BMW E46 Intake Camshaft Position Sensor Replacement P0344 P0340 DIY

Genuine Intake Cam Sensor: amzn.to/2Mkmrgc
I go over the symptoms surrounding my P0344 intermittent code, give you an overview of how hall effect cam sensors work, show you some tests you can do to verify wiring integrity, and finally show you how to remove and replace the intake camshaft position sensor.
This video is for entertainment purposes only. 50sKid assumes no liability for any repairs or modifications performed by the viewer as a result of the information contained in this video.

[@Jordan-qo9cw]

Are you a Professional Bmw Mechanic My whole family was wondering because your the only mechanic on KZbin that explains a lot and every little part to make things easy when taking BMW’s apart Love your Channel

[@BadPandaRacing]

He is a beast and we all love 50s kid

[@XskiXedgeX]

You have no idea how much of a head ache you saved me from! I am adding one of these sensors to a M30 powered E30 right now and couldn't get this level of description anywhere else for the wiring. THANK YOU!

[@JAMAEL89]

The best channel on the net for DIYs. Thank you for helping the BMW community. Keep up the great work

[@zaydkamari3882]

I know Im asking randomly but does anyone know of a tool to log back into an Instagram account?? I was dumb forgot my login password. I would love any tips you can give me.

[@jerichokayson9509]

@Zayd Kamari instablaster :)

[@zaydkamari3882]

@Jericho Kayson Thanks so much for your reply. I got to the site on google and I'm trying it out atm. Seems to take quite some time so I will get back to you later with my results.

[@zaydkamari3882]

@Jericho Kayson It worked and I finally got access to my account again. I am so happy:D Thanks so much, you saved my ass !

[@jerichokayson9509]

@Zayd Kamari no problem :)

[@engelbertmaier2853]

Very good explanation! Greetings from good old Germany. I am happy that you Americans love ouer German cars so much.

[@johnh9276]

That test of the sensor with the wrench is awesome! So obvious, yet my engineering mind didn't think of it. Kudos!

[@beaushively6497]

You've helped me on several occasions keeping my newly aquired 2003 bmw 330xi on the road! Just replace Camshaft Position Sensor in about 30 min and she is purring again! Great stuff kid!

[@alldersonjames3806]

I successfully changed my valve cover gasket using your guidance; my next project will be these sensors. Thanks for the great content. It demystifies DIY.

[@ItsTemLock]

If all of your videos are this detailed I am extremely happy. Shop wants to charge me 1k to replace both sensors intake and exhaust. After watching this, it feel like i could just do it myself. Thanks.

[@Bimmeraudi1]

Great video as al a as man. I did this exact job a few months ago, it's refreshing to get a full explanation of how it really works.

[@Physiqz]

If you would have approached it with the mindset of replacing all problem areas, you'd have been good to go.

[@ilikepienurma]

I had a po340 on my 330i and i've just replaced the sensor following this guide(my replacement sensor was also similar to yours,delphi brand). it was very helpful and glad to say my car is now running fine again with full power. I also cleaned the maf out with some electrical cleaner and noticed a gain in G/s on my OBD2 keep up them guides 50skid. might try a fuel filter/regulator next.

[@vvtheonevv4007]

Owen did u get shaking while idling ??? I have a 330i too plz reply

[@amsrichy1181]

@@vvtheonevv4007yeah please answer coz I’m having the same problem

[@anyhootyepo654]

Thank you! I appreciate your online classes on the functions of the car.

[@bend__]

So glad with all your video content. It's my nr.1 source for m54 repairs. Thanks again!

[@chaseterrell3801]

Great video man, it really helped. I am a math jockey who just bought his first car and this is one of the issues it came with. I saw it was a cheap fix and bought it but had no idea how to do it xD. One watch and it is solved, thank you so much. I'll be keeping up with you and recommending you to my friends who are also buying their first cars. Thanks!

[@johnnytenjobs]

I cured my stalling problem thanks to this.

