Camshaft sensor code P0340. Changed sensor, but no difference

[Dobiwallah]

I did a random check with torque and found camshaft error code P0340. I reset the code, but it came back after a drive. I checked with INPA, and indeed still code P0340. I Bought on ebay a new sensor http://www.ebay.com/itm/161481233539. (cost in NZ severall hundreds dollars )

Put it in today, reset fault did a test spin and all sweet.
But after 18 km the fault returned. The Zed is driving and starting normal, no problems. On long drives petrol use is 1:12.5 or 8l/100km. Local use 1:8.5 or 11.7l/km, which is fairly normal.

Any ideas?

 

[Dino D]

Non genuine sensors are known to fail quickly, or not work at all.
Was yours BMW or the BMW OEM manufacturer brand (not sure who makes them).

Where there any symptoms prior to changing the sensor?
Not sure if these sensors fail without obvious stpyoms (rough running, misfire etc).

 

[t-tony]

When the inlet cam sensor on mine failed it started with the engine stalling at idle coming up to a roundabout etc. and generally losing some power. After fitting a none OEM one after a very short time it failed and it became obvious when I started the car, it wouldn't start "cleanly" and misfired into life and the em light came on.

Tony.

ps. What was the cost of the replacement part please?

 

[jonco]

Agree with others on part quality problems - lots of stories on non-OEM sensors giving problems.
Your car appears to be running well - is there any frequency count on your code reader?
Another point to consider is that error codes are rarely absolutely definitive but give an indication of where the problem may lie for example is the connection at the plug/socket good.

 

[Dobiwallah]

Non genuine sensors are known to fail quickly, or not work at all.
Was yours BMW or the BMW OEM manufacturer brand (not sure who makes them).

Where there any symptoms prior to changing the sensor?
Not sure if these sensors fail without obvious stpyoms (rough running, misfire etc).

The original sensor was a OEM sensor, 15 years and 64.000km old. I have no obvious symptoms, but I just wanted to be sure.

When the inlet cam sensor on mine failed it started with the engine stalling at idle coming up to a roundabout etc. and generally losing some power. After fitting a none OEM one after a very short time it failed and it became obvious when I started the car, it wouldn't start "cleanly" and misfired into life and the em light came on.

Tony.

ps. What was the cost of the replacement part please?

I bought one from ebay for about NZ$97, which is probably about GBP42 or so. I even didn't bother to ask here at e retail shop. I asked 2 weeks ago for a aftermarket BEHR thermostat, and they quoted me NZD537, with the club card that price came down to NZD400. I bought a Walher on ebay for NZD87 plus 10 post. took only 6 days from the US to NZ

I have no misfire at all, it was just precoution.

Agree with others on part quality problems - lots of stories on non-OEM sensors giving problems.
Your car appears to be running well - is there any frequency count on your code reader?
Another point to consider is that error codes are rarely absolutely definitive but give an indication of where the problem may lie for example is the connection at the plug/socket good.

The problem with the non-OEM is exactly the same as the OEM. Just a message in torque in shows up. I don't believe it has something to do with the sensor. I will have a check at the socket if I have finished my 4 nights of night shift

 

[t-tony]

Has someone been sticking pins in a plastic toy Z3? I started my car tonight to leave work and it cut out and I knew. Pulled out onto the A57, no power, gutless. Got to the traffic lights half way home, cuts out. Read the codes tonight P0340............. 'kin' cam sensor again.

Code cleared, car starts crisp and clean and revs freely. Sod it!

Tony.