Engine Code to replace cam sensors

[tho656]

I went to a shop to get my check engine light checked out. As I was told I need to replace the camshaft sensors (one for the intake and one for the exhaust). The code says Bank 2 and I was wondering what is bank 2 and what is the difference from Bank1? Also I found a diy however it only specifies bank 1, so is it possible to use this diy for bank2?

http://www.xoutpost.com/articles/x5/...placement.html

[Weasel]

Bank 1 is the passengers side, bank 2 is the drivers side. (V8 engine)

You should be able to get all the info from the bank 1 instructions as the sensors are pretty much mirrored from bank 1 to bank 2.

[tho656]

is it necessary to change both at once? I remember the mechanic said something about if one fails the other one should follow soon.

[Weasel]

IMO, just change the one that has the fault code thrown. The other ones can last anywhere from weeks to years longer. I don't often see veicles return too quickly for the other cam sensors. Although the newer sensors (from BMW) are an updated design from the original ones and seem to be better overall, and most cases with aftermarket sensors end up in re-replacement all too soon anyways.

If it were mine, I would replace the sensors with OEM ones as they go out.