[xtac1080]

Hello all,

I have a '99 M3 with a Code 65 (P0340). Replaced the camshaft sensor with an OEM and still the same issue. Tested the wiring back to the ECM for shorts/high resistance; everything is good. I'm a bit confused about one thing though: is this a 5V sensor? The DME seems to be supplying ~2.4V to the sensor. I check the crankshaft sensor and it's the same. Key on/engine off I am getting 2.4V directly out of the DME for both, though I can see RPM both on the cluster and through live data. Camshaft starts at -25° KOEO and the jumps to 59° with engine running and stays there no matter what RPM. Car runs strong with no apparent issues other than the code. What else could I check?

[crazybm]

Possible vanos solenoid wide open.
Vanos unit broken as to ahead the timing with engine running
Then very rare but cam reference wheel get moved because cam bolt gets loose

[Enabled]

That's not how single vanos works... And this is not a code for timing. This is for camshaft position sensor circuit!


To the original poster, your sensor that was on the car, can you pull the rubber boot on the end of the connector back a bit? Has the wire insulation completely gone off? When this happens, you have a good chance of internal shorts and damaging components in the dme.
Since this sounds like a North American M3, I would suggest checking the old camshaft position sensor first for raw wires, and then possibly getting a replacement dme.
They're easy to replace and syncing ews takes 5 seconds. If you need guidance, PM or ask here.

[xtac1080]

That's not how single vanos works... And this is not a code for timing. This is for camshaft position sensor circuit!


To the original poster, your sensor that was on the car, can you pull the rubber boot on the end of the connector back a bit? Has the wire insulation completely gone off? When this happens, you have a good chance of internal shorts and damaging components in the dme.
Since this sounds like a North American M3, I would suggest checking the old camshaft position sensor first for raw wires, and then possibly getting a replacement dme.
They're easy to replace and syncing ews takes 5 seconds. If you need guidance, PM or ask here.

Thanks for your reply. 

I unfortunately no longer have the old sensor to check if the wiring was messed up. Do you happen to know if it's a 5 volt sensor? I'm leaning towards the DME as the culprit. What tool/software would you recommend to sync the ews on these older BMWs?

[Enabled]

That's not how single vanos works... And this is not a code for timing. This is for camshaft position sensor circuit!


To the original poster, your sensor that was on the car, can you pull the rubber boot on the end of the connector back a bit? Has the wire insulation completely gone off? When this happens, you have a good chance of internal shorts and damaging components in the dme.
Since this sounds like a North American M3, I would suggest checking the old camshaft position sensor first for raw wires, and then possibly getting a replacement dme.
They're easy to replace and syncing ews takes 5 seconds. If you need guidance, PM or ask here.

Thanks for your reply. 

I unfortunately no longer have the old sensor to check if the wiring was messed up. Do you happen to know if it's a 5 volt sensor? I'm leaning towards the DME as the culprit. What tool/software would you recommend to sync the ews on these older BMWs?

INPA does it easily, and so does a little program called ewssync.exe free from bimmerforums. It must all be done at the 20-pin port.

The process is read the current dme ISN with INPA, and then go to ews module and type it in.

[xtac1080]

That's not how single vanos works... And this is not a code for timing. This is for camshaft position sensor circuit!


To the original poster, your sensor that was on the car, can you pull the rubber boot on the end of the connector back a bit? Has the wire insulation completely gone off? When this happens, you have a good chance of internal shorts and damaging components in the dme.
Since this sounds like a North American M3, I would suggest checking the old camshaft position sensor first for raw wires, and then possibly getting a replacement dme.
They're easy to replace and syncing ews takes 5 seconds. If you need guidance, PM or ask here.

Thanks for your reply. 

I unfortunately no longer have the old sensor to check if the wiring was messed up. Do you happen to know if it's a 5 volt sensor? I'm leaning towards the DME as the culprit. What tool/software would you recommend to sync the ews on these older BMWs?

INPA does it easily, and so does a little program called ewssync.exe free from bimmerforums. It must all be done at the 20-pin port.

The process is read the current dme ISN with INPA, and then go to ews module and type it in.

I ended up using the ewssync from that forum. Incredibly easy and fast. Except I still have that very same code with the new (used) ECM as soon as I start the car, and also a permanent unclearable oxygen sensor code that I never had with the old ECM. I have the motor torn down again trying to find the missing link. Wiring is fine, sensor is fine, ECM is *fine*, timing is fine, pickup on the camshaft is where it should be and undamaged....ready to throw in the towel on this one.

[Enabled]

Did you use an M3 DME from an M3?

The MS41 was used in many E36 6-cyl models and many had different oxygen sensor configuration.

Also, do you have the correct ones installed?

[xtac1080]

Did you use an M3 DME from an M3?

The MS41 was used in many E36 6-cyl models and many had different oxygen sensor configuration.

Also, do you have the correct ones installed?

The seller touted it as an S62 E36 M3 DME, so I have to imagine it was. I've already returned it. All the oxygen sensors are OE as far as I know. Would it be a reach to think this DME had a defective internal cam circuit as well?

[Enabled]

If I remember correctly, the cam position sensor receives 12V supply from the car, using a Y harness adapter drawing power from another component (IIRC it is the VANOS solenoid... I would have to go outside or in the garage to check my 2 cars)

It was an old recall/TSB and reprogram that virtually all of the cars got. I would check your wiring and power supply to it.

[xtac1080]

After redoing the timing twice, ripping into the wiring harness and verifying continuity, used ECM.... it turned out to be a bad camshaft position sensor. The initial sensor I bought was a VDO. Same problem. I went to the local BMW dealer and bought one of theirs, same problem. After all this bullshit it ended up being TWO defective new sensors. INFURIATING