Absolutely gorgeous fall day here (one of only two Iowa typically gets), so we headed out to a local orchard to get some apple-related food. Halfway there, oh no, must turn around - CEL code for Camshaft Position sensor. Had a new one in stock from my 2020 summer frantic parts exchange event so tomorrow here we go.
The M44 is fairly easy as only the upper manifold need be removed. Of course, there is no telling how long the el cheapo aftermarket sensor will last...
The worst part of the day was heading back out in the wife's daily driver, the vehicle with no name (and no soul, no power, and no looks).
Claude Berman, 96 Z3 Production Date 2/96 BMW CCA# 581686
The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance. Socrates, 469–399 B.C.E
I wouldn’t risk a aftermarket sensor. These cars are very picky when I comes to sensors especially engine control sensors. Buy a bmw sensor and replace it once. You’ll be glad you did.
I tried two or three aftermarket camshaft position sensors. All threw codes. A friend with another M had the same problem. OEM sensors were the solution in both cases.
Better off using good used OE parts than cheap aftermarket sensors
Thanks, and I know the issue with aftermarket sensors as I've seen the advice dozens of times here. So, far so good after two years with a Delphi MAF.
FCP Euro sells the BMW Camshaft Position sensor for the M44 for $255. They also sell the Delphi Sensor for $54 and given that they offer lifetime warranty - I'm thinking their experience with it can't be too bad. The later model Z3's use a different part and it's less expensive. For example, genuine BMW for later models is about half the price.
Claude Berman, 96 Z3 Production Date 2/96 BMW CCA# 581686
The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance. Socrates, 469–399 B.C.E
Quick install - I just wish I'd listened to advice to pull a string back out with the connector end. Oh well, I fished a string in with my mini cable snake. She started right up, feels a bit smoother revving and hasn't thrown any codes. I'll order the Delphi replacement from FCP Euro and keep it in the car just in case.
BTW: Got the mini cable snake to do my speaker wiring and have loved it ever since: https://www.amazon.com/Gardner-Bende...074B3ZWMH?th=1
Claude Berman, 96 Z3 Production Date 2/96 BMW CCA# 581686
The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance. Socrates, 469–399 B.C.E
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