Crankshaft sensor failure / malfunction on E90

makkan00 · 11-13-2012, 08:32 AM

I am having few issues with my car (only 320i) since last week and here are those:

1- Car hesitates on acceleration and RPM drops for 1-2 seconds and regains it. It happens on heavy acceleration though.
2- As above, but car has died twice while on the road (dangerous). The only way to bring it back to life, is to find a safe place and and restart it after taking out / reinserting the key. Engine light comes on.
3- Car failed to start on one ocassion and long cranks on that ocassion.

Inpa suggests:
Crankshaft sensor error

(recorded three times in three different weather temperatures)

I have read few threads on it and my symptoms are similar to those who have had it.

I have already ordered the sensor today and it will be with me tomorrow.

Now on 320i / 325i/ 330i it is below manifold intake. Few threads suggest that it can be changed if you approach it under the engine (should have tiny hands though).

I have few questions:

1- Has anybody had the same issue? Can you share your experience?
2- Has anybody actually managed to change it by himself?
3- I have been quoted £180 + VAT by my local indy. I think that is a fair price considering if manifold has to be removed / tilted. Any suggestions on the price?

Any suggestions / experiences?

Dragon88 · 11-13-2012, 12:43 PM

Was this a recall on the 320i?

makkan00 · 11-13-2012, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dragon88

Was this a recall on the 320i?

Not sure Dragon. Not according to VOSA

Dragon88 · 11-13-2012, 01:25 PM

Only reason I ask is because when I asked my dealer what recalls have been carried out on my car, they told me 'four coilpacks' and 'cam(something) sensor'.

Don't quite remember exactly what sensor they mentioned, perhaps worth giving them a call?

According to VOSA, the ignition coilpack recall is not listed.

makkan00 · 11-13-2012, 01:29 PM

It happened again this evening. Same error.

I am glad that I kept my coding gear with me and after resetting the error, car started.

One symptom of crankshaft sensor failure is not charging the battery when car is running. (hope somebody can explain the reason for it)

And in depth of code reading revealed that on 2 ocassions my battery voltage dropped down to 10.6 volt.

Awaiting sensor delivery.

makkan00 · 11-13-2012, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dragon88

Only reason I ask is because when I asked my dealer what recalls have been carried out on my car, they told me 'four coilpacks' and 'cam(something) sensor'.

Don't quite remember exactly what sensor they mentioned, perhaps worth giving them a call?

According to VOSA, the ignition coilpack recall is not listed.

Thanks mate. I asked them about recalls on my car when I bought this car.
The response was that coilpacks work has been carried out. No other recall is due on your car.

But I will still give them a call tomorrow.

badsha · 11-15-2012, 04:51 PM

hey makkan gice of some pics of ur car

how it looks like now

jmaville · 04-18-2013, 04:06 PM

What ended up happening I am having similar problems with my 335xi..... I have a subwoofer and amp installed in my car as well do you think that has anything do do with the sensor not functioning properly?

makkan00 · 04-18-2013, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmaville

What ended up happening I am having similar problems with my 335xi..... I have a subwoofer and amp installed in my car as well do you think that has anything do do with the sensor not functioning properly?

Funny, you said that. I have 3 amplifiers and speakers / subs.
I don't think its to do with additional strain on the electrical system of the car.
Its more to do with contamination in the oil or high mileages cars.
I have added UV chemical in my oil to check any oil leaks but ended up having this issue.
Is your car on high mileages?

Mikex101 · 11-12-2013, 06:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by makkan00

Funny, you said that. I have 3 amplifiers and speakers / subs.
I don't think its to do with additional strain on the electrical system of the car.
Its more to do with contamination in the oil or high mileages cars.
I have added UV chemical in my oil to check any oil leaks but ended up having this issue.
Is your car on high mileages?

Makkano

Did you get this sorted? Ive just ordered a sensor after a couple of dodgy moments this morning. Hoping its just the sensor, but im going to check the battery voltage now.

Thanks

makkan00 · 11-12-2013, 06:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikex101

Makkano

Did you get this sorted? Ive just ordered a sensor after a couple of dodgy moments this morning. Hoping its just the sensor, but im going to check the battery voltage now.

Thanks

Yes, its sorted mate.

Mikex101 · 11-12-2013, 06:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by makkan00

Yes, its sorted mate.

And was it the crankshaft sensor?

makkan00 · 11-12-2013, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mikex101

Quote:

Originally Posted by makkan00

Yes, its sorted mate.