[@adycooke5925]

Your a legend, just done mine and after watching your video it made it so easy. Runs a treat now. Many thanks

[@nibrobb]

Today I replaced both my intake and exhaust camshaft sensors after watching you video. Note: I had both P0365 (and sometimes P0369) and P0344 My car was suffering from poor performance in low to mid-range rpm, didn't feel like the car was moving until it reched 4k+ rpm, seemingly random stalls all the time, and often when shifting from R to D. It's been sluggish like this since I bought it a couple months ago. Noe it feels like a new car! Power is back and I feel the car is more responsive. I was worried the VANOS was bad and I'd be needing to replace the seals, but it seems VANOS is working nicely still (but will prob. replace seals down the line) Thanks for the video!

[@bobjones2660]

Thanks so much for this video, and really all of your E46 videos! I don't know where I'd be without them. Only issue I ran into is the wire on the sensor got hung up when I tried to pull it through, which took a while to get unhooked.

[@danielchristiansen6163]

hey! just found your channel, love the quality and the great way you show everything! keep up you're awesomeness! - Norway

[@porsche1959]

Thank you, all great videos, I'm a new 323Cic owner so these videos are great to help me keep this classic (almost) on the road.!

[@juniorrodney854]

Thanks for your videos they have been very helpful especially with diagnostics and being very informative with your explanations all the time.

[@tsmgguy]

Had the P0344 code and managed to find an OEM sensor with the BMW logo scratched off on eBay for $60. Easy DIY job, thanks!

[@WilloW0024]

Great video and explanation. Glad you added the circuit part. I hope you can include this in your future electrical content.

[@tyasar53]

I am from germany and i had not found a german video for this problem at an e46. Thank you really much i will follow your channel :)

[@TheCowgirlNiamh]

I love your videos! You don't just show what to do, you explain why.

[@CableWrestler]

This is why I really enjoy his videos

[@50sKid]

Thanks guys, that is what I always aim to do. I don't like doing something unless I know the why behind it.

[@markarvinflores229]

@@50sKid mine is 320i if the intake sensor is plugin its a long crank and has a check engine and if you unplug it and start it it will go like normal start but still has a chec engine and loss of power

[@stevenlee910]

@@50sKid can you help please. My fuel pump is working. All fuses and relay are working but the e46 will not start. If I apply full accelerator is will try to turn over. I have gotten it started this way and it will run fine once started. Can't find any air leaks as well

[@bratotbatom4460]

@@50sKid hello have an bmw e39 1998 m52 520i when on cold start the rpm goes up and down like it gon turn off if you dont hit the gas pedal and the accleration si not constant its good when the car is cold but when it is hot or driven more the accleration is sluggish not enough power but sometimes the power comes back and goes away again no engine light no nothing just not enough power it feels like the car is heavy like a army tank haha i dont know how to explain it better please help please

[@JMUDoc]

Did this today - a very straightforward job. Not as easy as the other one, but that one is almost comical... any M54 job that doesn't begin with "... remove the air box" is an easy one! I renewed my VANOS solenoid o-ring and cleaned the electrical contacts, while I was in there 😉

[@ihbase]

Thank you for your work. My e46 threw a the P00344 code yesterday. Your video is great. -Michael.

[@jameyharrison7499]

Great information. Just purchased a 01 330ci coupe and can use all the help I can get.

[@renardsessions4757]

Bruh, loved the detailed explanation. Appeals to my OCD.

[@garrybetts3940]

Hi 50sKid, I actually own a 2001 330CI (Restoring)and have viewed a few of your helpful videos. Keep up the Great work. Cheers.

[@NorthShoreWaves]

Excellent video and explanation. I was afraid to do this before seeing it.

[@stevescofield1578]

Really appreciate the Help, and thanks for the 'how to test/how it works' info!

[@SandyEG6]

Thanks for this! Didnt know it was this easy to replace!

[@michellestackz8534]

Great video! Thanks for all the details and giving us some knowledge on what this part truly does. My 525i just stalled on me while I was driving today. Let it sit for a few hours and tried it again. Thank god it started right up. Brought it home and started my research. Code came up for camshaft intake sensor.

[@henrydiaz7258]

You’re so great man , thanks for all the videos.

[@Fearlesse46]

I love these videos so much and I use these all the time on my bmw

[@leonmalomane2270]

Good to learn from you always My M3 E46 2001 Vibrates when idling, when accelerates pick up slow sometimes, when changing gears I feel clunk, aircon not working and can not working in automatic mode( just once the engine starts running, the fan just start running) Lastly the vehicle when driving steering is shaking and the vehicle is not in good balance

[@palmiccz]

This guy is actually author of the system for BMW.

[@DyingPharaoh]

awesome video as always, you are my go to guy for my BMW

[@davidlowrey848]

Thank you for including the white board session.

[@mahlanguzimkhona8584]

Wow perfect explanation with you my car is on point thanks

[@pschroeterps]

Thanks for uploading and sharing this! I actually found it unnecessary to remove anything but the Vanos cylinder which I loosened with some pliars and then got to the sensor. I do recommend to everyone to buy a BMW sensor though. It's three times the price of the aftermarket ones but I too had the experience that the aftermarket one I bought (SWAG) immediately threw an error code - something the original 20 year old and 250.000mls sensor didn't do. Bought and installed the BMW one and all is good. Some people say the exhaust camshaft sensor determines startup behavior but in my case all issues I had with warm starts, engine dying, idle fluctuations all went away with the new intake side camshaft sensor. Thanks again @50skid

[@arnolduk123]

Without any kind of testing with several sensors from different manufacturers you cannot really say a BMW sensor works any different than any other sensor ? It's also possible to purchase a new faulty sensor from any manufacturer.

[@mothusimoeti6249]

The best channel ever!

[@anthonytalorico]

excellent video... all the jobs are made far easier by this instruction.. did this in about 20 minutes. Perfect. the one caveat is I would use a genuine part for this job because the non oem sensors are not reliable. around 100 bucks for the real genuine sensor.

[@MakerTools]

GREAT explanation, thanks! (Now a question..) is there any way to check cam timing on a dual vanos, without pulling it all apart and using the timing adjustment tool? I have a p0340 after the engine rebuild..which was set with NO TOOL, and then checked with a tool with no locking squares for cam, and no crankshaft pin. So. I'm afraid it's more than the sensor. Anyway to check cam timing? Thanks again...

[@RafaelGusso]

Thank you for your videos, they have helped me a lot with my e46, in this case, to measure the 12v, 5v and ground signal, did you leave the key turned on in the ignition?

[@tuneink1961]

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, words cannot express.

[@SaeedIranfard]

Thanks a lot, please keep up the good work!

[@StephenJMaas]

Great video. Question though, after I replace the sensor is there anything I need to do? I ask because I replaced it and all seemed well for a couple days until i had another hard start and P0340 showed up as a new pending code. Code did go away later that night. Any advise would be welcome!

[@dwightmcintosh8511]

Excellent video, thank you very much. Unfortunately I did use the MEYLE replacement part and it failed after a short time (less than 100 km.). Maybe save time and expense by replacing with the original BMW part to save yourself time and expense. MEYLE factory said no recall on the sensor, no warranty, no refund although my big beef isn't the expense but the inconvenience and frustration of having to buy another sensor and do it all again.

[@YxungHermes]

I love this channel!

[@dwightmcintosh8511]

Great video Thanks. I replaced the A side sensor and it worked perfect until I drove the car a few times then boom - same problem and same code. I used the same brand sensor you did (Myley I think).

[@StewartGarage]

Same, what you did?

[@edwardpasion5648]

You just saved me $1000 on my 2001 E46 🍻🍻

[@joachimcilliers]

Thanks for all your vids, my bmw isling goes up and down and up and down them it settles and iddle correctly, could this be the sensor or the vanos

[@12vgs8606]

I never thought I would ever see BMW mechanic using an adjustable wrench!

[@50sKid]

Why not? A wrench is a wrench, dude.

[@zsoltpapp4479]

Big thanks for the great video.I have manage to change by my self save a £100 labour lol.

[@zohaibbasar7597]

Subscribed :) Thank you for sharing the videos

[@exchaoordo]

Mine had a camshaft position sensor 1529. Only thing I can think is a wire having been somehow bumped when I did the PCV / CCV system (thanks for a great primer on the system.

[@exchaoordo]

Alright, what do you think of this: "low voltage" on the sensor according to my generic OBDII. But the motor runs fine.

[@TheDeathsentence123]

So I replaced mine because my 02 325i was intermittently turning off while driving after a while. Rough idle and would shut off at idle and all the other symptoms for a camshaft sensor. So I replaced it with the thicker one like in the video. Mine came with the one you had too (thinner). And was still giving me the same code. So I'm gonna replace it with a replacement and hope it was the design or a faulty part. Will update when I find out......... code was p0340 only.

[@kamalhaynes]

Hi i recently changed my camshaft sensor and after changing got a code saying the sensor is too advanced, then right after started to get misfiring codes and fuel too rich followed by fuel mix too lean. Also to note the too advance code went away but the other codes remained along with misfiring fuel cut in cylinder 4,5,6 which caused the check engine light to come on for the first time since owning the car.. Also to note once reusing the old non-working camshaft sensor the check engine light went off and all the above codes went away with just the camshaft position sensor code present.

[@MaximilianTeodor]

Hello, big fan of your videos. Is the intake and exhaust cam shaft position sensor the same part? I have N42 engine 318i 2002 facelift, and I am getting a P0341 code with some symptoms, so will want to change the camshaft position sensor, but cannot find a concrete answer as to this question. If I change both exhaust and intake, should I buy the same part?

[@drewfermo9642]

Hi 50'sKid! In your experience, what do you think the likelihood would be of both camshaft position sensors AND crank sensor failing all at once be? My 2000 328Ci stalled on the highway the other day for the first time ever, and then continued to stall randomly for the rest of the day after that. (Got it towed home no problem, so all is well)... My code reader gave me several faults, accompanied by codes P1397, P0340, and P0335. Can you shed any light on this? Thanks!! Drew

[@salemogla1495]

good job .in 13.12 you test the solenoid could you explain that please

[@tkajtsai1586]

Yes, my E53 had this problem. This CAM sensor was the bad boy.

[@lutfullahkarahanl2998]

I love your brain man ❤️

[@charlessquire1542]

Man I got to hang out with you, I would live in the engine compartment if we were neighbors...

[@Dougarony]

Thanks for the great quality Video's, My E46 had a recent stall, wasn't getting fuel pressure, did a Fuel pump, ran great for a couple days, then broke down on the hiway, crank no start, just replace the exhaust side Crankshaft position sensor, ran...3 miles down the road stalled , restarted a couple times & stall. Would the Intake position sensor also cause stall, crank no starts? Or could the after market sensor I just replaced have gone bad in like 3-4 miles? Thanks much for any help!

[@cdesousa6339]

How old is fuel filter as well? Just a thought. Maybe new pump is pushing crap to good into filter. I am myself, going to do my fuel pump in a day or so. I also picked up a filter. My car runs but if I try to go past 4-5000 rpm it jumps into limp mode. Shut off and I can restart any carry on as long as I don't run it hard. I also have the sensors for camshafts as well. He removed the solinoid, would it help any to try and clean that out wonder. Would there be any benefit? It's already goin to be leaking when you disconnect the pressure line. Good luck no matter to all of us.

[@GBZ84]

In my e46 I have code P0340 and P0600, I have replaced the sensor and the code still there. The car runs ok, I have experience lost of power a couple of times, and the car going to idle few months ago. Sometimes turns on only at the second try. I guess the sensor is not the problem. I think the other part of the circuit is the problem as when I measure the voltage between the ground pin of the connector and the ground in other part of the car I read 5 volts and the resistance oscillates between infinite and zero. When I measure voltage between pins, I got correct measures: 12v between 1 and 3, 5v between 2 and 3. Do you think I can have a bad wire?, If so how can I solve the problem, I guess I will have somehow measure continuity and resistance between pin 3 and the cable that connects to the ECU, any clue about which is that pin? thanks in advance, by the way your channel is awesome.

