P0345 on 2004-2010 BMW M5 S85 V10: Camshaft Sensor Bank 2 Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2004-2010 BMW M5

The S85 is a high-strung, motorsport-derived V10 inspired by BMW's Formula One engines. While a P0345 code on many cars points directly to a simple sensor failure, on the S85 it can also be an early symptom of the engine's more complex and well-documented issues. The high-pressure VANOS system is a frequent source of problems, where failing solenoids, internal hydraulic leaks, or low pressure from a failing pump can manifest as camshaft sensor codes. Furthermore, metallic debris from the S85's infamous rod bearing wear can contaminate the oil, clogging and destroying sensitive components like VANOS solenoids. Therefore, diagnosis requires looking beyond just the sensor to the health of the entire VANOS hydraulic circuit and overall engine condition.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light illuminated, possibly with 'Reduced Power' message
• Engine goes into limp mode with severely restricted power and RPM
• Rough, unstable idle
• Hesitation or stumbling during acceleration
• Long crank times or difficulty starting
• Engine stalling
• Increased fuel consumption
• A noticeable change in engine sound

Most Likely Causes

1. Failed Camshaft Position Sensor (Bank 2 Intake) 🔴 High Probability → Shop Engine Camshaft Position Sensor The S85 engine operates at high temperatures, and the sensors are electronic components that can fail over time due to heat cycles and vibration. All four camshaft position sensors on the S85 are identical and interchangeable.
   How to confirm: Swap the Bank 2 intake sensor with the Bank 2 exhaust sensor (or any other of the four identical sensors). Clear the codes and run the engine. If the code changes to P0365 (Camshaft Position Sensor 'B' Circuit Bank 2), the sensor is confirmed bad. If P0345 returns, the issue is likely wiring or VANOS-related.
   Typical fix: Replace the faulty camshaft position sensor. The OEM supplier is VDO. It is wise to replace the O-ring at the same time.
   Est. part cost: $100-$250
2. Failing VANOS Solenoid 🟡 Medium Probability VANOS solenoids can become clogged with oil sludge or fail electronically. This is a known issue on many BMW engines, including the S85. Debris from rod bearing wear, a critical S85 issue, can also contaminate the oil and damage solenoids.
   How to confirm: Use a BMW-specific diagnostic tool (like ISTA) to run the VANOS test plan. This can identify solenoids that are not functioning correctly. Often accompanied by other VANOS-specific fault codes like 271A or 271B. Some owners attempt to clean the solenoids as a first step, but replacement is often necessary.
   Typical fix: Replace the faulty VANOS solenoid for the Bank 2 intake camshaft. It is often recommended to replace all four solenoids at the same time as a preventative measure.
   Est. part cost: $200-$400
3. Damaged Wiring or Connector ⚪ Low Probability Engine bay heat can make wiring and plastic connectors brittle over time, leading to cracks or loose connections. The wiring harness runs over hot engine components, increasing the risk of degradation.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the wiring harness and connector for the Bank 2 intake camshaft sensor for any signs of damage, corrosion, or oil contamination. Perform a continuity test on the signal, power, and ground wires from the sensor connector to the DME.
   Typical fix: Repair the damaged section of the wiring harness or replace the sensor connector pigtail.
   Est. part cost: $20-$100

