series 323i E91 3 Series 325i E91 3 Series 323i E91N 3 Series 325xi E91N 3 Series 325i E91N 3 Series 323i E92 3 Series 325xi E92 3 Series 325i E92 3 Series 323i E92N 3 Series 323i E92N 3 Series 325xi E92N 3 Series 325i E93 3 Series 325i E93 3 Series 323i E93N 3 Series 323i E93N 3 Series 325i E60 5 Series 523i E60N 5 Series 525Li E60N 5 Series 525i E60N 5 Series 523Li E60N 5 Series 523i E61 5 Series 525i E61 5 Series 525xi E61 5 Series 523i E61N 5 Series 523i E61N 5 Series 525i F10 5 Series 523i F11 5 Series 523i E83N X3 Series X3 2.5si E85 Z4 Series Z4 2.5si E89 Z4 Series Z4 23i F18 5 Series 523Li F18 5 Series 520Li E60 5 Series 523Li E60 5 Series 525Li E81 1 Series 130i E87 1 Series 130i E88 1 Series 128i E88 1 Series 125i E82 1 Series 128i E82 1 Series 125i E87N 1 Series 130i E90 3 Series 330xi E90 3 Series 330i E90 3 Series 328i E90 3 Series 328xi E90 3 Series 325xi E90 3 Series 325i E90N 3 Series 330i E90N 3 Series 328xi E90N 3 Series 328i E91 3 Series 330xi E91 3 Series 330i E91 3 Series 328xi E91 3 Series 328i E91 3 Series 325xi E91N 3 Series 330i E91N 3 Series 328xi E91N 3 Series 328i E92 3 Series 330xi E92 3 Series 330i E92 3 Series 328xi E92 3 Series 328i E92N 3 Series 330i E92N 3 Series 328xi E92N 3 Series 328i E93 3 Series 330i E93 3 Series 328i E93N 3 Series 330i E93N 3 Series 328i E60 5 Series 530xi E60 5 Series 530i E60 5 Series 525i E60 5 Series 525xi E60N 5 Series 530xi E60N 5 Series 530Li E60N 5 Series 530i E60N 5 Series 528xi E60N 5 Series 528i E61 5 Series 530xi E61 5 Series 530i E61N 5 Series 530xi E61N 5 Series 530i F10 5 Series 530i F10 5 Series 528i F11 5 Series 530i E63 6 Series 630i E63N 6 Series 630i E64 6 Series 630i E64N 6 Series 630i E65 7 Series 730i E66 7 Series 730Li F01 7 Series 730i F01N 7 Series 730i F02N 7 Series 730Li E84 X1 Series X1 25iX E83N X3 Series X3 3.0i E83N X3 Series X3 3.0si F25 X3 Series X3 28iX E85 Z4 Series Z4 3.0si E85 Z4 Series Z4 3.0i E86 Z4 Series Z4 3.0si E89 Z4 Series Z4 30i F18 5 Series 530Li F18 5 Series 528Li F18N 5 Series 530Li F02 7 Series 730Li E70 X5 Series X5 3.0si E60 5 Series 530Li A faulty BMW N52 camshaft sensor will usually cause erratic engine surges and a lack of power.There are two camshaft sensors in the BMW N52 six-cylinder engine and they have a very straightforward job; they monitor the position of the intake and exhaust valves and report the data to the engine control module (ECM). This data is used by the ECM to determine the proper fuel, air, and spark needed to keep the engine running at its peak performance. Over time, age and the brutal engine heat take their toll on the sensors causing them to fail. The following image shows the camshaft sensors removed from a 2006 530xi with 130,000 miles. The sensors have actually begun to melt from the heat seriously affecting their functionality. The intake camshaft position sensor from a 2006 530xi touring wagonThe tell-tale sign that the camshaft sensors are failing in your N52 six-cylinder engine is a "Service Engine Soon" error light in the instrument cluster with a camshaft position sensor error code on the diagnostic scanner. Camshaft position error codes may be one of the following: 2AA0,2A9a,2B62,2A9E,P0345,P0346,P0347 or P0348. Other signs that a camshaft sensor has failed in your N52 engine include a noticeable loss of power (especially while accelerating) and erratic engine surges. Please be aware that these symptoms can also be indicative of failing a failing VANOS