P0340 - Cam Position Sensor fault

[workingonit]

Originally Posted by andrewwynn

...You want OEM quality but you can possibly get a cheap local copy to hold you over....

I would like to be able to afford "Genuine BMW" parts (or the equivalent on my General Motors cars), but I'm willing to try parts of a lower-priced source, if my research makes a good case for its' quality:

Originally Posted by workingonit

from another post/thread https://xoutpost.com/1218667-post10.html I recently replaced a camshaft position sensor (exhaust) with a VEMO part (sub-division of Vaico, a European mfg. company). It's even stamped with GERMANY on it. Since it's easy to quickly replace, I figured I'd try a new supplier, just to find out if their quality is up to snuff. I can get a replacement overnight, if I need one, and since I always have a scantool hooked up, I should get a warning of imminent failure, beforehand. Of course, if the component is really hard to access/replace, if partial failure will instantly destroy the X5, or if no reasonable alternative to the "best" is available, then I'll defer to BMW or comparable-quality parts, always.

The exhaust cam position sensor I bought was: Camshaft Position RPM Sensor Fits BMW X3 X5 Z3 Z4 E46 E39 1.6-4.8L ti 1994-2012
Brand: Vemo

$42.55, from Amazon

Edit: I didn't pay $43 for it back in December, because it was listed at $22.35 back then. Which was a considerable difference! For $43, I might consider using a VNE sensor from FCPEuro for $28, now. But, you're looking locally for a crank sensor, which is a different matter, altogether.


It's never given me a hint of a problem since installation seven month ago, so maybe I got a good one? I'm also currently using a cheapo MAF sensor ($23), that seems to have solved my former lean codes problem, without breaking the bank. Next up: replacing brake pad wear sensors that go on and off every two months (on practically new pads).