Rare But Worth Checking

• Low VANOS Oil Pressure: The S85 uses a dedicated high-pressure oil pump for the VANOS system. An internal leak in the high-pressure line or a failing pump can starve the system of pressure, leading to multiple VANOS and camshaft timing faults. Diagnosis is complex and requires measuring hydraulic pressure (spec is ~75 bar or 1000+ PSI) with specialized gauges.
• Timing Chain or Guide Issue: → Shop Engine Timing Chain While not as common as on other engines, a stretched timing chain or failing guide can cause the camshaft timing to be physically out of sync with the crankshaft, triggering this code. This is a major engine repair requiring specialized timing tools.
• DME (Engine Computer) Failure: In very rare cases, the fault can lie within the DME itself, specifically the driver circuit for the sensor. This should only be considered after all other possibilities, including wiring, have been exhaustively ruled out.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Read all fault codes using a BMW-capable scanner (ISTA/INPA preferred). Pay close attention to any VANOS-specific or shadow faults in addition to P0345.
2. Gain access to the Bank 2 (driver's side in the US) camshaft position sensors. This requires removing the airbox assembly 🎬 Watch: This DIY walkthrough shows how to access the sensors. and other components.
3. Inspect the intake camshaft sensor and its electrical connector for oil contamination, damage, or loose pins.
4. To definitively test the sensor, swap the Bank 2 intake sensor with the Bank 2 exhaust sensor (Part No. 13627834490 is used for all four positions). Clear the codes and run the engine. If the fault code changes to P0365 (exhaust cam sensor), the original sensor is faulty.
5. If the P0345 code returns after the swap, the problem is not the sensor. The next step is to inspect the wiring for continuity and shorts between the sensor connector and the DME.
6. If wiring is confirmed to be good, the issue is likely within the VANOS system. Use a diagnostic tool like ISTA to perform a VANOS system test, which can activate and evaluate the performance of the solenoids. 🎬 See how to use ISTA to test your VANOS solenoids. Note any solenoids that fail the test.
7. If the VANOS test fails or is inconclusive, professional diagnosis of the VANOS hydraulic system (pressure testing) and engine timing is required. This is an advanced step requiring specialized tools.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Camshaft Position Sensor (OEM #13627834490) — This is the most direct and common cause for a P0345 fault code. The sensor itself fails electronically over time. All four sensors on the S85 are identical.
  Trusted brands: Genuine BMW, VDO (OEM), Bosch
  OEM price range: $220-$260
  Aftermarket price range: $90-$150
• VANOS Solenoid (OEM #11367841072) — A stuck or failed VANOS solenoid is the second most likely cause, preventing correct camshaft adjustment and triggering a position fault. Often fail due to internal contamination or electronic failure.
  Trusted brands: Genuine BMW
  OEM price range: $300-$450
  Aftermarket price range: $150-$250

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0340 — Camshaft Position Sensor 'A' Circuit (Bank 1). If seen with P0345, it could indicate a systemic issue like low VANOS pressure affecting both banks or a shared wiring problem.
• P0014 / P0015 — Camshaft Position Timing Over-Advanced/Retarded (Bank 1). These codes, along with their Bank 2 equivalents (P0024/P0025), point more strongly toward a mechanical or hydraulic VANOS system problem rather than just a sensor failure.
• 271A / 271B (BMW-specific) — VANOS control codes for intake/exhaust. These manufacturer-specific codes confirm the problem is related to the VANOS system's ability to adjust cam timing, often due to a faulty solenoid or pressure issue.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• The S85 engine is known for rod bearing wear, 🎬 Learn more about common S85 engine problems and maintenance. which can introduce metallic debris into the engine oil. This debris can clog and destroy sensitive components like VANOS solenoids, leading to timing-related fault codes.
• The high-pressure VANOS system operates at over 1,000 PSI and is susceptible to leaks from the internal high-pressure line, the pump itself, or the actuator units, all of which can cause timing deviation codes.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• VANOS High Oil Pressure (System-wide) — expected: Approx. 75-80 bar (1087-1160 PSI) at idle.. Failure: A reading significantly below 60 bar (870 PSI) indicates a major leak or failing pump. Readings as low as 30 bar have been observed with failed components.
• VANOS Solenoid Resistance — expected: Approximately 10.5 to 11.5 Ohms.. Failure: A reading significantly outside this range, or an open circuit (infinite resistance), indicates a failed solenoid coil.
• Camshaft Position Sensor Signal Voltage (Hall Effect) — expected: A square wave signal that switches between a low voltage (near 0V) and a high voltage (typically 5V) as the camshaft rotates.. Failure: No signal, a constant voltage, or an erratic/noisy signal when checked with an oscilloscope or by back-probing with a multimeter.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• ISTA (BMW Dealer Software): VANOS System Test — This is a critical diagnostic step after checking the sensor and wiring. The test actuates each VANOS solenoid and measures the camshaft's response, providing a 'pass/fail' or 'quality' value for each solenoid's operation. It can pinpoint a slow or non-responsive solenoid that is causing the timing deviation.
• ISTA (BMW Dealer Software): VANOS Bleed Procedure (Ventilation) — This must be performed any time the high-pressure VANOS system is opened (e.g., after replacing a solenoid or the high-pressure line). It runs the engine and cycles the VANOS units to purge trapped air, which can cause pressure fluctuations and fault codes. The procedure can take over 15 minutes.
• ISTA (BMW Dealer Software): Delete VANOS Adaptations — After replacing VANOS components, this function resets the DME's learned adjustments for VANOS control. This forces the system to re-learn the characteristics of the new parts, ensuring optimal performance.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Main Engine Ground Strap — Typically connects from the driver's side (Bank 2) engine mount bracket to the chassis rail.. A corroded or broken main ground strap can cause a host of electrical issues, including erratic sensor readings. The DME and its sensors rely on a stable ground reference. While not a direct cause of P0345, a poor ground can create noise in the sensor's signal circuit, leading the DME to interpret the signal as faulty.
• DME (MSS65) Connector — Located in the electronics box (E-box) on the passenger side of the engine bay, under the cabin air filter housing.. This is the termination point for the camshaft sensor wiring. When performing continuity tests, technicians must test the pins from the sensor connector all the way to the corresponding pins at the DME connector to rule out a wiring break in the harness.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• Reddit user on r/BmwTech (2010 BMW E63 M6, 147k miles) — Rough start, idle bounce, and odd power surges under light, high-load acceleration.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Initial diagnosis was complicated by other issues (fuel pressure sensor, wheel speed sensor).
  ✅ What actually fixed it The ISTA VANOS test showed all four solenoids as 'NOT OK'. Replacing all four VANOS solenoids resolved all the running issues. The owner noted the importance of running the VANOS bleed procedure in ISTA after the replacement, which took 17 minutes and initially produced loud groaning noises as air was purged.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 11367834526 or 11367836741 → 11367841072 — Revision and improvement of the VANOS solenoid.
  Heads up: The original solenoids had black plastic bodies, while the revised, current part has a silver metal body. They are functionally interchangeable, but the revised part is considered more robust.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• Pre-2006: Early production S85 engines (before Jan 2006) used a different VANOS high-pressure oil pump and associated hardware (P/N 11367836347). This was updated to P/N 11367841784. While both can fail, the earlier design was more prone to issues with the internal high-pressure line rupturing.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Other Known Issues on This Vehicle

Issues unrelated to this code that are worth knowing about as an owner of this generation:

• Rod Bearing Failure 🔴 High — Considered a matter of 'when' not 'if'. Proactive replacement is recommended every 60,000-80,000 miles to prevent catastrophic engine failure.
• Throttle Actuator Failure 🔴 High — Common failure around 60,000-80,000 miles. Caused by wear on internal plastic gears and failure of board electronics. Results in limp mode. Often replaced in pairs.
• SMG III Hydraulic Pump Failure 🔴 High — The hydraulic pump motor for the sequential manual gearbox is a common failure point, especially on earlier models, leading to an inability to shift gears. Failure often occurs around 100,000 miles. (Ref: Early models had a recall/service campaign to replace prematurely failing pump motors.)
• VANOS High-Pressure System Failures 🔴 High — Includes failure of the high-pressure pump, internal high-pressure line leaks, and solenoid failures. Can cause a wide range of timing faults and performance issues.

Used vs. New Parts: Buying Guide for This Vehicle

When a used part is the smart pick: For this specific, high-stress engine, using used parts for the critical VANOS and timing system is generally not recommended. The only exception might be for large, non-wear structural components like brackets or covers if they are in excellent condition.

Donor-vehicle mileage cap: roughly under 50000 miles for the part to have meaningful remaining life.

What to inspect on the donor part:

• Complete service history showing frequent oil changes with correct spec oil (10W-60).
• Proof of preventative maintenance, especially rod bearing replacement.
• No signs of oil sludge or contamination in the cylinder head when valve covers are removed.
• Avoid parts from any engine that suffered catastrophic failure, as debris likely contaminated the entire oil system.

OEM-only on this vehicle (don't cheap out):

• VANOS Solenoids
• VANOS High-Pressure Oil Pump
• Internal VANOS High-Pressure Line
• Camshaft Position Sensors (OEM supplier like VDO is acceptable)

Aftermarket brands forum-validated for this vehicle:

• VDO (for Camshaft Position Sensors, as they are the OEM supplier)

Brands owners have reported issues with on this vehicle:

• Unbranded or 'white-box' electronic sensors and solenoids from online marketplaces. The failure rate is exceptionally high, and they often do not perform correctly even when new, leading to wasted diagnostic time and labor.

Real Owner Stories

Aggregated from forums and TSBs cited above. Mileages and costs reflect what owners reported in those sources.

Related OBD-II Codes

• P0365 — This is the code for Camshaft Position Sensor 'B' Circuit Bank 2 (Exhaust). If you swap the intake and exhaust sensors and the fault moves from P0345 to P0365, the sensor is confirmed faulty.
• 271A — A BMW-specific VANOS fault code that often accompanies P0345 when the issue is related to the VANOS solenoid or timing control rather than a simple sensor failure.
• 271B — A BMW-specific VANOS fault code indicating issues with the VANOS system performance, frequently seen alongside camshaft circuit codes.

Frequently Asked Questions