Camshaft Sensors P0012 & P0015

N

NickFrance

Member
Hello to all, I'm having a few problems with a friends E85 Z4 roadster 2.0, related to (I think) the camshaft sensors.

Car starts every time, but occasionally runs rough for a few seconds when starting, particularly from cold.
When hot it tends to cut out when reducing revs (with foot on clutch rolling up to stop signs or roundabouts for ex).

The warning lights I get are:
Occasional red or yellow oil light when idling
Yellow engine light

With a basic code reader I can get P0012 and P0015 codes, relating to camshaft timing over-retarded, A & B.
Using INPA I can get more detailed codes:

2A83 CDKENWS - Nockenwellensteuerung- Einlass
P0012 Nockenwellensteuerung Einlass (Bank 1) - Regelfehler, unplausible Position

2A88 CDKANWS - Nockenwellensteuerung Auslass
P0015 Nockenwellensteuerung Auslass (Bank 2) - Regelfehler, unplausible Position


Obvious first thought is that the camshaft sensors have both died, and need replacing, but I've read that codes relating to camshaft position sensors can also come from timing chain related problems. As both sensors seem to be faulty, could a timing chain problem be more plausible? Or is it reasonable that both sensors have failed together? Could it be a wiring problem?

My current plan is to order one new sensor (they're the same part, correct?) and replace one old with the new to see if it removes 1 of the 2 error codes, if successful I'll order the 2nd sensor and replace to sort the remaining code.

Thoughts?

As a side note, I also have a fault with the oil level sensor "2F9E Thermischer Olniveausensor"
Could this be linked? Is it possible to change the oil sensor? Currently I have no way of checking the oil level at all.
 
Thermal oil level sensor is held in by two bolts in the sump, replacements are here https://www.onlinecarparts.co.uk/oenumber/12617501786.html Prices vary a great deal, had to change mine not long ago used the cheapest so far so good. They take time to settle down once fitted. Your camshaft codes would probably indicate they have failed or failing, probably best to change them both.
Best change the oil sensor when you do an oil change, however with no dipstick that sensor is the only way your going to be able to check the level so oil change will be needed when replacing the sensor as its got to be drained to fit the new sensor.
 
It is fairly unlikely that both sensors have died at the same time but it is possible. Lots of people have had trouble with aftermarket camshaft sensors, probably worth buying genuine.

It is worth checking and cleaning the vanos solenoids. To rule them out as clogged or faulty.

Sometimes a failing crankshaft position sensor will throw camshaft position codes due to the correlation between them being incorrect. I would have thought you would have starting issues if that was the case though, especially when hot.

Worst case scenario is that the chain has jumped and broken a guide. The bits of plastic can clog the oil pickup, reducing flow and pressure.
This usually happens due to owners sticking to the BMW service schedule. Hopefully your engine hasn't been run on 15k+ oil changes.

Your engine should have the uprated tensioner fitted. Double check that. I believe the newer tensioner has the fatter (12ish mm thick) bolt head. If the old one tensioner is fitted, swap it out.
 
Worth noting that if you had timing chain issues you probably would have heard the chain and guides crying every time you started it. 😉
Hopefully that isnt the case.
 
Thanks for the helpful comments! I'm always amazed at the number of people willing to help out on forums like this...

Good news about the oil sensor, I'll add it to the todo list. Glad it's not too expensive.

I did remove both vanos solenoids and wired them to a battery to check they were both clicking/sliding as they should, plus a quick spray with some cleaner for good measure, don't think it'll be them.

I had also thought about the crankshaft sensor, in a purely mechanical sense, but wouldn't that have a specific code related to it? (Maybe not?)

No idea what tensioner is fitted, or how to check, I'll do some more reading on that and have a look. Same with the eccentric shaft sensor, not something I know anything about.
 
Sounds like you have ruled out the solenoids - that is good.

I have read about many cases of dodgy crank sensors throwing camshaft sensor codes rather than a specific code related to the crankshaft sensor itself. Certainly worth considering. It is a fairly common failure but unfortunately not as easy to replace as the camshaft sensors; I don't think it is possible without removing the intake manifold unless you have very bendy spaghetti arms.

The likelihood is that you have to uprated tensioner fitted but it is worth a check because the old on is a ticking time bomb of engine failure. :thumbsdown:
See link below for info. I think I got it wrong; the skinny bolt head is the newer one.
https://carchat.org/posts/1417-bmw-e46-engine-reliability-guide
 
Well I've ordered one new sensor, although not very confident that it'll fix the issue, would be surprising that bot have failed together, but we'll see!

I may try testing both of the current sensors in the mean time with a multi-meter to confirm if one/both are definitely dead.

A new oil level sensor has also been ordered, so I'll probably fit that when the oil needs changing next. Still can't believe or understand why they wouldn't put a dipstick on this engine.
 
Update for anyone who find this topic whilst searching with the same symptoms:

I've changed both camshaft position sensors and this seems to have sorted all my engine woes.

I've also changed the oil level sensor and this has sorted that problem.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom