Code P0012

Intake camshaft position sensor, over-retarded. I found the replacement procedure DIY in Wiki section but am wondering if this can be adjusted or does it have to be replaced. My car is still operating relatively normal.

Thanks,

nope just replace, ten minutes and your done

Thank you, sir.

Did you determine if the code p0012 was resolved by replacing your intake camshaft sensor?

p0012 is related to the camshaft position sensor

Yes, i know the code can be related to the sensor, but ive read other threads that pointed to vanos issues. Thats why i was curious to see if this code was resolved with replacing the intake cam sensor or not...

what's ur car and how many miles do u have on it?

2002 330i. 145,000 miles.

by this mileage, at least the VANOS should've been rebuilt once
are you experiencing any of the below symptoms?
- rough idle
- hesitation on acceleration, much more noticeable when AC is on
- bad fuel consumption
- loss of power
- rough revving, meaning it won't hit redline as quickly as it should
if so, and you have no knowledge whether the previous owner did the rebuild or not, you definitely should do your VANOS and change the camshaft position sensor.
usually a 330 should have a VANOS rebuild every 80-90k (of course for owners who like their cars in top shape, like all 330 owners )

Right before I purchased it, it had the head rebuilt. I do not know if the vanos was ever done, but the shop that rebuilt the top end commented on how quiet the vanos is.
I do notice that it idles at 750 or so, and then sometimes at like 600. MPG is around 18.5 according to the computer.
I guess I am just trying to get to the bottom of this code first, and before throwing parts at it, I wanted to see if anyone thought p0012 was more likely a camshaft sensor than my vanos. camshaft sensor is an easy fix.

Originally Posted by charofire

Right before I purchased it, it had the head rebuilt. I do not know if the vanos was ever done, but the shop that rebuilt the top end commented on how quiet the vanos is.
I do notice that it idles at 750 or so, and then sometimes at like 600. MPG is around 18.5 according to the computer.
I guess I am just trying to get to the bottom of this code first, and before throwing parts at it, I wanted to see if anyone thought p0012 was more likely a camshaft sensor than my vanos. camshaft sensor is an easy fix.

do that first and go from there

I replaced the sensor, intake cam sensor, and the p0012 came back immediately. What next?

Code is still here. Vanos solenoid packs? Most likely culprit?

did u clear the codes after replacing the sensor?

Originally Posted by charofire

Code is still here. Vanos solenoid packs? Most likely culprit?

Yep. Sorry I didn't see this till now. Camshaft sensor codes are different. You need a new VANOS solenoid. Pretty easy to replace, I can usually source them for $40 used if you need help, pm me.

Thanks for the offer. I may take you up on that. is there a way to test my solenoid to see if it is in fact the culprit? My friend has a 99 m3. I believe the e36 has the same solenoid and I could borrow his and see what happens?

Originally Posted by charofire

Thanks for the offer. I may take you up on that. is there a way to test my solenoid to see if it is in fact the culprit? My friend has a 99 m3. I believe the e36 has the same solenoid and I could borrow his and see what happens?

Yea, just put 12 volts to the leads and you should see the plunger extend.

The p0012 disappeared on its own, and thus, the check engine light turned off, but then returned back on. If the timing was potentially a little bit off, would the check engine light always be on? I am running out of options...