also, do fuel injectors need programing to the car on an E53 diesel

*edit* NOPE - it's the MAF.

The cam shaft sensor is near this but closer to the centre of the motor.

http://forum.bmw5.co.uk/uploads/mont...1437220188.jpg

And to answer the question about injectors - no reprogramming needed if you are replacing an old one with a new one (of the same spec. etc.).

BTW, the crank position sensor is monitored by the DDE so any issues with it will be logged in the DDE error log.

DAMHIK.... ;)

...in the words of Rosanne Rosana Danna..."never mind".

(note to self...pay attention...the OP moved on from the Crankshaft (CKS) position sensor and asked about the CAMSHAFT (CMS) position sensor) :D

The OP origially asked about the crank sensor but is now asking about the cam sensor...

...thank you...I totally missed the move from CKS to CMS. :thumbup:

There's plenty of confusion in here - plenty for everyone! :D

The no-start when hot condition could be caused by dozen's of items but it seems the CMS is worth looking at - especially as INPA will report any errors. Not sure about the CKS. I have read of a few CMS failures and have even seen a single historical error on my own M57TU. It popped up a day or so after I changed the thermostat and had been working in the area around the CMS itself. I likely disturbed the connection.

A scan of the errors present when it is in the no-start condition should give the fault away.

Cam position sensor
 

I’ve got an 06 x5 3.0 Diesel.... same issues. Changed out the crank angle sensor and waiting in cam position sensor to arrive... will let u know if it fixes the unreliable starts... ps the times it fails to start which are random and either hot or cold engine, a squirt of CRC in the intake always gets it going..

If you can start the engine with aid of any burning spray your starting problem has nothing to do with cam or crank sensor. It's a low rail pressure problem which is most likely caused by leaky injector. So first measure injector leak off before wasting money on parts which are already working.