Unofficialbmw.com Forum Index Unofficialbmw.com
The UnofficialBMW BB, answers for your BMW questions.
 
 FAQFAQ   SearchSearch   MemberlistMemberlist   UsergroupsUsergroups   RegisterRegister 
 ProfileProfile   Log in to check your private messagesLog in to check your private messages   Log inLog in 

Camshaft position sensor clean or replace?

 
Post new topic   Reply to topic    Unofficialbmw.com Forum Index -> E36 - 3 Series Forum

Support Unofficialbmw.com :: Download Free Healthy Habits iPhone app!

View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message
socal



Joined: 12 Oct 2007
Posts: 19
Location: San Diego

PostPosted: Mon Dec 27, 2010 1:30 am    Post subject: Camshaft position sensor clean or replace? Reply with quote

I'm getting a check engine light because of the camshaft position sensor. This started happening about 4 days ago. I cleared the CEL, but soon after the same code appears again. The car is running OK, but is slightly rougher especially at idle. Can this be taken care by just cleaning or do I need to replace. I'm about to sell the car, so I'd rather not have to spend too much.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
yelcab1



Joined: 20 Jan 2001
Posts: 643
Location: san carlos, ca

PostPosted: Mon Dec 27, 2010 11:45 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

replace. It is not hard and not expensive.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
socal



Joined: 12 Oct 2007
Posts: 19
Location: San Diego

PostPosted: Mon Dec 27, 2010 12:09 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

The price I was quoted was $141 + tax. So I think is expensive. Any further advise would be appreciated such as discount sources. Was hoping to do a road trip in two days to San Diego.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
socal



Joined: 12 Oct 2007
Posts: 19
Location: San Diego

PostPosted: Mon Dec 27, 2010 12:27 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I just called Pacific BMW, they quoted me $94 + $15 for 2 day shipping for the Vanos sensor. They said there were two sensors. Not sure which one would most likely need replacing.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
socal



Joined: 12 Oct 2007
Posts: 19
Location: San Diego

PostPosted: Mon Dec 27, 2010 12:29 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Also found one on Ebay for $49, however the expedited shipping doubles the price. Would it be safe to do this trip and replace when I return? Car runs fine at higher speeds.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
geminiys



Joined: 13 Oct 2004
Posts: 182
Location: SF, California

PostPosted: Mon Dec 27, 2010 6:21 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

With Camshaft position sensor been faulty you are running at risk of having your car not to start but trying a few times may get it going. Also the engine may shutdown all of a sudden without warning. You cannot really clean the sensor, as it is some kind of magnetic field type of sensor. Search around for a good price. www.autohausaz.com has it for $79
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Yahoo Messenger
yelcab1



Joined: 20 Jan 2001
Posts: 643
Location: san carlos, ca

PostPosted: Mon Dec 27, 2010 7:16 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

$141 is a little more than I have thought. But, if you check around, you will find that they can be $75 or so. Now, if you have to have it today, then you do pay the price.

Replace it, nothing to clean, really.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
socal



Joined: 12 Oct 2007
Posts: 19
Location: San Diego

PostPosted: Mon Dec 27, 2010 11:42 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks for the replies!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message
Display posts from previous:   
Post new topic   Reply to topic    Unofficialbmw.com Forum Index -> E36 - 3 Series Forum All times are GMT - 5 Hours
Page 1 of 1

 
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum



Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2005 phpBB Group