Article by: kowached
Applies to: All BMW models with the M62 engine.
M62 Camshaft Position Sensor (CPS) replacement as performed on a 1998 BMW 540iA Sport
Required tools:
- 5mm Hex (Allen) Key
- 6mm nut driver
- 10mm nut driver.
Required parts:
- A new CPS (12141742185)
- O-ring (12141748398)
Remove the top of the air filter box by disengaging the 4 perimeter clips around the air box as well as the 2 clips that connect to the air intake tube to the engine.
Disconnect the electrical connection to the air box temp sensor and the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor.
Pop out the tube that leads to the Idle Control Valve and use a 6mm nut-driver to unscrew the hose clamp downstream from the MAF:
There’s the Camshaft Position Sensor:
Remove the air intake silencer with a 10mm nut-driver:
Unscrew the 5mm Hex (Allen) Key that holds the CPS in place. Remove the engine cover and disconnect the electrical connector that goes from the CPS to the top of the engine.
Yes, the connector end can and will slide behind the oil dipstick, but just barely:
Install the new CPS being sure to lightly oil the O-ring as you would the oil filter O-ring so that it seals properly. Be very careful to make sure that all intake hose connections are tight, any air leak between the MAF and the engine can cause problems.
Note that if you would like more growl in the 3000+ RPM range you can easily replace the air silencer box with a 1 inch PVC cap (not plug, cap only) and a hose clamp:
If you have a Peake R5/FCX scan tool, now would be a good time to reset the check engine light.
Below is just how everything happened, it may help in diagnosis:
Just driving along and no sound, no nothing, engine dies. Got it restarted after a few tries, and it drove fine for a mile or two. Made it to a friends house and let it cool down with the hood up (30 degrees outside) for 10-15 minutes. Car started up and ran fine for 5 miles, died. Waited another 15 minutes and drove it 2 miles to another friends house and left it there.
I’ll hit it with the Peake Code Reader tomorrow, but it sounds like Cam Position Sensor symptoms.