solenoid(s). The BMW Repair Guide strongly recommends replacing your VANOS solenoid valves with the camshaft sensors when performing this repair. For more information on replacing your VANOS solenoids, please see our article BMW N52 VANOS Solenoid Replacement – 1,3,5,6,7,X1,X3,X5,Z4 6cyl.. The BMW N52 camshaft sensors are located on the front of the engine and are easily accessible without removing any parts. This is a simple repair for the home mechanic and will avoid a costly trip to the repair shop or dealership. × N52 Engine - All BMW Models 1 Series E81 (02/2006 — 12/2011) 1 Series E87 (03/2005 — 02/2007) 1 Series E87 LCI (01/2006 — 06/2011) 1 Series E88 (11/2006 — 10/2013) 1 Series E82 (12/2006 — 10/2013) 3 Series E90 (02/2004 — 08/2008) 3 Series E90 LCI (07/2007 — 12/2011) 3 Series E91 (02/2004 — 08/2008) 3 Series E91 LCI (07/2007 — 05/2012) 3 Series E92 (05/2005 — 02/2010) 3 Series E92 LCI (09/2009 — 06/2013) 3 Series E93 (09/2005 — 02/2010) 3 Series E93 LCI (09/2009 — 10/2013) 5 Series E60 (07/2004 — 06/2007) 5 Series E60 LCI (11/2005 — 05/2010) 5 Series E61 (07/2004 — 02/2007) 5 Series E61 LCI (11/2005 — 03/2010) 5 Series F10 (02/2009 — 06/2013) 5 Series F11 (11/2009 — 05/2013) 5 Series F18 (08/2009 — 08/2013) 5 Series F18 LCI (10/2012 — 04/2014) 6 Series E63 (02/2004 — 07/2007) 6 Series E63 LCI (05/2006 — 07/2010) 6 Series E64 (03/2004 — 07/2007) 6 Series E64 LCI (05/2006 — 07/2010) 7 Series E65 (06/2004 — 07/2008) 7 Series E66 (07/2004 — 07/2008) 7 Series F01 (06/2008 — 06/2012) 7 Series F01 LCI (07/2011 — 05/2015) 7 Series F02 (09/2007 — 06/2012) 7 Series F02 LCI (06/2011 — 05/2015) X1 E84 (09/2008 — 08/2011) X3 E83 LCI (02/2006 — 08/2010) X3 F25 (07/2009 — 03/2012) X5 E70 (02/2006 — 03/2010) Z4 E85 (10/2004 — 08/2008) Z4 E86 (10/2005 — 08/2008) Z4 E89 (01/2008 — 08/2011)
View the detailed parts diagram for this repair. Includes detailed part diagrams, part numbers and links to purchase all of the required components needed to complete this repair. View Diagram Now Before starting this repair, you must have the following required parts.
Camshaft Position Sensor Fits BMW N52 six-cylinder engines The cam position sensor tells the engine when to inject fuel and when to spark. If you are experiencing periodic or permanent failure, you may have an engine that fails to start or stalls at random. You may be getting a check engine light. BUY NOW
O-Ring for Camshaft Position Sensor BMW N52 six-cylinder engines New camshaft sensors do not include the o-ring gasket. Always use new o-rings when replacing your camshaft position sensors! Where is camshaft position sensor a bank 1 located?A camshaft position sensor (CMP) is essentially a component in the format of a cylinder, which is often located on the outside of the front cover (at the front of the engine under the valve cover).
What is camshaft position sensor A circuit bank 1?Diagnostic trouble code P0341 stands for “Camshaft Position Sensor “A” Circuit Range/Performance (Bank 1 or Single Sensor).” It is triggered when the powertrain control module (PCM) detects a problem with the signal being sent by the camshaft position sensor.
Can you replace a camshaft sensor yourself?You can replace your camshaft sensor yourself if you are comfortable working on your engine, or you can hire a mechanic. Fortunately, you can offset the expense of a technician by saving over $800 annually on auto insurance.
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