M54 Intake Camshaft Position Sensor DIY

[richardb]

I recently had some random stalling problems with my 530i, where no service engine light would come on. After months of slowly failing, the intake cam sensor finally died and threw the service engine light so I could easily diagnose it. Here's a quick DIY to replace the sensor:

https://youtu.be/yVayKZKqkBw

[nate13]

Great video, was an easy job but helpful to see it beforehand. My cam sensor failure did not cause the car to stall, but lost low end torque and had the “intake cam end position” dme code.

[cn90]

Some tricks for M54 cam sensor, PN 12147539165...

- Use BMW Genuine sensor. But it is expensive at $125 or more.
Recently FCPEuro carries VNE brand, which has good review and is only $48.

- Once you remove the oil filter cap:
* Set the oil filter cap inside a zip lock bag to keep it clean.
* Place another Zip Lock bag over the oil filter housing itself to prevent debris from falling inside the housing.

- Tie the new CPS into the other end of the old CPS using dental floss etc. Then pull it through. This trick makes it very easy for the part that runs under the Intake Manifold.

PS: if the old CPS is still working intermittently, label it "intermittent" and throw it in the trunk so you have an "imperfect spare part", just in case you are hundreds of miles from home and the new CPS fails (which is extremely unusual)...

[nate13]

Thanks for the tips. I bought VNE from FCP, will report back if there is a premature failure. I did not have to remove the oil filter (just changed oil), a small hex ratchet fits no problem the issue is the throw of the wrench not the clearance. Vs the video, I removed the air box and exterior intake hose to facilitate access to the harness connector. It’s a simple route, just need to tuck around the OFH.

If I kept parts as imperfect spares, I’d need another garage…. I’m going to roll the dice that it won’t die in the next 100k

[cn90]

When my 1998 528i CPS failed, it was a "soft failure" at 16y/150K time frame.

SYMPTOMS:

- Check engine light and code P0340 as mentioned.

- Occasional bogging under acceleration, not stalling issues (yet). Time to replace the CPS to avoid stalling.


Here is more info...

BMW 528i 1998 Replace camshaft position sensor - DIY

https://www.bimmerfest.com/threads/b....514578/page-2

[X5chemist]

Great information. Mine turned 148,000+ miles last week. I'll add the part to my preventative maintenance list. I plan to change the oil filter half way through oil life. Oil life is 5k miles. It's on it's second oil change. It's cleaning up. The previous owners must have run the BMW mile limit. To clean it up, I'll do another early oil change at 150k. Since the oil cap will be off, I can reach the sensor to swap it out.

[cn90]

Re brand names...

- BMW > $100.

- VNE (FCPEuro, ebay etc.) = $48

- Bremi (autohausaz etc.) = $33


From what I read, VNE is the original mfg for BMW, I may be wrong though.

Bremi is a solid mfg, supplying ignition coils for BMW for yrs.
So, if anyone has any long-term experience on VNE or Bremi, please post...

[nate13]

Interesting enough, my code went away immediately after install (did not reset), but has returned. I read through a few more threads saying the IAC valve can trigger this same code- I’ll be removing to clean and test in the upcoming week.

Any input on other possible factors? The code I’m chasing is via the schwaben / fox well 510 : “intake cam shaft end position”