[@rayrandol8708]

I have the P1338 code, which reads as a short in the sensor.. I'm limited on knowledge and tools, would replacing the entire sensor fix the issue? I'm dealing with a long turnover at ignition and acceleration is about at 50% of normal

[@sheistybasterd]

i forgot to plug the intake CPS wire back into the harness after doing the CCV replacement (many thanks to your informative videos), I restarted the car and the idle was so smooth that I didn't realize anything was wrong. Took it for a test drive, and you are absolutely right, VERY LITTLE power in the low RPMs, like the camshafts arent moving. Found out it was unplugged later. My question, is the VANOS functioning if this sensor is unplugged? More specifically, If i had a VANOS rattle, would I hear it if this sensor was unplugged? Many thanks!

[@50sKid]

No it will be in limp mode

[@khamtp42]

good video thank you bro, doing good jobs

[@sbrave]

I got a P0340 code maybe by coincidence when I replaced my pre-cam O2 sensors on my E 46. I noticed the acceleration Was not so great especially when I floored the gas pedal. After replacing the sensor, someone mentioned disconnecting the battery for 5-10 min to sort of reset everything, is that necessary?

[@noelabiang]

I really like watching all your DIY. You explain things really well. what"s Open Circuit During Coast Down Fuel Cut-off means? I am getting P1182. I replaced all of my o2 censors and the code still comes back.

[@50sKid]

It means your O2 sensor is cutting out intermittently. The wiring could be bad or the o2 sensor itself could be going bad.

[@bavareca90]

hi do you have a video for n42 b20 where is placed the cam shaft sensor ? thank you

[@robdude1969]

I see you ordered the off brand sensor. Has it given any issues again? I Just bought the BMW one from your affiliate link... and a bunch of other vacuum lines and random stuff... Thanks for the video - pretty sure you have helped the world. Stay awesome.

[@albertonunez851]

Very helpful, and thank you.

[@gehmirnichtaufdienuesse6820]

The whiteboard feature is cool. Not new, but cool and much more useful and applicable than... you know;)

[@tengzturiagaiii3185]

Hi, would the eml light be on when this goes bad? Mine is on and can’t rev up past 2000 rpm. And it stalls. But i have no codes

[@Vjiovino]

I have p1345 on a e46 330ci. I only happens under heavy acceleration or going uphill... #2 cylinder cuts out .. ive swapped coils and plugs from the other cylinders but there's no difference.. its always #2 cutting out under load.. if I shut the car off and restart engine runs smooth until I hit a hill or step on it hard... could it be the cam sensor even though there no 344 code...fuel pressure is a 50 lbs at idle

[@besofacacia6103]

my m54 shut off when putting in reverce a cuple of times. now it throws missfire in 6 cyl. when i rev the engine up and ses light is on. as soon as i restart the engine everything is fine. i'm thinking it could be camshaft p.s. relocated sparks/coils, checked vacuum, checked injectors. everything works fine. the only thing that gives me idea its cps sensor is i replaced crunckshaft sensor before and during last month it shut the engine off. there must be connection between thease 2 symptoms. coud you give me a good advice ?

[@furkandurna624]

When you tested the camshaft sensor did you touch the sensor wrench, because for me to drop to 0 v i need to touch the sensor i cant hover it above the sensor it doesnt change anything

[@patiki106]

Hey @50sKid is this the same for an M52tuB28 engine? Thanks

[@ifadebarbersupply4696]

I have camshaft position sensor b fault code. Will this cause severe sputter? When accelerating. Usually when i accelerate fast

[@kenknight5003]

Does the e46 or 330i/ci have an eccentric shaft sensor on all models or does the camshaft position sensor function in the same capacity? I have been looking for the location of the eccentric shaft sensor on my engine and can’t seem to find it… I haven’t opened the valves yet, and really want avoid it unless I know for a fact that it has that part… the reason I ask is when I go online to search the part the camshaft position sensor keeps popping up, and when I find an e46 eccentric shaft sensor I can’t find one compatible with my 330ci…only the 330i…. I don’t want to go off buying a part that I don’t need and opening a part of the engine I don’t need to…