And was it the crankshaft sensor?

Yes.

Russbmw · 11-12-2013, 09:57 AM

Just to add a bit incase anyone reads this in future.

I was going to say, yes sounds like a suspect crank sensor.

I had one fail on my e39 528, and the symntoms were very similar as it was failing - especially the random loss of power/hesitancy on acceleration and the long cranking to start.

11-13-2012, 08:32 AM	#1
makkan00 Major General 886 Rep 9,097 Posts Drives: F83 and F36 Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Essex iTrader: (56)	Crankshaft sensor failure / malfunction on E90 I am having few issues with my car (only 320i) since last week and here are those: 1- Car hesitates on acceleration and RPM drops for 1-2 seconds and regains it. It happens on heavy acceleration though. 2- As above, but car has died twice while on the road (dangerous). The only way to bring it back to life, is to find a safe place and and restart it after taking out / reinserting the key. Engine light comes on. 3- Car failed to start on one ocassion and long cranks on that ocassion. Inpa suggests: Crankshaft sensor error (recorded three times in three different weather temperatures) I have read few threads on it and my symptoms are similar to those who have had it. I have already ordered the sensor today and it will be with me tomorrow. Now on 320i / 325i/ 330i it is below manifold intake. Few threads suggest that it can be changed if you approach it under the engine (should have tiny hands though). I have few questions: 1- Has anybody had the same issue? Can you share your experience? 2- Has anybody actually managed to change it by himself? 3- I have been quoted £180 + VAT by my local indy. I think that is a fair price considering if manifold has to be removed / tilted. Any suggestions on the price? Any suggestions / experiences? __________________ F36 Xdrive for her - HUD, park assist, heated steering wheel, rear camera, Apple car play F36 RWD for him - HK, M sports pack, GTS tail light, Apple car play
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11-13-2012, 12:43 PM	#2
Dragon88 Private First Class 6 Rep 161 Posts Drives: BMW E92 320i M-Sport Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: West London iTrader: (0)	Was this a recall on the 320i?
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11-13-2012, 01:25 PM	#4
Dragon88 Private First Class 6 Rep 161 Posts Drives: BMW E92 320i M-Sport Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: West London iTrader: (0)	Only reason I ask is because when I asked my dealer what recalls have been carried out on my car, they told me 'four coilpacks' and 'cam(something) sensor'. Don't quite remember exactly what sensor they mentioned, perhaps worth giving them a call? According to VOSA, the ignition coilpack recall is not listed.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-13-2012, 01:29 PM	#5
makkan00 Major General 886 Rep 9,097 Posts Drives: F83 and F36 Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Essex iTrader: (56)	It happened again this evening. Same error. I am glad that I kept my coding gear with me and after resetting the error, car started. One symptom of crankshaft sensor failure is not charging the battery when car is running. (hope somebody can explain the reason for it) And in depth of code reading revealed that on 2 ocassions my battery voltage dropped down to 10.6 volt. Awaiting sensor delivery. __________________ F36 Xdrive for her - HUD, park assist, heated steering wheel, rear camera, Apple car play F36 RWD for him - HK, M sports pack, GTS tail light, Apple car play
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-15-2012, 04:51 PM	#7
badsha Private First Class 35 Rep 119 Posts Drives: BMW E90 318d 2006 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Norway iTrader: (0)	hey makkan gice of some pics of ur car how it looks like now
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04-18-2013, 04:06 PM	#8
jmaville Second Lieutenant 13 Rep 252 Posts Drives: 2014 F30 335i xdrive M Sport Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: CT iTrader: (-1) Garage List 2014 x3 28i [0.00] 2014 335i xdrive M ... [0.00]	What ended up happening I am having similar problems with my 335xi..... I have a subwoofer and amp installed in my car as well do you think that has anything do do with the sensor not functioning properly?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-12-2013, 09:57 AM	#14
Russbmw Colonel 680 Rep 2,444 Posts Drives: 2018 630iGT sport Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Caloundra, Australia iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 BMW 640i [0.00] 2014 BMW 530d GT [0.00] 2017 Kawasaki Z1000SX [0.00]	Just to add a bit incase anyone reads this in future. I was going to say, yes sounds like a suspect crank sensor. I had one fail on my e39 528, and the symntoms were very similar as it was failing - especially the random loss of power/hesitancy on acceleration and the long cranking to start. __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote