[LazLon]

Hi All,

I started getting this code yesterday on my 2010 E90 (1995 CC, petrol). Is it a fairly easy fix ?. Spoke to a couple of garages and one said it would cost about £200 (I am in the UK) and the other said £1000 (as from his experience this error doesn't mean it's the sensor but normally it's the Camshaft chain ?).

Any thoughts ?.

Thanks,

[gbalthrop]

THOUGHTS:

P-code P0365 (Hex-code equivalent = 2AA1) is rather NON-specific. It indicates there is SOMETHING amiss in the Exhaust Cam Position Sensor "CIRCUIT". All the DME (Engine Control Module) can tell is that there is something "electrically out-of-range" in the signals it receives via the wiring from the sensor. There are DIFFERENT Fault Codes for Cam Timing, such as Exhaust Cam too retarded (P0015) or Exhaust Cam Position Correlation with Crankshaft Sensor signal (P0017).

So if P0365 is the ONLY P-code present in DME Memory, the 1000 Quid Quote is "QWAZY". Here is the BMW Fault Code Lookup DEFINITION of that code (if your vehicle has MSV80 DME) and a link to the Fault Information Sheet that suggests HOW to Test in "Service Notes:
N52 | P0365 | 2AA1 | DME: Camshaft sensor, exhaust, signal | MSV80
http://www.bmwfault.codes/XMLDiagVie...MAOQA4ADAANAA=

Those Service Notes basically say to test for damage in the "Signal" wire that runs from the Sensor Connector to the DME. If you have a simple Multimeter or get the cheapest one Amazon UK sells, I can suggest how to test that if you post the Last-7 Characters of your VIN (so I can look up the correct wiring diagram and component location for your 2L engine).

If the car is performing normally, I would simply clear the code and see if it returns. Was/IS there any Warning Light on the Instrument Cluster? What work was recently done under hood/bonnet? Any Serpentine belt issues?

BTW, if one had to replace the Exhaust Camshaft Position Sensor on an N52 engine (I realize you have DIFFERENT engine ;-), it's EASY to do. Disconnect electrical connector, remove single small bolt holding sensor to engine (on Front of engine) and replace Sensor. Cost of replacement sensor in US: $40 to $70.

George

[LazLon]

Hi George,

Thanks for the detailed response. Yes, this is the only P code that shows up. No work was done in the last 2 years since the last service. The only issue I had was battery charge was low (haven't been using the car due to lockdown!). That message went away after a 30 min drive. No other warnings/lights. Car is performing normally (however, I haven't driven too much since the warning came on).
I have just made an appointment with a local garage for tomorrow (I am not good with car engines!). Let's see what they say.
Last 7 characters of the VIN: A786012

Thanks again,
Laz

[gbalthrop]

Originally Posted by LazLon

... I have just made an appointment with a local garage for tomorrow (I am not good with car engines!). Let's see what they say. Last 7 characters of the VIN: A786012

Hi Laz,

I attach the following so you know the basics of what is involved, where it is located,
and what should be tested, to keep the shop honest & perhaps help THEM understand
if they don't have the BMW Documents related to the system:

1) Wiring Diagram for "Valve Gear" (Camshaft Position Sensors & VANOS Solenoids);
2) Exhaust Cam Sensor, B6224a, Yellow/Blue "Signal" Wire at X6224/1, Pin#1 of Connector X6224 @ Sensor;
3) Connector View of X6224, 3-pin connector; Yellow/Blue Signal Wire @ Pin#1;
4) Installation Location of Sensor & Connector: B6224a & X6224.

Good luck,
George

[LazLon]

Hi George,

Thank you very much, this is really useful. I will definitely take a print out when I visit the garage tomorrow.

Laz

[LazLon]

Hi George - gbalthrop

I had the "Camshaft Position Sensor 'B'" replaced today and all seems to be good so far. The garage also said the NOX sensor was showing as faulty. I left that one unchanged since they wanted £600/$800 !. Hopefully the engine light won't come on again.

I had a call from another garage who said the P0365 code usually means timing chain issues. The garage I went to today said this was unlikely since when there are timing chain issues, both camshaft and crankshaft error codes show up at the same tme. Also since my car has only done 36,000 miles (2010 model), he didn't think that was the issue.

Anyway, thanks again for the help/info.

Laz