P1520 Fault Code, feels lumpy :(

[Jack Abraham]

Hi Folks,

Unfortunately my poor Z3 is throwing a fault code P1520.
She's also feeling a bit lumpy roughly 2mins after starting - any ideas?

Many thanks,

Jack

 

[t-tony]

First thoughts, check your fuel cap is tight. Then try to clear the code and then drive the car and see if it returns. Possibility of Cam shaft position sensor error.

Tony.

 

[NZ00Z3]

Its the exhaust cam shaft position sensor. Use a BMW quality sensor as many of the aftermarket ones still cause problems.

 

[Jack Abraham]

Many thanks for your swift response guys!

Have you had experience with Delphi Camshaft sensors? They are not cheap (roughly £50)

cheers,
Jack

 

[Ianmc]

As above, OEM only for sensors IMO.

 

[Jack Abraham]

Thanks Ianmac

Do you know if the Camshaft inlet and exhaust outlet are the same sensors on the 2.8’s - could they be swapped?

cheers, Jack

 

[t-tony]

If the 2.8 is twin vanos its likely theyre the same.

Tony.

 

[Jack Abraham]

Thanks Tony,
I might try a swap just to prove it. Original BMW camshaft senior is £115

 

[t-tony]

They’re that price for a reason though Jack. Like most cheap, aftermarket parts they’re for the motor trade where if it lasts for a year that’s all they need. Yours however will more than likely be the original ones from new.

Tony.

 

[Jack Abraham]

Cheers Tony
Your right! Buy cheap, buy twice!

 

[Jack Abraham]

Hi guys,

Just for info really.

The sensors look the same but unfortunately the inlet had a lead with a male plug and the outlet has no lead and a female plug.

I’ve found oil in the outlet sensor plug so I presume this has failed.

 

[colb]

As you found out they are different, one with a long wire the other with just a socket. I fitted a Haas brand inlet sensor to a mates 3 series last year, still all good. Oem sensors are usually Bosch or Siemens brands and are usually the best choice but if price is a consideration go for a known brand, Haas obviously use their sensors on their F1 cars, if they are good enough for that then should be ok on our cars.

 

[Devon Z]

I have Febi sensors on both been on for about five years with no problems cost about £40 each.

 

[Jack Abraham]

Cheers for the info Colb.

I’ll order something this week.

 

[Jack Abraham]

Thanks Devon

 

[t-tony]

Hi guys,

Just for info really.

The sensors look the same but unfortunately the inlet had a lead with a male plug and the outlet has no lead and a female plug.

I’ve found oil in the outlet sensor plug so I presume this has failed.

Sorry Jack my bad. I just re read your post I didn't twig that you intended swapping the inlet and exhaust sensors. I could have saved you the trouble. I paid around £50 for the inlet sensor for my 2.0 from ECP , It was a Bosch item with their logo removed.

Tony.

 

[Jack Abraham]

No worries and thanks for the help Tony really appreciated.

As there is oil in the electrical connector/pins is this just a simple spray clean of the pins after the new sensor has been replaced do you think?

 

[t-tony]

I would get some electrical contact cleaner spray and use that Jack. I had an airbag light issue and my friendly auto electrician traced it to poor contact on the N/S “A” pillar, after a spray with that it was cleared.

Tony

 

[Jack Abraham]

I would get some electrical contact cleaner spray and use that Jack. I had an airbag light issue and my friendly auto electrician traced it to poor contact on the N/S “A” pillar, after a spray with that it was cleared.

Tony

Thanks again Tony

 

[Axelf]

I had a similar problem found out both rubber hoses from maf to engine were split and the cam shaft sensor was throwing a code up , new hoses and a sensor from ECP mad by HAAS £27 and cured the problems

Tony