Cam pos senser again!!

[Devon Z]

I posted a little while ago that I had used a Snap On code reader on my car and found stored cam pos codes which I cleared, this made the car run so much better! I had replaced the inlet cam senser some years earlier to cure a slight misfire but didn't have a code reader to clear the codes.
Well she's gone back to running poorly again so I've got a code reader now and checked for codes and yes you've guessed it cam pos again. Well the one I had fitted was a generic one and about four years ago so after much research I settled on the Febi Bilstein ones as they got good reviews here and in the states.

Ten minutes to fit yesterday, cleared codes and started her up, very high idle then settled down, weather was crap so couldn't take her for a run but after revving her a few times I switched off and checked codes again and it was back!! Checking on the internet I found a post on Bimmerforums stating that it takes a least two driving cycles to clear codes?

So today weather better so cleared codes took her for a drive and what a difference!! soo much better through the gears you could feel the engine change at 3/3.5k rpm! Pulled over after about 20 mins of driving check codes and it's back again, clear codes and drive again for about half an hour and wow she's never been better! Pull over again to check codes...........no codes recorded! Result.
Drove back home checked again twice and no codes. Very happy bunny best performance upgrade I've done, I may change the exhaust one as well!!

 

[ZimZimmer]

Always good when you get a resolution to a long term issue

 

[GazHyde]

I've dealt with the same annoyance with CAM sensors on my old 2.2. Eventually replaced both of them, changing the inlet one would allow the codes to be reset but would come back again. Chaging the exhaust sensor would then allow the codes to clear and stay clear. I also got a bit of performance back and about 3-4mpg.

 

[oldcarman]

I've dealt with the same annoyance with CAM sensors on my old 2.2. Eventually replaced both of them, changing the inlet one would allow the codes to be reset but would come back again. Chaging the exhaust sensor would then allow the codes to clear and stay clear. I also got a bit of performance back and about 3-4mpg.

So would you be recommending that both be changed at the same time Gaz? Seems to be common to change one then end up changing the second and the gain in milage would definitely offset the cost! JIM

 

[Devon Z]

So would you be recommending that both be changed at the same time Gaz? Seems to be common to change one then end up changing the second and the gain in milage would definitely offset the cost! JIM

Well that could be the case? Sensed she wasn't running so smooth I checked the codes and PO340 was back plus PI520= B cam pos actuator, which after some research can mean anything from exhaust cam pos senser to vanos seals?! Fortunately I had already ordered an exhaust pos senser so I'll fit that and see? Watch this space

 

[Devon Z]

Well new Febi exhaust cam pos senser arrived today, fitted and codes cleared. Just took it for a half hour drive with two stops, drove really well got back home and plugged her in and no codes logged. Hopefully that will remain the case? I'll keep you posted.