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Thread: New to E36's, Cam Position Sensor Code = DME failure?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    May 2018
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    1996 BMW 328is

    New to E36's, Cam Position Sensor Code = DME failure?

    A few days ago I picked up a '96 328is (my first BMW) from a somewhat shady guy. The CEL is on for the cam position sensor, but I have reason to believe that he replaced the sensor but couldn't get rid of the CEL to pass inspection, leading to him selling me the car. I read on this thread that this can be a symptom of a fried DME. I found the original cam sensor in the trunk, and the wire insulation was blown up just like the guy's in that thread.

    So I guess I need a new DME, but I don't know anything about them or how much to pay for one. If anyone has some tips or advice, I would greatly appreciate it.

    The cowl drains are clogged too, so maybe some water amplified the issue.

    Thanks in advance

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2013
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    M3
    For these cars, specifically the cam sensor... it HAS to be oem, I cut corners and use OE replacements all the time but for that sensor Id recomend using oem. (Still may not fix your problem)

  3. #3
    Join Date
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    11/88 E32 750iL+98 E36M3
    DME's seldom go defective, but of course cannot be excluded, I would first test all the other sensors.
    Shogun tricks and tips for the E32 series are HERE!

  4. #4
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    IF it is the ECU, which is questionable, you will need a shop with a GT1 or the Dealership to align the ECU to the EWS.

    https://www.turnermotorsport.com/t-faq-ews

    Or get an EWS delete ECU update.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  5. #5
    Join Date
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    1997 BMW E36 323i
    Quote Originally Posted by bluptgm3 View Post
    IF it is the ECU, which is questionable, you will need a shop with a GT1 or the Dealership to align the ECU to the EWS.
    Or you can use your own laptop and get an USB to OBD2 interface (and probably the BMW 20-pin diagnostics plug to OBD2 convertor) and a very small computer program to sync the EWS (no need to install INPA and all, just a very small program). I have it on my laptop, but it can also be downloaded for free. I can look it up if you want. Update: Already found it: https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...0-vagcom-cable . I've used it before and it works great.. Couldn't get it to work with the official BMW software, but this little program did it in a few seconds.

    But I also doubt it would be the DME (but it is possible, especially with the E36's not water-tight DME location; with the E32/E34 it's a lot better in its own sealed compartment).. Sensor and wires would be first suspects. Perhaps good idea to connect a laptop with INPA software and check all live sensor values and read all error messages.. That often helps a lot to find the cause.
    Last edited by ed323i; 05-23-2018 at 10:13 PM.

  6. #6
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    1998 BMW 328i
    Trust nothing. Id change the sensor

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