[@Sp3NgL3R_MF]

I replaced my sensor on e46 316i from 2000. My car loses rpm it drops all the way to 500rpm and it turns of by it self. Also it happened while i was driving. When my mechanic conected it to diagnostics its saying camshaft sensor but we replaced it and i have still same problem. Also on my board i dont have any light problem no check engine nothing. Can you please help me what should i do? Thanks

[@agv172]

I replaced my camshaft position sensor as per your video and connected everything back together. Now I get the code P1519. Any idea what could that be? The car drives fine, does not stall, no loss of power. Initially I did the sensor because I was getting P0340 however the car was performing fine with just an occasional harder start, I would have to turn it a bit longer.

[@Troymatti]

Hey bro are You familiar with these codes , 27B5 , 281C and 281D , I'm using the C110+ BMW sccaner! SES is not on , but I pulled those codes and My idle is realy low after the engine is fully warm on D or R I'm hitting almost 500 which make the car vibrate so bad I recently put a new Oem CCV and I have no vacuum leaks at all

[@user-vo1fz5mg9z]

Hi dear.It's been months kkk I got some problems about this sensor. Mine gives 12 volt from signal. I mean when I test the connector, I got almost same volts, 12 from power and signal. Then, what should I do? At this point, changing the sensor is not correct way. The error code is p0343. It means I got high input. Could you tell me what should I check?

[@doruaty1468]

Hello, Are you sure it has to be 5 volts on signal wire? I am reading 11.8 volts on signal wire. Is there something wrong with my car? It also gives me a fault code 2781 and also it gives a error when trying to learn the valvetronic position. Is a N42 engine. What do you think?

[@cityoftrees9953]

I had a crankshaft sensor code pop up. Replaced it and it drives better but still misfire. Could my camshaft sensor be faulty too.

[@TangoCharlieAlpha]

Can these run fine when cold, but once warmed up they make the car stall, run poorly, etc?

[@blackpassenger]

got the p0340 code after replacing both sensors (and valve cover gasket) with a hella brand. also car now has intermittent hard starts and shuts off randomly at low rpm

[@jakofall79]

Try the piston app works great and it's free gives a lot of info so far haven't had anything happen that it didn't diagnos with the proper code erases all fault codes also

[@saifaviator268]

Hi, i have p0340 fault code, i have checked the 12v 5v and ground all okay, i tested the sensor by passing metal wrench it goes to almost 0v, and i tried another sensor but no help still fault code is there,. Any idea what it could be??

[@wilkintrejo7653]

I Have the P1338 on my 2005 325i, is it the same sensor problem or is it a different problem??

[@corneliuseybers1254]

Hi I got the phone app and the ELM 327 unit, but where do you plug in the ELM 327 unit into the car?

[@MariusYTube]

I did some tests and readings with Carly tester and it's say that chamshaft inlet sensor stay at 80 degrees and chamshaft outlet sensor stay at 120 degrees is that ok ? My car is not running well at low rpm it's losing power ... The intake chamshaft sensor is brand new and original ,I changed when I saw the error ... Now the error is gone but the car is not running well ,some help ! My car is an e46 318i valvetronic n42b20 ,105kw ,143hp . PS I also noticed haotic rpm when the car is idling.

[@mannabatth4092]

Little help pls i cant open that metel peace solenoid its stuck very bad while trying i round the bolt on it any idea how to make it loose pls reply thankss

[@jimmybobby4584]

Hey 50sKid, I've been getting an issue with a p0011 code saying my cam is over advanced on the intake side of a m54b25 engine. The engine seems to run smooth, and the only issue I have is when I rev the engine. It hesitates, then revs up. When fully warmed up, this problem ceases. If you could help point me in the right direction, thatd be great! (I know this video is old, but I'm having issues with something similar)

[@poifoketswantwa8]

Thanks for the information