2001 4.4 Camshaft Position Sensor

[lwodt860]

So yesterday I started my X5 and the dreaded SRS light came on. I used a diagnostic tool to discover: Camshaft Position Sensor A Circuit (Bank 1 Or Single) was the issue. Today the SRS light randomly disapeared on my way to BMW and the car seems to run ok, so I decided to turn around and order the parts online. My first question is where is "Bank 1 Sensor A" located? Is it on the passenger side of the engine or the drivers side? Is it the sensor closest to the top (green arrow on sample pic I pulled off google). The DIY is helpful but 2nd & 3rd party verification is always a plus!!!!

I have been doing some research and have been getting mixed answers such as there are 4 camshaft sensors and 2 camshaft exhaust sensors or that there are 2 camshaft sensors and 2 exhaust sensors? Bottom line is I dont want to replace the wrong ones. Also is it recomended to change all sensors at once? Im assuming there is one camshaft sensor on the passenger side and one camshaft sensor on the driver side of the engine....However I want to confirm I am right. Looks like an easy fix as long as you replace the right sensor(s). Also does anyone know if oil spits out when the sensor is removed? I am going to be doing this in a friends garage and dont want to get oil all over the floor. Thanks in advance everyone!

Here is the DIY link I am using:

Pelican Technical Article - BMW X5 - M62 8-Cylinder Engine Camshaft Position Sensor Replacing

[swissfrank]

the M62TU only has two cam sensors, some oil will leak out, have a rag handy.

[Whitecat]

Originally Posted by swissfrank

the M62TU only has two cam sensors, some oil will leak out, have a rag handy.

And the N62 has 4 ...
BMW Parts -

[upallnight]

Originally Posted by lwodt860

So yesterday I started my X5 and the dreaded SRS light came on. I used a diagnostic tool to discover: Camshaft Position Sensor A Circuit (Bank 1 Or Single) was the issue. Today the SRS light randomly disapeared on my way to BMW and the car seems to run ok, so I decided to turn around and order the parts online. My first question is where is "Bank 1 Sensor A" located? Is it on the passenger side of the engine or the drivers side? Is it the sensor closest to the top (green arrow on sample pic I pulled off google). The DIY is helpful but 2nd & 3rd party verification is always a plus!!!!

I have been doing some research and have been getting mixed answers such as there are 4 camshaft sensors and 2 camshaft exhaust sensors or that there are 2 camshaft sensors and 2 exhaust sensors? Bottom line is I dont want to replace the wrong ones. Also is it recomended to change all sensors at once? Im assuming there is one camshaft sensor on the passenger side and one camshaft sensor on the driver side of the engine....However I want to confirm I am right. Looks like an easy fix as long as you replace the right sensor(s). Also does anyone know if oil spits out when the sensor is removed? I am going to be doing this in a friends garage and dont want to get oil all over the floor. Thanks in advance everyone!

Here is the DIY link I am using:

Pelican Technical Article - BMW X5 - M62 8-Cylinder Engine Camshaft Position Sensor Replacing

If you are getting a SRS light it isn't the cam sensor that it throwing up that code, you have a fault in the Safety Restraint System.

[lwodt860]

Originally Posted by upallnight

If you are getting a SRS light it isn't the cam sensor that it throwing up that code, you have a fault in the Safety Restraint System.

That was a mistake on my part. To confirm, the Service Engine Soon light came on.

[lwodt860]

After using an OBD scan tool this is what my results were

[lwodt860]

Thanks for the replies everyone, can anyone confirm that bank 1 is on the passenger side of the engine???

[David.X5]

Yes, Bank 1 is passenger side on a US vehicle. Bank 1 Cam sensor is the green arrow on the left side of the photo above.

[David.X5]

Its always a good idea to clean around the sensor before removing it so the grit & grime can't find its way into your engine. It would also make sense to check the connector end to make sure that it is attached well and the contacts are not corroded - there is a little chance you will find an obvious problem at the connector that a little cleaning (deoxit, etc) would help.

[higreenx5]

Also the cam motor actually failed when my motor threw the same code.